NEW YORK, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ethos Specialty Insurance Services LP (“Ethos Specialty”), a Bishop Street Underwriters (“Bishop Street”) company, today announced the expansion of its North American Transactional Risk capacity through a new partnership with Starr, a global insurance and investment organization.
As the Transactional Risk market continues to tighten—amid hardening conditions and widespread capacity constraints—Ethos Specialty remains undeterred in its mission to deliver best-in-class solutions. The addition of Starr to Ethos’s panel of premier carriers underscores that commitment and further solidifies Ethos’s position as one of the most sought-after partners in the space. Starr joins an already robust, “A” rated lineup that includes AXIS and Skyward Specialty, bringing total capacity limits to $45M in the U.S. and $25M in Canada.
“We’re proud to partner with Starr, a global leader in commercial insurance,” said Navine Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer at Ethos Specialty. “Starr’s legacy of underwriting excellence and financial strength aligns perfectly with our mission to provide market-leading risk solutions across the U.S. and Canada.”
Starr brings over a century of experience and a global footprint spanning more than 100 countries. With an AM Best rating of “A” (Excellent), Starr’s capacity further enhances Ethos’s ability to serve clients across diverse industries with confidence.
This partnership comes amid a period of exceptional growth for Ethos Specialty. While many peers have contracted, Ethos has grown its Transactional Risk business by over 90% year over year—driven by a clear flight to quality among insureds seeking trusted, proven partners. Its ability to attract top-tier carriers like Starr reflects a reputation for underwriting excellence, innovation, and consistent claims performance. With a rapidly expanding footprint, world-class talent, and a forward-thinking approach, Ethos is well-positioned to shape the future of Transactional Risk across North America and beyond.
About Ethos Specialty Ethos Specialty is a leading Managing General Underwriter (“MGU”) that develops industry-specific insurance programs and provides specialized underwriting services on behalf of high-quality carrier and syndicate partners. Ethos focuses on managing risks related to transactions, offering multiple solutions including Representations and Warranties (R&W) and tax insurance. For more information, visit www.ethosspecialty.com.
About Starr Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on six continents. Through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident and health insurance products, as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy, and excess casualty insurance. For more information, visit www.starr.com.
About Bishop Street Bishop Street Underwriters, a RedBird Capital portfolio company, seeks to partner with Managing General Agents/Underwriters as well as niche underwriting teams. Bishop Street aims to combine their best-in-class (re)insurance executive team’s vision with RedBird’s strong track record, expertise, and network in the financial services sector to build a differentiated platform uniquely positioned to capitalize on secular growth tailwinds in the industry. For more information, please go to www.bishopstreetuw.com.
Dallas, TX, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vivakor, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIVK) (“Vivakor” or the “Company”) is an integrated provider of energy transportation, storage, reuse, and remediation services. Vivakor’s growth strategy is anchored in the Permian and Eagle Ford Basins where the Company is positioned to opportunistically expand its integrated crude oil storage, logistics, and marketing value chains.
Vivakor owns and operates 10 strategically located pipeline injection stations in the core Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico. These facilities receive and aggregate crude oil transported by truck from production wells, throughputting volumes into interstate crude oil pipelines that include Centurion (Lotus), Plains Basin Pipeline (PAA), and the West Texas System (EPD).
Vivakor’s Footprint in the Permian
“Our facilities position Vivakor as a critical logistics hub in the Permian,” said James Ballengee, Chairman, President, and CEO. “These assets enable us to support increasing volumes from upstream operators, enhance crude blending and compression efficiency, and ultimately drive revenue growth and operating leverage as activity scales.”
Mr. Ballengee continued, “The Permian continues to be biggest contributor to U.S. production of crude oil and NGLs, supporting international and domestic energy demand. Consistent drilling, quantities produced, and barrels brought to key markets bolster our revenues and business model. Our Permian facilities provide Vivakor with a capital-efficient means of giving producers needed market access while generating a rewarding return on capital for the Company.”
Vivakor’s infrastructure directly supports its broader strategy to deliver vertically integrated services in one of the world’s most productive oil regions. With the Permian accounting for more than 40% of total U.S. oil output, Vivakor’s expanded operations give it a front-row seat to the sector’s next growth cycle.
About Vivakor, Inc.
Vivakor, Inc. is an integrated provider of sustainable energy transportation, storage, reuse, and remediation services, operating one of the largest fleets of oilfield trucking services in the continental United States. Its corporate mission is to develop, acquire, accumulate, and operate assets, properties, and technologies in the energy sector. Vivakor’s integrated facilities assets provide crude oil and produced water gathering, storage, transportation, reuse, and remediation services under long-term contracts.
Once operational, Vivakor’s oilfield waste remediation facilities will facilitate the recovery, reuse, and disposal of petroleum byproducts and oilfield waste products.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified but not limited by the use of the words “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue” and variations or similar expressions. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, pending or expected transaction and ownership structures, the valuation of such transactions, the likelihood and ability of the Company to successfully and timely consummate planned acquisitions, the risk that any required regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect Vivakor or the expected benefits of transactions, our ability to maintain the listing of our securities on TheNasdaq Capital Market, disruption and volatility in the global currency, capital, and credit markets, changes in federal, local and foreign governmental regulation, changes in tax laws and liabilities, tariffs, legal, regulatory, political and economic risks, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, and general economic conditions.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in Vivakor’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which factors may be incorporated herein by reference. Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially, and potentially adversely, from any projections and forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those forward-looking statements are based. There can be no assurance that the data contained herein is reflective of future performance to any degree. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a predictor of future performance as projected financial information and other information are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to various significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. All information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof in the case of information about Vivakor or the date of such information in the case of information from persons other than Vivakor, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication. Forecasts and estimates regarding Vivakor’s industries and markets are based on sources we believe to be reliable; however, there can be no assurance these forecasts and estimates will prove accurate in whole or in part.
NEW AND NOVEL LOW TEMPERATURE IP-PROTECTED METHOD FOR PRODUCING LITHIUM SULFIDE DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN STANDARD LITHIUM AND TELESCOPE INNOVATIONS
LITHIUM PRODUCTS FROM STANDARD LITIHIUM’S ARKANSAS DEMONSTRATION PLANT USED TO MAKE NEXT GENERATION LITHIUM SULFIDE PRODUCT FOR USE IN SOLID STATE BATTERIES
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE American:SLI), a leading near-commercial lithium company, is pleased to announce the successful production of battery quality lithium sulfide as part of a collaboration with Telescope Innovations.
As previously mentioned (see Aug 28th 2024 news release), Standard Lithium has been working with its research and development partner, Telescope Innovations, to develop new and novel conversion technologies to make next generation battery materials. This new conversion process has now been successfully used to convert lithium hydroxide produced by Standard Lithium at its southern Arkansas Demonstration Plant, into battery quality lithium sulfide (Li2S – see news release dated May 7th 2025). Samples of the lithium sulfide have been shipped to solid-state battery companies in Asia and North America for ongoing testing and validation purposes.
Standard Lithium’s President and COO, Dr. Andy Robinson commented “this development of new IP and technology with our research partner, Telescope Innovations, exemplifies our approach to becoming the leading new lithium company in North America. Whilst our principle area of focus, and capital allocation, is building the first DLE project in North America at our South West Arkansas Project Phase 1 with our joint venture partner Equinor, we understand that constant technological evolution is integral to staying at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry. This recent work led by Telescope demonstrates that we are able to take lithium chemicals produced from the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas, and then transform them into the feedstocks required by the next generation of batteries. Our partnership with Telescope Innovations continues to be a “win-win” for our shareholders and their’s.”
Lithium sulfide is a key raw material required for many next-generation solid-state battery chemistries (see news release: Toyota works with partners to develop Li2S based batteries), but despite the importance of lithium sulfide in the next generation of battery technology, it is only produced commercially in very small quantities and at very high cost. The technical collaboration between the two teams has resulted in a novel low-temperature patented process that has the following advantages:
Feedstock flexibility – both lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate are viable inputs;
Impurity tolerance – allows the use of technical-grade feedstocks;
Enhanced safety in manufacturing – avoids high-temperature conditions and associated thermal risks.
About Standard Lithium Ltd.
Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas.
Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain “Forward-Looking Statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Syncfusion, Inc.®, the enterprise technology provider of choice, today announced the launch of a data center in Toronto, Canada, for BoldSign®, the company’s eSignature solution. This expansion lets Canadian organizations using BoldSign comply with local privacy laws and regulatory standards while also enhancing platform performance.
“Canadian organizations need trusted tools that support compliance and deliver speed,” said Daniel Jebaraj, CEO of Syncfusion. “The investment in a new data center reflects our commitment to delivering a secure, high-performance, affordable eSignature solution to our growing Canadian customer base.”
Hosting data in Canada aligns with data residency laws and provides faster, more reliable signing experiences. The Toronto data center is certified compliant with SOC 2® standards. It minimizes cross-border data exposure, while Canadian jurisdiction offers added legal clarity and protection.
The BoldSign platform delivers fast, secure, and scalable eSignature functionality with modern APIs, automated workflows, and audit-ready compliance. With data centers in the U.S., the European Union, and now Canada, as well as qualified electronic signature (QES) certification for EU customers, BoldSign is purpose-built to meet the performance and regulatory needs of global organizations.
To learn more about compliance and security features in BoldSign and its affordable, transparent pricing, visit https://boldsign.com.
About Syncfusion, Inc. Headquartered in the technology hub of Research Triangle Park, N.C., Syncfusion, Inc.® delivers an award-winning ecosystem of developer control suites, embeddable BI platforms, and business software. Syncfusion was founded in 2001 with a single software component and a mission to support businesses of all sizes—from individual developers and start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Though its pilot product, the Essential Studio® suite, has grown to over 1,900 developer controls, its mission remains the same. With offices in the U.S., India, and Kenya, Syncfusion prioritizes the customer experience by providing feature-rich solutions to help developers and enterprises solve complex problems, save money, and build high-performance, robust applications.
From celebrities and influencers to everyday people, social media is full of content that showcases perfectly toned, muscular bodies – and how to achieve them. Having a muscular physique is no longer confined to elite athletes and body builders – it has become a widely popular aspiration.
But alongside the rising popularity of this kind of content has been an increase in the pressure that both men and women are feeling to achieve a more athletic, muscular physique. This seemingly healthy trend has coincided with the detection of a new form of disordered eating.
Muscularity oriented disordered eating (Mode) refers to a set of disordered eating habits driven by an excessive focus on lean muscle gain. This includes excessive consumption of protein supplements and drinks, rigid diet patterns, meticulous tracking of macronutrients (protein, carbs and fat in food) and frequent muscle checking.
Unlike eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, Mode is specifically related to muscularity and predominantly affects young men. But, as with other forms of disordered eating, Mode can disrupt daily life, harm social relationships and diminish emotional wellbeing.
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Social media plays a significant and multifaceted role in Mode. While social media can sometimes offer helpful health and fitness information, social media algorithms also amplify content of extreme or visually striking bodies that garner attention.
Many social media influencers also promote unattainable body standards, unsustainable lifestyles and extreme eating habits. These include the daily use of protein supplements, rigorous tracking of macronutrients, extreme workouts and the use of drugs (including anabolic steroids) to enhance performance.
Some influencers even partner with fitness supplement companies, becoming the image for a specific brand or food product. This can incentivise social media users to purchase those products and follow similar dietary habits without seeking professional advice or examining the risks.
While not every fitness enthusiast is at risk of developing Mode, this intense preoccupation with muscle growth is growing. According to one 2019 study, 22% of males and 5% of females aged 18–20 reported engaging in behaviour consistent with Mode.
Mode has been closely associated with preoccupation with body image, which is known to be linked with unhealthy, body-changing behaviours.
Obsessively tracking protein intake, consuming supplements and following a rigid diet are all associated with Mode. George Rudy/ Shutterstock
Several other factors have also been associated with Mode. These include exercising specifically to gain weight, perceiving oneself as underweight, having a lower body mass index (BMI), practising weightlifting and using anabolic steroids. Among males, alcohol consumption is linked to Mode, while depressive symptoms were a notable factor for females.
Mode has also been reported at comparable rates in many countries around the world – including the United States, Canada and Iran.
Risk of harm
There are many physical and mental harms that may be associated with Mode.
For instance, the condition is associated with a variety of disordered eating patterns. Fixation on muscle development can trigger or exacerbate eating disorders, notably binge eating. Orthorexia nervosa – a pathological and potentially harmful focus on “healthy eating” – is also frequently recorded in fitness communities.
While women were once the main audience for the health food market, health supplements and protein products are increasingly targeted at men.
According to a US study, more than 80% of male college students reported using whey protein powders or shakes, and more than 50% used the supplement creatine monohydrate to increase muscle mass and strength. Alarmingly, 82% of anabolic-androgenic steroid users in the study were also from this demographic. Steroid use is associated with serious side effects, including mood swings and sexual dysfunction.
Over-consumption of protein products can be harmful to health. While it’s true your body needs more protein when you are more active, not all muscle-building products are necessarily healthy. Protein shakes, for example, can be highly processed.
Some products contain artificial sweeteners and thickeners. They may also contain potentially harmful chemicals such as heavy metals (including lead and aluminium).
Over-consumption of protein products has also been linked to gut and metabolic disturbances. It’s important that protein shakes and bars aren’t used as replacements for natural protein sources, such as pulses, meat, fish or dairy foods.
On a social and emotional level, Mode is associated with disruptions to daily life and social isolation, with the person prioritising diet and fitness plans over work, school and relationships. In one study, male bodybuilders who followed an extreme, muscle-focused diet reported they felt guilty and disappointed in themselves if they deviated from their lifestyle – with their dietary needs affecting their work.
Recognising Mode as a legitimate public health concern is essential for cultivating a more inclusive and healthy fitness culture. While continuing to support efforts to exercise more and stay healthy, schools, colleges, gyms and fitness instructors should be mindful of the potential for Mode among people who are excessively focused on their physical appearance or over-frequenting the gym.
More work needs to be done to identify Mode risk factors and prevent further escalation. The fitness industry should also be held to greater account for the products and lifestyles they promote.
Alison Fixsen 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.
President Donald Trump’s critics often accuse him of harboring authoritarian ambitions. Journalists and scholars have drawn parallels between his leadership style and that of strongmen abroad. Some Democrats warn that the U.S. is sliding toward autocracy – a system in which one leader holds unchecked power.
Others counter that labeling Trump an autocrat is alarmist. After all, he hasn’t suspended the Constitution, forced school children to memorize his sayings or executed his rivals, as dictators such as Augusto Pinochet, Mao Zedong and Saddam Hussein once did.
But modern autocrats don’t always resemble their 20th-century predecessors.
Instead, they project a polished image, avoid overt violence and speak the language of democracy. They wear suits, hold elections and talk about the will of the people. Rather than terrorizing citizens, many use media control and messaging to shape public opinion and promote nationalist narratives. Many gain power not through military coups but at the ballot box.
The softer power of today’s autocrats
In the early 2000s, political scientist Andreas Schedler coined the term “electoral authoritarianism” to describe regimes that hold elections without real competition. Scholars Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way use another phrase, “competitive authoritarianism,” for systems in which opposition parties exist but leaders undermine them through censorship, electoral fraud or legal manipulation.
These leaders don’t rely on violent repression. Instead, they craft the illusion that they are competent, democratic defenders of the nation – protecting it from foreign threats or internal enemies who seek to undermine its culture or steal its wealth.
President Donald Trump appears at an Air Force base in Doha, Qatar, on May 15, 2025. Win McNamee/Getty Images
Hungary’s democratic facade
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán exemplifies this approach. He first served from 1998 to 2002, returned to power in 2010 and has since won three more elections – in 2014, 2018 and 2022 – after campaigns that international observers criticized as “intimidating and xenophobic.”
Orbán has preserved the formal structures of democracy – courts, a parliament and regular elections – but has systematically hollowed them out.
To boost his image, Orbán funneled state advertising funds to friendly news outlets. In 2016, an ally bought Hungary’s largest opposition newspaper – then shut it down.
Orbán has also targeted advocacy groups and universities. The Central European University, which was registered in both Budapest and the U.S., was once a symbol of the new democratic Hungary. But a law penalizing foreign-accredited institutions forced it to relocate to Vienna in 2020.
Yet Orbán has mostly avoided violence. Journalists are harassed rather than jailed or killed. Critics are discredited for their beliefs but not abducted. His appeal rests on a narrative that Hungary is under siege – by immigrants, liberal elites and foreign influences – and that only he can defend its sovereignty and Christian identity. That message resonates with older, rural, conservative voters, even as it alienates younger, urban populations.
A global shift in autocrats
In recent decades, variants of spin dictatorship have appeared in Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Leaders such as Hugo Chávez and the early Vladimir Putin consolidated power and marginalized opposition with minimal violence.
Data confirm this trend. Drawing from human rights reports, historical records and local media, my colleague Sergei Guriev and I found that the global incidence of political killings and imprisonments by autocrats dropped significantly from the 1980s to the 2010s.
Why? In an interconnected world, overt repression has costs. Attacking journalists and dissidents can prompt foreign governments to impose economic sanctions and discourage international companies from investing. Curbing free expression risks stifling scientific and technological innovation – something even autocrats need in modern, knowledge-based economies.
Still, when crises erupt, even spin dictators often revert to more traditional tactics. Russia’s Putin has cracked down violently on protesters and jailed opposition leaders. Meanwhile, more brutal regimes such as those in North Korea and China continue to rule by spreading fear, combining mass incarceration with advanced surveillance technologies.
But overall, spin is replacing terror.
America too?
Most experts, myself included, agree that the U.S. remains a democracy.
Some experts say democracy depends on politicians’ self restraint. But a system that survives only if leaders choose to respect its limits is not much of a system at all.
What matters more is whether the press, judiciary, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, churches, unions, universities and citizens have the power – and the will – to hold leaders accountable.
Wealthy democracies such as the U.S., Canada and many Western European countries benefit from robust institutions such as newspapers, universities, courts and advocacy groups that act as checks on government.
Such institutions help explain why populists such as Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi or Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, although accused of bending electoral rules and threatening judicial independence, have not dismantled democracy outright in their countries.
In the U.S., the Constitution provides another layer of protection. Amending it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of the states – a far steeper hurdle than in Hungary, where Orbán needed only a two-thirds parliamentary majority to rewrite the constitution.
Of course, even the U.S. Constitution can be undermined if a president defies the Supreme Court. But doing so risks igniting a constitutional crisis and alienating key supporters.
That doesn’t mean American democracy is safe from erosion. But its institutional foundations are older, deeper and more decentralized than those of many newer democracies. Its federal structure, with overlapping jurisdictions and multiple veto points, makes it harder for any one leader to dominate.
Still, the global rise of spin dictatorships should sharpen awareness of what is happening in the U.S. Around the world, autocrats have learned to control their citizens by faking democracy. Understanding their techniques may help Americans to preserve the real thing.
Daniel Treisman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
MIAMI, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ehave, Inc., (OTC Pink: EHVVF) (the “Company”) today announced the acquisition of AIHeadHunter, an artificial intelligence-powered recruitment platform, through an asset purchase agreement. The transaction marks a significant step in Ehave’s strategic shift toward becoming a developer and operator of applied AI solutions.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ehave acquired the assets of AIHeadHunter from Klizo Ventures Inc. The acquired assets include proprietary software, intellectual property, branding, domain names, and other related technologies and materials. The purchase price consists of $2.7 million in newly created Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 100 million shares of common stock. The Preferred Stock is convertible into common shares at a rate determined by a volume-weighted average price formula and is subject to shareholder approval of an amendment to Ehave’s articles of incorporation. As a result of the transaction, Klizo Ventures Inc. will own more than 5% of Ehave’s outstanding shares and be considered an affiliate under applicable securities regulations.
The agreement also includes performance-based earnouts of up to $7 million in additional Preferred Stock, tied to specific revenue and customer milestones.
Ben Kaplan, CEO of Ehave, said, “This acquisition positions us to capitalize on the tremendous opportunity in workforce automation and AI-driven recruitment. Our long-term vision is to incubate and scale platforms like AIHeadHunter that solve real-world inefficiencies.”
Since its last public update on Dec. 31, 2024, Ehave has been operating intentionally under the radar while executing a strategic realignment. Behind the scenes, the company has been focused on structuring several game-changing transactions to accelerate its evolution into a data-driven technology platform. The acquisition of AIHeadHunter marks the first in a series of planned initiatives aimed at delivering intelligent, AI-powered solutions. As Ehave transitions into a company committed to transforming the way people live and work through artificial intelligence, it remains focused on developing practical, user-centric tools that turn raw data into meaningful insights.
“This is just the beginning,” Ben Kaplan continued. “We are rebuilding Ehave from the inside out and our process is driven by intelligent systems designed to solve real, large-scale problems.”
The global staffing and recruiting market, valued between $619 billion and $757 billion in 2024, is projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2033, growing at a compound annual rate of approximately 13%. Yet despite its size, the industry remains burdened by inefficiencies: the average time to fill a position is 44 days, often surpassing 60 days for high-skill roles, and the average cost per hire is $4,700, excluding onboarding and ramp-up costs. According to Klizo Solutions analysis, recruiters still spend up to 70% of their week on manual sourcing and resume screening, while 60% of job seekers abandon applications when the process is too long or complex. With Gartner forecasting that over 40% of enterprise recruiting tasks will be fully automated by 2026, platforms like AIHeadHunter are well positioned to shorten fill times, cut sourcing costs, and capture meaningful share in a rapidly growing, multibillion-dollar market.
AIHeadHunter is designed to streamline executive recruitment and talent sourcing through automation and advanced data analysis. The platform will be powered by technology licensed from Interview Screener, a backend AI interview and resume analysis platform built by Klizo Solutions founder Joey Ricard.
Ehave has established a wholly owned subsidiary to operate AIHeadHunter, with Ricard appointed as president. Ricard brings more than a decade of experience in building scalable AI infrastructure for Fortune 500 companies and public agencies.
Joey Ricard, founder of Klizo Solutions and President of Ehave’s new AI subsidiary, said, “The recruiting industry is overdue for intelligent automation. With AIHeadHunter, we’re not just digitizing old processes—we’re fundamentally rethinking how talent is discovered, qualified, and delivered. This platform is built to solve real bottlenecks for recruiters and hiring teams, and we’re excited to bring it to market with Ehave.”
“Joey is more than just a technologist—he’s a proven product visionary and operator,” Kaplan said. “He will lead roadmap development, integration and go-to-market strategy across our AI initiatives.”
Regulatory Progress and Market Expansion
Ehave is currently compliant with the OTC Markets’ new OTCID (OTC Issuer Data) requirements, ensuring enhanced transparency and reporting standards for investors. The company also plans to apply for uplisting to the OTCQB Venture Market, a designation that offers increased visibility and credibility with institutional and retail investors.
Funding and Go-to-Market Plans
Ehave intends to fund the new subsidiary using proceeds from a planned Regulation A offering, with an initial $1 million budget over 12 months. The company expects AIHeadHunter to launch its enterprise pilots and SaaS offering in the third quarter of 2025.
About Ehave Inc.
Ehave Inc. (OTC: EHVVF) is a data-focused technology company committed to transforming the way people live and work through artificial intelligence. With a mission to make data behave, Ehave develops practical, user-centric solutions that convert raw information into actionable insights. The company is focused on bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI advancements and their real-world applications, building tools that deliver tangible value for individuals and businesses alike. For more information, visit www.ehave.com. Follow Ehave, Inc. on X at https://x.com/Ehaveinc.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be preceded by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: (i) the initiation, timing, progress and results of the Company’s research, manufacturing and other development efforts; (ii) the Company’s ability to advance its products to successfully complete development and commercialization; (iii) the manufacturing, development, commercialization, and market acceptance of the Company’s products; (iv) the lack of sufficient funding to finance the product development and business operations; (v) competitive companies and technologies within the Company’s industry and introduction of competing products; (vi) the Company’s ability to establish and maintain corporate collaborations; (vii) loss of key management personnel; (viii) the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering its products and its ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; (ix) potential failure to comply with applicable health information privacy and security laws and other state and federal privacy and security laws; and (x) the difficulty of predicting actions of the USA FDA and its regulations. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement unless required by law. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in Ehave, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 24, 2015, as amended, which is available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov.
For Media and Investor Relations, please contact:
David L. Kugelman (866) 692-6847 Toll Free – U.S. & Canada (404) 281-8556 Mobile and WhatsApp Email: Ir@Ehave.com
MIAMI, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”, a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced a new official partnership with Houston Dynamo FC, one of Major League Soccer’s most community-driven teams. This collaboration unites two organizations deeply committed to uplifting and celebrating Latino culture through the unifying passion of soccer.
Soccer is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with more than 85 million fans nationwide. In Houston, a city where over 45% of the population identifies as Latino, the connection runs even deeper. Latino fans make up nearly 70% of the MLS audience, making the city a natural home for this partnership. Together, Intermex and Houston Dynamo FC aim to champion cultural pride, family connection, and community empowerment.
“Intermex is the only remittance company built by Latinos for Latinos. Partnering with Houston Dynamo FC allows us to celebrate that shared heritage and connect with our customers beyond financial services, through a sport that speaks to identity, passion, and tradition,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Product, Marketing & Digital Officer at Intermex.
“We are thrilled to welcome Intermex to the club, they are a cutting-edge organization that shares our commitment to elevating our community and fostering civic pride,” Dynamo Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Ben Carruthers said. “Intermex’s dedication to serving diverse communities aligns perfectly with our mission both on and off the pitch. Together, we look forward to delivering exciting experiences to our fans and supporting the vibrant, diverse culture synonymous with our city.” Through this partnership, Intermex and Houston Dynamo FC will collaborate on in-stadium experiences, community events, and cultural celebrations that highlight and honor the vibrancy of the Latino community.
About Intermex Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to enable consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.
About Houston Dynamo FC Houston Dynamo FC is a Major League Soccer team and part of the Houston Dynamo Football Club, a multi-faceted organization that includes the Dynamo, the Houston Dash and the Houston Dynamo Academy, and Dynamo and Dash Charities. Ted Segal acquired a majority ownership interest in HDFC in June 2021 and serves as the chairman of the Club. Under his leadership the organization completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of Shell Energy Stadium in March 2023 and the Club moved into a 27,000 square foot headquarters in East Downtown in July 2023. Houston Dynamo FC has won two MLS Cup championships, two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups and four conference championships in its first 19 seasons and has qualified to represent the United States in international competition eight times. The team trains at the Champions Field at Houston Sports Park (HSP), the premier training facility in Southeast Texas, and plays its home matches at Shell Energy Stadium in downtown Houston. For more information, log on to www.HoustonDynamoFC.com or call (713) 276-7500.
Investor Relations Contact: Alex Sadowski Investor Relations Coordinator ir@intermexusa.com 305-671-8000
Tesonet is investing €2 million in the Lithuanian SportsTech startup FPRO. This is FPRO’s first round of outside investment, marking a new phase in its development. The funds will help the startup to leverage smart tech solutions to expand professional training opportunities in youth football worldwide.
A made-in-Lithuania solution for the global football market
FPRO is a SportsTech startup that is developing innovative football training solutions for children. Working in collaboration with UEFA-certified coaches and experts in sports science, FPRO has devised a unique interactive app for children ages 6 through 12. The app is designed to improve their technique, coordination and ball control skills.
Having founded the Football Pro Academy back in 2018, founders Ernestas Pilypas, Darius Jankauskas, and Vilius Petkevičius were forced to move operations online during the pandemic. This was the impetus behind the development of their digital product, which was released in 2022. The platform’s user base currently consists of 140,000+ children from the UK, Germany, the US, and other countries. Most of the company’s revenue comes from sales outside of their home market.
“Football is the most popular sport in the world, but the market is currently short on qualified coaches. We wanted to create a solution that would be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means or location. FPRO fills this gap by offering young athletes an accessible, tech-driven method geared towards raising their physical fitness and developing their personalities in a comprehensive way. It helps to build their self-confidence, discipline, and passion for football through a focused and personalised coaching process. We see Tesonet’s investment as confirmation that we’re on the right track,” said Vilius Petkevičius, co-founder of FPRO.
Ambitious partnership for innovation in children’s sports
“The sports technology market has enormous potential, and football unites billions of people worldwide. Given our substantial experience with SportsTech, the latest investment reflects our strategy to expand the sports innovation ecosystem while strengthening the community both in Lithuania and globally. This is a profitable and growing startup with a broad user base, an unstoppable team, and founders who are experts in their field. It’s a perfect combination, and one that mirrors our own values,” commented Tomas Okmanas, co-founder of Tesonet.
Tesonet co-founder Eimantas Sabaliauskas added: “When making a decision to invest, we consider not only market potential, but also a given team’s vision and ability to solve real problems on a global scale. FPRO has created a strong product, and our goal as investors is to help them not just financially but also in terms of strategy. We see clear synergies where our contribution could help them optimise business processes, develop new revenue streams, expand their user base, and further accelerate growth internationally.”
Another SportsTech investment in Tesonet’s portfolio
This is not our first venture in the sports vertical. In 2022, we acquired shares in BC Žalgiris Kaunas, helping the basketball club with its digital transformation and commercial expansion. Then in 2024, we invested in basketball club BC London Lions, aiming to promote the development of young talent and bolster the club’s competitiveness internationally.
ABOUT TESONET:
Tesonet is one of the largest venture builders and investors in the Baltic States. It houses globally recognized companies such as joint cybersecurity powerhouse Nord Security and Surfshark, a market-leading web intelligence collection platform Oxylabs, the fastest-growing brand among hosting providers Hostinger, nexos.ai – an AI orchestration platform, and others.
With over 3,500 in-house talents and a fully developed infrastructure, Tesonet supports, funds, and scales businesses globally. Since 2018, Tesonet has extended its reach by investing in successful ventures like Hostinger, Cast AI, Eneba, BC Žalgiris, London Lions, Artea, Zapp, Turing College, and others.
Tesonet is known for its innovative ecosystem and strong infrastructure, which support product development, testing, and global growth. The company is dedicated to advancing technological innovation and helping grow the broader ecosystem.
ABOUT FPRO:
FPRO is a sports technology startup dedicated to developing innovative training solutions for children’s football. Collaborating with UEFA-certified coaches and sports university experts, FPRO has created a unique interactive mobile app designed to help children aged 6–12 improve their technique, coordination, and ball control skills.Currently, the platform is being used by over 140,000 children across the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and other countries.
More than 180 wildland fires burned across Canada on June 1, 2025, continuing what has been an active fire year so far. Some of the fires produced plumes so thick and widespread they were easily visible from a vantage point in space well beyond that of the Moon. NASA’s EPIC (Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera) on NOAA’s DSCOVR satellite acquired this image on May 31, 2025. The instrument is positioned 1.5 million kilometers (1 million miles) from Earth’s surface, which is about four times farther than the orbit of the Moon. For comparison, most polar orbiting satellites that observe Earth orbit at an altitude of less than 1,000 kilometers. From its distant position, EPIC captures a color image of the entire sunlit side of Earth at least once every two hours. The EPIC wide view shows smoke from fires burning primarily in the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The plumes extend to the north-northeast across Nunavut toward the coast of Greenland and southward across the United States. Another patch of smoke is visible over the Atlantic Ocean near Europe. Note that the hazy air west of Africa is not smoke but dust that has blown westward from the Sahara Desert. The blazes forced tens of thousands of people across three provinces to evacuate. Around 5,000 evacuated from Flin Flon as a major blaze crossed from Saskatchewan into Manitoba, according to news reports. This fire, among many others, led officials to declare a state of emergency in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in late May.
Smoke from the fires burning in Canada has raised health concerns as airborne particles degraded air quality locally and in several U.S. states. In Michigan, officials issued an air quality advisory on May 30, noting that the air could become unhealthy for sensitive groups. On June 2, Minnesota issued an air quality alert, as particle pollution in the state’s northwest neared hazardous levels for all people. The jet stream pulled smoke even farther south. The detailed image above, acquired May 31 with the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-21 satellite, shows smoke reaching northern Florida. Smoke-affected states farther from the fires saw mostly good to moderate air quality. Still, smoke high in the air can tint skies orange and contribute to some striking sunsets. Since the start of the year, 1,586 fires have burned more than 1 million hectares across Canada, according to a report issued June 1 by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center. In 2024, the country saw 1,343 fires burn less than half a million hectares by the same date. Canada’s wildfire season has historically run from late April to August, but fires can happen any time of the year. NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using DSCOVR EPIC and VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS). Text by Kathryn Hansen.
strong>AUSTIN – After Texas residents apply for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary to verify damage from the March 26-28 severe storms and flooding. Homeowners and renters in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties can apply for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance for the March storms. Within 10 days after applying, a FEMA inspector may contact applicants to schedule an appointment. The call or text to schedule an inspection will probably come from an out-of-state phone number. Information gathered during the inspection is one of several criteria used by FEMA to determine if applicants are approved for federal assistance. If survivors have already made repairs or replaced damaged items, although not required, it may be helpful to have pictures of the damage and receipts for repair or replacement. Applicants should also have their insurance policy available. The housing inspector will consider:
The structural soundness of the home, both inside and outside. Whether the electrical, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer/septic systems are all in working order. Whether the home is safe to live in and can be entered and exited safely.
All FEMA representatives carry photo identification. Inspectors will never ask for or accept money. Their service is free. A home inspection may take up to 45 minutes to complete. After the inspection, applicants should allow seven to 10 days for processing. For questions about the status of an application, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4871. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
DLNR News Release – Incidents on Hawai’i Island Shed Light on Hawaiian Hawk Abuse, June 2, 2025
Posted on Jun 2, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA
DAWN N.S. CHANG
CHAIRPERSON
KA LUNA HOʻOKELE
INCIDENTS ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND SHED LIGHT ON HAWAIIAN HAWK ABUSE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2025
HILO, Hawaiʻi – Threats to Hawaiʻi’s endangered wildlife usually come in the form of habitat loss and degradation, disease, or predators. Recent incidents on Hawai‘i Island involving the ‘io, or Hawaiian hawk, shed light on another hazard: human interactions. Last month, a Mountain View community member found an emaciated ‘io on her property. It was missing the upper portion of its beak. This was reported to the Hawai‘i Wildlife Center (HWC) which contacted the DLNR Divisions of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).
Raymond McGuire, a wildlife biologist with DOFAW, collected the ‘io and transferred it to the HWC. Examination of the hawk determined the injury wasn’t natural, but human caused. No longer able to feed itself, the bird had to be euthanized.
HWC received a tip the previous week about a posting on Craigslist that offered a free hawk in Mountain View. Posted photos of that bird showed similar feather, eye and cere (lump above the beak) color to the hawk they admitted, though it still had its full beak. The post has since been deleted. It hasn’t been determined if the two incidents are related.
“I just want to make people aware that these types of abuses are happening in our backyards and if community members see something, please say something,” said McGuire.
In Hawaiʻi, endangered wildlife like the ‘io carry state protections. Hawai‘i Revised Statutes prohibit the “taking” of endangered or threatened species, which includes harming, killing, or otherwise disrupting them.
McGuire added: “We’ve received several reports in recent years of shootings and other harmful misconduct aimed at Hawaiian hawks.We can all contribute to the protection of our native ʻio and stop the trend of abuse if we keep our eyes open and speak up.”
To report suspected illegal activity, call the DLNR enforcement hotline at 808-643-3567 or use the DLNRTip app. For information on raptor rehabilitation and rescue, reach out to the HWC at 808-884-5000.
Posted on Jun 2, 2025 in Featured, Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases
STATE OF HAWAIʻI KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA
GOVERNOR GREEN WELCOMES NEW STATE FIRE MARSHAL The Position was Abolished Nearly 46 Years Ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2025
HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of Dori Booth as Hawai‘i’s new State Fire Marshal, reviving a critical public safety position that has been vacant for nearly 46 years. The original Office of the State Fire Marshal was abolished by Act 241 of the 1978 Session Laws of Hawaiʻi, with its responsibilities devolved to the counties as of July 1, 1979.
This appointment marks a historic return to a centralized approach to statewide fire protection — one that was strongly recommended by independent wildfire investigation reports following the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires.
“Dori Booth steps into this role at a moment of incredible urgency — and with a mission that’s nothing short of transformative,” said Governor Green. “We are rebuilding an entire fire safety infrastructure at the state level, and Dori is at the center of it. She’ll need to navigate the complex division of responsibilities between the counties and the state, set up a new operational structure, and immediately implement top-priority reforms to protect our communities. It may sound like bureaucracy — but the goal is simple: save lives, protect property and keep Hawai‘i safe.”
Fire Marshal Booth has familiarized herself with the wildfires investigation reports by the Fire Safety Research Institute and will be leading the charge on executing the 10 priorities identified in the Phase II report.
“It’s an honor to step into this role at such a critical time for Hawaiʻi,” Booth said. “The lessons from the Maui wildfires are still fresh, and our responsibility is clear: We must do everything in our power to prevent future tragedies. That means stronger coordination, smarter planning, and a relentless focus on community safety. And when wildfires or other disasters cannot be prevented, we must be resilient — to protect Hawaiʻi’s most precious resources: its people, history, culture and places of deep significance. I’m committed to working with community members, county, state and federal partners — as well as our first responders — to build a fire protection system that reflects the strength and resilience of Hawaiʻi’s people.”
Booth brings more than two decades of leadership in fire safety and public service. Prior to her appointment, she served as Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction for the Sedona Fire District, and previously rose to Deputy Fire Marshal with the Phoenix Fire Department. In these roles, she led major fire prevention programs, high-risk inspections, hazardous materials response, and public safety planning for large venues and airports. A U.S. Army veteran, Booth served in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, where she specialized in civil-military operations and infrastructure stability. Her service earned her the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Safety Leadership Administration and a Bachelor’s in Sustainable Tourism Development and Management, both from Arizona State University. Booth also serves in a national leadership role with the International Code Council, chairing the Fire Sprinkler Exam Development Committee.
“The Fire Marshal will have a very important role in protecting our communities,” said Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert. “The Department of Law Enforcement looks forward to helping Dori be successful and we are honored that we have been entrusted to work with her side by side to keep Hawai‘i among the safest states in the nation.”
The fire marshal position was initially recreated by the 2024 Legislature in order to address the post-Maui wildfires third-party investigation reports initiated by the Department of the Attorney General, recommending a prioritized list of action items of changes to be made to improve Hawai‘i’s response to wildfires for the state and all counties. The 2024 legislation was amended in the most recent session to, among other changes, place the office of the State Fire Marshal under the Department of Law Enforcement.
A headshot of Dori Booth can be found here. Additional photos, courtesy the Office of the Governor, can be found here.
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Media Contacts: Erika Engle Press Secretary Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i Office: 808-586-0120 Email: [email protected]
Makana McClellan Director of Communications Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi Cell: 808-265-0083 Email: [email protected]
Julian Cote-Dorado ’24 (CLAS) has been accepted into the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals for the 2025-26 academic year. The fellowship annually provides 65 American and 65 German young professionals the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries, studying, interning, and living with hosts as part of a cultural immersion program.
Cote-Dorado graduated from UConn with a degree in political science and minors in economics and German. The Mansfield native grew up in the UConn community and graduated from E.O. Smith High School.
He is interested in pursuing a career in international relations and diplomacy.
“I love to travel meeting people, and I am very interested in different languages,” says Cote-Dorado. “My dream is to work in foreign affairs or diplomacy.”
For Americans, the CBYX program consists of three phases: two months of intensive German language training, one semester of classes, and a three-to-five-month-long internship. CBYX is sponsored in the United States by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
“I met Julian last fall at a German language club coffee hour,” says Tim Beaucage, an Honors Program advisor and STEM Scholar coordinator, who advised Cote-Dorado on his application for the CBYX program. “It is a great opportunity for the UConn community to gather and have the opportunity to practice their German language skills. Julian really impressed me with his German speaking and understanding ability. For someone who has only been learning the language in college, his level is outstanding. I could tell he was really passionate about languages, and he speaks several very well himself.
“I am so excited and happy for Julian to participate in the CBYX program,” Beaucage continues. “I am sure that he will walk away with not only superior German language skills, but many life-changing experiences and future opportunities as well.”
Cote-Dorado studied at Heidelberg University in Germany during his junior year as part of UConn’s bilateral exchange program. During his time there, he spent six weeks teaching English to Chinese high school graduates.
“That was my first foray into Germany, and I ended up really liking it,” says Cote-Dorado. “I am really looking forward to improving my German when I go back there and would like to get as close to fluent as possible.”
He adds, “The fellowship will give me a foothold in Europe for a possible career there. It’s a very interesting time to be in Germany as the country has taken on a stronger leadership role in international security in Europe.”
Cote-Dorado was also recently named a finalist for the Fulbright US Student Program as well, but has opted for the CBYX fellowship.
He was an intern at the U.S. Department of State in the fall of 2023, which included a trip with a delegation to Moldova for a multilateral nuclear security exercise. Cote-Dorado was also an intern in the Connecticut State Senate in the spring of 2024.
“Being in Hartford was interesting because I didn’t know much about state politics beforehand,” says Cote-Dorado. “I got to see not only how the legislative process works, but also how senators and representatives engage with each other. Connecticut is a small state, and they all know each other at the Capitol. It was interesting to see how committed they are to representing their citizens. They do it because they really care.”
There’s no magic pill for youth, but there might be a magic poo. Or rather a medicinal one, University of Connecticut researchers report in mSystems on May 30. They found that giving old mice fecal transplants from younger mice can reduce symptoms of aging.
Harvesting youth from the young to rejuvenate the elderly has been a theme in popular culture for quite some time. There have even been some experiments in mice showing that blood from a young animal can improve the health of an old one. But scientists are a long way from being able to replicate those successes in humans.
Now there might be a different way. UConn School of Medicine microbiome researcher Yanjiao Zhou and aging researcher Ming Xu have shown that supplementing old mice with the microbiomes of young mice can make them act younger, at least temporarily.
The microbiome refers to the ecosystem in the guts of the mice. The researchers gave old mice fecal transplants from young mice (yes, it’s exactly what you’d think) and measured common markers of aging. Old mice who received the fecal transplants displayed fewer anxious behaviors, lower levels of inflammation, improved mitochondrial function (meaning their cells were more efficient with energy) and increased grip strength. Mice receiving the young microbiome also lost more weight, had an improved metabolic profile, and improved behavior.
The old mice in the experiment were 18 months old, approximately equivalent to humans 60 to 65 years old. They received fecal transplants from young adult mice about 6 to 8 weeks old. The researchers continued giving the aged mice fecal transplants twice a week for two months, and the anti-aging effects continued as long as the transplants did. Whether they would continue if the experiment went on longer with even older mice is unknown.
The researchers are working on identifying the bacteria responsible for the anti-aging effects, and perhaps developing a probiotic that can benefit older humans.
Tampa, Florida, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, is pleased to announce the first deliveries of its revolutionary Flex FPV (First Person View) systems under an order from a major U.S. military prime contractor supporting land systems operations for allied forces.
The Draganfly Flex FPV system is built around a modular core architecture that allows operators to seamlessly switch between different arm and propeller sizes in seconds—without specialized tools. This adaptability enables a single Flex Core to support a variety of mission profiles ranging from reconnaissance and training to tactical payload delivery.
Capable of speeds exceeding 149 Kilometres per hour, the Flex FPV is designed to support traditional FPV flight and assisted modes, including autonomous waypoint missions. With the ability to carry payloads up to 10 lbs, including via picatinny rail or custom mounts, the system delivers unmatched agility and flexibility in high-intensity environments.
“This delivery marks an important milestone for the Flex FPV platform,” said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. “The system was born out of our work supporting frontline operations in Ukraine and has been refined through rigorous testing by multiple defense partners. We’re incredibly proud to see it deployed by one of the world’s top defense contractors. .”
The Flex FPV was officially launched in 2024 and has since undergone evaluation by a variety of militaries and end-users across training, defense, and public safety applications. This order includes a mix of core units and modular components selected to meet the specific needs of the end user.
Draganfly continues to experience growing demand across defense and public safety sectors as organizations seek out trusted, North American-developed UAS platforms capable of adapting to the evolving realities of modern warfare.
For more information about Draganfly, visit draganfly.com.
About Draganfly
Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8) is a global leader in drone technology, AI, and autonomous systems, providing innovative solutions for public safety, defense, agriculture, and industrial applications. With over 25 years of experience, Draganfly is recognized for its groundbreaking contributions to the UAV industry and commitment to delivering cutting-edge, North American-made technology.
This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Flex FPV system’s ability to support a variety of mission profiles ranging from reconnaissance and training to tactical payload delivery and delivering unmatched agility and flexibility in high-intensity environments. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s business, operations and financial condition; the successful integration of technology; the inherent risks involved in the general securities markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates; the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors“ in the Company’s most recent filings filed with securities regulators in Canada on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
The Watts Bar Nuclear Plant is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The plant is located in East Tennessee and has two pressurized water reactors that generate around 25% of the state’s power.
Learn more about nuclear energy: https://www.energy.gov/ne
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
“Today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from @CDCgov recommended immunization schedule. Bottom line: it’s common sense and it’s good science. We are now one step closer to realizing @POTUS’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.” – Secretary Kennedy
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
“ORR is fiercely devoted to locating the 291,000 children that disappeared during the Biden Administration. The most sacred duty we have is to protect our children and that’s part of the greater drive of the Trump Administration—to restore the moral authority of our country.” – Secretary Kennedy
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
We’re seeing Veterans come together at the #GoldenAgeGames , in ways that go far beyond competition. It’s more than just fitness, it’s about finding strength in each other and celebrating every step of the journey. Together, we #FeelTheVictory!
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Watch our special agents confiscate a knife from a violent Venezuelan alien resisting arrest.
This arrest was part of an operation that resulted in eight arrests — including one TdA member — with help from federal partners in San Diego May 29.
Our officers and agents often face extremely violent criminals carrying knives or firearms. Securing our nation can be exceptionally dangerous, but our officers and agents are honored to protect our communities.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JERUSALEM, June 3 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Monday that it has expanded ground operations in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.
The move follows an order issued Sunday by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to expand the ground offensive to additional areas in both the north and south of the enclave.
The IDF said its troops killed militants and destroyed weapons depots and above-ground and underground infrastructure.
In addition, since Sunday, Israeli aircraft have struck dozens of targets across the Gaza Strip, “including terrorist cells, military installations belonging to terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, tunnels, weapons depots and additional terrorist infrastructure,” the statement said.
The escalation of fighting followed disagreements in proximity talks between Israel and Hamas over a US proposal for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. –0–
The 8th Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GPDRR2025) began with preparatory events on Monday, 2 June, ahead of the upcoming official programme with highlevel meetings from 4-6 June in Geneva, Switzerland. GPDRR 2025 is organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and hosted by the Government of Switzerland. Two parallel events took place on Monday: the Third Stakeholder Forum and the Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) MultiStakeholder Forum.
Third Stakeholder Forum
Opening
The Third Stakeholder Forum opened with statements by the Governments of Switzerland and Indonesia and senior UN leaders under the theme “United for Resilience.” Speakers highlighted progress on the Bali Agenda for Resilience, an outcome of the 7th Global Platform in 2022, and the opportunities for inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Mirjam Macchi, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, appreciated stakeholders’ solidarity around the evacuation and assistance to the historic village of Blatten, destroyed last week by a glacial landslide 200 km from Geneva. She noted that even livestock were cared for-a powerful reminder that “resilience begins with local people” and inclusive solutions are more effective when those directly affected by disasters bring vital knowledge to action.
Achsanul Habib, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to risk-informed policies and inclusive approaches. He encouraged all participants to use the Stakeholder Forum as “not only a platform to listen and share, but a platform to act together.”
The event also showcased the Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments online platform (SFVC), where stakeholders can register their commitments, and users can identify areas of activity as well as gaps. Yuki Matsuoka, Head, UNDRR Office in Japan, noted that 729 individual organizations so far have registered their commitments.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organisation
Whole-of-society approach for the Sendai Framework on DRR: A collective responsibility
Sarah Wade-Apicella, UNDRR, moderated the session. On effective methods to implement inclusive DRR, Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, underscored the need for people with disabilities to be involved early in co-development of disaster risk strategies, and for foresight processes to incorporate diverse voices. Major Hamad Sabah Al-Sawar, Director of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bahrain, described Bahrain’s communication platform providing diverse modes of information sharing in multiple languages, the use of a phone application, and a common hashtag used to mobilize public action.
On intersectional and intergenerational knowledge sharing, Tom Colley, HelpAge International, drew attention to the wide network of older people associations worldwide as opportunities to engage this age group in DRR. He noted these associations can also harness and serve as channels for bringing Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge into DRR strategies. Barrise Griffin, Disaster Risk Management Authority, The Bahamas, emphasized moving away from one-off, extractive approaches to information gathering, and instead facilitating ongoing dialogue. Josefina Miculax Sincal, Huairou Commission, called for frameworks and trainings to strengthen good practices at the community level.
A slide showing the numbers of internal displacement by hazard for 2015- 2024.
Participants then heard comments and questions from the floor on the role of national DRR platforms in community-level participation, engagement, and school programs for children; managing conflicts of interest; looking beyond immediate impacts of DRR; measuring the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement; shifting risk ownership to local communities to handle disasters; and securing resources.
Data and financing for disaster displacement as loss and damage
Steven Goldfinch, Asian Development Bank (ADB), moderated this session.
Christelle Cazabat, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, explained that research into Hurricane Milton’s impacts in the US shows how people’s aspirations change when displacement stretches into the long term. She noted 2024 saw the highest number of people displaced in a single year globally (45.8 million), as well as the highest number of people continuing to live in displacement (9.8 million).
Noralene Uy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, noted that her country ensures children have access to child-friendly spaces during displacement, and that national protocols guide national and local assessments and reporting. Isoa Talemaibua, Ministry for Maritime and Rural Development, Fiji, highlighted Fiji’s risk assessment activities and stressed the value of financial tools such as green and blue bonds, and parametric insurance that enables rapid payouts based on environmental triggers.
Hoang Phuong Thao, ActionAid Vietnam, highlighted the organization’s work with marginalized and remote communities to use smartphones for receiving early warnings, as well as for reporting on local conditions, thereby informing the government’s trend analysis. Catalina Díaz Escobar, Corporación Antioquia Presente, emphasized that data collection itself is a political process and should be conducted in an ethical and respectful manner.
From Paris to Sendai: the fundamental connection of climate and DRR
Jamie Cummings, Sendai Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, moderated the session. Animesh Kumar, UNDRR, underlined that risk is a common denominator across the Sendai Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that all these global frameworks share the goal of resilience. He encouraged the institutionalization of the agreements at the national level and highlighted the need to localize them. On technical assistance, he stressed that funding applications under the Santiago Network -a mechanism to support countries recovering from loss and damage due to climate change -should be designed to catalyze downstream impacts. Hisan Hassan, National Disaster Management Authority, Maldives, described his country’s focus on EW4All and slow-onset losses. Manon Robin, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed integration of national adaptation plans and DRR strategies and emphasized, supported by Le-Anne Roper, UNDRR, the need to focus on coordinating actors on different aspects of climate resilience. Amber Fletcher, University of Regina, emphasized that slow-onset disaster management and funding are crucial for food producers, and stressed the significance of non-economic loss and damage.
View of the panel during the “From Paris to Sendai: the Fundamental Connection of Climate and DRR” event.
Innovative financing and private sector leadership in DRR
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Manisha Gulati, ODI Global, noted that most funding goes toward emergency response after disasters occur. She highlighted that when the private sector invests in critical services, DRR becomes an outcome, not only a target.
Yezid Niño, Private Sector Liaison, UNDRR Americas, emphasized the relevance of understanding that DRR is part of the development of the countries and pointed toward the role of regulatory frameworks in involving the private sector in financing DRR. Terry Kinyua, Co-Chair of the ARISE Global Board, stressed that the resilience of communities amounts to the resilience of a country.
Through digital interaction, attendees identified cost-benefit analysis, data gaps, and trust as the major barriers to private sector investment in DRR. Among the actions leaders can take to accelerate investment in resilience, attendees mentioned political incentives, regulatory alignment, resilience as a national priority, and the involvement of local leaders.
View of the panel during the “Innovative Financing and Private Sector Leadership in DRR” event.
Implementation of climate and DRR gender action plans at the national level-Synergies and strategies
Mwanahamisi Singano, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), moderated this panel discussion unpacking synergies between the different Gender Action Plans (GAPs) under multiple conventions and frameworks, including the Sendai GAP. She noted the need to avoid duplication and ensure cost effectiveness.
Mary Picard, Humanitarian and Development Consulting, gave a keynote address describing the actions leading to the launch of the Sendai GAP in 2024. Panelists mentioned key lessons from their experiences with governments in implementing the GAPs, including the challenge of competing priorities and political preferences among different ministries when attempting to coordinate the different GAPs. Other interventions focused on holding governments and agencies accountable for implementing GAPs and enhancing communication among women’s networks, particularly those involved in DRR. Following interventions on regional mapping tools and GAP observatories that monitor implementation progress, Singano invited participants to provide inputs towards developing a universal DRR gender equality observatory.
Community-led action for resilience, building partnerships for inclusive action
Maité Rodríguez, Fundación Guatemala, moderated this session. The panel featured grassroot women leaders and related international organizations. Godavari Dange, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, a women-led organization of farmer-producers, highlighted women farmers’ work in drought preparedness to cultivate and stockpile animal fodder. She also highlighted technology training conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic for women to use online platforms. Norma Choc Botzoc, Community Practitioners’ Platform for Resilience in Guatemala, described grassroot women’s own development of risk and vulnerability assessments, which, she noted, are being used as tools for advocacy to local authorities to direct resources appropriately. Speakers from ADB and the Centre for Coordination of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC) affirmed the central importance of cooperation and co-design of programs for climate resilience and recovery after disasters.
Disaster preparedness and risk reduction in urban areas—Building back better
Ladeene Freimuth, The Freimuth Group, moderated the session. Guilherme Simões, National Secretary for Peripheries, Ministry of Cities, Brazil, outlined the Live Peripheries program, which provides access to better urban infrastructure, social services, and opportunities; and the Peripheries Without Risk strategy, a community-based risk reduction and climate adaptation plan.
Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, highlighted EWS as one of the best-proven and cost-effective methods for reducing disaster deaths and losses. She drew attention to “Infinite Access,” a communication platform designed to deliver emergency alerts in multiple accessible formats.
Mario Flores, Habitat for Humanity International, discussed the challenges and opportunities of urban environments, stressing the need to build better in the first place; to have risk-informed development; and to consider housing as a platform for a peoplecentered resilience approach.
Debbra Johnson, ARISE-US Network, addressed the report “Navigating the sustainability-resilience nexus,” which brings together the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the DRR Sendai Framework.
Breaking the DRR financing silos: A systematic shift in DRR financing for localization of inclusive resilience
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Noting that financial capital existed but is not reaching local levels, Tanjir Hossain, Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, called for breaking down silos so funding is not sitting around while millions of people suffer. Steve Goldfinch, ADB, described the National Disaster Management Fund of Pakistan that finances projects with high economic benefits using a 70% – 30% funding model from provincial governments. He also highlighted the National Disaster Risk Management Fund of the Philippines that encourage local governments to invest in disaster response, relief, preparedness and risk reduction measures. Emma Haight, UNDRR Investor Advisory Board, described the adoption of a green sewer design, first developed in Washington DC, which proved so successful that the design was replicated in London, UK, Cape Town, South Africa, and Quito, Ecuador, highlighting its environmental and financial risk reduction, and over USD 200 million in cost savings. Michelle Chivunga, Global Policy House, discussed using artificial intelligence to shift DRR responses, optimize data utilization in local governments, track and mobilize funding, and to use digital capital during humanitarian crisis to make up for funding shortfalls. Sara Hoeflich, United Cities and Local Government, recommended investment in basic services such as water supply, street cleaning, and sewer solutions to ensure clean cities as an investment and risk mitigation measure. Marcos Concepción Raba, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction, discussed effective localization.
Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) Multistakeholder Forum
Opening
Julien Thöni, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Switzerland, said timely early warning action should provide critical time to act and respond, and noted that innovation better predicts and reaches people faster. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), suggested key criteria for improving early warning systems (EWS), including that science must connect people; and systems and partnerships must include actors “outside the DRR tent,” especially those most at risk. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of UNDRR, said EWS should not be regarded as a once-off intervention. He said national ownership must be strengthened, and the concept of leaving no one behind should be embedded into all efforts. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, via video, suggested EWS is the most basic tool for saving and protecting lives, and called for high-level political support, a boost in technology access, and public and private finance at scale.
Fireside chat: The state of EWS
Johan Stander, WMO, drew attention to national ownership, stakeholder engagement, and the involvement of funding partners when investing in EW4All. Sujit Kumar Mohanty, Chief of Branch, UNDRR, emphasized co-design and co-ownership approaches to meaningfully engage stakeholders for successful EW4All.
Good practices: Stakeholder perspectives on EWS
Interventions during this panel session included: calls to integrate women and youth in all decisions focused on EWS; investing in women’s leadership, particularly those with disabilities; ensuring young people are equitably involved; reaching those living in remote rural areas and conflict zones; and leveraging the communication power of mobile networks through private-public partnerships.
UNDRR Disability Leaders gather at the end of the day.
Perspectives from across regions on EWS
Panelists in this session focused on: successful collaboration and EWS progress in Zimbabwe after the 2019 Cyclone Idai; institutionalization of the community-based approach to EWS in Barbados; main challenges to integrate scientific tools and remote sensing into EWS in Lebanon; integration of the private sector in EWS decision-making process in Makati, the Philippines; and the role of cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and educating people for effective EWS in Poland.
Thematic Sessions
Four thematic sessions took place during the day. These were:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with the police forces of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, conducted the first joint operation of the Cross-border Anti-Scam Collaboration Platform “FRONTIER+” from April 28 to May 28. The operation achieved significant results in combating cross-border scam activities.
During the month-long operation, over 2 700 law enforcement officers from seven countries and regions were deployed, successfully identifying and dismantling multiple cross-border scam syndicates. In total, 1 858 individuals (aged between 14 and 81) were arrested, involving 9 268 scam cases, including online shopping scams, telephone deceptions (such as government official impersonation scams and impersonating customer service scams), investment scams, rental scams, and employment scams, etc, with a total loss amounting to US$225 million. A total of 32 607 bank accounts were frozen, and approximately US$20 million fraudulent funds were intercepted, effectively disrupting criminal cash flows. Enforcement details of the countries and regions are set out in the Annex.
Investigation revealed that scam trends show notable similarities across different jurisdictions. For instance, the impersonation of customer service representatives emerged as a widespread scam tactic in Hong Kong in 2024 and the trend started to drop in 2025 after police intervention. However, similar fraudulent schemes employing identical scripts and excuses to deceive citizens into monetary losses began to appear in Singapore and Macao SAR in 2025. This underscores the critical need for cross-jurisdictional collaboration and intelligence sharing to combat scam syndicates effectively.
The Cross-border Anti-Scam Collaboration Platform “FRONTIER+” was jointly established by various anti-scam centres in October 2024. As of now, the platform includes anti-scam centres from 10 countries and regions, namely Australia, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Macao SAR, Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. By strengthening intelligence exchange and coordinated actions, the platform aims to combat scams, cyber-related crimes and money laundering. The platform will continue to conduct real-time intelligence analysis and sharing, carry out cross-border joint operations from time to time, and expand its network by inviting more countries and regions to join in order to enhance enforcement efficiency.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant against scams at all times and to exercise caution in their financial transactions. Avoid hastily clicking on hyperlinks, downloading mobile applications, or logging into suspicious websites. If in doubt, the public is advised to verify suspicious information or websites using “Scameter” on CyberDefender’s website (cyberdefender.hk/en-us/scameter/), or the mobile app “Scameter+”; or to call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has launched its Testnet Faucet Center, a new hub designed to streamline how users access and engage with early-stage Web3 projects. The Faucet Center simplifies the process of claiming test tokens and joining testnet campaigns, enabling users to explore new protocols while positioning themselves for potential airdrops and early rewards.
The launch features an inaugural campaign in collaboration with three emerging projects: Sahara, R2, and Fiamma. Users can claim and interact with a range of test assets during the campaign period from June 3 to July 3. R2 is offering 100 million testnet USDC, Sahara is distributing 3 million SAHARA tokens, and Fiamma is allocating 2 sBTC, all available in limited daily amounts through Bitget Wallet.
The Testnet Faucet Center complements Bitget Wallet’s upgraded Discover page, which offers users a one-stop hub to explore trending DApps, follow interaction guides, claim airdrops, and shop with crypto. With curated sections for emerging ecosystems like Sui and Berachain, real-time airdrop tracking, and DApp safety checks, the Discover page is designed to help both new and experienced users navigate the fast-evolving Web3 landscape with ease and security.
The Testnet Faucet Center builds on Bitget Wallet’s broader mission to make Web3 accessible by removing barriers to participation in early-stage projects. With seamless token claiming and integrated project interfaces, users can engage directly without needing multiple platforms or advanced technical knowledge.
“The Testnet Faucet Center is our next step in helping everyday users discover and interact with promising Web3 innovations,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “We’re building tools that not only simplify access but also position our users to benefit from the growth of the ecosystem at its earliest stages.”
About Bitget Wallet Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets. For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com
TORONTO, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies Inc. (TSX: XTRA) (OTCQX: XTRAF) (FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution company that prioritizes the patron access experience by leveraging AI, today announced that its new innovative security platform, Xtract One Gateway, is on track to start shipping on schedule, in July. Inventory is currently being built for at least five different customers, with an aggregate order value of approximately $6.7 million. The product has already been certified in the U.S. and Canada, with additional international markets anticipated to follow later this quarter. The Company has hosted numerous demonstrations and product trials with customers of all types – education, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution companies, etc.
“I’m pleased to say that market response to the demonstrations of Xtract One Gateway has been strong. Shipments are set to begin shortly, and demand continues to rise, as we work on additional contracts following customer engagement,” stated Peter Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Xtract One. “We’ve shown our unique threat detection capabilities to dozens of companies and are excited to see this product put to use in the very near future, in multiple applications and markets. After experiencing Xtract One Gateway, potential clients are thrilled at the way we can improve overall efficiency and safety by accurately, and quickly, alerting staff to dangerous items instead of just anything made of metal. The future of threat detection starts now.”
Xtract One Gateway is designed specifically for scanning individuals and their belongings, allowing seamless passage through checkpoints and eliminating the need for separate bag searches, thereby reducing screening times dramatically. The system unobtrusively scans individuals, their pockets, their bags and backpacks for potential mass casualty weapons while distinguishing harmless personal items like laptops, tablets, three-ring binders, notebooks, eyeglass cases, keys, and phones, streamlining access into and out of facilities without disrupting the flow of movement.
About Xtract One Technologies
Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution leveraging AI to provide seamless and secure patron access control experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing- and delivering improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while enhancing safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding the deployment of the Company’s new Xtract One Gateway product, as well as future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason, except as required by law.
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (“Next Hydrogen“) (TSXV:NXH, OTC:NXHSF) announces that James Franchville, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, will be stepping down from his role and transitioning into a consulting position.
“Jim has been commuting between U.S. and Canada for the past four years, and we support his decision to relocate permanently back to the U.S.,” said Raveel Afzaal, President and CEO of Next Hydrogen. “Drawing on his extensive background in the automotive and aerospace sectors, Jim played a pivotal role in introducing lean processes and disciplined manufacturing practices at Next Hydrogen. We are grateful for his significant contributions and wish him continued success in this next chapter.”
“At Next Hydrogen, we’ve put substantial effort and investment into establishing a scalable, repeatable manufacturing process,” said James Franchville. “With our strong technology foundation and robust manufacturing systems, the company is well-positioned to become a global leader in electrolysis. I’m proud of the exceptional team we’ve built and look forward to continuing to support them remotely.”
About Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.
Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of innovative water electrolyzers that use water and electricity as inputs to generate clean hydrogen for use as a green energy source or a green industrial feedstock. Next Hydrogen’s unique cell design architecture supported by 40 patents enables high current density operations and superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on an infrastructure scale. Following successful pilots, Next Hydrogen is scaling up its technology to deliver commercial solutions to decarbonize transportation and industrial sectors. For further information: www.nexthydrogen.com
Contact Information
Raveel Afzaal, President and Chief Executive Officer Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. Email: rafzaal@nexthydrogen.com
This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the hydrogen industry in general; delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure development or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to costs and expenses; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; health, safety and environmental risks; uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure developments or capital expenditures; currency exchange rate fluctuations; as well as general economic conditions, stock market volatility; and the ability to access sufficient capital. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, there will be no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.
All amounts in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.
BROOKFIELD, NEWS, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Corporation (“Brookfield”) (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN) today announced that it has determined the fixed dividend rate on its Cumulative Class A Preference Shares, Series 42 (the “Series 42 Shares”) (TSX: BN.PF.G) for the five years commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030.
If declared, the fixed quarterly dividends on the Series 42 Shares during the five years commencing July 1, 2025 will be paid at an annual rate of 5.658% ($0.353625 per share per quarter).
Holders of Series 42 Shares have the right, at their option, exercisable not later than 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on June 16, 2025, to convert all or part of their Series 42 Shares, on a one-for-one basis, into Cumulative Class A Preference Shares, Series 43 (the “Series 43 Shares”), effective June 30, 2025. The quarterly floating rate dividends on the Series 43 Shares will be paid at an annual rate, calculated for each quarter, of 2.84% over the annual yield on three-month Government of Canada treasury bills. The actual quarterly dividend rate in respect of the July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 dividend period for the Series 43 Shares will be 1.38227% (5.484% on an annualized basis) and the dividend, if declared, for such dividend period will be $0.3455675 per share, payable on September 30, 2025.
Holders of Series 42 Shares are not required to elect to convert all or any part of their Series 42 Shares into Series 43 Shares.
As provided in the share conditions of the Series 42 Shares, (i) if Brookfield determines that there would be fewer than 1,000,000 Series 42 Shares outstanding after June 30, 2025, all remaining Series 42 Shares will be automatically converted into Series 43 Shares on a one-for-one basis effective June 30, 2025; and (ii) if Brookfield determines that there would be fewer than 1,000,000 Series 43 Shares outstanding after June 30, 2025, no Series 42 Shares will be permitted to be converted into Series 43 Shares. There are currently 11,887,500 Series 42 Shares outstanding.
The Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) has conditionally approved the listing of the Series 43 Shares effective upon conversion. Listing of the Series 43 Shares is subject to Brookfield fulfilling all the listing requirements of the TSX.
About Brookfield Corporation
Brookfield Corporation is a leading global investment firm focused on building long-term wealth for institutions and individuals around the world. We have three core businesses: Alternative Asset Management, Wealth Solutions, and our Operating Businesses which are in renewable power, infrastructure, business and industrial services, and real estate.
We have a track record of delivering 15%+ annualized returns to shareholders for over 30 years, supported by our unrivaled investment and operational experience. Our conservatively managed balance sheet, extensive operational experience, and global sourcing networks allow us to consistently access unique opportunities. At the center of our success is the Brookfield Ecosystem, which is based on the fundamental principle that each group within Brookfield benefits from being part of the broader organization. Brookfield Corporation is publicly traded in New York and Toronto (NYSE: BN, TSX: BN).
Matador now trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under ticker IU3
Listings across three key markets: Canada, U.S., and Europe
Approaching objective of near 24-hour trading access for Matador shares globally, just like Bitcoin
TORONTO, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (“Matador” or the “Company”) (TSXV: MATA, OTCQB: MATAF, FSE: IU3), the Bitcoin Ecosystem Company, is pleased to announce that its common shares are now listed for trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE) under the ticker symbol IU3.
This third listing complements Matador’s existing listings on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada and the OTCQB in the United States. With trading venues now spanning Canada, the U.S., and Europe, Matador is advancing its mission to bring near 24-hour trading accessibility to investors worldwide—mirroring the round-the-clock nature of Bitcoin.
“We are excited to begin trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange,” said Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies Inc. “This listing completes a key part of our global capital markets strategy, enabling European investors to participate more easily in our growth story and providing near 24-hour liquidity across continents.”
As a public company focused on building a Bitcoin-based treasury and financial technology platform, Matador joins a growing class of Bitcoin-aligned firms such as Metaplanet (TYO: 3350; OTC: MTPLF) and Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR). By leveraging Bitcoin’s unique properties as a reserve asset, Matador’s approach sets it apart as it continues to build shareholder value and foster financial innovation.
The Company will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MATA, on the OTCQB under MATAF, and now on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under IU3.
For additional information, please contact:
Media Contact: Sunny Ray President Email: sunny@matador.network
Phone: 647-496-6282
About Matador Technologies Inc. Matador Technologies Inc. is a publicly traded Bitcoin ecosystem company that holds Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset and builds products to enhance the Bitcoin network. Through a self-reinforcing model that combines strategic Bitcoin accumulation, Bitcoin-native product development, and participation in digital asset infrastructure, Matador aims to grow long-term shareholder value without dilution.
The Company’s flagship offering, the Digital Gold Platform, allows users to buy, sell, and trade 1-gram gold units inscribed as Bitcoin Ordinals—bridging traditional value with decentralized technology. With a Bitcoin-first strategy, a debt-free balance sheet, and a clear focus on innovation, Matador is helping shape the future of financial infrastructure on Bitcoin. Visit us online at https://www.matador.network/.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
Forward Looking Statements – Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the implementation of the Company’s treasury management strategy, risks relating to whether the transaction with HODL will be concluded as currently proposed or at all, risks relating to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and the launch of the Company’s mobile application as currently proposed or at all. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including with respect to the potential acquisition of digital assets and/or US dollars, the pricing of such acquisitions and the timing of future operations. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
