NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hollywood Hills Man Sentenced to Nearly Three and One Half Years in Federal Prison for Paying Nearly $2.9 Million in Kickbacks for Drug Addiction Patient Referrals

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    LOS ANGELES – A Hollywood Hills man was sentenced today to 41 months in federal prison for paying illegal kickbacks for patient referrals to his addiction treatment facilities located in Orange County.

    Casey Mahoney, 48, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who also fined him $240,000.        

    At the conclusion of a nine-day trial in September 2024, a jury found Mahoney guilty of one count of conspiracy to solicit, receive, pay, or offer illegal remunerations for patient referrals and seven counts of receiving illegal kickbacks for patient referrals. 

    “This defendant illegally profited millions of dollars off of addicts who desperately needed help,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Bribes and kickbacks compromise the integrity of substance abuse treatment facilities and undermine patient care. As the sentence imposed today demonstrates, those that engage in body brokering will go to federal prison.”

    The charges relate to Mahoney’s operation of two addiction treatment facilities: the Huntington Beach-based Healing Path Detox LLC, and the San Juan Capistrano-based Get Real Recovery Inc. 

    From at least October 2018 to December 2020, Mahoney paid nearly $2.9 million in illegal kickbacks to so-called “body brokers” who referred patients to Mahoney’s addiction treatment facilities. Those body brokers in turn paid thousands of dollars in cash to patients. Brokered patients sometimes were dropped off at motels in Orange County and introduced to drug dealers. Some of these patients later overdosed and died.

    Brokers also arranged for patients to receive drugs to make them eligible for more lucrative levels of care at Mahoney’s facilities. Mahoney paid one broker $140,000 per month for additional patients despite knowing that brokers offered to get some patients high. Mahoney also requested that his employees send brokers to track down former patients with lucrative insurance policies, which he called his “most wanted list.” 

    Throughout the scheme, Mahoney concealed the illegal kickbacks by entering into sham contracts with the body brokers which purportedly required fixed payments and prohibited payments based off of the volume or value of the patient referrals.

    In reality, Mahoney and the brokers negotiated payments based on the patients’ insurance reimbursements and the number of days Mahoney was able to bill for treatment. 

    The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. The California Department of Insurance provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant United States Attorney Nandor F.R. Kiss of the Orange County Office and Justice Department Trial Attorney Siobhan M. Namazi of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted this case.

    Mahoney’s conviction arose out of violations of the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA). EKRA was enacted in October 2018 as part of comprehensive legislation designed to address the opioid crisis and to target the rise in body brokering and substance abuse facility profiteering.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24.7 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fayette County woman accused of committing identity theft, money laundering in scam conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A southern Illinois grand jury returned a 19-count indictment charging a Fayette County woman for working as a “money mule” within a conspiracy to defraud victims and use their stolen identities.

    Elizabeth Conrad, 54, of Ramsey, is facing one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, two counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, one count of access device fraud, seven counts of money laundering and seven counts of aggravated identity theft.

    “Criminal conspiracies are as varied as the creative minds behind them, limited only by the ingenuity of the con artists orchestrating the scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Be extremely cautious anytime someone you have never met offers investments, employment, or asks for money, electronics, or your personal information—it’s likely a scam.”

    According to court documents, Conrad is accused of serving as a “money mule” for other scammers in a conspiracy to defraud victims from at least June 2020 until September 2022. Money mules are people who, at someone else’s direction, receive and move money or valuables obtained from victims of fraud. Money mules add layers of distance between crime victims and criminals, which makes it harder for law enforcement to accurately trace funds that are fraudulently obtained from victims.   

    The indictment alleges Conrad accepted packages at her home sent through the mail from victims containing cash, checks, gift cards and electronics. Knowing the goods were fraudulently acquired, Conrad would then repackage the items and send off to her co-conspirators. Conrad is also accused of attempting to deposit the checks and wiring funds to her co-conspirators in cryptocurrency.

    “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use. With the collaborative efforts of our federal law enforcement partners, Postal Inspectors investigate fraudsters who utilize the U.S. Mail to perpetuate financial schemes to defraud others to enrich themselves. Postal Inspectors seek justice for victims, including the multiple individual consumer and business victims in this investigation,” said Inspector in Charge, Ruth Mendonça, who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.

    In addition to the mail fraud, Conrad’s charges for access device fraud, identity theft and money laundering stem from accusations of her and co-conspirators using victims’ names to acquire debit cards that were sent to Conrad. Conrad is accused of using those debit cards for bank withdrawals and purchases to benefit the conspiracy. The indictment outlines ten fraudulent transactions that Conrad is accused of making at ATMs and gas stations in southern Illinois from March through June 2022, and alleges that she received thousands of dollars from these transactions to benefit the conspiracy.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

    Convictions for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, money laundering and mail fraud are punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Access device fraud is punishable up to 10 years’ imprisonment and conspiracy to commit access device fraud is punishable up to five years’ imprisonment. Aggravated identity theft is a mandatory two years’ imprisonment consecutive to the imposed sentence.

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service St. Louis Field Office is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Gross is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Steven Christopher Kelban, age 50, of Catonsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.  Kelban was identified as a suspect in the trafficking of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), also called child pornography, during Baltimore County Police Department’s online investigation of the BitTorrent network.  

    The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes, along with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Baltimore Field Office, Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger, and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

    According to his guilty plea, Kelban has two prior convictions for child pornography.  In 2015, Kelban was convicted of possession of obscene matter of persons under 17 in Shelby County, Alabama, and in 2016, he was convicted of distribution of child pornography in Baltimore County, Maryland. 

    As detailed in the plea agreement, on November 20, 2023, Kelban was released from imprisonment in Alabama and returned to Maryland.  He registered as a sex offender in Maryland on November 21, 2023, listing an address in Baltimore County, Maryland. 

    On November 28, 2023, the Baltimore County Police Department conducted an online investigation of the BitTorrent network to find offenders sharing child pornography.  His IP address was associated with a torrent that contained over 2000 files, including at least one file of suspected child pornography. Between 12:33 am and 1:38 am on November 28, 2023, investigators directly connected to the device and downloaded the torrent, and therefore each file was downloaded directly from the IP address.  The IP address for the device was connected to Kelban’s residence in Baltimore County, the same address that Kelban used when he registered as a sex offender a week prior.

    Kelban faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2025, at 11 a.m.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended FBI and the BCPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Reema Sood, who is prosecuting the federal case.

    For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: GRENADA COUNTY MAN SENTENCED IN OCDETF DRUG TRAFFICKING CASE

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Oxford, MS – A Grenada County man was sentenced today to over twelve years in prison for selling methamphetamine.

    According to court documents, Billy Wayne Winters, of Grenada County, Mississippi pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District to Mississippi to distribution of methamphetamine. Winters was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson on Tuesday to 151 months in prison for drug trafficking. He was further sentenced to three years supervised release following his release from prison.

    “The defendant, a meth dealer, was willing to destroy lives in return for a profit,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner.  “Our office will continue our outstanding partnership with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics to get dangerous narcotics, and the people who sell them, off of our streets.”

    “Great job to everyone involved in this case,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Another drug dealer taken off the streets, preventing further harm to the livelihood of our citizens.”

    The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal alien cartel member sent to prison for possessing nearly 5,000 rounds of ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – A 20-year-old Mexican national affiliated with Cartel Del Noreste (CDN) unlawfully residing in Laredo has been sentenced for illegally possessing ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Charbel Garza Macias pleaded guilty Oct. 8, 2024.

    U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Macias to serve 63 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described Macias as member of the CDN. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Macias was providing tools of war to a brutal criminal organization.

    “This defendant’s goal was to get this ammunition to Mexico and, if he had succeeded, would have contributed to the cartels’ ongoing campaign of brutality,” said Ganjei.  “Those who work to arm, supply, fund, or otherwise aid these organizations take notice; you are going to be found and prosecuted.”

    “The conviction and sentence of this individual highlights the serious consequences of smuggling ammunition across international borders,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI). ICE-HSI remains committed to disrupting cross-border criminal operations and ensuring that individuals who engage in these illegal activities face the full weight of the law.”

    Macias had made several bulk purchases of ammunition in Laredo with the intention of transporting them to Mexico for profit.

    On July 16, 2024, authorities were conducting surveillance when they observed a vehicle previously suspected of transporting large amounts of high caliber ammunition. Macias was driving and had loaded ammunition into the trunk of the vehicle.

    Macias attempted to elude law enforcement as they followed him after departing the parking lot.

    Following a traffic stop, a search resulted in the discovery of approximately 4,800 rounds of .223/5.56 caliber ammunition in the vehicle. At the time of his arrest, Macias admitted he was hired to purchase approximately 20,000 rounds of ammunition to be smuggled into Mexico. He claimed the ammunition was for the CDN operating in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

    Macias did not have a license to export ammunition or firearms and knew it was illegal to smuggle ammunition into Mexico.

    He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    ICE-HSI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photo Wrap-Up: Welch Meets with Vermont Business and Farm Owners, Patients, Legislators in Senate’s First In-State Work Week 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    MONTPELIER, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) spent the Senate’s first in-state work week of the 119th Session meeting with concerned Vermonters, business owners, farmers, patients, and members of the Vermont State Legislature.  
    On Saturday, March 15, Sen. Welch joined Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak and local legislators for a town hall in South Burlington. Senator Welch spoke about the Trump Administration’s reckless and illegal policies, which are hurting Vermont families, farmers, businesses, and the local economy. Watch the town hall here:  

    On Tuesday, March 18, Senator Welch convened Vermont and Canadian business leaders for a roundtable in Newport, Vermont —near the U.S.-Canada border— on Tuesday to discuss President Trump’s Trade War and how the Trump Administration’s reckless tariffs are hurting workers, families, and farmers. Senator Welch was joined by the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, and Vermont and Canadian business owners. Following the roundtable, Senator Welch toured Track, Inc. and Built by Newport and continued discussions on the impacts of the tariffs.  

    Welch convenes international business leaders in Newport to discuss impacts of Trump’s trade war

    Welch at Track, Inc. with Mike Desmarais, Owner & CEO of Track Inc.

    Welch at Track, Inc. with Mike Desmarais, Owner & CEO of Track Inc.

    Welch at Built by Newport with owner Dave LaForce

    Welch at Built by Newport with the LaForce family

    On Wednesday, March 19, Senator Welch toured Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, where he discussed his new bipartisan bill to support rural health care providers, the Rural Hospital Support Act and the impact of President Trump’s and Congressional Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts on Vermonters. Following the tour at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Sen. Welch met with business leaders and workers from Allard Lumber Co., and G.S. Precision, Inc., in Brattleboro. 

    Welch at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

    Welch Tours Allard Lumber Co. in Brattleboro

    Welch at G.S. Precision, Inc. in Brattleboro

    On Thursday, Senator Welch returned to the Statehouse to meet with the Vermont State Senate Appropriations Committee. The Senator provided an update on the recent passage of the Continuing Resolution and ongoing annual budget negotiations, as well as the harm of the budget proposed by President Trump and Congressional Republicans, which would make drastic cuts to Medicaid and other programs and services Vermonters rely on. Senator Welch was elected to the Vermont State Senate in 1980 and became the first Democrat in Vermont history to hold the position of President Pro Tempore.  
    After, he toured Rhino Foods, which develops and manufactures edible additions for ice cream and frozen foods, such as cookie dough. Rhino Foods is a Certified B Corp and is focused on advancing innovative employee-centered practices that help workers of all abilities and experience succeed. 
    Senator Welch also provided remarks and shared a meal at Winooski High School’s district-wide Community Iftar – an evening of community, celebration, and learning about Ramadan. This was Winooski’s fifth Community Iftar. 

    Welch provides an update to the Vermont Senate Appropriations Committee

    Welch Tours Rhino Foods to discuss workforce training and development

    Welch speaks at Winooski High School’s district-wide Community Iftar

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin approved the project for the reconstruction of the MKAD interchange with Kievskoye Highway

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The project for the reconstruction of the MKAD interchange with Kievskoye Highway has been approved. This in his telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin reported.

    “The implementation of this project will allow the transport hub to adapt to the growing traffic intensity due to the active development of the adjacent areas of TiNAO Moscow,” the Mayor of Moscow noted.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    We are talking about the section of the Moscow Ring Road from the 44th to the 47th kilometer. The project provides for the construction and reconstruction of approximately four kilometers of roads. In particular, as part of the interchange of the Moscow Ring Road with Kievskoye Shosse, the right-turn exit from the Moscow Ring Road to Kievskoye Shosse will be reconstructed (the approximate length of the section will be 580 meters, two or three traffic lanes in one direction). In addition, a new right-turn exit from Kievskoye Shosse to the Moscow Ring Road will be built there (the approximate length is 450 meters, one traffic lane in one direction).

    In addition, reconstruction of side roads along the Moscow Ring Road and Kievskoye Highway is planned. Internal roads and ground pedestrian crossings will also be built.

    In essence, the implementation of this project will be the second stage of the reconstruction of the MKAD interchange with Kievskoye Highway (the first was completed in 2014–2015).

    Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the development of Moscow’s largest highways

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12543050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Mulholland Grocery

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    Published: March 25, 2025
    Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Mulholland Grocery of Mills County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “For nearly 150 years, Mulholland Grocery has been a cornerstone of the Malvern community, offering fresh grocery products and beloved local favorites like ham salad and smoked meats,” said Chair Ernst. “After a devasting fire destroyed the business in 2021, Tom Mulholland worked to rebuild and expand his family’s legacy, demonstrating the importance of small businesses and their community network.”
    In 1875, Fred E. Mulholland opened Mulholland Grocery as a dry goods store in the heart of Malvern, Iowa. Fred expanded the store in 1903 to include a small cash-and-carry grocery section, which eventually grew to be the family business. In 1945, Fred passed away, leaving the business to his son, Fred A. Mulholland, who managed it for almost 30 years until 1972. The business changed hands several times before returning to the Mulholland family ownership in 2008 when Tom Mulholland purchased it. 
    Mulholland Grocery is well known for its iconic ham salad, breakfast bratwurst, smoked meats, and warm customer service. In December 2021, tragedy struck when a massive fire devastated the Main Street location. Tom and his team transformed and modernized it, reopening the store in December 2024. This April, Mulholland Grocery plans to officially commemorate its grand reopening and its 150th anniversary in Iowa.
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: VERB Publishes Management’s Prepared Remarks During Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS and LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), Transforming the Landscape of Social Commerce, Social Telehealth and Social Crowdfunding with MARKET.live; VANITYPrescribed; GoodGirlRx; and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show, today filed its Form 10-K reporting financial and operating results for the full year and the quarter ending December 31, 2024 and held an earnings conference call at 1 p.m. ET to discuss these results. Prepared remarks during the conference call of Rory J. Cutaia, the Company’s Chairman & CEO, are provided below.

    Company Participant
    Rory J. Cutaia, CEO

    Operator:
    Good afternoon and welcome to the full-year and fourth quarter 2024 Financial Results Conference Call for Verb Technology Company, Inc. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Please be advised, the call is being recorded at the Company’s request.

    On our call today is Rory J. Cutaia, Verb’s Founder, Chairman and CEO

    Before we begin, I’d like to remind everyone that statements made during this conference call will include forward-looking statements under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, except as required by law, as the underlying facts and circumstances may change. Verb Technology Company disclaims any obligations to update these forward-looking statements, as well as those contained in the Company’s current and subsequent filings with the SEC.

    I would now like to turn the call over to Rory J. Cutaia, CEO. Rory?

    Rory:
    Thank you moderator, and thanks to everyone for joining us today for our fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results and business update conference call.

    Well it sure feels good being back before you, speaking directly to you about our company, our business, our performance, and sharing our direct, transparent, honest thoughts and strategies for how we intend to drive shareholder value in this business now and into the future.

    I’d like to begin with a brief discussion about our history and the challenging market conditions that influenced the formulation of the strategies we undertook to insulate ourselves from those conditions. I’m referring to insulating ourselves from those market conditions that became impediments to value creation in our former direct sales Software as a Service line of business, as well as those market conditions, particularly capital markets conditions, that affected, and are affecting many, many small and micro-cap exchange-listed companies even today.

    Then I’d like to discuss the strategies that we employed and the changes we’ve made that underlie the impressive results we’re now seeing in the business. I’ll also touch on the strategies we employed that resulted in what I’m proud to state is a well cash-infused, extremely healthy debt-free balance sheet and a super clean cap table, the combination of which provide the all-important foundation for the impressive revenue growth we’re now enjoying.

    Ok – let’s jump in. Historically, we were an R&D driven technology business, built around a SaaS platform, with a customer base that was comprised of, for the most part, direct sales companies, or as they are sometimes referred to: multi-level marketing companies. When we entered the market with our interactive video-based sales software, we set out to become the dominant player in this sector. What we saw at that time was the opportunity to address a market that included the large-scale sales teams, including tens of thousands of independent sales reps that these companies managed, all of whom needed a simple and effective, mobile-based sales tool.

    Over time we learned valuable lessons. First, while we onboarded large numbers of new sales reps every month, the attrition rate among sales reps at these companies was extraordinarily high, making it difficult and costly to generate meaningful revenue growth. In addition, while we developed what we believe were extremely effective tools to help sales reps, even inexperienced sales reps generate and convert sales leads, outdated internal communications policies at these companies prohibited us from communicating these tools and how to use them directly to the fields of sales reps which may have curtailed much of the sales rep attrition, as the companies that managed these reps were often ineffective at doing so themselves. Finally, the ever-changing nature of the customer base we served, as well as the give-it-away below cost pricing models adopted by competitors who found themselves marginalized by our superior product offering, required continued, costly R&D expenditures, and continued returns to the capital markets.

    These factors, coupled with what we perceived to be declining market multiples for SaaS businesses generally, drove our decision to sell that business unit and focus instead on our new, though not yet revenue-generating – Market.live, livestream shopping business. A bold move indeed, but one that has certainly proven now to have been in the best interests of our shareholders. This was the first prong of our multi-pronged strategy to restructure, reconstitute, and re-invent VERB.

    The next prong of our strategy was to insulate ourselves from the predatory financing terms imposed universally on companies like ours who relied on access to the capital markets to fund continued R&D and other growth capital requirements. Almost every financing initiative we undertook was fraught with last minute re-trading of material deal terms, ridiculous warrant coverage terms and conditions, post-deal financing exclusivity arrangements, tying the Company to bad financings into the future when additional capital was needed – all of which made us – and so many other companies in the same situation – perfect targets for short-selling – and for companies with any kind of trading volume, greed-driven illegal naked short-selling.

    It wasn’t hard to target companies that announced an upcoming financing as short-sellers could be confident that deal terms and corresponding share prices would be below whatever the then current trading price was. This capital markets environment eroded share prices across the board resulting in reverse splits required to maintain exchange listing requirements, and destroyed cap tables and balance sheets causing an unprecedented level of exchange de-listings. Ultimately, it was the individual retail investors, left without sufficiently aggressive regulatory intervention, who bore the brunt of this market activity and still do.

    To avoid this awful outcome, we developed a unique strategy to utilize Reg A to structure our capitalize raise initiatives and avoid the predatory hedge-fund investors, allowing us to issue straight common shares, priced at-the-market, with no warrant coverage, and no investment banking fees. This financing vehicle, unique for publicly-traded companies, among other financing strategies, allowed us to pay-off all of our debt, redeem all of the previously issued preferred shares, completely restructure our balance sheet, padding it with cash, taking shareholder equity from almost $2 million negative in June 2023 to more than $16 million positive in December 2024, and giving us a cash runway, conservatively assuming zero revenue growth, well into 2028 and beyond.

    The shareholder approved reverse split we did last year resulted in an extremely tight – less than 1 million share float – and essentially eliminated all of the warrant overhang from years-ago predatory financings. We’re very proud of how well that series of initiatives was executed, completing that important second prong of our multi-pronged strategy to restructure, reconstitute, and re-invent VERB.

    The next prong of our strategy was to diversify our revenue streams to insulate ourselves from changes in the market, including economic and regulatory changes, as well as changes within our own customer base and demand for our products and services. The challenge was to identify and develop independent, yet complementary revenue producing business units that could leverage the cost savings produced by a unified internal finance, sales, marketing, and technology department structure utilized by and across all business units.

    Recognizing that the core of our business was our interactive social video commerce technology and know-how, our strategy was to exploit those capabilities by entering the exploding telehealth industry, leading to the development and launch of VANITY Prescribed, followed by GoodGirlRX in partnership with TV and social media celebrity Savannah Chrisley, and then the development and launch of GO FUND YOURSELF, our very exciting, fast-growing crowd funding marketing platform. To give a sense of the revenue potential for Go Fund Yourself, we launched it in Q3 with little to no marketing and recognized $25 thousand in revenue – and then in Q4 we recognized $233 thousand in revenue. And if any of the more recent developments come to fruition for the Show – 2025 may be an extraordinary year for Go Fund Yourself and VERB stockholders.

    VANITY Prescribed was in development during Q3 and Q4, identifying suppliers, onboarding suppliers, then replacing suppliers, developing our online patient screening and prescription approval process, and shoring up our supply chain in anticipation of participating in the extraordinary growth of the telehealth space following the introduction and rapid adoption of the new GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Revenue, though now growing, was modest through that period and we’re excited for a broad-based launch and marketing campaign that is about to get under way.

    As to MARKET.live, at the end of Q3, we changed our focus and product offering by providing what we believe is an industry-leading end-to-end solution for brands seeking to adopt a social commerce strategy that they cannot manage in-house on a cost effective basis. That strategy has proven to be enormously successful producing exponential revenue growth. As reflected in our 2024 Form 10-K filed today, in Q1 we generated revenue of $7 thousand, in Q2 we generated revenue of $37 thousand, in Q3 we generated revenue of $103 thousand, and in Q4 we generated revenue of $490 thousand. An impressive and most welcomed trend by anyone’s standards.

    Combined 2024 revenue was $895 thousand, an increase of $832 thousand over 2023, representing revenue growth of 1,321% over that period. This performance is the greatest amount of revenue generated since the strategic sale of the Company’s direct sales SaaS business unit in June 2023.

    Looking at Q4 alone, we generated $723 thousand, an increase of $694 thousand over the same period last year, representing revenue growth of almost 2,400% over that period. And as compared to Q3 2024, revenue in Q4 increased by $595 thousand, representing growth of almost 465% quarter-over-quarter.

    While we historically do not provide going-forward guidance, we are comfortable sharing our expectation that Q1 2025 will surpass Q4 2024.

    Finally, as to the last prong of our multi-pronged strategy to restructure, reconstitute, and re-invent VERB, we recognized that any business that fails to identify and develop an artificial intelligence strategy will be marginalized. With that in mind, we explored a number of different strategies, including developing our own A.I. capabilities in-house, which we smartly rejected. Instead, we scoured the market for a company with a developed, tested, proprietary A.I. solution uniquely tailored to video-based social commerce. Upon testing the A.I. and social commerce capabilities of LyveCom, a bleeding-edge, video-based social commerce start-up, we entered into a licensing agreement to incorporate their technology into our MARKET.live platform.

    To our great surprise, we found that the integration of LyveCom’s tech resulted in a massive operational cost reduction. In fact, we anticipate a direct operational cost reduction of approximately $1 million per year. However, perhaps more importantly, we also recognized that the addition of LyveCom’s technology created an entirely new, updated platform, feature rich with capabilities far beyond our current platform and certainly beyond that of many other social commerce platforms. So rather than simply license the technology and risk LyveCom being acquired by a competitor, limiting our access to the technology and future iterations of it, we decided to acquire it ourselves. It is our expectation that the acquisition will be highly accretive and produce meaningful value for VERB stockholders.

    With the closing of the LyveCom acquisition, which remains on track and is expected to occur in the coming weeks, we will have effectively completed the transition of VERB from an unprofitable, cash-hungry business in a challenging market, to an extremely well-capitalized, well diversified business, with proven, strong, fast-growing revenue generation capabilities, A.I.-ready, with a tight float, clean cap table and debt-free balance sheet, poised for meaningful continued growth.

    In closing, I refer you to our Form 10-K filed today for greater details concerning our 2024 financial results as well as the press release distributed today summarizing those results for additional information I’ve not covered in my conference call today. I’ve chosen instead to use this time to provide context for those results and share our strategies and ongoing initiatives for continued growth and value-creation for VERB stockholders.

    Finally, and as anyone who can read a balance can see, with under 1 million shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024, and debt-free with more than $13 million in cash and highly liquid securities – and assuming ZERO value given for our three revenue generating business units – I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that our net cash value per common share is at least $13.50, which we believe represents a very compelling opportunity, very compelling indeed.

    I thank you for allowing me to address you all today and share with you our excitement and optimism for VERB shareholders now and into the future.

    Operator: This concludes the conference call. You may now disconnect.

    About VERB
    Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB), is the innovative force behind interactive video-based social commerce. The Company operates three business units, each of which leverages its social commerce technology and video marketing expertise. The Company’s MARKET.live platform is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping destination at the forefront of the convergence of e-commerce and entertainment, where brands, retailers, creators, and influencers engage their customers, clients, fans, and followers across multiple social media channels simultaneously. GO FUND YOURSELF is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform and TV show for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure across social media channels for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap, scan or click on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons. VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com are telehealth portals, intended to redefine telehealth by offering a seamless, digital-first experience that empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare needs. They were designed and developed to disrupt the traditional healthcare model by providing tailored healthcare solutions at affordable, fixed prices – without hidden fees, membership costs, or inflated pharmaceutical markups. GoodGirlRx.com, a partnership with Savannah Chrisley, a well-known lifestyle personality and advocate for health and wellness, offers customers access to convenient, no-hassle telehealth services and pharmaceuticals, including the new weight-loss drugs, with fixed pricing regardless of dosage, breaking away from the industry’s traditional model of excessive pricing and pharmaceutical gatekeeping.

    The Company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and operates full-service production and creator studios in Los Alamitos, California.

    For more information, please visit: www.verb.tech

    Follow VERB and MARKET.live here:
    VERB on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerbTechCo
    VERB on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VerbTech_Co
    VERB on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verb-tech
    VERB on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0eCb_fwQlwEG3ywHDJ4_KQ

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

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, 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 and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC and the risk factors included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC today. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Investor Relations Contact: investors@verb.tech

    Media Contact: info@verb.tech

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU expert has key role in £2m dementia initiative

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    A music therapy expert from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is to play a key role in a new project to help people with dementia continue to participate in the activities they love, while maintaining their independence.

    Funding for the £1.97 million BRIDGES Dementia Network comes from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with support of the Alzheimer’s Society, and has been announced on the day of the World Dementia Council Summit in London.

    Currently, around one million people in the UK have dementia, and this number is expected to increase to 1.4 million by 2040. At the same time, a survey by Alzheimer’s Society found that 85% of people say they would prefer to remain at home if diagnosed with dementia.

    The national BRIDGES Dementia Network aims to revolutionise the role of technology in supporting independent living, helping those with dementia as well as their families.

    Within the new project, Dr Ming Hung Hsu of Anglia Ruskin University’s Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research will co-lead work focusing on new innovations to allow people with dementia to continue to enjoy creative and recreational activities, in turn helping their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

    Dr Hsu will work alongside researchers, care providers, and people with dementia to design new technology that is accessible, scalable, and meets the needs of different communities. Dr Hsu’s involvement in the BRIDGES Dementia Network, which is being hosted by the University of Sheffield, builds on his leadership in other national dementia care initiatives.

    These include the NIHR-funded MELODIC project, which focuses on how music therapy can manage distress on NHS dementia wards, and the MediMusic project, funded by Innovate UK, which is investigating how AI-driven music interventions can support culturally diverse communities with dementia.

    “The BRIDGES Dementia Network is a significant change in dementia research, moving beyond traditional models of care to develop new, person-centred technological innovations that support independent living. A major focus will be on art, sport, and culture, highlighting the impact of creative activities on people’s quality of life. 

    “Potential applications could include AI-powered personalised music platforms, interactive storytelling tools, virtual reality experiences, and digital platforms that encourage social engagement and physical activity. Through new technology like this, the aim is to maintain and enhance cognitive function, emotional wellbeing, mobility, and social connectivity for those living with dementia.”

    Dr Hsu, Senior Research Fellow at the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

    “Dementia is a major challenge in the UK and globally. As people are living longer, the number of people living with dementia is increasing. 

    “With most people wishing to remain at home, we are investing in research that could lead to new technologies and innovations that will help keep people safe and independent.”

    Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of funders the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UKRI

    “One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. Research will beat dementia, and innovative networks like these will play an important part in helping people living with dementia today, and in the future, live independently for longer.  

    “As well as exploring ways to make daily life easier, and helping people with dementia feel more connected, they have the potential to ease pressure on the NHS. This could improve care for everyone as more people with dementia will be able to remain independent and cared for in the community for longer.  

    “As technology develops at pace, it’s critical we harness it, using AI, digital health, and community support to create simple, effective solutions. We’re excited to see what the future holds.”

    Professor Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society

    The BRIDGES Dementia Network is led by Dr Jennifer MacRitchie at the University of Sheffield, and also includes academics from Lancaster University, London South Bank University, University College London, University of Cambridge, University of Kent and University of Leicester, as well as ARU. The network also involves a range of non-academic partners, including Innovations in Dementia, robotics company BOW, Lewy Body Society, Dementia UK, Kent County Council, and Sheffield City Council.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leicester’s newest free festival brings Romans, St George, dragons and a giant forum to the city

    Source: City of Leicester

    MEET a fire-breathing dragon, learn to march like a Centurion and help to recreate the entrance to a Roman Forum by taking part in Leicester’s newest free festival next month!   

    The Old Town Festival on 26 & 27 April will incorporate traditional festivities for St George’s Day and a celebration of the city’s fascinating Roman heritage.

    Centring on Jubilee Square and the Old Town area of the city centre, the free festival will also feature an urban mosaic workshop at the Guildhall, a living history Roman camp, an artisan craft market and themed storytelling aboard the children’s bookbus.

    Hands-on archaeology, Roman theatre, craft activities and Morris dancing will also be on offer, along with face-painting and a dress-up booth so that young festival-goers can become gallant knights, fearsome dragons or magical maidens!

    A fire-breathing dragon will be on the loose in Cathedral Gardens, alongside stilt-walking jesters, magical wizards and a trio of clumsy knights taking on daring quests. Over at Jubilee Square, you can take part in Roman warrior training, where you can learn to march like a legionnaire, wield a sword like a true centurion, or raise a shield to victory.

    Assistant city mayor for leisure and culture Cllr Vi Demspter said: “The Old Town Festival is a new event for 2025, bringing together our traditional St George’s Day celebrations and Leicester’s rich 2,000-year history and Roman heritage.

    “There are lots of great free activities to take part in, and it’s all taking place in our historic Old Town.

    “As well as activities for kids and families, there is also a fantastic programme of trails, talks and debates about the Roman world, meaning that this promises to be a really inclusive and exciting festival with something for everyone.”

    There’s the chance to get involved in the week running up to the festival, too. The Haymarket shopping centre will be hosting a day of free fun on Thursday 24 April, with a dragon on the loose, mosaic and toga making, and fun arts and craft activities.

    And there will be something never before seen in Leicester!  At Highcross from 21-25 April, renowned French artist Olivier Grossetête will recreate a huge life-size construction of a lost piece of the city’s history using just cardboard and tape.

    St George and the dragon

    Image: A. Lyleire

    Image: Tynesight media

    Graham Callister, head of festivals and events at Leicester City Council said: “With your help, we’ll rebuild the grand entrance to the Roman Forum as it may have looked in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. This monumental and unique project combines history, art, and community spirit.

    “Over five days, there will be 10 hands-on workshops at the Highcross Shopping Centre. Then, on Saturday 26 April, participants and passers-by will come together to assemble the structure at Jubilee Square, the site of the original Roman Forum. The following day, Sunday, 27 April, festival-goers will help bring the project to a dramatic close by dismantling it. We’re inviting everyone to participate in the workshops, build and demolition!”

    Support for the Old Town festival has come from the council’s partners BID Leicester, Global Streets, Arts Council England, Highcross Leicester, Haymarket Shopping Centre and Hidden Histories.

    Simon Jenner from BID Leicester said: “The Old Town Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Leicester’s rich history while bringing exciting, free experiences to the city centre. Events like this create a real buzz, attracting visitors and benefiting local businesses. The festival will shine a spotlight on the city’s Roman past, with an incredible recreation of Leicester’s historic Roman Forum by renowned artist Olivier Grossetête, built entirely from cardboard with the help of the public. We’re proud to support a festival that brings our heritage to life in such an engaging and interactive way.”

    The workshops are suitable for anyone aged 9+. To reserve a place, email festivals@leicester.gov.uk

    To find out more, see www.visitleicester.info

    Festival brochures will also be available soon from the Visit Leicester information centre, within the KRIII Visitor Centre at 4A St Martins, Leicester, LE1 5DB.

    ENDS 

    Main image: Artist Olivier Grossetête’s creation at NOVUM Newcastle Summer Festival 2023, photo by Tynesite Media

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council to introduce new parking fees

    Source: City of Leicester

    REVISED parking fees and charges are set to come into effect in Leicester’s council-run car parks and parking bays.

    Leicester City Council has reviewed the cost of parking in its car parks, multi-storeys and on-street pay and display areas to help address rising running costs and ongoing challenges to council budgets.

    It will be just the second time the council has increased parking fees and charges in over a decade and will bring these into line with other similar authorities and private car parking operators.

    The changes also reflect recent increases in the national bus fare cap, from £2 to £3.

    The changes are due to come into effect from mid-May.

    The revised fee and charges mean that, in council-run city centre car parks, costs will start at £2.50 for a one-hour stay, up from the current £2. Costs for a three-hour stay will rise from £4 to £5, and from £5 to £6.30 for a four-hour stay.

    Standard fees for evening parking in car parks will also be charged, with the cheaper Night Owl rates due to end.

    On-street parking bays will see charges rise from £2 to £2.50 for one hour, with varying charges for longer stays depending on the location.

    Free on-street parking on Sundays will stop, with standard rates being charged instead.

    Car parking fees on the city’s parks will also rise, with costs starting at £2.20 for a two-hour stay, up from the current £2.

    Parking charges on Victoria Park will increase by slightly more to bring it more closely in line with city centre car parks. Costs will start at £1.30 for a one-hour stay, up from £1. A two-hour stay will cost £2.50, up from the current £2.

    City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Increasing car parking charges is not a decision we take lightly. However, running costs across our car parks and parking services have risen and, like most councils, we continue to face a severe budget crisis.

    “With this in mind, we are introducing revised parking fees and charges that are proportionate and very similar to what other operators and cities are charging for car parking. We also need to ensure parking charges take into account current bus fares.

    “Any additional revenue from our parking charges is always reinvested in highways and transport maintenance and improvements.

    “In recent years, we have made significant investment in improvements to our car parks in the city centre and are proud to have been awarded a national Park Mark award in recognition of the high standards of safe and secure parking provided.”

    It is estimated the changes will bring in an additional £1.1million in parking revenue. Around half of this will cover rising costs in the management, operation and enforcement of parking facilities, with the remaining £600,000 due to be ringfenced to offset budget pressures in highways and transport services.

    The increased charges will absorb the 10p convenience fee charged when people use Pay by Phone.

    Full details of the revised parking fees and charges can be found on the city council’s website here

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Large parts of iconic gardens set to close so they can be rejuvenated

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Large parts of iconic gardens set to close so they can be rejuvenated
    Artist impression of what the Dane John Gardens could look like when complete

    Work to transform the Dane John Gardens will get underway in earnest on Monday (31 March).

    Contractors will begin to close off all the lawned areas of the Canterbury city centre park which will remain out of bounds until December.

    The path around the edge of the gardens, which runs close to people’s homes, will stay open so people can get from one end to the other along with the public toilets.

    The children’s play area will remain accessible via the mound from the city wall.

    The work comes after the council was awarded £19.9m by the Government for its bid, Connected Canterbury: Unlocking the Tales of England.

    The money is being used to transform a whole host of Canterbury’s public spaces and heritage to a standard that reflects its status as an international visitor destination and World Heritage Site.

    Head of Digital, Data and Improvement Caroline Marlow, who is leading the project, said: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience the work will cause but we’re convinced it really will be worth it.

    “The full closure is needed for a couple of reasons. We are working as quickly as possible, so the contractor needs the ability to use the space as and when needed.

    “Plus, if you dig anywhere in Canterbury, you are bound to find important historical artefacts which means the contractor may need to move its workforce at short notice.

    “We hope reopening in December is a worst-case scenario and if we can make things happen faster, we will.”

    The council is in discussions with the owner of the Don Juan cafe to find ways to help the business during the disruption.

    The current cafe, which is outdated and coming to the end of its life, will be demolished as part of the scheme and will be replaced with a new building in a similar style to the current one.

    The work in the Dane John will include:

    • resurfacing all the pathways and creating a flexible surface strip either side of the main avenue to enable the tree roots to move and grow
    • replacing lost trees in the avenue
    • reducing the shrubs and vegetation to reveal the mound and the views across the garden
    • returning the flower beds to reflect the original shape in the Victorian garden and planting with perennial shrubs
    • adding more picnic tables by the monument
    • refurbishing the mound to improve views and installing a set of steps to the monument to reduce erosion of the Scheduled Monument
    • refurbishing, and replacing where necessary, historic streetlights through the garden and on the city wall
    • adding lighting to highlight heritage features
    • installing interpretation panels to tell the story of the garden
    • putting in new seating around the Second World War shelters with steps up to the city wall
    • planting perennial wildflower meadows on the slope up to the city wall and on the verge between the city wall and the ring road
    • resurfacing the city wall and adding planting beds to the area above the bus station
    • refurbishing or replacing railings, gates, benches and other street furniture

    For more information on the projects being paid for by the government, visit canterbury.gov.uk/luf.

    Published: 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Viridien Announces Issuance of Senior Secured Notes and Completion of Conditions for Redemption of Existing Notes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, France – March 25, 2025

    On March 25, 2025, Viridien successfully settled its issuance of $450 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and €475 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 (together, the “Notes”). The Notes will be guaranteed on a senior secured basis by certain subsidiaries of Viridien.

    Viridien also entered into a $125,000,000 super senior Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (the “RCF”) secured by the same security package as the Notes. No drawings have been carried out under the RCF save for part of an ancillary guarantee facility

    The issuance of the Notes was a condition to the redemption by Viridien of all its senior secured notes due 2027 (the “Existing Notes”). That condition has now been satisfied.

    The net proceeds from the issuance have been used, together with cash on hand, to satisfy and discharge today and subsequently redeem on April 1, 2025 in full the Existing Notes and to pay all fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.

    About Viridien

    Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resource, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,400 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: FR001400PVN6).

    Contacts

    This press release may include projections and other “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of United States federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the business, future financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Viridien S.A., including its affiliates. These statements usually contain the words “believes”, “plans”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates” or other similar expressions. For each of these statements, you should be aware that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Any such projections or statements reflect the current views of Viridien S.A. about future events and financial performance. No assurances can be given that such events or performance will occur as projected and actual results may differ materially from these projections.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. There will not be any sale of these securities in any such state or country in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state or country. The distribution of this press release may, in certain jurisdictions, be restricted by local legislations. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such potential local restrictions.

    The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will be no offering of securities to the public in France or the United States.

    No action has been, or will be, taken in any jurisdiction (including the United States) by Viridien S.A. that would result in a public offering of the Notes or the possession, circulation or distribution of any offering memorandum or any other material relating to Viridien S.A. or the Notes in any jurisdiction where action for such purpose is required.

    MIFID II product governance / Professional investors and ECPs only target market – Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer’s product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the securities has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the securities is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in Directive (EU) 2014/65/EU, as amended (“MiFID II”); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the securities to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the securities (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the securities (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

    The securities are not intended to be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to and are and should not be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of the following: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, as amended or superseded, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended (the “Prospectus Regulation”). Consequently, no key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation for offering or selling the securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

    UK MIFIR product governance / Professional investors and ECPs only target market – Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer’s product approval process, the target market assessment in respect of the securities has led to the conclusion that: (i) the target market for the securities is only eligible counterparties as defined in the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook (“COBS”), and professional clients, as defined in Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“UK MiFIR”); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the securities to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the securities (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturer’s target market assessment; however, a distributor subject to the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the “UK MiFIR Product Governance Rules”) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the securities (by either adopting or refining the manufacturer’s target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

    The securities are not intended to be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold, distributed or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom (“UK”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) a person who is not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

    In the United Kingdom, this press release is directed only at persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Financial Promotion Order”), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Promotion Order or (iii) are other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “Relevant Persons”). The issue of the securities is only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the securities will be directed only to Relevant Persons.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New world-leading nature finance standards launched to encourage green investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New world-leading nature finance standards launched to encourage green investment

    New standards will set the bar for nature investments, prevent greenwashing and helping business invest in restoring nature

    Aerial shot of river

    • The Overarching Principles Standard is the first of its kind, supporting investment in high-quality projects which restore rich habitats. 
    • The move marks the UK out as a world leader in the development of nature markets and will drive economic growth as part of our Plan for Change. 

    New government-backed pioneering green finance standards have been introduced today (Tuesday 25 March) to boost investment into nature and support economic growth, as well as helping to clamp down on “greenwashing”. 

    This landmark standard – launched by British Standards Institution (BSI) – will help nature-friendly investments across the UK to grow, by building confidence among businesses that these investments are making a real difference for our natural environment.   

    These new standards will bring a variety of benefits for the environment. Projects that could be supported include restoring wetlands, improving water quality, building flood resilience, and creating new habitats.  

    Through the Plan for Change this Government is working to deliver economic growth across the country, and to support this, we will make the UK the green finance capital of the world.   

    A healthy natural environment is crucial to economic growth. Without a healthy environment, there is no food, no business, and no economy. The Green Finance Institute found that nature-related risks including water shortages and soil health reduction could lead to a 6% reduction to GDP in the years ahead. That is why economic growth and nature restoration must go hand in hand.  

    This is the first standard for collective nature markets of its kind in the UK, and one of the first in the world, marking the UK out as a global leader and marks our ambition to pioneer nature markets which guard against greenwashing and lead to lasting environmental change.   

    Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said:    

    “We need urgent action from across society to address the nature crisis, and businesses have a crucial role to play in that effort. By having clear standards, we can strike a blow to greenwashing and give businesses confidence that their investment is truly helping our natural world recover.  

    “Through the Plan for Change, this Government is working relentlessly to grow the economy and this move gets us one step closer to fulfilling our ambition to make the UK the green finance capital of the world.”  

    Scott Steedman, Director – General, Standards at BSI said: 

    “Today marks a key milestone for the Nature Investment Standards (NIS) Programme with the launch of updated overarching principles ready for adoption across the UK. 

    “The principles are designed to provide consistency and rigour for high-integrity UK nature markets that trade in real, measurable environmental benefits. This supports the goal of increasing investment into nature, helping to create new revenue streams for farmers, land managers and other suppliers of nature-based solutions. 

    “BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, looks forward to working closely with Defra to enable the take up of the revised standard and its implementation in the market.” 

    The new Overarching Principles Standard was created following an established BSI market led process for standards development which included extensive consultation with businesses and land managers.   

    BSI is also launching a consultation on a first version of a Natural Carbon Standard, as part of a wider framework of standards. This will gather market views specifically on high integrity principles for projects selling nature-based carbon credits in UK markets. These credits will consist of habitats which store carbon, such as woodlands or peatlands, helping us to reach Net Zero while providing benefits for landscapes and wildlife.     

    The Overarching Principles Standard (BSI Flex 701) is immediately available for use by market participants and will support investment in high quality nature and sustainable farming projects in the UK.    

    NOTES TO EDITORS:     

    • More information on the Overarching Principles Standard can be found here: [BSI Flex 701 v2.0 Nature Markets – Overarching Principles BSI](https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bsigroup.com%2Fen-GB%2Finsights-and-media%2Finsights%2Fbrochures%2Fbsi-flex-701-nature-markets-overarching-principles-and-framework%2F&data=05%7C02%7CAlex.Walsh%40defra.gov.uk%7C36f86aa99f89489ac9a808dd6b9546c8%7C770a245002274c6290c74e38537f1102%7C0%7C0%7C638785011065753774%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3zYbDOEaWTOIbHmYRo41Re%2BKFETlrYC%2F0YiDLaRJdVo%3D&reserved=0)  

    • The Overarching Principles and Natural Carbon standards are part of a family of standards which will apply to nature markets.  Other standards are in development and will cover Biodiversity markets, Nutrients projects and schemes and guidance on how projects should engage with local communities.  There is a new BSI navigation tool available on the BSI Nature Markets online Hub – to help stakeholders navigate the suite of BSI nature investment standards. 

    • Further details of a formal assurance framework to verify compliance will be set out in due course.   

    • The BSI have published research on assurance which sets out options for Government to ensure compliance with the new standards.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sharing information and experiences at Maritime Accessibility Conference

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Sharing information and experiences at Maritime Accessibility Conference

    Disability organisations and maritime transport operators from across the country have come together for the Maritime Accessibility Conference 2025.

    Organised by the Department for Transport and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the day of talks, presentations and networking today (25 March) was an opportunity to encourage communication and objectives between the two sectors and Government.

    This is the second time the conference has run, with representatives from DfT, MCA, Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), Wetwheels Foundation, and Unseen Aware being just some of the guests and speakers involved, alongside vessel and port operators, authorities and charities.

    The event at the Museum of Liverpool opened with a talk from DPTAC chairman Professor Matthew Campbell-Hill. DPTAC provides advice to DfT on the transport needs of disabled people to assist in the development of policy and other proposals.  

    The use of REAL during staff training – Respect, Empathise, Ask, Listen – was just one of the discussion points during the afternoon; the programme developed by DfT with the engagement of transport sector professionals and those with lived experience of disability. 

    As well as talks and activities, the floor was open to organisation representatives and individuals to come forward with thoughts on accessibility schemes, experiences and future objectives. 

    Ahead of the conference MCA Passenger Rights Enforcement Lead Danny Light said:

    The DfT/MCA Accessibility Conference is an opportunity to provide guidance and understanding of accessibility rights and regulations already in action, while highlighting where improvements can be made within the industry.

    The event is an opportunity for both information and experience sharing, helping us to continue our mission of making transport accessible for all.

    Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:

    Everyone has the right to travel with dignity and today’s summit brings together experts and those with lived experiences to make meaningful improvements for maritime travel.

    As part of our Plan for Change to break down barriers, we are determined to ensure that maritime remains an accessible, safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

    Press office

    Email public.relations@mcga.gov.uk

    Press enquiries (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) 0203 817 2222

    Outside these hours or on bank holidays and weekends, for media enquiries ONLY, please send an email outlining your query and put #Urgent in the subject title.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Governor Hochul On “Mornings With Zerlina”

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on SiriusXM’s “Mornings with Zerlina” with Zerlina Miller. The Governor spoke on her proposal for universal free school meals, the ongoing Budget negotiations and which challenges she is prioritizing from the Trump administration.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Zerlina Miller, SiriusXM: Welcome back to “Mornings with Zerlina.” Joining us on the phone is the first woman to ever be Governor of the great State of New York. Governor Kathy Hochul is all on the line. Good morning, Governor.

    Governor Hochul: Good morning.

    Zerlina Miller, SiriusXM: It is quite a time. There is so much going on and I’m so grateful that you were able to join us this morning.

    One of the things we’ve been focused on since January 20 is the role and the importance of Democratic Governors in being the bulwark against some of the authoritarian moves of the Trump administration. How do you see yourself and your role as the Governor of New York in holding the line for democracy?

    Governor Hochul: That’s an excellent question, and I appreciate the role that Congress plays. I’m a former member of Congress and I would’ve stayed if I had not voted to support the Affordable Care Act representing a very Republican district. So, I have been there. But also — now serving as Governor for the last three-and-a-half years — there is enormous power in being able to speak up with one voice to represent an entire state, a large state like New York, and to call out what is happening to not just the people of our state, but the people all across America. And if we abrogate that responsibility at this moment in history, then we’re not fulfilling our obligations to our citizens or to this nation, and that’s what I feel so strongly about — the role I can play now.

    There are pathways to have a relationship that’s workable on infrastructure and other areas where there’s common interest with the Trump administration, but what I’ve said from the very beginning, and say it all the time: If you cross the line and you come after policies and programs that help New Yorkers and take them away, or you challenge our very values — the ideals that we hold dear in the State of New York — then you have a fight with me.

    So, that’s our position.

    Zerlina Miller, SiriusXM: What are some of the things that you’re speaking up about?

    Governor Hochul: Well, first of all, women’s rights — and this is an issue we have, actually with a judge right now in Louisiana who’s trying to force us to extradite a medical doctor, an abortion provider who prescribed telemedicine abortion pills to a family, a woman and her mother in Louisiana.

    They want me to extradite this person and send her there to face criminal charges. This is, again, a fallout from administration stacking the Supreme Court, overturning Roe v. Wade and the fallout continues all these years later. So, standing up for women’s rights, but also, Medicaid. I was out the very first days they talked about undoing the Medicaid promise that we’ve made to our citizens since the 1960s that we will take care of them. They think it’s just people in poverty who aren’t working — they are wrong. These are our senior citizens in nursing homes and these are programs for children. So, I’ve been out there speaking out strongly on those issues.

    Now we have cuts to FEMA. Are you kidding me? Have they watched the news? Did they see the weather? They see the devastation all across America and at this time of great crisis, you are now talking about eliminating FEMA assistance for states. So, I will tell you this — on education, school lunches, I was in a school just a couple days ago saying, “Don’t touch this essential program that the Department of Education provides,” and there’s almost too much and, in that sense, you have to be a little bit selective or your voice becomes just one of many and you really have to pick your fights.

    But I have to say this, there are plenty of fights to choose from.

    Zerlina Miller, SiriusXM: There are plenty of fights to choose from. Just the ones you just listed off — the Medicaid cuts, FEMA cuts, Department of Education. I feel like cutting the department — I mean they’re really cutting everywhere. You have Elon Musk and his unelected crew of “tech bros,” I guess is the way to describe them. Running from agency to agency and cutting staff and funding. I mean, talk a bit about the impact specifically of the Department of Education cuts in addition to the free school lunches, because I think that that is still very much new, right? It just happened and so the impact has not necessarily been felt by everyone yet.

    Governor Hochul: Right. Before I get to that, let me just quickly say that when we first started seeing these cuts from Elon Musk, we took an exact opposite approach here. We actually have advertising in Union Station in Washington and here in New York at Penn Station. People going on a train see the message, which Elon Musk may say, “You are fired,” but in New York, we say, “You’re hired.” We are trying to hire these individuals because they’re enormously talented. We value public servants. We know the critical role they have in keeping the plane safe, and protecting our nuclear codes, and making sure social security checks are received by our grandparents and parents.

    But on education, New York State receives about $5 billion in assistance, whether it’s $2 billion for Pell Grants — creating that pathway to a higher education, which changes everything, including my own family’s trajectory — $2 billion for school lunches. I mean, you have to go to some of these school lunch rooms and know that there are children whose stomach should be growling throughout the day because their parents, their mom, most likely, did not have the ability to pack that lunch, send them along with money to buy lunch and these are the kids that are the collateral damage of this war on government.

    And if we as moms and parents — first Mom Governor of New York — if I don’t use my voice to stand up for those children across my state in this nation, then what am I doing here? And that’s how strongly I feel about these fights when it comes to the education cuts. There’s a lot of uncertainty and chaos, and we’re trying to do our Budget here in the State of New York, not knowing whether or not the $93 billion we receive from the federal government is going to be affected, so it’s complicating things. But, if our voices don’t rise up at this moment, then why are we sitting in these seats?

    Zerlina Miller, SiriusXM: In the last few minutes here, I want to ask about tariffs because one of the things that is true about New York, it is quite large and it goes up right on the line of Canada and some of the folks who live in New York — the farmers and the folks who benefit from being able to have small businesses in that area will be impacted by Trump’s tariffs. Talk a bit about, number one, the impact and what you can do as Governor to protect their interests.

    Governor Hochul: That is something that has been top of mind, particularly in our farm community. Literally on Saturday morning, I was out celebrating Maple Syrup Weekends. New York is the number two producer of maple syrup in the nation, so I was out there with farmers.

    They said, “What will the tariffs do to you out in this rural area?” Probably a red county. I’m pretty sure that the father who ran the farm was a Republican supervisor, and they are so frightened about tariffs for their farms. Everything from the steel that goes into how they process the maple syrup all the way to the fertilizer.

    I mean, how many people think about fertilizer? There’s something called potash — most of it from our country, in New York, particularly — comes from Canada and it’s only manufactured in Canada, Ukraine, and Russia. So I’d rather get it from Canada any day of the week. But this is what’s jeopardized. So it’s the farm community that is really, really, really anxious at a time when they don’t need this extra stress.

    But also, I’m from Buffalo. I’m from Western New York. The synergy between Ontario and Western New York. It is just one large committee. Everybody supports the Buffalo Bills, everybody watches the hockey games, and so there’s a lot of cross pollination. This is not a foreign country to us. These are our friends to the north, so there’s a lot of business exchange, a lot of trade back-and-forth.

    We have a $50 billion trade balance, which is pretty much in balance with our largest trading partner, which is Canada. That being jeopardized sends chills down the spines of our business leaders who don’t know whether all their costs, all the materials they need. We get so much lumber, we build housing with lumber from Canada, and what is that going to do to our ability to be able to build the housing that I am pushing for — to make up for years of people not having the ambition to do it.

    So, I have to say this: The ripple effect touches every sector of our economy here in New York. And what that means, contrary to what Donald Trump promised, which is lower prices on Election Day. Remember he said that countless times on the campaign trail? The opposite is true.

    Prices are going up and will be going up. And lastly, Canada, because they’re frustrated with these policies — threatened to raise our energy costs that we get from Canada by 25 percent. Now, that is the last thing New Yorkers need right now is a higher energy bill because of the Trump tariffs. So it’s wide ranging and my fear is only just beginning.

    Zerlina Miller, SiriusXM: In the last few minutes here, I wanted to ask you about being somebody who has to stand up for the people in the State of New York against the administration that is trying to grab all the power that they can in such a short amount of time. Do you ever feel afraid or nervous about becoming a target by this administration? They obviously are targeting and attacking people who stand up against them.

    Governor Hochul: No, fear is never an option for someone in my position. Fear is paralyzing at this moment in history when we’re called to stand up to basically the disintegration, the destruction of our democracy and our nation as we know it.

    I do not want to be, as Theodore Roosevelt described as “The Man in the Arena,” which I changed to “The Woman in the Arena.” I will never be the timid soul on the sidelines, questioning what others do. I will be in that arena. I will stand up. I will cooperate and have a partnership with the Trump administration on areas of mutual interest.

    And I will do that because it’s important to my state to get Penn Station redone and focus on infrastructure. But I said this in my first call with the president, after he was elected, I said, “But I will stand up to you. You go after women’s rights, you have to get through me. You’re going to challenge my citizens on issues. And my immigrant community, we are going to have a fight.” So I cannot let fear dictate how I respond. I must govern with strength at this moment. And then that’s exactly what we’re doing.

    Zerlina Miller, Sirius XM: New York Governor Kathy Hochul, thank you so much for being with us. It’s Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to have this conversation. Thank you, again. Come back anytime.

    Governor Hochul: Alright, thank you. Bye-bye.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bolstering Accessibility Technology Resources

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $2.1 million in awards to 43 faith-based and not-for-profit organizations through the New York State Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services to improve public access to essential technologies. The funds are available to community organizations that will work directly with New Yorkers to help remove barriers for people who need technology resources, including telehealth appointments, career advancement services, remote educational opportunities, social services applications or other computer access needs.

    “Technology is rapidly advancing, and we need to make sure that everyone has a fair chance at taking advantage of its resources,” Governor Hochul said. “From doctors appointments to opportunities in education and professional development, we are making these resources easily accessible for all New Yorkers.”

    Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “The Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development is making good on Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring community-based organizations have access to critical state resources in order to serve the people of our great state. These grants to organizations across New York will help remove barriers for those in need to use technology resources to get telehealth, education, career advancement and any other support to better their lives.”

    Director of the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services Caura Washington said, In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul reimagined the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services Office commissioning this office to go on a 62-county tour. Our dedication to listen, understand, and respond to the needs often highlighted during that tour, in every region across our state, led to the development of this funding opportunity. Through the New York State request for application process, this opportunity was offered statewide, ensuring that funding was awarded with transparency and equal opportunity so that innovation and impact would take precedence. We are excited to continue to provide support across our state and meet the needs of everyday New Yorkers.”

    President of New York State Interfaith Council A.R. Bernard said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for her visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening New York’s communities through the announcement of more than $2.1 million in awards to 43 faith-based and nonprofit organizations. This initiative reflects a deep understanding that communities thrive when faith-based and nonprofit partners are empowered to serve. I stand in full support of this effort and celebrate Governor Hochul’s continued promise to help these organizations fulfill their potential as pillars of hope, access, and opportunity for all.”

    The grants of up to $50,000 will allow these organizations to further break down barriers for people in need of technology services by offering:

    • Technology access for communities across NYS.
    • Helping bridge gaps in technology for vulnerable populations.
    • Enhancing public programs with technology infrastructure investments.
    • Creating opportunities for public access to computers and the internet for education, job advancement, telehealth and more.

    The goal of these grants is to work together with faith-based and non-profit organizations to enhance the ability to meet the community’s needs, including serving distinctly different populations and/or geographic locations and technology demands. The regions to receive the grants are:

    Capital Region

    • Capital District Center for Independence (CDCI) $48,893
    • Higher Horizons Development Corp (HHDC) $49,433

    Central New York

    • Syracuse Northeast Community Center (SNCC) $49,999

    Finger Lakes

    • Episcopal SeniorLife Communities (ESLC) $50,000
    • Literacy West, NY (LWNY) $49,821

    Mid-Hudson

    • CHOICE of New Rochelle (CHOICE of NY) $50,000
    • Echoes Africa Initiatives $50,000
    • NYSARC The ARC Mid-Hudson / Cornell Creative Arts Center $50,000
    • Parcare Community Health Network $50,000
    • Rockland Independent Living Center (BRIDGES) $50,000
    • United Hebrew of New Rochelle $42,431
    • Upon this Rock Ministries, Inc $50,000
    • Westchester Jewish Community Services, Inc. (WJCS) $50,000

    Mohawk Valley

    • Muslim Community Association of Mohawk Valley (MCAMV) $50,000
    • Rescue Mission of Utica (RMU) $49,905

    New York City Bronx

    • Bridge Builders Community Partnership (BBCP) $50,000
    • Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) $50,000
    • Practice of Peace Foundation, Inc. $50,000

    New York City Brooklyn

    • CAMBA $50,000
    • Kings Bay Y (KBY) $50,000
    • Metropolitan New York Coordinating Council on Jewish Poverty (Met Council) $41,253
    • University Settlement Society of New York (USS) $50,000

    New York City New York

    • Chinatown Manpower Project, Inc. (CMP) $50,000
    • Girls Write Now (GWN) $50,000
    • Muslim Community Network (MCN) $50,000

    New York City Queens

    • Center for the Integration & Advancement of New Americans (CIANA) $25,000
    • Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula (JCCRP) $50,000
    • Korean American Family Services Center (KAFSC) $50,000
    • Korean Community Services of Metro (KCS) $50,000
    • Rise Now, Inc $50,000
    • Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) $49,967

    Southern Tier

    • The Economic Opportunity Program, Inc. (EOP) $48,600
    • AIM Independent Living Center (AIM) $50,000

    Western New York

    • Ardent Solutions, Inc. $50,000
    • Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. (BFNC) $50,000
    • ChildCare Network of the Niagara Frontier, Inc. (The LINK) $50,000
    • Computers for Children, Inc. (AKA Mission: Ignite) $50,000
    • Gerard Place $49,793
    • Jewish Family Services of Western NY (JFS) $50,000
    • Literacy West NY, Inc. (LWNY) $49,533
    • The Chapel $ 36,715

    Contracting organizations will start the development of the Community Resource Rooms to be available in the next few months, expanding technology accessibility for New Yorkers.

    About the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services

    Since its creation in November of 2023, the New York State Office of Faith & Nonprofit Development Services has stood as a beacon of support and resources for faith-based and not-for-profit organizations across the State. At its core, the Office seeks to empower faith-based and not-for-profit organizations by providing essential information, facilitating access to state grants, and enhancing organizational capacities. More information is available on the Office of Faith & Nonprofit Development Services website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lehigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Crimes

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that George “Travis” Woodfield, 41, of Macungie, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., to one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and one count of accessing with intent to view child pornography.

    Woodfield was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 5, 2024.

    As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, Woodfield drove an 11-year-old child across state lines for an overnight trip to New York City in November 2018 in order to engage in sexual activity with the child. During the trip, Woodfield sexually abused the child in their hotel room. Further, between September 2015 and July 2024, Woodfield accessed numerous depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including images of prepubescent children being sexually abused.

    The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1 and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum penalty of life in prison. 

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov.

    The case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia’s Allentown Resident Agency and FBI Richmond with assistance from the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section’s High-Tech Investigations Unit and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca J. Kulik, CEOS Senior Trial Attorney Jennifer T. Leonardo, and CEOS Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lynchburg Man Sentenced to 106 Months on Gun and Drug Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LYNCHBURG, Va. – A local man who trafficked pressed fentanyl pills and oxycodone while possessing a firearm was sentenced last week to 106 months in federal prison.

    Shytrez Robey, 25, pled guilty in November 2024 to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute oxycodone, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

    According to court documents, after repeatedly making controlled purchases of pressed fentanyl pills from Robey’s roommate, Elijah Pollard, police obtained and executed a search warrant for the two-bedroom apartment Robey and Pollard shared in Lynchburg. Pollard pled guilty to separate federal charges and was sentenced to 12 years in July 2024.

    In Robey’s bedroom, police found pressed blue fentanyl pills and two loaded handguns – a Glock 19 9 mm and a Smith & Wesson 9 mm. Police also found a money counter, medical gloves, and empty vacuum-sealed bags. Robey was not home at the time the search warrant was executed.

    Approximately two months later, law enforcement arrested Robey at his girlfriend’s apartment in Lynchburg. Police subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant for that apartment, and, in the bedroom occupied by Robey, his girlfriend, and a toddler, they found a large quantity of marijuana, 60-70 pills of assorted colors, which were predominantly oxycodone, and a loaded Romarm Micro Draco AK-pattern pistol. Police also seized Robey’s cell phone which contained text messages related to the sale of pills.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lynchburg Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Administration’s Actions Made Houthi Terrorists Pay

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Democrats and their media allies have seemingly forgotten that President Donald J. Trump and his National Security team successfully killed terrorists who have targeted U.S. troops and disrupted one of the most consequential shipping routes in the world. This is a coordinated effort to distract from the successful actions taken by President Trump and his administration to make America’s enemies pay and keep Americans safe.
    The Biden Administration sat back as a band of pirates — with precision-guided, Iran-provided weaponry — exacted a toll system in one of the most important shipping lanes in the world.
    In fact, since 2023, Houthi terrorists attacked U.S. Navy warships 174 times and attacked commercial shipping vessels 145 times — and as a result, 75% of U.S.-flagged shipping has been forced to navigate the southern coast of Africa rather than through the Suez Canal.Biden’s weakness invited these unacceptable attacks — while President Trump put these terrorists on notice:
    BIDEN: Removed the Houthis from the list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
    TRUMP: Immediately re-designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
    BIDEN: Allowed the Houthis to attack U.S. Navy ships and shut down commercial traffic through the Red Sea — responding in feckless, pinprick “attacks.”
    TRUMP: Launched successful, large-scale strikes against the Houthis, eliminating senior terrorists within the organization and putting the world on notice.
    The Trump Administration’s actions to hold the Houthis accountable has been a massive success — and nothing can distract from that unrelenting action to keep Americans safe.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study on first pig-to-human liver transplantation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in Nature looks at a genetically modified pig-to-human liver transplantation. 

    Rafael Matesanz, Creator and Founder of the National Transplant Organisation (Spain), said:

    “A frequent approach in the development of xenotransplants of different organs, before moving on to the clinical phase, is to perform them in patients in brain death but with haemodynamic stability, so that the evolution of the organ and the impact on the deceased person’s organism can be assessed at least in the short term, but with circulation maintained.

    “At least three kidney transplants have been performed in the United States since 2021 – one with up to 61 days of follow-up in brain-dead patients – and two heart transplants, which served to accumulate a number of useful lessons. In both modalities, they preceded the first clinical experiences in living people, which so far have resulted in two heart transplants (both deceased) and four kidney transplants, two of which have survived after several months of evolution.

    “The team at the Xi’an Military Hospital in China has had extensive experience in experimental transplantation of all types of organs from pigs to monkeys for more than a decade. This is the world’s first case of a transplant of a genetically modified pig liver into a brain-dead human. The ultimate goal of the experiment was not to achieve a standard liver transplant, but to serve as a ‘bridge organ’ in cases of acute liver failure, while awaiting a human organ for a definitive transplant. The experience lasted 10 days and the porcine organ remained in good condition, with acceptable basic metabolic function and no signs of acute rejection, indicating that the procedure was successful for its intended purpose and could be used in vivo in the near future.

    “In short, this is an important experiment, which opens up a different path to what has been tried so far in both vital organs (heart) and non-vital organs (kidney), such as the temporary replacement of the diseased liver until a human liver can be obtained for the definitive transplant’.”

    Iván Fernández Vega, Professor of Pathological Anatomy at the University of Oviedo (Spain), Scientific Director of the Principality of Asturias Biobank (BioPA) and Coordinator of the Organoid hub of the ISCIII Biomodels and Biobanks Platform, said:

    “I found the work very relevant, but we have to be cautious. The study represents a milestone in the history of liver xenotransplantation, describing for the first time a transplantation of a genetically modified porcine liver into a human being (in this case, a brain-dead human).The quality of the work is very high, both in terms of scientific rigour and the exhaustive clinical, immunological, histological and haemodynamic characterisation of the procedure. Sophisticated genetic modifications have been applied to the graft to prevent hyperacute rejection, one of the most critical complications in preclinical models of xenotransplantation.

    “The clinical implications are highly relevant, as optimising this approach could expand the pool of available organs and save lives in liver emergencies. This work complements and extends the existing evidence on previous pig-to-human heart and kidney xenotransplantation. It provides several relevant novelties:

    • It is the first study to demonstrate that a genetically modified porcine liver can survive and exert basic metabolic functions (albumin and bile production) in the human body.
    • It shows that there was no major coagulation dysfunction, in contrast to what was observed in other models, such as the first human cardiac xenotransplantation, where microthrombi and severe disorders were detected.
    • He points out the need to assess possible myocardial damage in early postoperative phases, given the early elevation of AST and cardiac enzymes, which can be confused with liver damage.
    • The use of xenograft as a bridging therapy is proposed, especially in patients with acute liver failure awaiting a human graft, although not as a definitive solution, as bile and albumin production was limited for long-term support.

    “However, the study has relevant limitations:

    • A major limitation of the study is that it is a single case (n=1), which precludes drawing generalisable conclusions or establishing robust patterns of clinical and immunological response. Although this is a pioneering advance, studies with a larger sample and in living recipients will be necessary to confirm the safety, efficacy and reproducibility of the procedure.
    • Limited duration of follow-up (10 days), by decision of the recipient’s family, which prevents assessment of medium- and long-term viability of the graft. Therefore, it does not add information in relation to acute and chronic rejection of xenotransplantation.
    • Only basic liver functions (albumin synthesis and bile secretion) were assessed, with no data on other complex liver functions such as drug metabolism, detoxification or immune function.
    • The heterotopic helper transplantation procedure would not allow resection of the original liver, which invalidates it as a strategy for example in patients with hepatocarcinoma awaiting transplantation.”

    ‘Gene-modified pig-to-human liver xenotransplantation’ by Wang et al. was published in Nature at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 26th March.

    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08799-1

    Declared interests

    Iván Fernández Vega “He declares that he has no conflicts of interest.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Research Day 2025 Highlights Medical and Dental Research Breadth

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Medicine and dentistry students stood beside their posters, brightly catching the eye of anyone who seemed interested in their work, as faculty and fellow students browsed the buzzing hall.

    “Each year, we are thoroughly impressed by the quality and rigor of the scholarly work that is presented by our students and, if you have looked at the program booklet and have read the abstracts, this year’s presentations will be no different,” School of Dental Medicine Dean Steven Lepowsky promised that morning, as he welcomed attendees to the 2025 Medical and Dental Research Day.

    The energy was infectious. This is the second year the research day has been back in person, after taking a hiatus during the pandemic, and students, faculty, and staff happily mingled while viewing posters on a wildly diverse range of topics, from sexually transmitted disease treatment to maxillofacial surgery.

    “Year after year our students make us so UConn-proud with their novel research investigations and professional presentations about them. They surely are poised to become the next generation of physician-scientists,” said Dr. Bruce T. Liang, dean of UConn School of Medicine.

    After the poster sessions, Wenyuan Shi, the chief executive officer of the ADA Forsyth Institute, addressed the students with a keynote on how to combine a satisfying career in the health fields with opportunities for technological innovation and business development.

    “Research and innovation have everything to do with being a good doctor,” Shi said.

    Wenyuan Shi, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at the ADA Forsyth Institute, gives a lecture as the keynote speaker at the Medical and Dental Student Research Day at UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine, on FEbruary 27, 2025. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

    The dental and medical students presented 102 projects, enough to fill the hallways and lobby near the rotunda as well as the landing on the way to the library. Every poster contained original research done by second-year students. It was impossible for a single individual to speak with every presenter, but below is a sampling of the work presented by the students.

    Root to Crown

    Longer roots make for stabler smiles: teeth with longer roots compared to the visible crown of the tooth are more likely to stay put. Especially in orthodontics, the length of the root of the tooth is a good predictor of how successful the treatment will be.

    “It’s important to have that good anchor,” dental student Stephanie Salcines said.  Salcines’s research looked at whether ethnicity correlated with root length in Asian and Hispanic populations. The answer she found was no, aside from the maxillary lateral incisor—but gender did seem to make a difference, particularly among Hispanics.

    Fewer X-rays, Same Imagery

    A new 3D x-ray technique that uses just half the radiation can identify problems in the sinuses as well as the standard method, reported Erica Mallon. The second-year dental student showed that cone beam computed tomography scans taken only from behind, rotating around the head from one ear to the other, can allow clear diagnosis of blockages, deformations, and other sinus troubles. The 180-degree behind the head technique fully shows the teeth and the sinuses, while avoiding radiation to the sensitive eyes and thyroid gland, Mallon found. Previous research showed this reduces the total radiation dose by 40% to 60%.

    “This is a sweet spot between a reasonably low and balanced radiation exposure and the resolution needed for diagnosis and clinical treatment planning,” said Aditya Tadinada, associate dean for graduate research and one of the principal investigators on the project.

    Troughs of Tears

    The thin skin under the eye often sags with age, particularly the area around the tear trough. It’s a common location for cosmetic surgeries, but there are nerves, major blood vessels and veins that must be avoided. Second-year dental student John Fregene surveyed outcomes of tear trough cosmetic procedures and found that surgeons who followed specific guidelines caused little swelling, no artery damage, no nerve damage, and improved the appearance of the tear trough area.

    “There should be a standard protocol to follow in tear trough augmentation,” Fregene said.

    Exon of Action in Hyperparathyroidism

    Hyperparathyroidism is a rare condition in which the parathyroid glands become overactive, causing jaw tumors, renal and uterine issues. There’s a specific gene that commonly causes the condition, called CDC73. Second-year dental student Lorens Carrasquillo found most of the mutations associated with hyperparathyroidism affected Exon 1, a specific location in CDC73.

    Objectively Painful

    Pain is notoriously subjective—but maybe not, according to work done by Victoria Abalyan, a second-year medical student. She used microfilments to apply precise amounts of pressure on a patient’s forearm and asked them to rate their perceived level of pain. There was definitely a correlation between level of pressure and level of reported pain, indicating women were reliably reporting their pain levels. All the patients in the study were women within 48 hours of having given birth.

    “We want to take data further out, at six weeks, or 24 weeks. We might be able to screen for women who are at higher risk of pain in the postpartum period,” Abalyan said.

    Medical and dental students present their research at the UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine research day on February 27, 2025. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

    Ultrasound in the Emergency Room

    Long waits in the emergency room are common and frustrating for patients. Three student researchers looked at whether ultrasounds done right in the emergency room could speed appropriate treatment for patients with three common issues: joint pain, suspected urinary tract infections, and emergency surgery.

    Second-year medical student Michael Kosover looked into whether ultrasound could help triage joint pain. And it could—not a single joint pain patient with a normal ultrasound required surgery or admission to the hospital.

    “It was 100% sensitivity,” Kosover said. “And the advantage of ultrasound is it’s quicker, no radiation, and portable.”

    Delaney Kehoe looked into whether ultrasounds could diagnose urinary tract infections in the emergency room.

    “We expected to see if there was a different in the inner wall of the bladder—a thicker layer, because of inflammation, or just different,” Kehoe said. In this case, the answer seemed to be no—but the study didn’t recruit enough patients, so they may continue it to get a larger sample size and clearer results.

    Aspiration (inhaling stomach contents) can be a risk during lifesaving intubations in the emergency room. The risk of aspiration is why patients are advised to fast before surgery—but people who need emergency surgery obviously can’t plan ahead. Nicolette Meka evaluated whether ultrasound can reliably determine stomach size, and if so, which angle of the patient’s torso gives the best ultrasound view of their stomach.

    “We found coronal—looking at the stomach from the patient’s side—gave 94.6% specificity,” in whether they had significant food in their stomach, Meka said.

    Hives on Social Media

    Getting hives – those red, itchy raised welts on the skin – happens to a portion of the population all the time, for no apparent reason. Yee Won Kim had them all the time when she was young, and information on how to treat or prevent them was scarce. Now, people are likely to look for advice on social media, the second-year medical student reports in her research.

    “Many people are just asking what helped other people—there are a lot of good conversations happening,” Kim says. She collected information on the people and questions surrounding “chronic spontaneous urticaria,” as hives are known, on social media channels including X, Instagram, and Facebook.

    Following the poster day, the judging committee, composed of medical and dental faculty, decided on the winners of the competition.

    The winners of the 2025 Student Research Day are below.

    Medical and dental students present their research at the UConn Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine research day on February 27, 2025. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

    School of Medicine

    CONNECTICUT ACADEMY OF FAMILY PRACTICE: One medical student will receive this $200 monetary gift for excellence in Primary Care Research.

    Poster 57 | Survey Connecticut Providers on the Process of Making Patient Referrals to Community-Based Organizations

    • Paul Jude Isaac

    CONNECTICUT HOLISTIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION: Awarded by Dr. Michael Basso, this annual award was established to recognize excellence in research in Integrative/ Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A medical student and a dental student will each receive an award of $100. Special thanks go to Dr. Michael Basso of the Connecticut Holistic Health Association.

    Poster 51 | Financial Strain as a Contributor to Cognitive Impairment in Late Life Depression

    • Brian Fox
    • Madison Witt

    DEAN’S AWARD: In recognition of two outstanding medical student researchers and their faculty mentors. Awards of $250 each will be presented to the four awardees. The awards to faculty mentors will be used for travel to a scientific meeting.

    Poster 31 | Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Integration in Pediatric Health Care for Patient Education

    • Veronica Sofia Arroyo Rodriguez & Dr. Thomas Agresta

    Poster 77 | Gastric Distention on Ultrasound: Coronal versus Sagittal Approach

    • Nicolette Mary Meka & Dr. Meghan Herbst

    MR. AND MRS. JEFFREY GROSS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENT: Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Gross established this award. Dr. Jeffrey Gross is Professor Emeritus at UCHC. Awards of $250 each will be given to two medical student researchers who presented excellent studies. One award will go to an oral presentation and one award will go to a poster presentation.

    Poster 47 | In vivo modeling of a novel TEK:GAB2 fusion oncogene reveals targetable oncogenic signaling pathways in angiosarcoma

    • Flora Isabella Dievenich Braes

    Poster 52 | Visit characteristics from emergency departments caring for persons living with dementia: a nationally representative sample

    • James Christopher Galske

    JOHN SHANLEY MEMORIAL GLOBAL HEALTH AWARD: The award is to honor the memory of John D. Shanley, MD, MPH, former Chief of Infectious Disease at the University of Connecticut, and Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health and Associate Dean of International Health at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. This award is sponsored by FNE International and will be given in recognition of a project that best exemplifies collaboration towards sustainable services with an international partner. The student will receive a monetary award of $250.

    Poster 68 | Assessing Dengue Vaccine Acceptance in Pediatric Caregivers in Kandy, Sri Lanka

    • Caitlin Alexandra Lawrence

    LAWRENCE G. RAISZ AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MUSCULOSKELETAL RESEARCH:

    In honor and memory of Lawrence G. Raisz, M.D., this award of $250 will be given to a medical student researcher who presented outstanding work in the field musculoskeletal research.

    Poster 54 | Effect of 4-Aminopyridine and Smoothened Agonist on Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

    • Christopher Jesse Garcia

    PEER RECOGNITION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH:

    This award of $200 will be given to a medical student researcher in recognition of an exemplary poster presentation, as determined by peer review.

    Poster 76 | Reassessing Maxillary Sinusitis: Recognizing Odontogenic Origins in the ENT Clinic

    • Uma Sandeep Mehta

    WILLIAM M. WADLEIGH MEMORIAL AWARD FOR CROSS-CULTURAL AND INTERNATIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH: The award is in honor the memory of William M. Wadleigh, PhD, anthropologist and Associate Director of the Center for International Community Health Studies in the Department of Community Medicine and Health Care.  This $250 award is given annually to a medical student whose research exemplifies international and cross-cultural understanding of health issues.

    Poster 75 | Assessing the Impact of Pediatric Dengue Hospitalization on Caregiver Stress and Functioning

    • Meghan Martin

    School of Dental Medicine

    DEAN’S AWARD:
    Student: Sadhana Sankar
    Mentor: Dr. Caroline Dealy
    Awarded in recognition of an outstanding presentation demonstrating clinical application and technique relating to dentistry. This award consists of an expense-paid trip as the School of Dental Medicine’s representative to the Hinman Student Research Symposium held in Memphis, Tennessee in October 2025.

    ASSOCIATE DEAN’S AWARD:
    Student: Daniel Kotait
    Mentor: Dr. I-Ping Chen
    Awarded in recognition of an outstanding presentation in basic, clinical, educational, or behavioral science. The award consists of a complimentary meeting registration and travel assistance to present at the AADOCR General Session & Exhibition in 2026.

    DENTSPLY-SIRONA STUDENT CLINICIAN AWARD:
    Student: Claire Ann
    Mentor: Dr. Frank Nichols
    Awarded in recognition of an outstanding presentation. Includes travel assistance to the 2026 AADOCR General Session & Exhibition/Dentsply-Sirona SCADA Program as the School’s representative; allowance for lodging, food and other expenses and a Dentsply-Sirona crystal.

    CONNECTICUT HOLISTIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION:
    Student: Madison Witt
    Mentor: Dr. Gary Schulman
    Presented by Dr. Michael Basso, this annual award was established to recognize excellence in research in Integrative/ Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Basso of the Connecticut Holistic Health Association.

    HORACE WELLS AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN DENTISTRY:
    Student: Erica Mallon
    Mentors: Dr. Pooja Bysani and Dr. Aditya Tadinada
    Student: Donny You
    Mentor: Dr. David Shafer
    Two awards will be given to dental students in recognition of outstanding research with a focus on innovation in dentistry.This award is supported by the Horace Wells Trust.

    JAMES AND ELLA BURR MCMANUS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DENTAL RESEARCH:
    Student: Bradley Rosenberg
    Mentor: Dr. Alix Deymier
    Student: Haven Montefalco
    Mentor: Dr. Frank Nichols
    Two awards will be given to dental students presenting at the student research day to recognize excellence in research. This award is supported by the James and Ella Burr McManus Trust.

    DENTAL STUDENT RESEARCH SOCIETY AWARD:
    Student: Marcus Costa
    Mentor: Dr. Flavio Uribe
    Presented for excellence in a science presentation by dental students at the Student Research Day. Special thanks to Dr. Arthur Hand for supporting this award.

    GUSTAVE PERL MEMORIAL AWARD:
    Student: Henry Shaffer
    Mentor: Dr. Dong Zhou
    A scholarship award presented for outstanding original research.

    OMICRON KAPPA UPSILON-PHI CHI CHAPTER AWARDS:
    Two awards given in recognition of outstanding research; the first award is given for basic science research and the second award given for clinical science research.

    OKU-Basic Science Research Category
    Student: Bryson Christian
    Mentor: Dr. Eliane Dutra

    OKU-Clinical Science Research Category
    Student: Alfredo Rendon
    Mentor: Dr. Prazwala Chirravur

    We would like to acknowledge generous donations from our many sponsors in support and recognition of the hard work of our dental research students. Special thanks to our judges and research committees for their review of the abstracts, posters and judging this event. And lastly, congratulations to all of our dental student researchers and their faculty mentors for making this day possible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colombian Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced To 24 Years In Prison For Conspiring To Send More Than A Ton Of Cocaine To The United States

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Oscar Henao-Montoya and His Co-Conspirators Touted Henao-Montoya’s Ability to Produce Cocaine, Control of Colombian Airstrips and Ports, and Relationships with Corrupt Members of the Colombian Air Force in Effort to Import Cocaine to the United States

    Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Louis A. D’Ambrosio, the Special Agent in Charge of the Special Operations Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced that OSCAR HENAO-MONTOYA, a Colombian national, was sentenced today to 24 years in prison for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States.  HENAO-MONTOYA was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni, before whom he previously pled guilty to one count of cocaine importation conspiracy.  Two of HENAO-MONTOYA’s charged co-conspirators, REHINNER MONTOYA-GARCIA and JUAN FELIPE SANTIBANEZ-CARDONA, also previously pled guilty to one count of cocaine importation conspiracy and were sentenced by Judge Caproni to 20 years and 15 years in prison, respectively. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Oscar Henao-Montoya and his co-conspirators sought to send a staggering quantity of cocaine from Colombia to the United States.  Today’s sentence, and those previously imposed in this case, send a clear message that those who seek to traffic cocaine into the United States will pay a steep price for their actions.  This Office, through its longstanding partnership with the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, will hold accountable those who seek to break our narcotics laws and harm our communities, regardless of where in the world they may hide.” 

    As reflected in the Indictment, other filings in Manhattan federal court, and statements made in open court:

    HENAO-MONTOYA is a Colombian drug trafficker with longstanding familial connections to international cocaine distribution.  HENAO-MONTOYA is the younger brother of Orlando Henao-Montoya, a/k/a “El Hombre Overol,” the former leader of the Norte del Valle Cartel, the notorious drug cartel which operated principally in the Valle del Cauca region of Colombia and rose to prominence in the late 1990s after the Cali and Medellin cartels fragmented. HENAO-MONTOYA’s siblings also include Arcángel Henao Montoya, a/k/a “El Mocho,” Fernando Henao-Montoya, and Lorena Henao-Montoya, a/k/a “La Viuda De La Mafia.”  Together, the Henao-Montoya siblings ran the Norte del Valle Cartel, until Orlando and Lorena were murdered, and Arcángel Henao Montoya was deported from Panama to the U.S. 

    Between October 2020 and August 2021, HENAO-MONTOYA and co-conspirators who worked for HENAO-MONTOYA, including MONTOYA-GARCIA and SANTIBANEZ-CARDONA, participated in a series of meetings in Colombia with DEA confidential sources (the “CSes”), who were acting at the direction of the DEA, to discuss their plans to import tons of cocaine into the U.S.  During those meetings, many of which were recorded, HENAO-MONTOYA discussed, among other things, his ability to export large quantities of cocaine from Colombia via control of airstrips (clandestine and overt) and ports in Colombia, as well as his relationships with corrupt members of the Colombian Air Force.  HENAO-MONTOYA and his co-conspirators also discussed various shipping routes to transport cocaine out of Colombia to the U.S. and, specifically, New York.  During certain of the meetings described above, HENAO-MONTOYA and individuals working for HENAO-MONTOYA were armed with firearms.

    During meetings with the CSes, HENAO-MONTOYA also discussed his access to and control of cocaine laboratories that could produce over one ton of cocaine, including a laboratory that HENAO-MONTOYA said could produce 2,000 to 3,000 kilograms of cocaine at a time. On one occasion, MONTOYA-GARCIA brought one of the CSes to territory controlled by the Revolution Armed Forces of Colombia (“FARC”), which MONTOYA-GARCIA said was where HENAO-MONTOYA had drug laboratories, and that these laboratories were guarded by FARC members.

    To ensure that their plan to import cocaine into the U.S. would be successful, HENAO-MONTOYA and his co-conspirators tested and provided cocaine samples for the CSes.  For example, in October 2020, MONTOYA-GARCIA and SANTIBANEZ-CARDONA provided a one-kilogram sample of cocaine to one of the CSes to test its quality.  After expressing satisfaction with the quality of the cocaine, the CS told MONTOYA-GARCIA and SANTIBANEZ-CARDONA that “the Americans will go crazy in the United States” for the cocaine.  In addition, in April 2021, at HENAO-MONTOYA’s direction, MONTOYA-GARCIA provided an eight-kilogram sample of cocaine to undercover agents working for the Colombian National Police in exchange for approximately $16,000, which was intended to serve as a sample for the contemplated ton-quantity cocaine shipments that HENAO-MONTOYA and his co-conspirators sought to send to the U.S.

    *               *                *

    In addition to the prison term, HENAO-MONTOYA, 58, of Colombia, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.

    Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota and the Colombian National Police for their assistance.

    This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg, Matthew J.C. Hellman, David J. Robles, and Chelsea L. Scism are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum Kicks Off, Positioning Congo as a Key Energy Player

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

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 25, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) officially opened with welcome and keynote addresses by key industry leaders operating in the Republic of Congo’s energy sector. With an ambition to double oil production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027, and with the upcoming launch of a new Gas Master Plan, CEIF 2025 offers a platform for attendees to connect with leaders in Congo’s energy market.

    Speaking during the opening session Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua outlined Congo’s potential as a key driver of energy in Central Africa, highlighting critical reforms and initiatives aimed at maximizing the country’s energy potential.

    “It is with great pride and happiness that I’m taking the floor today to deliver the official opening of Congo Energy & Investment Forum,” Minister Itoua stated, adding, “The outline of this forum is in line with Congo’s National Development Goal of 2022-2026 and our ambitious vision to modernize infrastructure and create an inclusive investment environment.”

    Meanwhile, Sébastien Brice Poaty, General Secretary of Congo’s parastatal Société National de Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) explained that Congo remains committed to the development of hydrocarbons, as well as renewable energy, to drive access throughout the country. Poaty indicated that the parastatal has finalized the Gas Master Plan – set to launch at CEIF 2025 – and is preparing for the coming adoption of the new Gas Code, which is expected later this year.

    “This conference is part of a broader aspect on the future of the Congo. SNPC was created to valorize the energy potential of the Congo and support economic development while engaging in a sustainable transition,” stated Poaty, adding, “Investing in Africa remains one of the keys to the continent’s development.

    Speaking on Congo’s potential to attract investment to the energy market, Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, stressed the importance of stability in the market. “Congo is an extremely valuable member of the OPEC family,” Al Ghais said, adding, “Congo’s oil will be essential considering the future growth of oil demand.”

    Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General, the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) stressed the importance of the Congolese government to review its strategies and revitalize its hydrocarbons sector. Additionally, Dr. Ibrahim highlighted that, while the global energy landscape is undergoing a massive paradigm shift, Congo must remain committed to driving the development of its oil and gas resources.

    “The Republic of Congo has long been a significant player in Africa’s oil and gas industry. As the third-largest producer in sub-Saharan Africa, with proven crude oil reserves of 1.8 billion barrels, Congo possesses immense potential for development in frontier basins,” he said.

    The Opening Ceremony also included keynote presentations by key industry players in Congo’s energy industry including energy majors TotalEnergies and Eni, as well as independent producers Imperatus Energy and Ammat Global Resources and the African Energy Chamber.

    “With increasing global competition for capital, future success in Congo depends on maintaining a competitive fiscal framework and a stable regulatory and legal environment to ensure long-term viability on investments,” stated Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President for Africa, TotalEnergies E&P.

    Andrea Berberi, Managing Director, Eni Congo announced during his presentation that the company completed its ninth cargo of LNG on March 24, reaching 1 million cubic meters of LNG produced and exported in the market. “Today, we are proud to be part of this new sector in the Republic of Congo,” Berberi stated.

    “There are great operators in the country working on different projects,” stated Massimiliano Mignacca, Director General, Ammat Global Resources, adding, “Ammat’s activities are notably in upstream, but we are committed along the entire lifecycle of hydrocarbons.”

    Calling on Congo to replicate the success of neighboring oil producers such as Angola, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, the African Energy Chamber, expressed his optimism for the country to capitalize on regulatory reforms and improved governance to attract global investment.

    “At a time when we look at the energy industry, when we look at global shifts in energy, we look at Congo for energy stability. It is for that reason that Congo takes a very strong position, but we need to recognize that energy reforms need to happen,” stated Ayuk.

    Meanwhile, Oumar Semega, CEO and Founder, Imperatus Energy Group noted that energy plays a key and strategic role for the Congo. “At Imperatus, we have a clear vision to create value across every stage of the oil and gas sector, from extraction to commercialization,” stated.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting of Jyske Bank A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This is to give notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting of Jyske Bank A/S, which will be held on Thursday, 24 April 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Vestergade 8-16, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark (entrance via Jyske Bank’s visitor entrance situated at Bankpassagen).

    At the Annual General Meeting held on 25 March 2025, the motions to amend the Articles of Association were adopted.
    However, the members in general meeting with a right to vote represented less than 90% of the share capital, wherefore
    the final adoption of the proposed amendments to the Articles of Association is subject to adoption at an extraordinary general meeting.

    The AGENDA for consideration and final adoption:

    a. Motions proposed by the Supervisory Board:
      1 Reduction of Jyske Bank’s nominal share capital by DKK 27,651,180 (corresponding to 2,765,118 shares at a nominal value of DKK 10) from  DKK 642,720,950 to DKK 615,069,770. With reference to S.188(1) of the Danish Companies Act we point out that the capital reduction takes place through cancellation of previously acquired own shares acquired by Jyske Bank in accordance with authorisation from members in general meeting. Hence, the capital reduction is spent on payment of capital owners.
    If the motion is adopted, Jyske Bank’s holding of own shares will be reduced by 2,765,118 shares of a nominal value of DKK 10 These shares have been bought back at a total amount of DKK 1,499,999,584 which implies that, apart from the nominal capital reduction, a total amount of DKK 1,472,348,404 has been paid to the capital owners in connection with the buy-backs. The capital reduction takes place at a share premium since it will be at 542.47 for each share of a nominal amount of DKK 10, corresponding to the average price at which the shares have been bought back.

    In consequence of the above, the following amendment to the Articles of Association is proposed:
    Art. 2 to be amended to the effect that Jyske Bank’s nominal share capital be DKK 615,069,770 distributed on 61,506,977 shares.
      2 Amendments to Art. 3(8), Art. 4(2) and (3), Art. 5(1) and (2) and Art. 24(2): “VP Securities Services” to be changed into “VP Securities A/S”.
      3 To replace the existing authorizations in the Articles of Association, the Supervisory Board is authorized to carry out capital increases with and without pre-emption rights and to raise convertible loans with and without pre-emption rights by amending Art. 4(2), (3) and (5), Art. 5(1), (2), (3) and (4) of the Articles of Association. The amendments are considered together and are proposed to be changed to the following wording:
        – Art. 4(2): As specified by the Supervisory Board in respect of time and terms and conditions, the share capital can be increased through the subscription of new shares without preferential subscription rights for existing shareholders. The increase may be in one or several issues by not more than a nominal amount of DKK 60m (6 million shares of a face value of DKK 10). The increase may be effected through cash payment or through acquisition of existing businesses or specific assets. The increase must in every case be effected not below the market price. The increase cannot be effected through part payment. The authorisation will be effective until 1 March 2030.

    The new shares shall when issued and transferred be registered in the names of their holders at VP Securities A/S and in the Bank’s register of shareholders. The new shares are negotiable instruments, and there are no restrictions in their negotiability except for the provisions laid down in Art. 3 of the Articles of Association. Shareholders shall be under no obligation to have their shares redeemed in full or in part.
        – Art. 4(3): As specified by the Supervisory Board in respect of time and terms and conditions, the share capital can be increased through the subscription of new shares with preferential subscription rights for existing shareholders. The increase may be in one or several issues by not more than a nominal amount of DKK 120m (12 million shares of a face value of DKK 10). The increase may be effected through cash payment or in any other manner. The increase may be offered at a favourable price. The increase cannot be effected through part payment. The authorisation will be effective until 1 March 2030.

    The new shares shall when issued and transferred be registered in the names of their holders at VP Securities A/S and in the Bank’s register of shareholders. The new shares are negotiable instruments, and there are no restrictions in their negotiability except for the provisions laid down in Art. 3 of the Articles of Association. Shareholders shall be under no obligation to have their shares redeemed in full or in part.
        – Art. 4(5): To be deleted.
        – Art. 5(1): The Bank may, following resolution by the Supervisory Board, up to 1 March 2030, on one or more occasions raise loans against bonds or other instruments of debt which bonds or instruments of debt shall entitle the lender to convert his claim into shares (convertible loans) and the Supervisory Board is authorised to carry out the related capital increase. Convertible loans may be raised with a conversion right to a maximum number of shares with a total nominal value corresponding to the maximum nominal amount at the time of raising the convertible loans by which the share capital may be increased using the remaining authorization in Art. 4(3), calculated in relation to the conversion price determined at the time of raising the convertible loans. Exercising the authorisation to increase the share capital in Art. 4(3), will hence reduce the authorisation to raise convertible loans in accordance with this provision. The Bank’s shareholders shall have a preferential subscription right to convertible loans. Where the Supervisory Board decides to raise convertible loans, when exercising the authorization in this provision, the authorisation to increase the share capital, cf. Art. 4(3), shall be considered to be utilised by an amount corresponding to the maximum conversion right. The term allowed for conversion may be fixed at a period exceeding five years after the raising of the convertible loan. For shares which shall be issued on the basis of the convertible loans mentioned in this provision, the Supervisory Board shall decide – with due regard to the time of subscription or utilisation of the conversion right – the time from when such new shares shall carry a right to receive dividend and other terms and conditions of the share issue. Shares issued on the basis of the convertible loans mentioned in this provision cannot be paid in by partial payment, are registered shares and are registered in the name of the holder in VP Securities A/S and the Bank’s register of shareholders upon issuance and transfer. The new shares are negotiable instruments and the same rules as apply to the existing shares in respect of rights and duties, redeemability and transferability shall apply.
        – Art. 5(2): The Bank may, following resolution by the Supervisory Board, up to 1 March 2030, on one or more occasions raise loans against bonds or other instruments of debt which bonds or instruments of debt shall entitle the lender to convert his claim into shares (convertible loans) and the Supervisory Board is authorised to carry out the related capital increase. Convertible loans may be raised with a conversion right to a maximum number of shares with a total nominal value corresponding to the maximum nominal amount at the time of raising the convertible loans by which the share capital may be increased using the remaining authorization in Art. 4(2), calculated in relation to the conversion price determined at the time of raising the convertible loans. Exercising the authorisation to increase the share capital in Art. 4(2), will hence reduce the authorisation to raise convertible loans in accordance with this provision. The Bank’s shareholders shall not have a preferential subscription right to convertible loans which are offered at a subscription price and a conversion price to the effect that the right of conversion corresponds to the market price of the shares at the time the resolution to raise convertible loans by using the authorisation of this provision was passed by the Supervisory Board. The convertible bonds or other instruments of debt may be issued as payment upon the Bank’s acquisition of existing businesses or specific assets corresponding to the value of the convertible bonds or other instruments of debt. Where the Supervisory Board decides to raise convertible loans, when exercising the authorization in this provision, the authorisation to increase the share capital, cf. Art. 4(2), shall be considered to be utilised by an amount corresponding to the maximum conversion right. The term allowed for conversion may be fixed at a period exceeding five years after the raising of the convertible loan. For shares which shall be issued on the basis of the convertible loans mentioned in this provision, the Supervisory Board shall decide – with due regard to the time of subscription or utilisation of the conversion right – the time from when such new shares shall carry a right to receive dividend and other terms and conditions of the share issue. Shares issued on the basis of the convertible loans mentioned in this provision cannot be paid in by partial payment, are registered shares and are registered in the name of the holder in VP Securities A/S and the Bank’s register of shareholders upon issuance and transfer. The new shares are negotiable instruments and the same rules as apply to the existing shares in respect of rights and duties, redeemability and transferability shall apply.
        – Art. 5(3): To be deleted.
        – Art. 5(4): To be deleted.
    b. Authorisation to the Supervisory Board to make such amendments as may be required by the Danish Business Authority in connection with registration of the Articles of Association.
    c. Any other business.

    Reference to Jyske Bank’s website for further information
    Where in this notice of a General Meeting, reference is made to Jyske Bank’s website for further information, this link can be used: https://www.jyskebank.dk/ir/generalforsamlinger.

    Adoption of motions – requirements
    The motion to amend Jyske Bank’s Articles of Association (items a.1-a.3 of the agenda) at extraordinary general meetings shall only be finally adopted where adopted by three fourth of the votes cast as well as by three fourth of the voting share capital represented at the general meeting, cf. Art. 12(2) of the Articles of Association.

    Size of the share capital, voting rights of the shareholders and registration date
    Jyske Bank’s share capital is DKK 642,720,950, comprising shares at a face value of 10. Any share amount of DKK 10 shall carry one vote, provided always that 4,000 votes are the highest number of votes any one shareholder may cast on his own behalf. Voting rights can only be exercised by shareholders or their proxies. For the voting right of a share to be exercised, the share shall be registered in the name of the holder in the Bank’s register of shareholders not later than on the day of registration, which is 17 April 2025, or the title to such share shall be notified and documented to the Bank within that same time limit.

    Proxy and postal vote
    Shareholders may as from Friday, 28 March up to and including Wednesday, 16 April 2025 give voting instructions, appoint Jyske Bank’s Supervisory Board or a third party as proxy either electronically or by means of the Power of Attorney form.

    Shareholders may attend the General Meeting by proxy and cast their votes by proxy.

    In addition, shareholders may as from Friday, 28 March up to and including Wednesday, 23 April 2025 at 10.00 a.m. cast postal votes either electronically or by means of a form.

    Proxies may be appointed or postal votes may be cast electronically at the Investor Portal via Jyske Bank’s website. A form for the appointment of proxies or for casting postal votes is available at one of Jyske Bank’s branches or can be downloaded from Jyske Bank’s website. Where the form is used, please forward the completed and signed form either by post to Euronext Securities (VP Securities A/S) at the address Nicolai Eigtveds Gade 8, 1402 Copenhagen K or by email to CPH-investor@euronext.com. The form must reach Euronext Securities (VP Securitas A/S) by the above-mentioned deadlines, and proxies must have been appointed or postal votes must have been cast electronically by the same deadlines.

    Custodian bank
    Jyske Bank’s shareholders may choose Jyske Bank A/S as their custodian bank in order to exercise their financial rights through Jyske Bank A/S.

    Questions from shareholders
    Shareholders are recommended to ask questions in writing before the general meeting about the items of the agenda or Jyske Bank’s financial position. Please send questions to Jyske Bank A/S, Juridisk Afdeling, Vestergade 8-16, DK-8600 Silkeborg or by email to Juridisk@jyskebank.dk. Questions and answers will be presented at the general meeting, and shareholders who have asked questions will receive replies directly from Jyske Bank. At the General Meeting, the management will also answer questions from the shareholders about matters of importance for the financial situation of Jyske Bank and questions for consideration at the General Meeting.

    Additional information
    The following documents and information can be downloaded from Jyske Bank’s website from Friday, 28 March 2025:
    1. Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting
    2. The total number of shares and voting rights at the date of the notice
    3. Agenda and full wording of motions.
    3. The forms to be used when voting by proxy or by postal vote

    Notification of participation
    Shareholders who wish to attend the General Meeting and cast their votes must notify their participation at the Investor Portal via Jyske Bank’s website as from Friday, 28 March 2025 up to and including Wednesday, 16 April 2025.
    Confirmation of registration and QR code for the General Meeting Portal will be submitted by email (also in case of powers of attorney to third parties), and therefore it is important that you register your email address at the Investor Portal.
    At the entrance to the general meeting, you press the submitted QR code in the email to register your attendance which is why you must bring your smart phone or your tablet. Any votes will also take place via the General Meeting Portal. Additional guidelines for using the General Meeting Portal will be available at the entrance to the general meeting.
    If you are unable to receive confirmation of registration to the general meeting by email, you may register for the general meeting by means of the sign-up form available at Jyske Bank’s website or
    by contacting one of Jyske Bank’s branches. If so, you must contact and confirm your attendance at the entrance to the general meeting which requires that you produce valid identification.

    Silkeborg, 25 March 2025
    The Supervisory Board

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Data Digest: Cooking Up Campus Dining Innovations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sue Wohlford-Bork, Campus Technology Advisor at occupancy analytics software company Lambent, and Arla Jackson, Director of VolCard, Campus Vending, and Records Management at the University of Tennessee, will be featured speakers at NACAS South 2025. This event takes place March 30 – April 2 at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Wohlford-Bork and Jackson will co-present a session titled Data Digest: Cooking Up Dining Innovations, which delves into the value of occupancy data in improving dining operations and experiences.

    The NACAS South CX conference provides the premier exchange of campus-centric ideas, solutions, and connections. Designed and delivered by professional peers, the event gives attendees the best opportunity to find solutions to their needs and nurture relationships. Attendees can easily seek out other campus service leaders that have similar interests, requirements, and visions for how to empower campus communities.

    Session Details:

    Data Digest: Cooking Up Dining Innovations

    Date/Time: Sunday, March 30: 1:20 – 2:10 pm  
    Speakers: Sue Wohlford-Bork
    Campus Technology Advisor, Lambent    		 Arla Jackson
    Director of VolCard, Campus Vending & Records Management, The University of Tennessee
         

    The session will explore how leveraging occupancy analytics can transform campus dining operations, boost revenue, and enhance the student experience. The presenters will dive into three groundbreaking case studies that demonstrate the power of data-driven decision-making in auxiliary services:

    1. Strategic Vending Machine Placement: Learn how our campus generated additional revenue by using occupancy data to optimize vending machine locations.
    2. Smart Dining App Integration: Discover how integrating occupancy data with the Vol Dining App helped students avoid long lines and make informed dining choices, seamlessly fitting meals into their busy schedules.
    3. Food Truck Profitability Enhancement: Explore how occupancy analytics improved the profitability and efficiency of campus food trucks, creating a win-win situation for both students and operators.

    The presentation will challenge conventional thinking about campus dining operations, introducing innovative ideas that have the potential to become mainstream. By showcasing these cutting-edge applications of occupancy analytics, we aim to inspire attendees to think creatively about leveraging data to enhance their own campus services.

    About Lambent
    Lambent is an occupancy analytics software company helping corporate and higher ed campuses optimize space utilization, facilities operations and real estate investments. Its SaaS platform, Lambent Spaces, leverages existing data sources such as Wi-Fi and sensors to provide anonymous and predictive analytics to inform decisions related to utilization, workplace experiences, planning, scheduling, and maintenance. The software delivers actionable intelligence so facilities professionals and space planners can make better use of the spaces they have. For more information, visit https://lambentspaces.com/.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Kennedy in The Hill: Stop letting foreign executives cheat American investors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in The Hill arguing that Congress should pass the Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act to ensure that federal law holds foreign executives to the same insider trading standards as American executives.
    Key excerpts of the op-ed are below: 
    “The American people are tired of watching the U.S. receive the short end of the stick in our global business deals. They don’t understand why some have let other countries lie, steal and cheat in our marketplaces, and they reelected President Trump to help us unstack the deck.
    “During his first term, President Trump worked to level the playing field for American companies and investors. He signed my bill, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, into law to allow the Securities and Exchange Commission to delist Chinese companies from American stock exchanges if they refuse to open their books to our regulators.
    “It’s common sense. Chinese companies that want to profit from American investors should be held to the same transparency standards as American companies. In the years since President Trump signed this bill into law, Chinese companies have begun to comply with American disclosure requirements. Regulators have already issued millions of dollars in sanctions and penalties against Chinese companies and individuals who were cooking their books or otherwise violating our laws to the detriment of American investors.
    “Now we have an opportunity to build upon this work by stopping the executives of foreign companies from gaming our markets through insider trading.”
    . . .
    “A foreign passport should not be a get-out-of-jail-free card for insider trading in the American stock exchange. There is absolutely no reason why American executives should face a higher standard of transparency than their foreign counterparts.
    “Let’s build on the momentum of Trump’s first term to protect American investors from foreign executives who don’t respect our markets. I urge my congressional colleagues to join me in eliminating this double standard.”
    Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Donald Trump’s trade war against Canada reveals tensions inherent in friendship

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jason Wang, Postdoctoral Fellow, Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre, Toronto Metropolitan University

    In his second inauguration address, United States President Trump began by declaring “the golden age of America begins right now” and closed with, “and our golden age has just begun.” Between these lines, he vowed to “tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.”

    Tying his trade policies to dubious claims about fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, Trump’s approach appears less about economic strategy and more about asserting dominance. Invoking the language of imperial expansion, he even proposed the idea of making Canada the “cherished 51st state.”

    Historians like American Richard White quickly drew parallels to the 19th-century Gilded Age when robber barons thrived, leaving social inequality in their wake.



    Read more:
    Elon Musk’s bid to take over Twitter recalls the robber barons of the 19th century

    The celebrated Canada-U.S. friendship — further entrenched over the past three decades by the 1989 Canada-U.S. free-trade agreement, cross-border activity and snowbirds wintering in Florida and elsewhere in the U.S. — has long balanced underlying tension stemming from the two nations’ power differences. This alludes to tensions inherent in friendships that have long been explored by philosophers.

    A ‘great relationship?’

    Trump’s recent sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports are only the latest chapter in a long history of economic clashes.

    From the U.S.’s Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which hit Canada hard during the Great Depression, to Richard Nixon’s 10 per cent import surcharge in 1971 and the long fight over softwood lumber that persisted through the early 2000s despite Canada’s favourable World Trade Organization rulings, these conflicts expose the fragility of Canada-U.S. relations. The uneasy reality is that friendship between nations is never as stable as it seems.

    The trade war has triggered a wave of cultural and economic nationalism in Canada that has gone beyond the “Buy Canadian” movement. At the National Ballet of Canada’s Swan Lake, recently, a stirring rendition of O Canada brought the audience to its feet.

    Chrystia Freeland, now minister of transport and internal trade, voiced the nation’s outrage on CNN: “Canadians are angry,” she said, condemning the tariffs as a betrayal of what she called the “great relationship.”

    Friendship ideals and power dynamics

    But beneath the outrage lies a harsher truth: Canada’s “friend” status is conditional, tied to America’s shifting priorities. The real question isn’t whether Canada is a trusted ally — it’s whether it was ever more than a subordinate in this “friendship.” At stake is the concept of friendship between nations.

    Philosophers exploring the intersection of friendship and politics offer a useful framework for understanding this imbalance.

    Written in the post-Cold War era, French Algerian philosopher Jacques Derrida’s The Politics of Friendship, first published in French in 1994, questions the very possibility of pure, stable friendship, arguing that it is never equal or unconditional.

    Instead, said Derrida, it is always a negotiation of power. Derrida questions idealized Aristotelian notions of friendship between nations — ideals that still quietly underpin our thinking about friendship, loyalty and betrayal.

    Friendship in fiction, Aristotle

    In his study of friendship in fiction, literary scholar Allan Hepburn points out that friendships are inherently political, foundational to social relations and embody democratic ideals of equality and fraternity, as Aristotle suggested.

    Tyrannical systems, by contrast, lack true friendships, while an ideal democracy extends mutual respect to all citizens. In this way, strangers are recognized as equals and potential friends, regardless of legal obligation, as Derrida emphasized.

    In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, he distinguished transactional and virtuous friendship. The former is built on mutual advantage or shared pleasure, which to Aristotle is the lesser kind of friendship.

    In contrast, virtue-based friendship is both the most enduring and the rarest. Aristotle idealizes this latter type of friendship, describing it as “perfect friendship” in which individuals are “alike in virtue,” wishing well to each other as something good in itself, and are themselves morally upright.

    This ideal friendship — expected to be stable, enduring and intrinsically valuable — underpins discourses about the bond between nations based on shared values.



    Read more:
    What makes a good friend?

    True friendship reserved for individuals

    Political scientist Evgeny Roshchin argues that friendship, as a historical concept in international relations, helped mediate the shift from hierarchical to equal political relationships, shaping sovereignty and political order.

    In contrast, philosopher Simon Keller questions the idea of “friendship between countries,” asserting true friendship is reserved for individuals. He warns that comparing nations to friends may mislead us by shifting focus from genuine human connections to political dynamics.

    Yet the Aristotelian model of the friend as “a second self” has significant limitations, often ignoring differences and reinforcing hierarchy. For Derrida, friendship is not a fixed, harmonious ideal but an ongoing, unpredictable negotiation that blurs the boundary between ally and adversary.

    He contends: “‘Good friendship’ supposes disproportion. It demands a certain rupture in reciprocity or quality, as well as the interruption of all fusion or confusion between you and me.”

    Even at its most personal, friendship is marked by power dynamics — who holds it, who benefits from it and who can be cast aside. Not a cynical rejection of friendship, however, Derrida’s model calls for broadening its moral and political dimensions.

    Transactional structure

    Derrida’s model applies to the Canada-U.S. relationship, which has long been framed as one of mutual respect, built on democratic values and shared economic interests. But its underlying structure is transactional.

    The rhetoric of friendship has always served a function: to justify co-operation when it is useful and to smooth over conflict when it is not. The moment those interests diverge, the limits of the relationship become clear.

    Trump’s tariffs have exposed this dynamic in the clearest possible terms. Canada’s position as a friend to the U.S. is fragile and contingent, shaped by the fluctuating interests of the more powerful side.

    But the rupture is not new, nor is it a break from the norm. It’s simply a reminder of how the relationship has always worked. The question now is not whether Canada can restore its friendship, but whether it can afford to continue believing in it on the same terms.



    Read more:
    Amid U.S. threats, Canada’s national security plans must include training in non-violent resistance

    Embrace inherent fragility

    Derrida’s model of friendship offers a way forward. His model defies the simplistic binary of friend and foe, loyalty and betrayal, as these terms are ultimately mutually constitutive. Derrida calls for relationships that embrace their inherent fragility.

    For Canada, this doesn’t mean abandoning the discourse of friendship with the U.S. entirely, but rather acknowledging the bond’s fragile, conditional nature — always deferred, always on the brink of rupture.

    The challenge for Canada is to redefine its position in North America beyond the framework of mutuality and dependence. At the policy level, with Canada-U.S. relations, this means diversifying trade and diplomatic ties, resisting automatic alignment and asserting independent leadership in global affairs.

    At home, it means forging a national identity that is self-defined and free from the shadow of comparison.

    Jason Wang 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. How Donald Trump’s trade war against Canada reveals tensions inherent in friendship – https://theconversation.com/how-donald-trumps-trade-war-against-canada-reveals-tensions-inherent-in-friendship-252260

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kevin Rooney announced as new Senior Traffic Commissioner

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Kevin Rooney announced as new Senior Traffic Commissioner

    Secretary of State for Transport appoints Kevin Rooney as the new Senior Traffic Commissioner.

    • Kevin Rooney will start his new role on 1 June 2025
    • he has been appointed following 13 years’ service as Traffic Commissioner for the West of England, a role he will maintain while in his new position
    • Transport Secretary thanks outgoing Senior Traffic Commissioner Richard Turfitt for his great work, including seeing the arm’s length body through the pandemic

    The Secretary of State for Transport is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Rooney as the new Senior Traffic Commissioner, effective from 1 June 2025.

    In his role as Senior Traffic Commissioner, Kevin will oversee the work of the Traffic Commissioners, who are responsible for regulating the road transport industry across the UK, with specific oversight of public service vehicles (such as buses and coaches), freight operators, and drivers.

    Kevin takes on the Senior Traffic Commissioner from his current position as Traffic Commissioner for the West of England and brings extensive knowledge from his experience at the Vehicle Inspectorate and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). In these roles, he managed the introduction of the first MOT emission tests, diesel smoke tests and led the programme to upgrade VOSA’s enforcement processes, alongside working as a road safety consultant to new EU member states.

    As the role of Senior Traffic Commissioner must be held by a serving Traffic Commissioner, Kevin will retain his role as West of England Traffic Commissioner alongside his new position. Kevin is hoping to continue the excellent work done by his predecessor, Richard Turfitt, to improve and develop the Traffic Commissioner service.

    Richard leaves the role following the natural conclusion of his second 4-year term as Senior Traffic Commissioner. During his time in office, Richard has responded to a period of unprecedented and unparalleled change, first working through the issues emerging from the UK’s departure from the EU including drafting statutory guidance on the contingency of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) Permits and then working to provide support during COVID-19 and the recovery period. 

    Under his stewardship, the Traffic Commissioners were guided through the pandemic, maintaining critical services, which led to a complete overhaul of operations, including the move to virtual hearings and the use of digital technologies, alongside strengthened ties with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

    Richard’s liaison with the sector via key note addresses and industry engagements has also been widely appreciated by industry leads, and served to bring visibility to the Traffic Commissioner’s important role in regulation and road user safety. As Kevin steps into the role, Richard will be continuing in his role as Traffic Commissioner for the East of England.

    Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, said:

    I’m delighted to confirm Kevin Rooney as the new Senior Traffic Commissioner.

    He arrives with a wealth of experience from his time as Traffic Commissioner for the West of England and we’re all excited to see him build on the fantastic work of his predecessor, Richard Turfitt.

    I’d like to extend my thanks to Richard for his 2 full terms of service in the role, during which he has seen the team through the difficult pandemic period, and wish him the very best for the future, as he returns to his vital role as Traffic Commissioner for the East of England.

    Kevin Rooney, incoming Senior Traffic Commissioner, said:

    It is a great privilege to be appointed as Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain.

    I want to pay tribute to Richard Turfitt and the work he has done as Senior Traffic Commissioner for the past 8 years. Arguably, he led the commissioners through some of the toughest times we have seen during the pandemic, making quick decisions to keep the haulage and passenger industries working compliantly and to facilitate service recovery thereafter.

    Following in his footsteps will not be easy, but I look forward to that challenge, working equally closely with those who support commissioners and those we serve.

    Richard Turfitt, outgoing Senior Traffic Commissioner, said:

    I am pleased that the work of traffic commissioners is being recognised. It has been humbling to hold this judicial leadership role at times of crisis and to then be able to help the many responsible operators, transport managers and drivers who make up the regulated industries.

    It is undoubtedly a challenging and often isolating role, which requires support from officials, colleagues, tribunal and licensing staff and stakeholders to be effective. The working relationship with professional bodies and trade representatives has proved invaluable to serving Great Britain and in securing the safety of road transport.

    I look forward to continuing and supporting Kevin in that work, as he takes up the mantle.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –