NewzIntel.com

Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Vote for Bendigo and Heathcote in Top Tourism Town Awards

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Exciting news! Bendigo and Heathcote have been shortlisted as category finalists in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards for the fifth year in a row.

    Bendigo has been shortlisted in the ‘top tourism town’ category, with Heathcote being shortlisted in the ‘small tourism town’ category, and now it’s time for the public to add their vote.

    In 2024, Bendigo scooped gold and Heathcote won bronze at the Victorian Awards. Bendigo went on to compete at national level and won silver in the Top Tourism Town category of the Australia Top Tourism Awards.

    City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy and Experience James Myatt said it was fantastic news for the Greater Bendigo region to be recognised again as finalists in these prestigious awards.

    “We are very excited that Bendigo and Heathcote are finalists for the fifth year in a row, recognising them as must-see visitor destinations that deliver amazing and memorable experiences,” Mr Myatt said.

    “We are hoping to bring home the gold again with the public vote now open until Friday June 27.

    “The final result is a combination of public voting, user reviews, a video promotion and suggested itineraries, so it means so much for Bendigo and Heathcote to be recognised in this way.

    “We have an incredibly passionate tourism industry, including attractions, accommodation, retail and hospitality providers who offer unique experiences for people of all ages and interests.

    “To be named the top tourism town or small tourism town, we need our community to vote.

    “It’s easy to do, visit the Victoria Tourism Industry Council website, click ‘vote now’ and select Bendigo and Heathcote. You can also enter your details to go into the draw to win a prize.

    “So, vote for Bendigo and Heathcote today!”

    To make your vote count, and be entered into the prize draw, you need to vote by 5pm Friday June 27.

    To submit your vote, visit:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff, Heinrich, Huffman Call on Trump Admin to Reverse Unlawful Approval of Mining in Mojave National Preserve

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Schiff, Heinrich, Huffman Call on Trump Admin to Reverse Unlawful Approval of Mining in Mojave National Preserve

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate ENR Committee, and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, expressed serious concern over the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) unlawful approval of mining activities by Dateline Resources inside the Mojave National Preserve and demanded they rescind their approval. In their letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the lawmakers also called on Interior to comply with federal mining law, conduct a full mineral validity exam, reaffirm the National Park Service’s (NPS) authority over mining operations in the Preserve, and explain their legal rationale for permitting Dateline Resources mining activity.

    “We write with serious concern regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recent press release announcing BLM’s ‘approval’ of mining activity by Dateline Resources within Mojave National Preserve,” wrote the lawmakers. “This action appears to violate federal law, disregards National Park Service (NPS) authority, and sets a dangerous precedent for industrial development in lands that Congress has designated as worthy of inclusion in the National Park System.”

    Congress created the Mojave National Preserve in 1994 through the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s California Desert Protection Act (CDPA), which transferred the land from BLM to NPS, helping support rare plant species and vital wildlife corridors. The law clearly states that any mining within the Preserve must comply with the Mining in the Parks Act, meaning companies with preexisting claims must conduct a mineral validity exam and obtain an NPS-approved plan of operations before any surface-disturbing activity can occur.

    Despite these requirements, BLM recently approved rare earth mineral exploration by Dateline Resources, an Australian company, based on a 1985 BLM plan of operations that predates the Preserve’s creation and only covers the extraction of gold. Dateline recently announced plans to begin exploratory drilling, despite lacking a valid NPS-approved plan or proof of the existence of a valuable mineral deposit, as the Mining in the Parks Act requires.

    “Congress set aside these lands and entrusted them to the NPS for permanent protection, not as a zone for future industrial exploitation,” continued the lawmakers.

    The lawmakers also criticized Secretary Burgum for backtracking on his commitments to safeguard America’s national parks.

    “This is not only illegal, but it directly contradicts a commitment you made during your confirmation hearing to ‘protect every inch of our national parks.’ Approving a foreign-owned company’s speculative mining project inside a national park in this way is clearly inconsistent with that promise and threatens future speculative actions across other national parks,” added the lawmakers.

    Local leaders expressed their strong support for Padilla, Schiff, Heinrich, and Huffman’s effort to protect the Mojave National Preserve from this unlawful mining activity.

    “We applaud Senator Padilla and congressional leaders for defending our beloved Mojave National Preserve from unchecked destruction by the Trump administration,” said Chance Wilcox, California Desert Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “In promoting speculative, damaging mining in our National Park System, the administration is pushing aside not only the legal protections afforded to this biodiverse landscape, but also the American people who love their parks. The administration’s misguided effort gives an Australian company a free pass to mining in one of America’s largest national park sites while saddling taxpayers with the clean-up costs.”

    “I spent my entire career in the National Park Service and was Superintendent of Mojave National Preserve for over a decade,” said Mary Martin, Retired National Park Service Official. “Speculative mining should have no place in our country’s most spectacular places – our national parks. It is infuriating that the Trump administration is urging an Australian mining company to drill and bulldoze this national park. This is nothing short of illegal and a betrayal of all Americans who own these national parks.”

    “The Clark mountain range is one of California’s most botanically important areas, estimated to harbor the second-highest density of rare plants of any of the state’s mountain ranges,” said Jim Andre, Director of UC Riverside’s Granite Mountains Desert Research Center. “The eastern Mojave Desert is also a global hotspot for new species discovery, where 15% of the vascular plant species have yet to be discovered. Will we know what we’ve lost if we bulldoze this area? They’re not just prized luxury items, they’re actually a functional part of the ecosystem that are supposed to be protected for the benefit of all Americans.”

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Secretary Burgum,

    We write with serious concern regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recent press release announcing BLM’s “approval” of mining activity by Dateline Resources within Mojave National Preserve. This action appears to violate federal law, disregards National Park Service (NPS) authority, and sets a dangerous precedent for industrial development in lands that Congress has designated as worthy of inclusion in the National Park System.

    Congress created the Mojave National Preserve in 1994 via the California Desert Protection Act (CDPA), elevating this cherished landscape to a National Park because of its outstanding ecological and cultural values, including in the Clark Mountain region, which supports rare plant species and critical wildlife corridors. Congress set aside these lands and entrusted them to the NPS for permanent protection, not as a zone for future industrial exploitation.

    The CDPA clearly states that any mining within the Mojave Preserve must comply with the Mining in the Parks Act, which requires a mineral validity examination and an NPS-approved plan of operations. However, it appears that BLM is attempting to circumvent this law and instead authorize Dateline’s project based on a 1985 plan originally approved by BLM for different minerals, under different ownership, and issued before the Preserve existed.

    To date, no mineral examination has been completed to validate Dateline Resource’s claims. Meanwhile, the NPS has repeatedly objected to Dateline’s unauthorized activities on lands within the Mojave National Preserve, including road grading and vegetation clearing, and requested over $200,000 in damages. Still, BLM appears to have acted unilaterally, greenlighting the company’s efforts to evade the law and ignore NPS oversight and review. In May, Dateline announced plans to begin exploratory drilling, despite lacking a valid NPS-approved plan of operations or proof of a valuable mineral deposit, as required by the Mining in the Parks Act. The original 1985 plan was for gold extraction, but Dateline is now touting rare earth elements – a major pivot that lacks any new environmental review or mineral validity determination.

    This is not only illegal, but it directly contradicts a commitment you made during your confirmation hearing to “protect every inch of our national parks.” Approving a foreign-owned company’s speculative mining project inside a national park in this way is clearly inconsistent with that promise and threatens future speculative actions across other national parks.

    Therefore, we urge you to:

    • Revoke BLM’s reliance on the outdated 1985 plan;
    • Affirm NPS’s jurisdiction and require compliance with the Mining in the Parks Act;
    • Conduct a full mineral validity exam; and
    • Provide, by June 20, 2025, the Department’s legal rationale for this decision, a copy of the 1985 plan of operations, and a clear statement on whether the Department supports industrial mining within national parks.

    We strongly urge you to reverse this decision and uphold the integrity of the Mojave National Preserve and the National Park System.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Altus Group’s Benchmark Manager Wins 2025 Realcomm Digie Award

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Altus Group Limited (“Altus” or “the Company”) (TSX: AIF), a leading provider of commercial real estate (“CRE”) intelligence, is pleased to share that its newly released Benchmark Manager add-on on ARGUS Intelligence has been awarded the 2025 Realcomm Digie Award for Best Tech Innovation in CRE.

    Presented at the Realcomm | IBcon 2025 conference in Savannah, GA, the award celebrates groundbreaking technology that is advancing the CRE industry. Benchmark Manager is the Company’s latest add-on capability on ARGUS Intelligence – Altus’ new flagship platform for modeling, monitoring and managing CRE asset and portfolio performance.

    With the ARGUS Intelligence Benchmark Manager add-on, investors now have access to a performance management solution that integrates cashflow modeling, scenario analysis, and market benchmarks. This augments performance attribution analysis to a new level. It helps investors evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their assets and portfolios. The increased intelligence drives higher quality and more timely decisions.

    “We’re honoured to receive this recognition from Realcomm,” said Jorge Blanco, Altus’ Chief Strategy Officer, who attended the conference as a featured panelist. “ARGUS Intelligence’s Benchmark Manager represents a major leap forward in how performance data is used in CRE and directly responds to client feedback. Market comparisons are only as good as the veracity and currency of its underlying data. Those are the two pillars of this new capability. It is driven by one of the most comprehensive datasets in the industry. The award recognizes our ongoing commitment to persistent innovation.”

    Now in its 26th year, the Realcomm Digie Awards recognize visionary companies, projects, and leaders that are transforming the real estate landscape through the application of technology, automation, and innovation.

    For more information about Benchmark Manager and ARGUS Intelligence, visit altusgroup.com.

    About Altus Group

    Altus connects data, analytics, applications and expertise to deliver the intelligence necessary to drive optimal CRE performance. The industry’s top leaders rely on our market-leading solutions and expertise to power performance and mitigate risk. Our global team of ~2,000 experts are making a lasting impact on an industry undergoing unprecedented change – helping shape the cities where we live, work, and build thriving communities. For more information about Altus (TSX: AIF) please visit www.altusgroup.com. 

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 

    Elizabeth Lambe
    Director, Global Communications, Altus Group
    +1-416-641-9787
    elizabeth.lambe@altusgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Bennet Introduce Bill to Strengthen Quad Space Cooperation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    Click here for audio.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the “Quad,” is an informal strategic forum for the militaries of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia. The partnership between the four countries is built upon common interests: promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and addressing regional geopolitical challenges.  

    At a time when adversaries like China and Russia are increasingly utilizing space-based capabilities to expand their interests, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), co-chair of the Senate Space Force Caucus and chair of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee, and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Quad Space Act of 2025. The bill would direct the Secretary of Defense to initiate discussions with Quad countries to identify mutual areas of interest with respect to the formulation of best practices in space, cooperation on space situational awareness, and space industrial policy. 

    The Quad Space Act of 2025 would also require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, detailing potential areas of mutual interests. Additionally, the report must outline potential steps the Secretary intends to take to formalize cooperation among Quad members. 

    “Maintaining space dominance is vital to protecting the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region,” said Cramer. “The Quad’s alignment addresses shared security challenges between our countries, and we recognize the importance of space as a strategic domain. The Quad Space Act protects our interests by deepening space cooperation with trusted partners and reaffirming our commitment to advancing a free and open region.”  

    “As China and Russia rapidly develop dangerous space capabilities and behave recklessly in space, the United States must bolster cooperation with our Quad partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Bennet. “The Quad Space Act will enhance our collective capacity to address shared challenges by better ensuring safe and secure space missions, tracking objects and activities in space, and fostering shared innovation.” 

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE ISSUES STATEMENT ON TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN 2.0

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    June 5, 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e:jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) issued the following statement:

    “Donald Trump’s latest travel ban is not a new policy; it’s a dangerous sequel to the same discriminatory playbook he used during his first term with the infamous Muslim Ban.

    “That policy tore families apart, sowed fear in immigrant communities, and betrayed America’s values. Now, with a wider list of targeted nations, he is doubling down on the same hateful rhetoric and xenophobic strategy. The ban’s scope and lack of nuanced security assessments reveal its true nature: a political maneuver rooted in prejudice rather than a genuine effort to protect our nation. This renewed travel ban is nothing short of a thinly veiled continuation of his anti-immigrant, anti-Black, and anti-Muslim agenda, and it is rooted in the very foundation set by Project 2025. 

    “Let me be clear: this latest travel ban is not a matter of national security, but is rather a blatant continuation of Donald Trump’s longstanding war on Black and brown immigrants. From the moment he referred to African nations as ‘shithole countries,’ his agenda has been crystal clear: to demonize and shut out people of color from the promise of America. 

    “The Ninth Congressional District of New York represents a cultural mosaic of diversity, and I see every day how immigrant families strengthen our neighborhoods, drive our economy, and enrich our culture. My heart breaks for my constituents, because this disturbing decision doesn’t just impact the millions still confined to their home nations. It cuts off the lifeline of their family members who have found a new home in my district and across America who rely on resources from their families here in the states. They all deserve dignity — not discrimination. I stand with them, and I will use every tool at my disposal in Congress to oppose this unjust and un-American ban.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Huffman, Padilla, Schiff, Heinrich Call on Trump Admin to Reverse Unlawful Approval of Mining in Mojave National Preserve

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    June 05, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate ENR Committee expressed serious concern over the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) unlawful approval of mining activities by Dateline Resources inside the Mojave National Preserve and demanded they rescind their approval. In their letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the lawmakers also called on Interior to comply with federal mining law, conduct a full mineral validity exam, reaffirm the National Park Service’s (NPS) authority over mining operations in the Preserve, and explain their legal rationale for permitting Dateline Resources mining activity.

    “We write with serious concern regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recent press release announcing BLM’s ‘approval’ of mining activity by Dateline Resources within Mojave National Preserve,” wrote the lawmakers. “This action appears to violate federal law, disregards National Park Service (NPS) authority, and sets a dangerous precedent for industrial development in lands that Congress has designated as worthy of inclusion in the National Park System.”

    Congress created the Mojave National Preserve in 1994 through the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s California Desert Protection Act (CDPA), which transferred the land from BLM to NPS, helping support rare plant species and vital wildlife corridors. The law clearly states that any mining within the Preserve must comply with the Mining in the Parks Act, meaning companies with preexisting claims must conduct a mineral validity exam and obtain an NPS-approved plan of operations before any surface-disturbing activity can occur.

    Despite these requirements, BLM recently approved rare earth mineral exploration by Dateline Resources, an Australian company, based on a 1985 BLM plan of operations that predates the Preserve’s creation and only covers the extraction of gold. Dateline recently announced plans to begin exploratory drilling, despite lacking a valid NPS-approved plan or proof of the existence of a valuable mineral deposit, as the Mining in the Parks Act requires.

    “Congress set aside these lands and entrusted them to the NPS for permanent protection, not as a zone for future industrial exploitation,” continued the lawmakers.

    The lawmakers also criticized Secretary Burgum for backtracking on his commitments to safeguard America’s national parks.

    “This is not only illegal, but it directly contradicts a commitment you made during your confirmation hearing to ‘protect every inch of our national parks.’ Approving a foreign-owned company’s speculative mining project inside a national park in this way is clearly inconsistent with that promise and threatens future speculative actions across other national parks,” added the lawmakers.

    Local leaders expressed their strong support for Padilla, Schiff, Heinrich, and Huffman’s effort to protect the Mojave National Preserve from this unlawful mining activity.

    “We applaud Senator Padilla and congressional leaders for defending our beloved Mojave National Preserve from unchecked destruction by the Trump administration,” said Chance Wilcox, California Desert Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “In promoting speculative, damaging mining in our National Park System, the administration is pushing aside not only the legal protections afforded to this biodiverse landscape, but also the American people who love their parks. The administration’s misguided effort gives an Australian company a free pass to mining in one of America’s largest national park sites while saddling taxpayers with the clean-up costs.” 

    “I spent my entire career in the National Park Service and was Superintendent of Mojave National Preserve for over a decade,” said Mary Martin, Retired National Park Service Official. “Speculative mining should have no place in our country’s most spectacular places – our national parks. It is infuriating that the Trump administration is urging an Australian mining company to drill and bulldoze this national park. This is nothing short of illegal and a betrayal of all Americans who own these national parks.”

    “The Clark mountain range is one of California’s most botanically important areas, estimated to harbor the second-highest density of rare plants of any of the state’s mountain ranges,” said Jim Andre, Director of UC Riverside’s Granite Mountains Desert Research Center. “The eastern Mojave Desert is also a global hotspot for new species discovery, where 15% of the vascular plant species have yet to be discovered. Will we know what we’ve lost if we bulldoze this area? They’re not just prized luxury items, they’re actually a functional part of the ecosystem that are supposed to be protected for the benefit of all Americans.”

    Full text of the letter is available here.

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Firm Capital Property Trust Announces Results of Annual Meeting of Unitholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Firm Capital Property Trust (“FCPT” or the “Trust“), (TSX: FCD.UN) is pleased to announce the voting results for its Annual and Special Meeting of unitholders (“Unitholders”) of Trust Units (“Units”) of the Trust held on June 5, 2025 (the “Meeting”).

    All the matters put forward before Unitholders for consideration and approval as set out in the Trust’s management information circular dated April 23, 2025 (the “Circular“) were approved by the requisite majority of votes cast at the Meeting. In particular, Unitholders approved the election of all trustee nominees, the approval of MNP LLP as the Trust’s auditors, approving for a period of three years, all unallocated options, rights and other entitlements issuable pursuant to the Trust’s option plan and approving for a period of three years, all unallocated entitlements issuable pursuant to the Trust’s incentive arrangements, all as described in the Circular. The results of the votes on the board of trustees of the Trust is as follows:

    Nominee Votes “For” % Votes “For” Votes “Withheld” % of Votes “Withheld”
    Geoffrey Bledin 9,172,015 99.4% 55,306 0.6%
    Eli Dadouch 7,857,717 85.2% 1,369,604 14.8%
    Stanley Goldfarb 9,120,792 98.8% 106,529 1.2%
    Jonathan Mair 7,835,944 84.9% 1,391,377 15.1%
    Robert McKee 7,835,844 84.9% 1,391,477 15.1%
    Sandy Poklar 7,810,534 84.6% 1,416,787 15.4%
    Lawrence Shulman 9,149,407 99.2% 77,914 0.8%
    Howard Smuschkowitz 9,151,255 99.2% 76,066 0.8%
    Manfred Walt 9,150,997 99.2% 76,324 0.8%
    Victoria Granovski 7,812,809 84.7% 1,414,512 15.3%
    Jeffrey Goldfarb 9,150,557 99.2% 77,264 0.8%

    9,340,241 Units were represented by Unitholders in person or by proxy at the Meeting, representing approximately 25.3% of the total issued and outstanding Units at the record date for the Meeting. Full details of the voting results will be posted under the Trust’s profile on www.sedarplus.ca.

    ABOUT FIRM CAPITAL PROPERTY TRUST (TSX : FCD.UN)

    Firm Capital Property Trust is focused on creating long-term value for Unitholders, through capital preservation and disciplined investing to achieve stable distributable income. In partnership with management and industry leaders. The Trust’s plan is to own as well as to co-own a diversified property portfolio of multi-residential, flex industrial, and net lease convenience retail. In addition to stand alone accretive acquisitions, the Trust will make joint acquisitions with strong financial partners and acquisitions of partial interests from existing ownership groups, in a manner that provides liquidity to those selling owners and professional management for those remaining as partners. Firm Capital Realty Partners Inc., through a structure focused on an alignment of interests with the Trust sources, syndicates and property and asset manages investments on behalf of the Trust.

    FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

    This press release contains contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, among others, statements associated with the opportunities that may be available to the Trust and statements regarding the business of the Trust. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue”, and by discussions of strategies that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Trust. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and various future events will not occur. Although management of the Trust believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements will occur as anticipated. These statements are not guarantees and are based on our estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Trust’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 under “Risks and Uncertainties” (a copy of which can be obtained at www.sedarplus.ca). Neither the Trust nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any forward-looking statements, and no one has any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or such other factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

    Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Additional information about the Trust is available at www.firmcapital.com or www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information, please contact:
       
    Robert McKee Sandy Poklar
    President & Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
    (416) 635-0221 (416) 635-0221
       
    For Investor Relations information, please contact:
       
    Victoria Moayedi  
    Director, Investor Relations  
    (416) 635-0221  
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: IDT Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Gross Profit +15% Year-over-Year to $112 MM; Record Gross Profit Margin of 37.1%
    Income from Operations +133% to $27 MM; Adjusted EBITDA +57% to $32 MM
    GAAP EPS Increased to $0.86 from $0.22; Non-GAAP EPS Increased to $0.90 from $0.38

    NEWARK, NJ, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT), a global provider of fintech, cloud communications, and traditional communications solutions, today reported results for its third quarter fiscal year 2025, the three months ended April 30, 2025.

    THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    (Throughout this release, unless otherwise noted, results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 (3Q25) are compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 (3Q24). All earnings per share (EPS) and other ‘per share’ results are per diluted share.)

      ● Key Businesses / Segments
      ○ NRS
      ■ Recurring revenue: +23% to $29.4 million;
      ■ Income from operations: +29% to $6.2 million;
      ■ Adjusted EBITDA: +29% to $7.2 million;
      ■ ‘Rule of 40’ score: 49;
      ○ BOSS Money / Fintech segment
      ■ BOSS Money transactions: +27% to 6.0 million;
      ■ BOSS Money revenue: +25% to $34.4 million;
      ■ Fintech segment gross profit: +31% to $22.6 million;
      ■ Fintech segment income from operations: +$4.9 million, to $4.3 million;
      ■ Fintech segment Adjusted EBITDA: +$4.8 million, to $5.0 million;
      ○ net2phone
      ■ Subscription revenue: +7% to $21.5 million (+11% on a constant currency basis);
      ■ Income from operations: +188% to $1.4 million;
      ■ Adjusted EBITDA: +50% to $3.2 million;
      ○ Traditional Communications
      ■ Gross profit: +5% to $43.4 million;
      ■ Income from operations: +39% to $17.3 million;
      ■ Adjusted EBITDA: +30% to $19.3 million;
      ● IDT Consolidated
      ○ Revenue: +1% to $302.0 million;
      ○ Gross profit (GP) / margin: GP +15% to $112.0 million; GP margin +470 bps to 37.1%;
      ○ Income from operations: +133% to $26.6 million;
      ○ GAAP EPS: Increased to $0.86 from $0.22;
      ○ Non-GAAP EPS: Increased to $0.90 from $0.38;
      ○ Adjusted EBITDA: +57% to $32.2 million;
      ○ CapEx: +14% to $5.4 million.

    REMARKS BY SHMUEL JONAS, CEO

    IDT’s third quarter was solid, with strong year-over-year gains, while slightly softer than our second quarter in part because of expected seasonal factors. Year-over-year revenue growth, and continued expansion of each of our business segments’ bottom-line results, drove a 133% year-over-year increase in consolidated income from operations, a 57% increase in consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, and a 290% increase in EPS.

    At NRS, recurring revenue increased 23% year-over-year, powered by a 37% revenue increase from NRS’ largest vertical, Merchant Services, and a 33% increase in SaaS Fees, which more than offset a 12% decrease in Advertising & Data revenue. Income from operations and Adjusted EBITDA were both up by 29% year-over-year, and the business has generated a record $32 million in Adjusted EBITDA over the past twelve months.

    Looking ahead, we continue to focus on developing new offerings that leverage the NRS platform to enable retailers to compete more effectively with large retail chains. For instance, independent neighborhood retailers have not yet meaningfully benefitted from the consumer shift to online ordering and delivery. We are working to change that by integrating our network with online ordering and delivery platforms, enabling retailers on the NRS network to provide hyper-fast local delivery of sundries and prepared foods. The 100 or so retailers we have signed up so far are already receiving, in aggregate, over 2000 delivery orders a week.

    BOSS Money, our remittance platform, increased transactions by 27% and revenue by 25%. The growth rates have been impacted by the deliberate shift we made last summer to prioritize gross profit per transaction in our retail channel rather than market share, and by a recent shift in customer preferences toward larger send amounts per remittance through fewer transactions. The Fintech segment, which includes BOSS Money and early stage fintech initiatives, generated over $5 million in Adjusted EBITDA – compared to $244 thousand in the year ago quarter. Looking ahead, Boss Money is working on initiatives to drive sustained long-term growth and innovations that reduce cross border friction and increase profitability.

    net2phone continued its steady progress with balanced growth in the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico. The team has done a great job growing its business while holding the line on overhead. net2phone’s Adjusted EBITDA margin reached 15% in 3Q25. net2phone began to offer its AI Agents this quarter and customers are already seeing the benefits, including enhanced efficiency. Even as we deploy AI Agents refined for specific market verticals, we are preparing to launch another AI-powered service which internally we refer to as ‘Coach.’ We think that it will be very successful.

    In our Traditional Communications segment, income from operations and Adjusted EBITDA both jumped by over 30% year-over-year to $17.3 million and $19.3 million, respectively, underscoring that this segment continues to be a long-term cash generator.

    I want to wrap up by thanking the millions of customers who put some of their hard-earned wages to work through our BOSS offerings, and the business customers around the world who rely on us to enhance their businesses and communications. Our ability to provide these services depends on the dedication of our employees who have been executing and innovating on so many fronts, and on our stockholders who entrust us with their capital. I am grateful for your continued patronage and support.

    (This release discloses certain Non-GAAP financial measures (Adjusted EBITDA, Non-GAAP EPS and NRS ‘Rule of 40’) as well as certain Key Performance Metrics (net2phone subscription revenue, netphone constant currency subscription revenue growth rate, net2phone operating margin, net2phone Adjusted EBITDA margin, NRS Monthly Average Recurring Revenue, and BOSS Money transactions and digital send volume). Please see the explanations of those measures and metrics, the reasons for their inclusion and reconciliations at the end of this release.)

    3Q25 RESULTS BY SEGMENT

    National Retail Solutions (NRS)

    National Retail Solutions (NRS)
    (Terminals and accounts at end of period. $ in millions, except for average revenue per terminal)

        3Q25     2Q25     3Q24     3Q25-3Q24
    (% Δ)    		  
    Terminals and payment processing accounts                                
    Active POS terminals     35,600       34,800       30,300       +17.6 %  
    Payment processing accounts     25,500       23,900       19,500       +31.1 %  
                                     
    Recurring revenue                                
    Merchant Services & Other   $ 19.7     $ 18.1     $ 14.4       +37.3 %  
    Advertising & Data   $ 5.9     $ 10.0     $ 6.7       (12.3   )%
    SaaS Fees   $ 3.9     $ 3.5     $ 2.9       +32.8   %
    Total recurring revenue   $ 29.4     $ 31.6     $ 24.0       +22.9 %  
    POS terminal sales   $ 1.7     $ 1.3     $ 1.8       (2.9   )%
    Total revenue   $ 31.1     $ 33.0     $ 25.7       +21.1 %  
                                     
    Monthly average recurring revenue per terminal   $ 279     $ 310     $ 271       +3.0   %
                                     
    Gross profit   $ 28.4     $ 30.3     $ 22.1       +28.4   %
    Gross profit margin     91.3 %     91.8 %     86.1 %     +520   bps
    Technology & development   $ 2.3     $ 2.2     $ 1.7       +32.5   %
    SG&A   $ 20.0     $ 19.0     $ 15.7       +27.8   %
    Income from operations   $ 6.2     $ 9.1     $ 4.8       +29.3   %
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 7.2     $ 10.1     $ 5.6       +28.6   %
    CapEx   $ 1.9     $ 0.9     $ 0.9       +115.2   %


    NRS Take-Aways / Updates:

      ● NRS added approximately 900 net active terminals and approximately 1,600 net payment processing accounts during 3Q25. As mentioned in the prior quarter’s earnings release, net active terminal additions for 3Q25 included churn of approximately 300 terminals operating in seasonal stores.
      ● The 37% year-over-year increase in Merchant Services & Other revenue was driven by the increase in payment processing accounts, and by higher merchant services revenue per account, reflecting in part the ongoing, gradual migration of customer payment preference from cash to credit and debit cards.
      ● NRS Advertising & Data revenue declined 12.3% year-over-year due to NRS’ decision to slow sales to one large programmatic partner in order to limit potential bad debt risk exposure. NRS’ direct channel advertising sales, as well as sales to other programmatic partners, remained robust.
      ● NRS has begun rolling out the first of several planned integrations of its POS platform with leading online ordering and delivery services. The first integration, with DoorDash, went live this quarter.


    Fintech

    Fintech
    (Transactions and $s in millions, except for average revenue per transaction)

        3Q25     2Q25     3Q24     3Q25-3Q24
    (% Δ, $)    		  
    BOSS Money transactions     6.0       5.7       4.7         +27.0 %
                                     
    Fintech Revenue                                
    BOSS Money   $ 34.4     $ 33.5     $ 27.6         +24.7 %
    Other   $ 4.2     $ 3.3     $ 3.9         +7.0 %
    Total Revenue   $ 38.6     $ 36.8     $ 31.5         +22.5 %
                                     
    Gross profit   $ 22.6     $ 21.7     $ 17.3         +30.6 %
    Gross profit margin     58.5 %     58.9 %     54.9 %       +360 bps
    Technology & development   $ 2.2     $ 2.3     $ 2.5         (11.9 )%
    SG&A   $ 16.0     $ 16.3     $ 15.3         +5.2 %
    Income (loss) from operations   $ 4.3     $ 3.1     $ (0.6 )     +$ 4.9  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 5.0     $ 3.9     $ 0.2       +$ 4.8  
    CapEx   $ 0.8     $ 0.8     $ 1.0         (19.8 )%


    Fintech Take-Aways:

    ● The 27% increase in BOSS Money transactions comprised a 32% year-over-year increase in digital channel transactions and an 8% increase in retail channel transactions.
    ● BOSS Money revenue increased 25% year-over-year driven by a 31% increase in digital channel revenue.
    ● Digital channel send volume, or the amount of principal transferred by BOSS Money customers using the BOSS Money and BOSS Revolution apps, grew 40% year-over-year as customers increased their amount sent per transaction while reducing the frequency of transactions. BOSS Money is testing strategies to optimize pricing given this recent dynamic.
    ● The robust increases in the Fintech segment’s income from operations and Adjusted EBITDA were driven primarily by BOSS Money revenue and gross margin growth, coupled with improved operating leverage as BOSS Money continues to scale.


    net2phone

    net2phone
    (Seats in thousands at end of period. $ in millions)

        3Q25     2Q25     3Q24     3Q25-3Q24

    (% Δ)

    		  
    Seats     415       410       384       +7.9 %
                                     
    Revenue                                
    Subscription revenue   $ 21.5     $ 21.0     $ 20.0       +7.4 %
    Other revenue   $ 0.5     $ 0.5     $ 0.6       (25.9 )%
    Total Revenue   $ 22.0     $ 21.5     $ 20.7       +6.4 %
                                     
    Gross profit   $ 17.5     $ 17.0     $ 16.4       +6.9 %
    Gross profit margin     79.6 %     79.2 %     79.2 %     +40 bps
    Technology & development   $ 2.9     $ 2.8     $ 2.8       +4.8 %
    SG&A   $ 13.0     $ 13.0     $ 13.0       (0.3 )%
    Income from operations   $ 1.4     $ 1.1     $ 0.5       +188 %
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 3.2     $ 2.9     $ 2.1       +50.2 %
    CapEx   $ 1.4     $ 1.8     $ 1.6       (12.5 )%


    net2phone Take-Aways:

      ● The 8% year over year increase in total seats served was powered by continued expansion in key markets led by the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico. CCaaS seats served, which generate significantly higher revenue and margin per seat, increased by 9% year-over year.
      ● Subscription revenue increased by 7% year-over-year. The increase was tempered by the FX impact of a strengthened U.S. dollar versus local currencies in Latin America. On a constant currency basis, subscription revenue increased by 11% year over year, significantly higher than its rate of seat growth, as net2phone focuses on increasing ARPU.
      ● Income from operations increased 188% and Adjusted EBITDA increased 50% year-over-year, as operating margin increased to 6% from 2%, and Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 15% from 10% in 3Q24.
      ● In 3Q25, net2phone began to deploy AI Agents, scalable virtual assistants providing exceptional customer experiences across sales, support, and administrative tasks. AI Agents have the potential to become significant revenue growth drivers in the coming quarters.
      ● net2phone is also preparing to launch an AI-powered offering that analyzes interactions to deliver real-time insights and personalized coaching for optimized performance.


    Traditional Communications

    Traditional Communications
    ($ in millions)

        3Q25     2Q25     3Q24     3Q25-3Q24
    (% Δ)    		  
    Revenue                                
    IDT Digital Payments   $ 102.6     $ 101.6     $ 101.6       +1.0 %
    BOSS Revolution   $ 51.7     $ 53.3     $ 63.2       (18.1 )%
    IDT Global   $ 50.0     $ 51.3     $ 50.1       (0.0 )%
    Other   $ 5.9     $ 5.8     $ 6.9       (14.9 )%
    Total Revenue   $ 210.2     $ 212.0     $ 221.7       (5.2 )%
                                     
    Gross profit   $ 43.4     $ 43.1     $ 41.2       +5.3 %
    Gross profit margin     20.7 %     20.3 %     18.6 %     +210 bps
    Technology & development   $ 5.4     $ 5.4     $ 5.6       (4.3 )%
    SG&A   $ 20.5     $ 19.4     $ 22.7       (9.5 )%
    Income from operations   $ 17.3     $ 18.1     $ 12.5       39.2 %
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 19.3     $ 20.2     $ 14.9       30.1 %
    CapEx   $ 1.3     $ 1.2     $ 1.2       +5.6 %


    Traditional Communications Take-Aways:

    ● Even as revenue decreased continuing an expected trend, gross profit increased year over year and sequentially.
    ● Income from operations and Adjusted EBITDA benefitted from the growth in gross profit and the reduction in SG&A expense.


    OTHER FINANCIAL RESULTS

    Consolidated results for all periods presented include corporate overhead. In 3Q25, Corporate G&A expense increased to $2.7 million from $2.3 million in 3Q24.

    As of April 30, 2025, IDT held $223.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, debt securities, and current equity investments. Also at April 30, 2025, current assets totaled $498.3 million and current liabilities totaled $287.2 million. The Company had no outstanding debt at the quarter end.

    Net cash provided by operating activities was $75.7 million in 3Q25 compared to $9.5 million in 3Q24. Exclusive of changes in customer funds deposits at IDT’s Fintech segment, net cash provided by operating activities was $66.1 million in 3Q25 compared to $8.2 million in 3Q24. The large, year-over-year increase in cash reflects, for the most part, the timing of disbursement prefunding payments made by IDT to cover anticipated BOSS Money weekly remittance activity.

    Capital expenditures increased to $5.4 million in 3Q25 from $4.7 million in 3Q24.

    DIVIDEND

    The Board of Directors of IDT Corporation has approved payment of a quarterly dividend of $0.06 on IDT’s Class A and Class B Common stock. Payment will be made on June 18, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 9th.

    IDT EARNINGS ANNOUNCEMENT INFORMATION

    This release is available for download in the “Investors & Media” section of the IDT Corporation website (https://www.idt.net/investors-and-media) and has been filed on a current report (Form 8-K) with the SEC.

    IDT will host an earnings conference call beginning at 5:00 PM Eastern today with management’s discussion of results followed by Q&A with investors. To listen to the call and participate in the Q&A, dial 1-888-506-0062 (toll-free from the U.S.) or 1-973-528-0011 (international) and provide the following access code: 491722.

    A replay of the conference call will be available approximately three hours after the call concludes through June 19, 2025. To access the call replay, dial 1-877-481-4010 (toll-free from the U.S.) or 1-919-882-2331 (international) and provide this replay passcode: 52353. The replay will also be accessible via streaming audio at the IDT investor relations website.

    ABOUT IDT CORPORATION

    IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT) is a global provider of fintech and communications solutions through a portfolio of synergistic businesses: National Retail Solutions (NRS), through its point-of-sale (POS) platform, enables independent retailers to operate more effectively while providing advertisers and marketers with unprecedented reach into underserved consumer markets; BOSS Money facilitates innovative international remittances and fintech payments solutions; net2phone provides enterprises and organizations with intelligently integrated cloud communications and contact center services across channels and devices; IDT Digital Payments and the BOSS Revolution calling service make sharing prepaid products and services and speaking with friends and family around the world convenient and reliable; and, IDT Global and IDT Express enable communications services to provision and manage international voice and SMS messaging.

    All statements above that are not purely about historical facts, including, but not limited to, those in which we use the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment of what may happen in the future, actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements due to numerous important factors. Our filings with the SEC provide detailed information on such statements and risks and should be consulted along with this release. To the extent permitted under applicable law, IDT assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT

    IDT Corporation Investor Relations
    Bill Ulrey
    william.ulrey@idt.net
    973-438-3838

    IDT CORPORATION

    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

        April 30,
    2025    		     July 31,
    2024    		  
        (Unaudited)        
        (in thousands, except per share data)  
    Assets                
    Current assets:                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 199,948     $ 164,557  
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents     123,129       90,899  
    Debt securities     18,683       23,438  
    Equity investments     5,187       5,009  
    Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $8,416 at April 30, 2025 and $6,352 at July 31, 2024     43,084       42,215  
    Settlement assets, net of reserve of $1,869 at April 30, 2025 and $1,866 at July 31, 2024     25,160       22,186  
    Disbursement prefunding     43,381       30,736  
    Prepaid expenses     13,837       17,558  
    Other current assets     25,865       25,927  
    Total current assets     498,274       422,525  
    Property, plant, and equipment, net     38,980       38,652  
    Goodwill     26,454       26,288  
    Other intangibles, net     5,372       6,285  
    Equity investments     6,904       6,518  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     2,013       3,273  
    Deferred income tax assets, net     16,106       35,008  
    Other assets     6,805       11,546  
    Total assets   $ 600,908     $ 550,095  
                     
    Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest, and equity                
    Current liabilities:                
    Trade accounts payable   $ 17,250     $ 24,773  
    Accrued expenses     91,408       103,176  
    Deferred revenue     27,513       30,364  
    Customer funds deposits     121,765       91,893  
    Settlement liabilities     14,105       12,764  
    Other current liabilities     15,121       16,374  
    Total current liabilities     287,162       279,344  
    Operating lease liabilities     1,213       1,533  
    Other liabilities     1,682       2,662  
    Total liabilities     290,057       283,539  
    Commitments and contingencies                
    Redeemable noncontrolling interest     11,357       10,901  
    Equity:                
    IDT Corporation stockholders’ equity:                
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares—10,000; no shares issued     —       —  
    Class A common stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares—35,000; 3,272 shares issued and 1,574 shares outstanding at April 30, 2025 and July 31, 2024     33       33  
    Class B common stock, $.01 par value; authorized shares—200,000; 28,528 and 28,177 shares issued and 23,656 and 23,684 shares outstanding at April 30, 2025 and July 31, 2024, respectively     285       282  
    Additional paid-in capital     307,757       303,510  
    Treasury stock, at cost, consisting of 1,698 and 1,698 shares of Class A common stock and 4,872 and 4,493 shares of Class B common stock at April 30, 2025 and July 31, 2024, respectively     (143,853 )     (126,080 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (19,812 )     (18,142 )
    Retained earnings     141,753       86,580  
    Total IDT Corporation stockholders’ equity     286,163       246,183  
    Noncontrolling interests     13,331       9,472  
    Total equity     299,494       255,655  
    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest, and equity   $ 600,908     $ 550,095  


    IDT CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)

        Three Months Ended
    April 30,    		     Nine Months Ended
    April 30,    		  
        2025     2024     2025     2024  
        (in thousands, except per share data)  
           
    Revenues   $ 301,985     $ 299,643     $ 914,901     $ 896,946  
    Direct cost of revenues     190,023       202,599       583,201       608,982  
    Gross profit     111,962       97,044       331,700       287,964  
    Operating expenses:                                
    Selling, general and administrative (i)     72,267       68,962       214,039       200,685  
    Technology and development (i)     12,744       12,640       38,115       37,975  
    Severance     190       779       600       1,648  
    Other operating expense, net     175       3,231       403       3,041  
    Total operating expenses     85,376       85,612       253,157       243,349  
    Income from operations     26,586       11,432       78,543       44,615  
    Interest income, net     1,566       1,162       4,347       3,201  
    Other income (expense), net     2,608       (3,273 )     2,533       (6,326 )
    Income before income taxes     30,760       9,321       85,423       41,490  
    Provision for income taxes     (7,798 )     (2,979 )     (21,766 )     (10,918 )
    Net income     22,962       6,342       63,657       30,572  
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     (1,270 )     (791 )     (4,448 )     (2,937 )
    Net income attributable to IDT Corporation   $ 21,692     $ 5,551     $ 59,209     $ 27,635  
    Earnings per share attributable to IDT Corporation common stockholders:                                
    Basic   $ 0.86     $ 0.22     $ 2.35     $ 1.10  
    Diluted   $ 0.86     $ 0.22     $ 2.34     $ 1.09  
    Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of earnings per share:                                
    Basic     25,165       25,345       25,177       25,233  
    Diluted     25,249       25,516       25,312       25,380  
                                     
    (i) Stock-based compensation included in total operating expenses   $ 946     $ 2,118     $ 2,720     $ 5,375  

      
    IDT CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

        Nine Months Ended
    April 30,    		  
        2025     2024  
        (in thousands)  
    Operating activities                
    Net income   $ 63,657     $ 30,572  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                
    Depreciation and amortization     15,702       15,256  
    Deferred income taxes     18,902       8,830  
    Provision for credit losses, doubtful accounts receivable, and reserve for settlement assets     4,465       3,010  
    Stock-based compensation     2,720       5,375  
    Other     1,735       4,065  
    Change in assets and liabilities:                
    Trade accounts receivable     (4,649 )     (9,000 )
    Settlement assets, disbursement prefunding, prepaid expenses, other current assets, and other assets     (8,932 )     6,797  
    Trade accounts payable, accrued expenses, settlement liabilities, other current liabilities, and other liabilities     (19,486 )     (10,467 )
    Customer funds deposits     25,327       1,243  
    Deferred revenue     (3,382 )     (2,903 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities     96,059       52,778  
    Investing activities                
    Capital expenditures     (15,507 )     (13,621 )
    Purchase of convertible preferred stock in equity method investment     (926 )     (1,513 )
    Purchases of debt securities and equity investments     (29,083 )     (27,593 )
    Proceeds from maturities and sales of debt securities and redemptions of equity investments     35,005       41,527  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (10,511 )     (1,200 )
    Financing activities                
    Dividends paid     (4,036 )     (1,269 )
    Distributions to noncontrolling interests     (100 )     (62 )
    Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility     24,551       32,864  
    Repayment of borrowings under revolving credit facility.     (24,551 )     (32,864 )
    Purchase of restricted shares of net2phone common stock     —       (3,558 )
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options     —       172  
    Repurchases of Class B common stock     (17,773 )     (7,207 )
    Net cash used in financing activities     (21,909 )     (11,924 )
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents     3,982       (5,632 )
    Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents     67,621       34,022  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     255,456       198,823  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 323,077     $ 232,845  
                     
    Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities                
    Shares of the Company’s Class B common stock issued to executive officers for bonus payments   $ 1,824     $ 1,495  
    Value of the Company’s Class B common stock exchanged for National Retail Solutions shares   $ 442     $ 6,254  
    Shares of the Company’s Class B common stock issued for business acquisition   $ —     $ 100  


    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 and 2024

    In addition to disclosing financial results that are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), IDT also disclosed (a) Adjusted EBITDA for 3Q25, 2Q25, and 3Q24, (b) non-GAAP earnings per diluted share (Non-GAAP EPS) for 3Q25 and 3Q24, and (c) NRS’ and Fintech segment’s ‘Rule of 40’ score for 3Q25. These are non-GAAP financial measures intended to provide useful information that supplements IDT’s or the relevant segment’s results in accordance with GAAP. The following explains these terms and their respective reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

    Generally, a non-GAAP measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

    IDT’s measure of Non-GAAP EPS is calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income by the diluted weighted-average shares. IDT’s measure of non-GAAP net income starts with net income attributable to IDT in accordance with GAAP and adds severance expense, stock-based compensation, and other operating expenses, and deducts other operating gains. These additions and subtractions are non-cash and/or non-routine items in the relevant fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 periods.

    Management believes that IDT’s Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS are measures which provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses and non-routine gains and losses that may not be indicative of IDT’s or the relevant segment’s core operating results. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, as a relevant indicator of core operational strengths in its financial and operational decision making. In addition, management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS to evaluate operating performance in relation to IDT’s competitors. Disclosure of these financial measures may be useful to investors in evaluating performance and allow for greater transparency of the underlying supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. In addition, IDT has historically reported similar financial measures and believes such measures are commonly used by readers of financial information in assessing performance, therefore the inclusion of comparative numbers provides consistency in financial reporting.

    Management refers to Adjusted EBITDA, as well as the GAAP measures income (loss) from operations and net income, on a segment and/or consolidated level to facilitate internal and external comparisons to the segments’ and IDT’s historical operating results, in making operating decisions, for budget and planning purposes, and to form the basis upon which management is compensated.

    While depreciation and amortization are considered operating costs under GAAP, these expenses primarily represent the non-cash current period allocation of costs associated with long-lived assets acquired or capitalized in prior periods. IDT’s Adjusted EBITDA, which is exclusive of depreciation and amortization, is a useful indicator of its current performance.

    Severance expense is excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS. Severance expense is reflective of decisions made by management in each period regarding the aspects of IDT’s and its segments’ businesses to be focused on in light of changing market realities and other factors. While there may be similar charges in other periods, the nature and magnitude of these charges can fluctuate markedly and do not reflect the performance of IDT’s core and continuing operations.

    Other operating expense, net, which is a component of income (loss) from operations, is excluded from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS. Other operating expense, net in 3Q25, 2Q25, and 3Q24 primarily includes legal fees related to Straight Path Communications Inc.’s stockholders’ class action and equipment write-offs. From time-to-time, IDT may have gains or incur costs related to non-routine legal, tax, and other matters, however, these various items generally do not occur each quarter. IDT believes the gain and losses from these non-routine matters are not components of IDT’s or the relevant segment’s core operating results.

    Stock-based compensation recognized by IDT and other companies may not be comparable because of the variety of types of awards as well as the various valuation methodologies and subjective assumptions that are permitted under GAAP. Stock-based compensation is excluded from IDT’s calculation of Non-GAAP EPS because management believes this allows investors to make more meaningful comparisons of the operating results per share of IDT’s core business with the results of other companies. However, stock-based compensation will continue to be a significant expense for IDT for the foreseeable future and an important part of employees’ compensation that impacts their performance.

    Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or superior to, income (loss) from operations, cash flow from operating activities, net income, basic and diluted earnings per share or other measures of liquidity and financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, IDT’s measurements of Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

    The ‘Rule of 40’ score is a metric used to evaluate the performance of SaaS providers. It postulates that a SaaS provider’s revenue growth rate plus its EBITDA margin should equal or exceed 40 percent. The ‘Rule of 40’ is typically used to assess a company’s balance between growth and profitability. A total of over 40 is thought to indicate a healthy combination of expansion and financial stability, making it a useful tool for management and investors to gauge the potential for long-term success and make informed decisions about resource allocation and business strategy.

    NRS’ ‘Rule of 40’ score is computed by adding (a) the growth rate of NRS’ recurring revenue for the relevant period compared to the corresponding year ago period to (b) NRS’ Adjusted EBITDA margin for the twelve month period through the end of the current period. NRS’ recurring revenue is calculated by subtracting NRS’ revenue from POS terminal sales from its total GAAP revenue. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure as discussed above. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by GAAP revenue for the relevant period.

    Following are reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP EPS to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which are, (a) for Adjusted EBITDA, (i) income (loss) from operations for IDT’s reportable segments and (ii) net income for IDT on a consolidated basis, and (b) for Non-GAAP EPS, diluted earnings per share. Also following is NRS’ ‘Rule of 40’ score computation including the reconciliation of NRS’ Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, NRS’ income from operations.

    IDT Corporation
    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
    (unaudited) in millions. Figures may not foot or cross-foot due to rounding to millions

        Total IDT Corporation     Traditional Communica-tions     net2phone     NRS     Fintech     Corporate  
    Three Months Ended April 30, 2025
    (3Q25)    		                                    
    Net income attributable to IDT Corporation   $ 21.7                                          
    Adjustments:                                                
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     1.3                                          
    Net income     23.0                                          
    Provision for income taxes     7.8                                          
    Income before income taxes     30.8                                          
    Interest income, net     (1.6 )                                        
    Other income, net     (2.6 )                                        
    Income (loss) from operations     26.6     $ 17.3     $ 1.4     $ 6.2     $ 4.3     $ (2.6 )
    Depreciation and amortization     5.2       1.9       1.6       1.0       0.7       –  
    Other operating expense, net     0.2       –       0.2       –       –       –  
    Severance expense     0.2       0.2       –       –       –       –  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 32.2     $ 19.3     $ 3.2     $ 7.2     $ 5.0     $ (2.6 )
        Total IDT Corporation     Traditional Communica-tions     net2phone     NRS     Fintech     Corporate  
    Three Months Ended January 31, 2025
    (2Q25)    		                                    
    Net income attributable to IDT Corporation   $ 20.3                                          
    Adjustments:                                                
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     1.9                                          
    Net income     22.2                                          
    Provision for income taxes     7.7                                          
    Income before income taxes     29.9                                          
    Interest income, net     (1.4 )                                        
    Other income, net     (0.2 )                                        
    Income (loss) from operations     28.3     $ 18.1     $ 1.1     $ 9.1     $ 3.1     $ (3.1 )
    Depreciation and amortization     5.2       1.9       1.6       1.0       0.8       –  
    Other operating expense, net     0.2       –       0.2       –       –       –  
    Severance expense     0.2       0.2       –       –       –       –  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 34.0     $ 20.2     $ 2.9     $ 10.1     $ 3.9     $ (3.1 )


    IDT Corporation
    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
    (unaudited) in millions. Figures may not foot or cross-foot due to rounding to millions

        Total IDT Corporation     Traditional Communica-tions     net2phone     NRS     Fintech     Corporate  
    Three Months Ended April 30, 2024
    (3Q24)    		                                    
    Net income attributable to IDT Corporation   $ 5.6                                          
    Adjustments:                                                
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests     0.8                                          
    Net income     6.3                                          
    Provision for income taxes     3.0                                          
    Income before income taxes     9.3                                          
    Interest income, net     (1.2 )                                        
    Other expense, net     3.3                                          
    Income (loss) from operations     11.4     $ 12.5     $ 0.5     $ 4.8     $ (0.6 )   $ (5.7 )
    Depreciation and amortization     5.1       2.0       1.6       0.8       0.7       –  
    Severance expense     0.8       0.4       0.1       –       –       0.3  
    Other operating expense, net     3.2       –       –       –       0.1       3.2  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 20.6     $ 14.9     $ 2.1     $ 5.6     $ 0.2     $ (2.3 )


    IDT Corporation
    Reconciliation of Earnings per share to Non-GAAP EPS
    (unaudited) in millions, except per share data. Figures may not foot due to rounding to millions.

        3Q25     3Q24  
                     
    Net income attributable to IDT Corporation   $ 21.7     $ 5.6  
    Adjustments (add) subtract:                
    Stock-based compensation     (0.9 )     (2.1 )
    Severance expense     (0.2 )     (0.8 )
    Other operating expense, net     (0.2 )     (3.2 )
    Total adjustments     (1.3 )     (6.1 )
    Income tax effect of total adjustments     (0.3 )     (2.0 )
          1.0       4.1  
    Non-GAAP net income   $ 22.7     $ 9.7  
                     
    Earnings per share:                
    Basic   $ 0.86     $ 0.22  
    Total adjustments     0.04       0.16  
    Non-GAAP – basic   $ 0.90     $ 0.38  
                     
    Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of basic earnings per share     25.2       25.3  
                     
    Diluted   $ 0.86     $ 0.22  
    Total adjustments     0.04       0.16  
    Non-GAAP – diluted   $ 0.90     $ 0.38  
                     
    Weighted-average number of shares used in calculation of diluted earnings per share     25.2       25.5  


    IDT Corporation
    NRS’ ‘Rule of 40’ Score
    For 3Q25
    (unaudited) in millions. Figures may not foot due to rounding to millions.

        4Q24     1Q25     2Q25     3Q25     Trailing Twelve Months (TTM)
    3Q25    		  
                                             
    Reconciliation of NRS’ Income from Operations to Adjusted EBITDA                                        
                                             
    Income from operations   $ 6.0     $ 6.6     $ 9.1     $ 6.2     $ 28.0  
    Depreciation and amortization     0.9       1.0       1.0       1.0       3.9  
    Other operating expense, net     0.2       –       –       –       0.2  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 7.1     $ 7.6     $ 10.1     $ 7.2     $ 32.0  
        3Q25     3Q24  
                     
    NRS’ ‘Rule of 40’ Score                
                     
    NRS recurring revenue   $ 29.4     $ 24.0  
    NRS other revenue     1.7       1.8  
    NRS total revenue   $ 31.1     $ 25.7  
                     
    NRS recurring revenue growth rate     23 %        
                     
    NRS TTM Adjusted EBITDA from above   $ 32.0          
    NRS TTM total revenue     122.7          
    NRS TTM Adjusted EBITDA margin     26 %        
                     
    Rule of 40     49 %        


    Explanation of Key Performance Metrics

    net2phone’s subscription revenue is calculated by subtracting net2phone’s equipment revenue and revenue generated by a legacy SIP trunking offering in Brazil from its revenue in accordance with GAAP. net2phone’s cloud communications and contact center offerings are priced on a per-seat basis, with customers paying based on the number of users in their organization. The number of seats served and subscription revenue trends and comparisons between periods are used in the analysis of net2phone’s revenues and direct cost of revenues and are strong indications of the top-line growth and performance of the business.

    Constant currency as it relates to revenue provides a framework for assessing net2phone’s performance that excludes the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To determine net2phone’s subscription revenue growth on a constant currency basis, current period revenues from entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. Dollars (USD) were converted to USD at the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the prior fiscal year’s comparative period instead of the average monthly exchange rates in effect during the current period.

    net2phone’s operating margin is calculated by dividing GAAP income from operations by GAAP revenue for the period indicated. Operating margin measures the percentage that each dollar of revenue contributes to profitability. Operating margin is useful for evaluating current period profitability relative to sales, for comparisons to prior period performance, for forecasting future income from operations levels based on projected levels of sales, and for comparing net2phone’s relative profitability to its competitors and peers.

    net2phone’s Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing net2phone’s Adjusted EBITDA, a Non-GAAP measure, by net2phone’s GAAP revenue for the comparable quarter or period. Adjusted EBITDA margin measures the percentage that each dollar of revenue contributes to profitability before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other adjustments as described in the Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures. net2phone’s Adjusted EBITDA margin is useful for evaluating current period profitability relative to sales, for comparisons to prior period performance, for forecasting future Adjusted EBITDA levels based on projected levels of sales, and for comparing net2phone’s relative profitability to its competitors and peers.

    NRS’ Monthly Average Recurring Revenue per Terminal is calculated by dividing NRS’ recurring revenue as defined above by the average number of active POS terminals during the period. The average number of active POS terminals is calculated by adding the beginning and ending number of active POS terminals during the period and dividing by two. NRS’ recurring revenue divided by the average number of active POS terminals is divided by three when the period is a fiscal quarter. Recurring revenue and Monthly Average Recurring Revenue per Terminal are useful for comparisons of NRS’ revenue and revenue per customer to prior periods and to competitors and others in the market, as well as for forecasting future revenue from the customer base.

    BOSS Money transactions are a nonfinancial metric that measures customer usage during a reporting period. BOSS Money’s digital send volume is the aggregate amount of principal remitted by BOSS Money’s digital customers – those using the BOSS Money and BOSS Revolutions apps to originate remittances. Digital send volume is a key metric for evaluating the operational performance of the digital channel of the remittance business, and for comparing the performance of BOSS Money’s digital channel to competitors in the remittance business as well as to performance to other temporal periods.

    # # #  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REPS. CLARKE AND VAN DUYNE LAUNCH BIPARTISAN CREATORS CAUCUS TO BRING FRESH PERSPECTIVES TO POLICY PROCESS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    June 5, 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) and Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) held a press conference to launch the first-of-its-kind bipartisan Congressional Creators Caucus. The purpose of this new caucus is to bring the perspectives of online content creators into the public policy arena to educate Members of Congress on the unique challenges they face as the new start-ups of the modern economy. The Members were joined by numerous creators, including Matthew (MatPat) and Stephanie Patrick, founders of Edutainment Brand Theorist Media.

    The rapid advancements in technology and the rise of social media platforms in the 21st century have brought about the emergence of not only creators but a thriving new sector: the Creator Economy, the vibrant ecosystem of online content creators operating on digital platforms, and the diverse businesses that have emerged to support them. As these digital entrepreneurs build businesses and their impact continues to grow, ensuring their voices are heard in the legislative process is imperative.

    “As digital content creators’ online presence continues to reach billions globally, Congress must work to ensure resources and protections are in place to support their success in this new era of start-ups,” said Rep. Clarke. “Congress has a responsibility to meet this moment. That’s why I am proud to establish this caucus as a first-of-its-kind bipartisan forum for content creators and Congress to work together to address the challenges they face as nontraditional small businesses owners. Creators’ voices deserve to be heard throughout the policy making process, and the Creators Caucus is the key to ensuring they are.”

    “The Congressional Creators Caucus seeks to empower more Americans to follow their dreams, build their own small businesses, and share their unique perspectives with the world,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “The Creators Caucus hopes to bring better understanding to how these developing small businesses are operating, what struggles they face, and how Congress can work with them to foster growth, opportunity, safety, and security for our digital creators and their viewers alike.”

    “The creator economy is a powerful economic engine in the United States, making significant contributions to GDP and job growth. Creators are building business, growing audiences, and sharing their voices online. We are thankful to Representatives Clarke and Van Duyne for launching the Congressional Creators Caucus and look forward to continuing the work to support the growing creator ecosystem,” Alexandra Veitch, Senior Director, YouTube Government Affairs & Public Policy.

    Watch the full press conference HERE.

    View photos from the press conference HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘No one knew what was happening’: new research shows how domestic violence harms young people’s schooling

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Roberts, Professor of Education and Social Justice, Monash University

    Taiki Ishikawa/ Unsplash, CC BY

    Every school around Australia is almost certain to have students who are victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.

    The 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study found neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children is widespread. Among Australians aged 16–65 years, 32% experienced physical abuse, 28.5% experienced sexual abuse, 39% experienced emotional abuse and 9% had been neglected during their childhoods.

    As the place where children spend the bulk of their time outside home, schools could be an important source of help and support. But are they equipped to do this?

    Our research, published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues, explores the impact of domestic and family violence on young people’s education. Our findings show just how significant the disruption to a young person’s education can be, including how safe or supported they feel at school.

    Our study

    Our study draws on data from the Adolescent Family Violence in Australia project. This is a national survey of more than 5,000 young Australians aged 16–20 years old. We focused on a subset of 1,651 respondents who had experienced domestic and family violence, either by experiencing violence between other family members or being directly subjected to it.

    The survey asked both structured and open-ended questions to explore the impacts of domestic and family violence.

    Family violence disrupts school attendance and participation

    Our study showed family violence has a significant impact on school attendance. Young people told us they missed classes or dropped out of school during their experiences of violence.

    For some young people, attending school while coping with trauma, fear and instability at home was too overwhelming.

    A 19-year-old woman shared how she became so anxious in the presence of teachers and other authority figures she could only manage one day of school per week in a secluded setting.

    Another young woman described missing classes regularly to care for her mother after violent episodes, while a 20-year-old man said he stayed home to protect his mother.

    Even when young victims did attend school, the emotional toll of family violence often meant they were socially withdrawn. Some spoke about losing friends due to frequent house moves and school shifts, while others withdrew socially because of anxiety and trauma. One 17-year-old explained:

    I don’t talk a lot to male teachers and don’t really have close friendships with girls at my school, so I tend to stay home.

    Some participants described school as a safe haven away from their abusive home. But even in these cases, learning was often still difficult. One young person commented:

    Yes, I wanted to go to school to get away from home, but felt very alone and isolated because no one knew what was happening.

    Family violence and homework

    The effects of family violence extend beyond the classroom. Many young people told us how the chaos, fear and emotional exhaustion of life at home made it difficult, if not impossible, to complete homework or study for exams. One young woman remarked:

    I can’t do any homework at home because it’s not a safe environment for me.

    Another young person described being kept up late listening to fighting or because of police visits, leaving them physically and emotionally exhausted in the morning.

    In some cases, abusive parents directly prevented their child from attending school or doing homework. Other young people described not having access to the tools they needed, like a working computer or internet connection – sometimes withheld deliberately by a parent.

    These accounts show how for some children experiencing family violence, learning at home is not just difficult, it is fundamentally unsafe.

    Young people spoke of how domestic violence made it impossible to study at home.
    C.T.PHAT/Shutterstock, CC BY

    A missed opportunity

    It can be difficult for schools to fully understand and appreciate what’s happening for students at home.

    Few of the young people we surveyed proactively disclosed their experiences to school staff, including teachers and counsellors. Disclosure rates ranged from just 12% to 17%, depending on the type of violence the young person reported experiencing.

    For those young people who did disclose, their experiences varied. Some young people described school staff as a lifeline – listening without judgement, offering helpful information and taking action where needed.

    Others described being ignored, dismissed or harmed further by insensitive responses. As one young person said, the “school counsellor told me I needed to understand dad’s behaviour and keep my head down”.

    The help students received seemed to depend on the individual teacher or school counsellor, their knowledge and training. This inconsistency represents a major barrier to effective and early intervention.

    What needs to change

    As well as learning, schools can also provide safety, stability and healing. We need schools to be supported to provide more effective and consistent care for students experiencing family violence.

    As other research has similarly found, responses need to be trauma-informed (recognising the impact of trauma on students) and student-centred (focusing on individuals’ needs). This involves:

    • providing trauma and domestic violence-informed training to all school staff

    • ensuring schools have clear processes to follow if a student disclosures domestic violence, including referrals to appropriate external supports

    • adopting flexible attendance and academic policies for young people impacted by domestic violence

    • building collaborative partnerships with community-based domestic violence and mental health services.

    The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. The Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) offers advice and counselling to men looking to change their behaviour.

    Steven Roberts receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Government and ANROWS, among others. He is a Board Director at Respect Victoria, but this article is written wholly separate from and does not represent that role.

    Kate has received funding for research on violence against women and children from a range of federal and state government and non-government sources. Currently, Kate receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), the South Australian government, Safe Steps, Australian Childhood Foundation and 54 Reasons. This piece is written by Kate Fitz-Gibbon in her role at Monash University and Sequre Consulting, and is wholly independent of Kate Fitz-Gibbon’s role as chair of Respect Victoria and membership on the Victorian Children’s Council.

    Rebecca Stewart is a project officer at No to Violence. The views expressed in this article are her own.

    – ref. ‘No one knew what was happening’: new research shows how domestic violence harms young people’s schooling – https://theconversation.com/no-one-knew-what-was-happening-new-research-shows-how-domestic-violence-harms-young-peoples-schooling-256890

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: We tracked 13,000 giants of the ocean over 30 years, to uncover their hidden highways

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ana M. M. Sequeira, Associate Professor, Research School of Biology, Australian National University

    Alexandra Vautin, Shutterstock

    Big animals of the ocean go about their days mostly hidden from view. Scientists know this marine megafauna – such as whales, sharks, seal, turtles and birds – travel vast distances to feed and breed.

    But almost a third are now at risk of extinction due largely to fishing, shipping, pollution and global warming.

    Protecting them can be difficult, because we don’t often know where these animals are.

    New research I led sought to shed light on the issue. My colleagues and I gathered 30 years of satellite tracking data to map hotspots of megafauna activity around the globe.

    We tracked 12,794 animals from 111 species to find out where they go. The results reveal underwater “highways” where megafauna crisscross the global Ocean. They also show where megafauna dwell for feeding and breeding. Now we know where these special places are, we have a better chance of protecting them.

    Satellite tracking reveals marine megafauna migration pathways and places of residence.
    Sequeira et al (2025) Science

    Pulling all the data together: a mega task

    For more than 30 years, marine biologists have tagged large animals in the sea with electronic devices and tracked their movements via satellite. The trackers capture data on everything from speed of travel, to direction of movement and where the animals spend most of their time.

    I put a call out to the global research community to bring together the tracking data. I hoped it would help scientists better understand the animals’ movements and identify their favourite places.

    Some 378 scientists from 50 countries responded. We assembled the world’s largest tracking dataset of marine megafauna. It includes species of flying birds, whales, fishes (mostly sharks), penguins, polar bears, seals, dugongs, manatees and turtles. They were tracked between 1985 and 2018, throughout the world’s oceans.

    Ana Sequeira swimming with a whale shark in Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, to collect samples.
    Australian Institute of Marine Science

    Mapping reveals a lack of protection

    When we started analysing the data, it showed the tagged animals used some parts of the ocean more frequently than others. Most of them travelled to the central Indian Ocean, northeast Pacific Ocean, Atlantic north, and waters around Mozambique and South Africa.

    It’s likely this reflects a lack of data from elsewhere. However, these species are known to go to places where they are most likely to find food, so we expect some areas to be used more than others (including the areas we detected).

    Then we were able to identify the world’s most “ecologically and biologically significant areas” for the tracked animals.

    Currently only about 8% of the global ocean is protected. And only 5% of the important marine megafauna areas we identified occur within these existing marine protected areas.

    This leaves all of the other important marine megafauna areas we identified unprotected. In other words, the species using those areas are likely to suffer harm from human activities taking place at sea.

    More than 90% of the important marine megafauna areas we identified are exposed to high plastic pollution, shipping traffic or to intensifying global warming. And about 75% are exposed to industrial fishing.

    We also found marine megafauna tend to spend most of their time within exclusive economic zones. This area lies beyond the territorial sea or belt of water 12 nautical miles from the coast of each country, extending 200 nautical miles from shore. The presence of megafauna in these exclusive economic zones means individual countries could increase the protection afforded within their jurisdictions.

    About 40% of the important marine megafauna areas were located in these zones. But about 60% were on the high seas.

    The future of marine megafauna conservation

    The High Seas Treaty, recently adopted by the United Nations and signed by 115 countries, governs the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological biodiversity on the open ocean.

    Working alongside this treaty, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to protect 30% of the global ocean by 2030. This presents an opportunity to ensure important marine megafauna areas are well represented.

    We used an optimisation algorithm to identify the best areas to protect, when it comes to marine megafauna. We gave priority to areas that are potentially used for feeding, breeding, resting and migrating across all the different species.

    But even if important marine megafauna areas are selected when 30% of the ocean is protected, about 60% of these areas would still stay unprotected.

    Significant risks from human activities will remain. Management efforts must also focus on reducing harm from fishing and shipping. Fighting climate change and cutting down noise and plastic pollution should also be key priorities.

    Like for most megafauna on land, the reign of marine megafauna might come to an end if humanity does not afford these species greater protection.

    Ana M. M. Sequeira receives funding from the Australian Research Council and a Pew Marine Fellowship from the Pew Charitable Trusts. She is also affiliated with the University of Western Australia.

    – ref. We tracked 13,000 giants of the ocean over 30 years, to uncover their hidden highways – https://theconversation.com/we-tracked-13-000-giants-of-the-ocean-over-30-years-to-uncover-their-hidden-highways-254610

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Resident-to-resident aggression is common in nursing homes. Here’s how we can improve residents’ safety

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joseph Ibrahim, Professor, Aged Care Medical Research Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University

    Wbmul/Shutterstock

    The Coroners Court of Victoria is undertaking an inquest into the deaths of eight aged care residents across six facilities, over a nine-month period in 2021.

    Each death occurred after an interaction between residents, known as resident-to-resident aggression.

    If your loved one is living in aged care, it’s natural to be distressed and concerned for their safety after hearing about these deaths.

    Here’s what we know about when and where it’s more likely to happen, how relatives can safeguard their loved ones, and what’s happening across the system to reduce the risk of it occurring.

    What does it look like?

    Resident-to-resident aggression refers to aggressive and intrusive interactions between long-term care residents that would likely be unwelcome and potentially cause the recipient physical or psychological distress or harm. It includes physical, sexual and verbal aggression.

    However, the term “aggression” is potentially misleading. In most cases, the residents involved are not consciously intending to cause harm.

    The prevalence of resident-to-resident aggression in aged care has been estimated at 20%, but is likely under-reported. This means that over a month, 20% of aged care residents are likely to experience an incident of resident-to-resident aggression. This is usually verbal abuse or an invasion of privacy.

    The variation in reported prevalence rates makes it hard to know if the rate is increasing.

    The consequences of resident-to-resident aggression range in seriousness from functional decline, to psychological or physical injury, to death.

    In 2017, we published a national study of deaths from resident-to-resident aggression in nursing home residents in Australia. Over 14 years, we identified 28 deaths.

    Almost 90% of residents involved – either as an “exhibitor” (often referred to as the aggressor) or a target – had dementia. Three-quarters of those diagnosed with dementia had a history of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, including wandering and physical aggression.

    Exhibitors of aggressive behaviour were mostly male (85.7%), often younger, and more recently admitted to the aged care facility than the target.

    Resident-to-resident aggression leading to death was most likely to occur between two male residents.

    Half of all incidents leading to death involved a resident pushing and the target falling, leading to injuries such as hip fracture and head injury. This underscores the vulnerabilities posed by physical frailty among aged care residents.

    Incidents resulting in death occurred mostly in communal areas, reflecting the ongoing challenges of an aged care system that relies on residents living together.

    Learning from past incidents

    Resident-to-resident aggression was previously brought to national attention by the death of a resident at the Oakden facility in South Australia. This led to a coronial inquest and the facility closed in 2017.

    The case raised issues including the need for residents exhibiting potentially aggressive behaviour to have regular clinical reviews, accurate and detailed documentation, and adequate escalation and reporting of any incidents of aggression.

    Since 2021, facilities have been required to report incidents of “unreasonable use of force”. The Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission monitors these events through the Serious Incident Response Scheme.

    The last report, from March 2023, provides a series of case studies and highlights the need for better approaches to behaviour support and risk assessment.

    However, prevention requires a broader systems-based approach to better understand the problem, and generate and evaluate interventions. This should include reviewing trends at the facility, provider and national level.

    Approaching individual situations

    Resident-to-resident aggression is expected to become more common as more people are diagnosed with dementia.

    Cognitive impairment in both the exhibitor of aggressive behaviour and targets makes this more complex, as a resident could become either one, depending on the precipitating circumstances.

    In one-third of the cases we analysed, the exhibitor of aggressive behaviour and the target had been involved in an earlier incident together in the past 12 months. This suggests there are opportunities for intervention.

    Are police involved?

    When serious injury or death occurs, it is the role of police to investigate the incident and refer to the Office of Public Prosecutions, if appropriate.

    Attributing legal responsibility is problematic and criminal charges are rarely filed. This may be because the residents involved are unfit for police interview or unfit to stand trial.

    Alternatively, prosecution may not be deemed in the public interest.

    Managing symptoms of dementia

    Dementia may impair a person’s ability to reason, express their needs and manage their emotions. It can also impair their ability to respond, in a socially acceptable way, to interpersonal conflict.

    Behaviour-management strategies to support the person with dementia include having a calm environment with a familiar routine and clear communication.

    Over the past decade, more formal services have become available to help manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

    Dementia Support Australia operates a Severe Behaviour Response Team which is available 24/7, responding to referrals from health professionals within 48 hours.

    Specialist dementia care units also operate across Australia, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety final report.

    Managing dementia symptoms requires multidisciplinary expertise spanning the aged care, disability and mental health sectors. Yet integrating these services remains a challenge.

    The federal government has committed to addressing the sub-optimal management of residents living with dementia.

    Supporting your loved one

    If you’re worried about your loved one, the first step is to express these concerns directly to the facility staff, as you would with any other matter. Open communication helps the facility staff to get to know your loved one and provide more tailored support.

    Being better informed about the subject can help you to advocate for your loved one.

    The Older Persons Advocacy Network is available to residents for free, independent and confidential support. They can advocate for you if you feel your concerns aren’t being heard or your loved one’s care is compromised.

    What happens next with the inquest?

    The Coroners Court will investigate this important and distressing issue and aims to reduce the number of preventable deaths.

    The coroner will hear the evidence, and may make formal recommendations about how to improve resident safety. Government agencies are required to consider and respond to these recommendations.

    It’s clear we have a long way to go to safeguard the rights of older people living in residential care.

    Joseph Ibrahim is a medical specialist in geriatrics and an academic with over 30 years of clinical experience. He is a Professor with the Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University and an Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University. He previously received funding from state and national government for research into the safety and quality of aged care homes and resident-on-resident aggression. He has also been an expert witness for criminal and coroners court cases as well as the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

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

    – ref. Resident-to-resident aggression is common in nursing homes. Here’s how we can improve residents’ safety – https://theconversation.com/resident-to-resident-aggression-is-common-in-nursing-homes-heres-how-we-can-improve-residents-safety-257818

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is black mould really as bad for us as we think? A toxicologist explains

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Musgrave, Senior lecturer in Pharmacology, University of Adelaide

    Peeradontax/Shutterstock

    Mould in houses is unsightly and may cause unpleasant odours. More important though, mould has been linked to a range of health effects – especially triggering asthma.

    However, is mould exposure linked to a serious lung disease in children, unrelated to asthma? As we’ll see, this link may not be real, or if it is, it’s so rare to not be a meaningful risk. Yet we still hear mould in damp homes described as “toxic”.

    Indeed, mouldy homes can harm people’s health, but not necessarily how you might think.

    What is mould?

    Mould is the general term for a variety of fungi. The mould that people have focused on in damp homes is “black mould”. This forms unsightly black patches on walls and other parts of damp-affected buildings.

    Black mould is not a single fungus. But when people talk about black mould, they generally mean the fungus Stachybotrys chartarum or S. chartarum for short. It’s one of experts’ top ten feared fungi.

    The focus on this species comes from a report in the 1990s on cases of haemorrhagic lung disease in a number of infants. This is a rare disease where blood leaks into the lungs, and can be fatal. The report suggested chemicals known as mycotoxins associated with this species of fungus were responsible for the outbreak.

    What are mycotoxins?

    A variety of fungi produce mycotoxins to defend themselves, among other reasons.

    Hundreds of different chemicals are listed as myocytoxins. These include ones in poisonous mushrooms, and ones associated with the soil fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus.

    The fungus typically associated with black mould S. chartarum can produce several mycotoxins. These include roridin, which inhibits protein synthesis in humans and animals, and satratoxins, which have numerous toxic effects including bleeding in the lungs.

    While the satratoxins, in particular, were mentioned in the report from the 90s in children, there are some problems when we look at the evidence.

    The amount of mycotoxins S. chartarum makes can vary considerably. Even if significant amounts of mycotoxin are present, getting them into the body in the required amount to cause damage is another thing.

    Inhaling spores in contaminated (mouldy) homes is the most probable way mycotoxins enter the body. For instance, we know mycotoxins can be found in S. chartarum spores. We also know direct injection of high concentrations of mycotoxin-bearing spores directly in the noses of mice can cause some lung bleeding.

    Stachybotrys chartarum mycotoxins have been blamed for lung issues after exposure to black mould.
    Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

    But just because inhaling spores is the probable route of contamination doesn’t mean this is very likely.

    That’s because S. chartarum doesn’t release a lot of spores. Its spores are typically embedded in a slimy mass and it rarely produces the spore densities needed to replicate the animal studies.

    The original reports suggesting the US infants who were diagnosed with haemorrhagic lung disease were exposed to toxic levels of mycotoxins were also flawed.

    Among other issues, the concentrations of mould spores was calculated incorrectly. Subsequent correction for these issues resulted in the association between S. chartarum and this disease cluster basically disappearing.

    The American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology states while there is a clear, well-established relationship between damp indoor spaces and detrimental health effects, there is no good evidence black mould mycotoxins are involved.

    But mould can cause allergies

    Moulds can affect human health in ways unrelated to mycotoxins, typically through allergic reactions. Moulds including black moulds can trigger or worsen asthma attacks in people with mould allergies.

    Some rarer but severe reactions can include allergic fungal sinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and rarer still, hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

    These can typically be controlled by removing the mould (or removing the person from the source of mould).

    People with impaired immune systems (such as people taking immune-suppressant medications) may also be prone to mould infections.

    In a nutshell

    There is sufficient evidence that household mould is associated with respiratory issues attributable to their allergic effects.

    However, there is no strong evidence mycotoxins from household mould – and in particular black mould – are associated with substantial health issues.

    Ian Musgrave has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council to study adverse reactions to herbal medicines and has previously been funded by the Australian Research Council to study potential natural product treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. He is currently a member of one of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s statutory councils.

    – ref. Is black mould really as bad for us as we think? A toxicologist explains – https://theconversation.com/is-black-mould-really-as-bad-for-us-as-we-think-a-toxicologist-explains-258173

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Making it easier to build a granny flat makes sense – but it’s no solution to a housing crisis

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Welch, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    RyanJLane/Getty Images

    As part of its resource management reforms, the government will soon allow “super-sized granny flats” to be built without consent – potentially adding 13,000 dwellings over the next decade to provide “families with more housing options”.

    This represents genuine progress in reducing regulatory barriers. But the scale of the housing crisis means we have to ask whether incremental reforms can deliver meaningful change.

    The numbers provide important context. Against current consenting rates of 40,000 to 50,000 new dwellings per year, those projected 70-square-metre granny flats represent a 2.6% increase in housing supply.

    In Auckland, where housing pressure is most acute, 300 additional units might be built annually. For some, that’s likely to be useful. But for a country already facing a housing crunch, it’s insignificant.

    The costs of a granny flat

    The numbers also reveal who can participate in this proposed solution. Building a basic 70-square-metre granny flat will cost between NZ$200,000 and $300,000. Add site works, utility connections and mandatory licensed building practitioner supervision, and total project costs will be closer to the upper end of that range.

    At current interest rates, financing $250,000 requires approximately $480 weekly in loan payments. While rents of $500-$600 per week are achievable in urban markets, these thin margins assume optimal conditions.

    For property owners with existing equity, this presents a viable investment. For those seeking affordable housing – young families, essential workers, recent immigrants – the benefits remain largely theoretical.

    This dynamic illustrates a persistent challenge in market-based housing solutions: policies intended to improve affordability often primarily benefit those with capital to deploy.

    Pressure on the pipes

    Each granny flat requires full residential infrastructure – water, wastewater and stormwater connections. The development contributions – fees councils charge on new builds to fund infrastructure – will help fund network upgrades. But New Zealand already faces a $120-185 billion water infrastructure deficit over the next 30 years, just to fix existing systems.

    The challenge is particularly acute in established suburbs where these units are most likely to appear. Parts of Christchurch serviced by vacuum sewers already operate at capacity. Auckland’s combined sewer areas face overflow risks during heavy rainfall. Wellington’s ageing pipes struggle with current demand.

    Adding thousands of dispersed infill units to stressed networks poses genuine engineering challenges that funding alone cannot solve.

    Transport infrastructure faces similar pressures. With minimum parking requirements axed across the nation, these new granny flats will likely increase on-street parking demand and local traffic.

    While some granny flat residents may rely on public transport or active modes, New Zealand’s car ownership rates – 837 vehicles per 1,000 people – suggest most will own vehicles.

    Auckland’s sewer systems are already under pressure. New granny flats will add strain on the infrastructure.
    Janice Chen/Getty Images

    Approved but not always built

    International experience offers instructive parallels. California’s 2017 Accessory Dwelling Unit legislation provides the closest comparison. After removing similar regulatory barriers, California saw permits increase from 1,000 in 2016 to 13,000 in 2019.

    However, construction costs and infrastructure constraints limited actual completions to roughly 60% of approved units.

    Australian cities report similar patterns. Despite permissive regulations in many areas, only 13-23% of suitable properties actually added secondary dwellings. High construction costs and infrastructure limitations proved more binding than regulatory constraints.

    Closer to home, Auckland’s experience with minor dwellings under the Unitary Plan suggests cautious optimism. Since 2016, the city has averaged 300-400 secondary dwelling consents annually where permitted. The number of units actually constructed is unknown.

    Allowing one-storey detached 70-square-metre units without building consent may increase this modestly. But they are unlikely to dramatically accelerate production given persistent cost and capacity constraints.

    Another form of wealth transfer

    The policy’s benefits flow primarily to existing property owners. They will gain new development rights without competitive tender or public process. While perhaps justified by broader housing benefits, it’s worth acknowledging this is a form of wealth transfer.

    Granny flats typically add roughly their construction cost to property values, providing capital gains alongside rental income potential.

    For renters, benefits depend on how many units actually materialise and at what price point. Secondary units often rent at 20-30% below comparable standalone houses due to their size and backyard location.

    This could meaningfully expand options for singles and couples. But families requiring larger accommodation will see limited benefits.

    The policy’s design constraints also tell us what kind of urban density is acceptable. Single-storey height limits, two-metre boundary setbacks and standalone requirements essentially mandate the least efficient form of intensification.

    Units could share walls and services, and two-storey designs that use less land could be permitted. Instead, the granny flat exemption favours the one configuration that maintains suburban aesthetics while delivering minimal extra housing.

    A modest response to the housing crisis

    The granny flat exemption exemplifies New Zealand’s approach to housing challenges: acknowledging a crisis while implementing modest responses.

    Despite severe shortfalls in housing supply, the medium-density development common in comparable countries remains largely unrealised. An estimated 180,000 households could be accommodated through comprehensive densification.

    There are genuine benefits worth acknowledging, of course. The exemption reduces bureaucratic barriers, enables some additional housing and gives property owners new options.

    The question isn’t so much whether the new policy should be embraced. But rather whether the government is willing to complement it with larger changes the housing crisis demands.

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

    – ref. Making it easier to build a granny flat makes sense – but it’s no solution to a housing crisis – https://theconversation.com/making-it-easier-to-build-a-granny-flat-makes-sense-but-its-no-solution-to-a-housing-crisis-258185

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Deadly’ sports diplomacy: why Australia’s Indigenous people must be a part of our sports strategy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stuart Murray, Associate Professor, International Relations and Diplomacy, Bond University

    Sean Garnsworthy/ALLSPORT

    Since coming to power in 2022, the Albanese government has focused strongly on the Indo-Pacific.

    The prime minister’s recent trip to Indonesia was the latest high-level bilateral summit as Australia seeks to recalibrate relationships, enhance security and, where possible, win the battle for hearts and minds in the region.



    Read more:
    There’s no country more important to Australia than Indonesia. Trouble is, the feeling isn’t mutual

    In a world slipping further into “strategic atrophy,” art, music, food, culture, sport and other forms of soft power are no longer peripheral.

    In the foreword to the recently launched Australian Sports Diplomacy 2032+ strategy, for example, Labor MP Tim Watts stated:

    Sport is an important tool for Australia’s diplomatic engagement at a time when Australia needs to use every dimension of our national power to advance our interests.

    The First Nations of Australia are mentioned in this strategy but it fails to reflect the depth, power and influence Indigenous sports diplomats could bring.

    Arguably, our sports diplomacy would be more authentic, unique and effective (especially in the Pacific) if First Nations people, perspectives and programs were genuinely integrated from the outset – baked in, not bolted on.

    The epic history of First Nations sport

    Indigenous Australians were the first people to play sport on this land.

    Before colonisation, Australia’s population was around 750,000, divided into about 500 nations.

    Though sometimes hostile, these communities shared a common language: sport.

    Physical pursuits served, and still serve, many purposes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: fostering communication, preserving lore, teaching youth to be effective providers and most importantly, practising survival skills.

    Sport was also a civilising force used for social, cultural and diplomatic ends. Games and carnivals increased contact between clans, easing tension, division, xenophobia and misunderstandings that could spark violence.

    Battendi (spear-throwing), Marngrook (football), Koolchee (ball games), and Prun (mock war) are examples of diplomatic games that predate the ancient Greek Olympics by tens of thousands of years.

    Sport became central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, identity and diplomacy.

    “Deadly” – a term meaning excellent – sports diplomacy is a more fitting way to describe this unique form of diplomacy. Done well, it offers a more accurate, authentic brand of Australia to the region and beyond.

    The battle for the Blue Pacific

    The “Blue Pacific” – a term describing a shared Pacific culture, identity and collective diplomatic strategy – offers an opportunity to harness the power of deadly sports diplomacy.

    If Australia hopes to win Pacific hearts and minds, it should send more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sports diplomats and teams to countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and New Zealand, because the nations of the Blue Pacific deeply respect the old, wise First Peoples of Australia.

    These relationships are built on shared values: culture, family, spirituality and sport.

    The Black Swans – Australia’s First Nations netball team, which debuted at the PacificAus Sports netball series in 2024 – are included as a case study in Sports Diplomacy 2032+. However, it’s the government’s A$600 million NRL project in PNG that has dominated headlines.



    Read more:
    Sports diplomacy: why the Australian government is spending $600 million on a new NRL team in PNG

    The Albanese government’s backing of this initiative has sparked criticism among supporters of other codes in Australia with strong ties to Pacific nations – especially rugby union, which until recently was the code of choice in Fiji and throughout Polynesia.

    A rise in Pacific Island interest in rugby league may impact rugby union, some argue.

    However, rugby league may be a more effective sports diplomacy tool. It enjoys growing popularity in those locations and has undisputed national sport status in PNG, the most populous Pacific nation by far.

    It’s also arguably more “deadly,” with its Indigenous All Stars team and an Indigenous Round.

    In the NRL, 48% of players have Pasifika heritage, and 12% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, compared to 3% across the Australian population.

    Should rugby union receive similar support? Perhaps, but first, it must address the absence of Indigenous players.

    Since Rugby Australia’s founding in 1949, only 15 Aboriginal men have played Test rugby for Australia.

    What about similar funding for soccer, the national obsession of strategically important near neighbours Solomon Islands and Vanuatu?

    It too has had a relative absence of Indigenous players at Australia’s highest levels, notwithstanding the pioneering careers of Charlie Perkins, John Moriarty, Archie Thompson and recent Matildas Lydia Williams and Mackenzie Arnold.

    Extra time

    Integrating the world’s oldest living culture in Australia’s sports diplomacy program can only enhance our relationships, diplomacy and national brand.

    The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)’s Share a Yarn initiative is helping lead the way.

    Established in 2020, it connects elite First Nations athletes with respected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentors.

    Throughout the year, athletes and mentors meet online, attend monthly storytelling sessions and attend an annual cultural connection camp at the AIS campus.

    As Marissa Williamson Pohlman, the first Aboriginal woman to compete in boxing at the Olympics in 2024, noted:

    Mainstream sport can be challenging but having the unwavering support of mob keeps me grounded and focused on my goals.

    The fact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have practised sports diplomacy for more than 60,000 years is a powerful story. It is one that should be celebrated at every international sporting event we attend, bid for, or host.

    Including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, programs and perspectives would strengthen and innovate our strategies, add vital cultural iconography, inspire like-minded nations and help win hearts and minds from Honiara to Hawaii.

    The authors would like to thank Kombumerri woman Emily Pugin (DFAT) and Butchulla/Goreng Goreng Paul Martin for their contribution, teaching and help in commissioning and drafting the report that informs this article.

    Stuart Murray receives funding from The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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

    – ref. ‘Deadly’ sports diplomacy: why Australia’s Indigenous people must be a part of our sports strategy – https://theconversation.com/deadly-sports-diplomacy-why-australias-indigenous-people-must-be-a-part-of-our-sports-strategy-257542

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 369

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 369
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM CDT Thu Jun 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southeast Colorado
    Southwest Kansas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms developing in southeast Colorado will
    continue to intensify through the afternoon while spreading
    generally eastward into southwest Kansas. The more intense storms
    will be capable of producing a few tornadoes and very large hail up
    to 2.5 inches in diameter. Some clustering of storms is expected by
    this evening, with a gradual increasing in the threat for severe
    outflow gusts up to 75 mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 55 miles east northeast of Lamar CO to
    15 miles east of Elkhart KS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 366…WW 367…WW 368…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 29020.

    …Thompson

    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 369
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM CDT Thu Jun 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southeast Colorado
    Southwest Kansas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms developing in southeast Colorado will
    continue to intensify through the afternoon while spreading
    generally eastward into southwest Kansas. The more intense storms
    will be capable of producing a few tornadoes and very large hail up
    to 2.5 inches in diameter. Some clustering of storms is expected by
    this evening, with a gradual increasing in the threat for severe
    outflow gusts up to 75 mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 55 miles east northeast of Lamar CO to
    15 miles east of Elkhart KS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 366…WW 367…WW 368…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 29020.

    …Thompson

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW9
    WW 369 TORNADO CO KS 051900Z – 060200Z
    AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    55ENE LAA/LAMAR CO/ – 15E EHA/ELKHART KS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM E/W /46ENE LAA – 32W LBL/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 29020.

    LAT…LON 38360027 36990018 36990308 38360322

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU9.

    Watch 369 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (40%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz Leads Over Fifty House Democrats in Legal Defense of TPS for Venezuelans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    “The Executive Branch advances an interpretation of the TPS statute that, in essence, rewrites the statute to claim a power that Congress did not delegate,” said the Members in the brief’s introduction and summary. “Further, the Executive Branch asserts an interpretation of the TPS statute that leaves no role for the judiciary.”

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) led 54 Democratic Members of Congress to support and defend Venezuelans from the Trump Administration’s baseless termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by filing an amicus brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in National TPS Alliance v. Noem.

    This filing follows the Supreme Court’s decision to allow Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to proceed with rapidly revoking the lawful status of Venezuelans while the case moves forward. Before its ruling, Wasserman Schultz led 48 Democrats in a similar brief to the Supreme Court. 

    “The Executive Branch advances an interpretation of the TPS statute that, in essence, rewrites the statute to claim a power that Congress did not delegate,” said the Members in the brief’s introduction and summary. “Further, the Executive Branch asserts an interpretation of the TPS statute that leaves no role for the judiciary.”

    The brief continues, “Amici, drawing on their experience and expertise as members of Congress, explain how these offered interpretations are incorrect and further explain that the TPS statute does not allow for vacatur…noting the long history of bipartisan Congressional support for temporary protected status for Venezuelans who fled dangerous conditions in their country, conditions that persist today.”

    Wasserman Schultz was joined by House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8), House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-2), House Rules Committee Ranking Member Rep. James McGovern (MA-2), House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY-7), House Committee on Agriculture Ranking Member Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-2), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and House Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35), as well as all Democratic Members of the Florida Congressional Delegation.

    Additional signers include Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), John Larson(CT-01), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Henry C. (“Hank”) Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Dina Titus (NV-01), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Darren Soto (FL-09), Robin L. Kelly(IL-02), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-27), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Troy Carter (LA-02), Nikema Williams(GA-05), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Dave Min (CA-47), and Luz Rivas(CA-29).

    Wasserman Schultz, who co-chairs the Venezuela Democracy Caucus, also recently partnered with Reps. Darren Soto(FL-9) and María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) to sponsor bipartisan legislation to reverse Trump’s termination of TPS for Venezuelans and redesignate protections. 

    The full amicus brief can be found here.

    ####

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: GUARDIENT® Aligns with New CISA and ACSC Guidance on SIEM and SOAR Implementation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VIENNA, Va., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, USX Cyber® announced that its flagship Guardient®, a Unified Security Platform, already aligns with the core recommendations released by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) on effective Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) implementations.

    Last week’s joint guidance from the two agencies emphasizes log prioritization, centralized visibility, incident response automation, and modular integration as foundational elements of a successful SIEM/SOAR deployment. These best practices have been embedded in the Guardient platform from day one.

    “It’s validating to see the public sector reinforcing what we’ve been delivering to private industry for years,” said Clyde W. Goldbach, Jr., President & CEO of USX Cyber. “Guardient was designed for visibility, speed, and actionability—core principles echoed in the CISA and ACSC release. We’re proud to help businesses of all sizes achieve compliance with these evolving expectations.”

    Guardient XDR combines real-time threat detection, automated response, and compliance-driven workflows in a single, lightweight platform. The solution is built for MSPs, compliance teams, and security teams seeking faster time to value, ease of use, and affordability without the bloat of traditional SIEMs or fragmented point solutions. Guardient’s key capabilities aligned with the new guidance include:

    • Cloud-Native Ingestion & Priority Log Filtering
    • Built-In SOAR for Instant Action & Ticket Enrichment
    • Modular Agent-Based Deployment for Mac, Linux, and Windows
    • Compliance-Centric Use Cases Across CMMC, HIPAA, and SOC 2
    • Integration with IoT, Firewall, Cloud, and Network Infrastructure Logs

    The newly released CISA/ACSC guidance is aimed at raising the security baseline for organizations across critical sectors. Guardient provides an accessible, battle-tested path to achieve that baseline today.

    About USX Cyber®

    USX Cyber® offers a unified cybersecurity solution that balances technical defense with audit-readiness. Its flagship platform, Guardient®, equips IT teams and service providers with an integrated suite that combines SIEM, SOAR, XDR, threat intelligence, and compliance automation in a single, easy-to-deploy solution.

    Media Contact:

    Megan Donovan
    External Communications Director
    USX Cyber, LLC
    megan@howllouder.com 
    732-245-3399

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Inside Ukraine’s remarkable drone attack

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    You can generally tell when Vladimir Putin appears rattled by an adverse event in his war on Ukraine. He (or one of his proxies) ramps up the bloodcurdling rhetoric. And so it is with Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” drone attack on four airbases inside Russia, which reportedly destroyed or damaged as many as 40 warplanes, a good chunk of Russia’s fleet of strategic nuclear-capable bombers.

    These aircraft have been used during the war to deliver cruise missiles at targets within Ukraine and have been kept on airbases far enough from Ukraine to be well out of range of anything Kyiv could fire at them. So Ukraine’s secret intelligence service, the SBU, hatched a plot to send truckloads of home-grown drones in vans to locations close to airbases as far away as Irkutsk in Siberia and Murmansk close to the top of Finland.

    Technological savvy aside, perhaps the most remarkable thing about the plan was that it was 18 months in the making and yet the SBU managed to keep it a secret shared by only a few, including Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Significantly, the plan was reportedly kept from the US government.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    An angry Putin is reported to have accused Ukraine of “organising terrorist attacks”, saying to aides: “How can we have meetings like this under these conditions? What is there to talk about? Who has negotiations with  … terrorists?”

    Nothing much has been revealed as to what was actually said about the drone attack when delegates for the two sides met on Monday, apparently for barely an hour, to continue their peace talks. But as Stefan Wolff and Tetyana Malyarenko suggest, the fact that both sides have continued to land blows against each other is hardly a sign of a sincere commitment to serious negotiations.

    As it is, both sides restated their maximalist positions. For Kyiv this means that any concessions over territory or sovereignty are out of the question. For Moscow this means Ukrainian and international recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea as well as four provinces it has partially occupied since 2014, no Ukrainian membership of Nato and limits to Ukraine’s armed forces.

    Wolff and Malyarenko, experts in international security and politics at the University of Birmingham and National University Odesa Law Academy, respectively, believe that little will change on the battlefield in the foreseeable future. A lot will now depend on Washington. And it should be noted that the US president had a lengthy chat with Putin on June 4, after which Trump delivered the Kremlin’s message that: “President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.”

    We’ve already seen a blitz on the southern city of Kherson, where Russia launched glide bombs and attacked with drones and artillery this morning. But Trump’s envoy to Russia, Keith Kellog, among other senior officials have talked about the drone strike being an attack on part of Russia’s [nuclear] triad, impying the threat level is actually far greater.



    Read more:
    Ukraine ‘spiderweb’ drone strike fails to register at peace talks as both sides dig in for the long haul

    Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in 1994 in return for an undertaking, signed by Russia, the US, UK and France, to guarantee the inviolability of Ukraine’s borders. So as Matthew Sussex of the Australian National University in Canberra writes, the drone attack was very much a case of a David striking a clever blow against a Goliath.

    Sussex says this and other missions, such as the targeting of the Kerch bridge – Putin’s pride and joy – and the relentless attacks on Russia’s power infrastructure, are an effective counter to Russia’s attritional style of warfare. This involves throwing as many men as possible at its objectives, something Ukraine cannot hope to compete directly with. The truth is, writes Sussex, that Kyiv “has focused on winning the war they are in, rather than those of the past”.



    Read more:
    The secret to Ukraine’s battlefield successes against Russia – it knows wars are never won in the past

    “This isn’t just asymmetric warfare, it’s a different kind of offensive capability,” concludes Michael A Lewis, an expert in autonomous vehicles at the University of Bath. Lewis notes that both sides have been using drones almost continuously on the frontlines of the war and each has developed their own strategy for countering the threat.

    But this operation combined the use of drones with smart intelligence planning. The key was getting the drones to where they could exploit vulnerabilities in Russia’s air defence systems. “In low-level airspace, visibility drops, responsibility fragments, and detection tools lose their edge,” he writes. “Drones arrive unannounced, response times lag, coordination breaks.”

    The attack will have defence planners around the world scratching their heads as to how to cope with this emerging threat. Lewis believes the operation exposed the problems with centralised airspace management which will require new and better detection systems and faster responses to counter. “Operation Spiderweb didn’t just reveal how Ukraine could strike deep into Russian territory,” he writes. “It showed how little margin for error there is in a world where cheap systems can be used quietly and precisely.”



    Read more:
    Ukraine drone strikes on Russian airbase reveal any country is vulnerable to the same kind of attack

    Not that Russia has exactly been standing still when it comes to drone warfare. As Marcel Plichta of the University of St Andrews writes, having initially relied on Iran for the supply of its Shahed drones, Russia has been quick to establish its own sizeable drone manufacturing industry. Plichta, a drone specialist and former US government intelligence analyst, walks us through some of the innovations that Russian-made drones are now employing, including Sim cards which can transmit data back to Russia via mobile networks, carbon coating to avoid radar detection, and enhanced incendiary and fragmentation warheads that can start fires or spread large volumes of shrapnel to make them more deadly.

    But also notable is the sheer volume of drones that Russia is deploying – 472 against Ukrainian cities on June 1, as well as large numbers of decoys – with the aim of simply exhausting Ukrainian air defences. Even if Ukraine manages to shoot down 80% as it claims, that still leaves enough to wreak utter havoc for the defenders.



    Read more:
    Russia has been working on creating drones that ‘call home’, go undercover and start fires. Here’s how they work

    From the Oval Office

    The latest controversial measure announced by the White House is the planned travel ban on people from 12 countries thought by the Trump administration to pose a threat. The ban is scheduled to come into effect on June 9.

    Less than a week later, the US will host – jointly with Mexico and Canada – the Fifa Club World Cup, which will feature players from some of these countries. Next year the US hosts the Men’s World Cup and in 2028 the Olympics are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles.

    The announcement of the ban said that “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives travelling for the World Cup, the Olympics, or other major sporting events as defined by the Secretary of State” will be exempted.

    But, as Eric Storm from Leiden University points out, this does not include fans who might have been planning to travel to these major sporting carnivals. Storm, a historian who has researched the intersection of politics and tourism, says that the way geopolitical tensions manifested themselves at big sporting events was a feature of the cold war, but that these sorts of tensions largely dissipated after 1991. Now we may see politics being played out on the pitch, once again.



    Read more:
    Trump’s travel ban casts shadow over the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup and other US-hosted sporting events

    South Korea’s new president

    Voters in South Korea backed the liberal candidate, Lee Jae-myung for the Democratic Party, by nearly 50% in the June 3 election. This gave the man who led the campaign to topple former president Yoon Suk Yeol a clear mandate in what is reported to have been the election with the highest turnout since 1997.

    But while women had been very prominent in the campaign to oust Yoon, there were no female presidential candidates and very little discussion of some of the massive gender issues besetting Korea, including structural inequality, harassment and domestic violence, write Ming Gao of Lund University and Joanna Elfving-Hwang of Curtin University, both experts in South Korean politics and society. In fact, some candidates actively campaigned in a manner they clearly hoped would engage with disenchanted young men who feel their position may be under threat from women.



    Read more:
    South Korea election: Lee Jae-myung takes over a country split by gender politics

    The new South Korean president will bring with him what he calls a “pragmatic” approach to foreign affairs. He has restated his commitment to the longstanding alliance with the US, but has also stressed the need for his country to improve relations with China and North Korea, believing that South Korea should not be wholly dependent on Washington.

    This, writes Christoph Bluth, could become a point of tension between Seoul and Washington. “The Trump administration has taken a hawkish approach towards China and wants its allies to do the same,” he says.

    Lee has made it quite clear that while Seoul’s relationship with Washington is the “basic axis of [South Korea’s] diplomacy,” the country “should not put all [its] eggs in one basket”. He has already signalled that he would resist any attempts by the US to draw South Korea into a conflict with China over Taiwan.



    Read more:
    Why South Korea’s new leader may be on a collision course with Trump

    Gaza: when aid is politicised

    There was yet more tragedy in Gaza this week as the new aid distribution scheme backed by Israel and the US got underway and quickly descended into chaos, with Israeli troops shooting at people it claimed were Hamas militants, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people.

    The new plan handed control of aid distribution to a private company called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which established four depots, three in the very south of the Strip and one in the centre, close to Israeli checkpoints. As a result many people had to travel considerable distances to get desperately needed supplies.

    As Irit Katz of the University of Cambridge writes here, the GHF plan is similar in character to a scheme put forward last December by an Israeli veterans group that prioritises control over humanitarianism. She says the resulting chaos and violence should come as no surprise.



    Read more:
    Lethal humanitarianism: why violence at Gaza aid centres should not come as a surprise

    World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get updates directly in your inbox.

    – ref. Inside Ukraine’s remarkable drone attack – https://theconversation.com/inside-ukraines-remarkable-drone-attack-258326

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cincinnati man sentenced to 25 years in prison for role in narcotics, firearms conspiracies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CINCINNATI – Mason Meyer, 32, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in federal court here today to 300 months in prison. Meyer is the final of 16 defendants charged in this case for their roles in narcotics and firearms conspiracies.

    The case originated with Meyer and another individual involved in an Aug. 7, 2020, police chase through Cincinnati that resulted in the deaths of two bystanders in Newport, Kentucky. Meyer and Kirsten Johnson, 26, of Cincinnati, were charged federally in August 2020. Ongoing investigation led to the additional 14 defendants and charges.

    According to court documents, officials with the ATF, Cincinnati Police and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force were surveilling Meyer in Cincinnati on Aug. 7, 2020, when Meyer drove away. Cincinnati police officers attempted to stop Meyer when he fled, causing a police chase through Cincinnati and into Covington and Newport, Kentucky.

    Local court documents detail that Meyer’s vehicle struck and killed a couple dining on the patio of Press on Monmouth in Newport, Kentucky. Two other pedestrians were struck and suffered minor injuries.

    At the time of the chase, Meyer and Johnson possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, two loaded handguns and a loaded rifle.

    A grand jury indicted all 16 defendants in the federal case in July 2021, charging the defendants in a firearms conspiracy and in a narcotics conspiracy involving 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine and 10 grams or more of LSD, as well as detectable amounts of MDMA, DMT, marijuana and ketamine.

    In total, as part of this case, law enforcement seized 11 firearms and more than one kilogram of methamphetamine, more than 200 pounds of DMT, more than five kilograms of marijuana, more than 15 kilograms of hashish and hashish oil, more than one kilogram of MDMA, more than 19,000 dose units of LSD, fentanyl, cocaine, and other synthetic and counterfeit drugs.

    Meyer’s source of supply of methamphetamine, Ryan Haskamp, 36, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in February to 27 years in prison. Haskamp used at least five Cincinnati residences as stash houses to store and sell drugs. He also had others rent Airbnb locations and hotel rooms to further his drug trafficking. Haskamp had packages of drugs delivered to the Airbnb rental properties. Haskamp supplied drugs for redistribution in Cincinnati and Dayton via numerous co-defendants.

    Others convicted in this case include:

    Name Age City of Residence
    William Keith Jenkins 37 Cincinnati
    Michael Alden Mobley 42 Ghent, Ky.
    Michael Tyler Boeh 35 Cincinnati
    Victoria Stauffer 30 Cincinnati
    Quincy Pemberton 33 Cincinnati
    Damon Gene Wade 31 California, Ky.
    Kelly Marie Smart 35 Cincinnati
    Kevin Patrick Thiery 44 Cincinnati
    Crystal Randall 37 Cincinnati
    Rory Hartmann 30 Cincinnati
    Julie Renae Wetzel 34 Cincinnati
    Ashley Long 30 Cincinnati
    Haley Pennington 26 Moraine, Ohio

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Andrew Lawton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa A. Theetge and agencies with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force and Drug Abuse Reduction Task Force (DART) announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke 20mph zone to be introduced next week

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A reduced speed limit of 20mph will be introduced in parts of Stoke on Thursday 12 June.

    The 20mph speed limit is part of a scheme to make it safer for children travelling to school, which will also include a new parallel (pedestrian and cycle) crossing on Mill Bridge, linking Stonehouse Creek to Victoria Park.

    The scheme, which was developed following feedback from local ward councillors about residents’ safety concerns and approved in January following public consultation, is being implemented in two phases.

    The first will cover residential streets around Stoke, Millbridge and Eldad Hill, including Stuart Road Primary Academy in Palmerston Street. The second, which will be implemented within two years, will extend the existing 20mph zone around High Street Primary Academy further to cover streets in the Stonehouse area.

    Enforcement cameras for the first zone have been installed and we are in the process of putting up new 20mph signage and painting road markings, ready for the change. Advanced warning signs will be in place before the new speed limit becomes enforceable to let drivers know.

    Construction of the new crossing is nearing completion and it is expected to open within the next couple of weeks.

    Larger ‘terminal’ signs at the entry points to the new 20mph zone will include artwork featuring safety messages, designed by pupils at Stuart Road Primary. The school recently introduced the city’s first permanent Safer School Streets scheme following a successful 18-month pilot.

    Two designs were chosen from nearly 60 created by the young artists to alert drivers to the importance of road safety, speed limits and people walking, cycling or wheeling in the area. The winning pupils will receive a gift card, a goodie bag and a certificate.

    Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “The zebra crossing and 20mph zone are being introduced in response to feedback from ward members and residents concerned about speeding, accidents and near misses in their neighbourhood.

    “Many of these concerns are for pupils and families travelling to and from school and vulnerable road users will always be our number one priority. There are several primary and secondary schools within the two phases of the scheme and this will significantly improve safety on their daily journeys.

    “Our road safety team works closely with Stuart Road Primary, including supporting the introduction of its Safer School Streets scheme, which has been a huge success. We are really pleased to be using signs designed by pupils as part of this first phase.

    “We hope the reduced speed limit – and the new crossing, when it opens – will help people feel safer when they travel through this busy area.”

    Britta Nicholls, headteacher at Stuart Road Primary, said: “We are delighted with the new speed restrictions that will make sure that parents and children can safely travel to and from school. We have had too many near misses in the past and welcome the reduced speed enforcement in roads around Stuart Road. This supports our mission to increase the number of families who walk, cycle or scooter to school for a healthier lifestyle, cleaner air and is environmentally friendly.”

    Full details of the 20mph zone and maps showing the streets it covers can be viewed on our Stoke 20mph zone page. The new speed limit will be enforced by Devon and Cornwall Police.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Ormat Technologies Announces Strategic Leadership Changes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • ORMAT EXPANDS MANAGEMENT TEAM TO SUPPORT ELECTRICITY SEGMENT GROWTH AND EGS INITIATIVES
    • ARON WILLIS APPOINTED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ELECTRICITY SEGMENT
    • DANIEL MOELK APPOINTED SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, RESOURCES, DRILLING, & EGS

    RENO, Nev., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) (the “Company” or “Ormat”), a leading geothermal and renewable energy company, is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished executives to its senior management team. These strategic appointments are poised to propel the next phase of the Company’s growth and enhance its operational excellence within the renewable energy sector.

    Aron Willis Appointed Executive Vice President, Electricity Segment

    Effective June 4, 2025, Aron Willis will assume the role of Executive Vice President, Electricity Segment at Ormat Technologies. In this capacity Aron will oversee the operations of the Electricity Segment, ensuring alignment with the Company’s strategic goals and financial targets. Aron will also be responsible for optimizing plant performance, implementing advanced AI tools, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to foster future growth.

    Aron brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the power generation industry, with a proven track record of leadership and financial and operational expertise. His career includes significant roles at TransAlta Corporation and Northwest Digital Power, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing large-scale operations and driving substantial growth initiatives. At TransAlta Corporation, Aron held several senior leadership positions, including Executive Vice President of Project Delivery & Construction, Executive Vice President of Growth and Senior Vice President of Operations & Commercial Management. He also managed TransAlta’s Australian operations for 10 years, comprising approximately 500MW of generating capacity. Aron holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Finance from the University of Calgary.

    Daniel Moelk Appointed Senior Vice President, Resources, Drilling & EGS

    In July 2025, Daniel Moelk will join Ormat as Senior Vice President, Resources, Drilling & EGS. Daniel will lead our Resources, Drilling, and EGS teams with a focus on implementing sophisticated processes and innovative technologies. His work will focus in part on creating efficiencies through the use and advanced AI tools and developing Ormat’s ongoing drilling and exploration global roadmap.

    Daniel brings nearly 18 years of valuable operations and drilling management experience within the geothermal industry. Most recently, Daniel served as the EVP of European Operations for Eavor Technologies Inc, a company focused on EGS development where he successfully executed some of the industry’s most challenging and complex drilling campaigns. Daniel has played pivotal roles in expanding geothermal drilling operations across his career, in particular at Steag GMBH, PT Sejahtera Alam Energy while he was located in Indonesia, Daldrup & Sohne AG, Mannvit Engineering Consultants, and Iceland Drilling Inc. Daniel holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iceland.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Aron Willis and Daniel Moelk to Ormat’s leadership team, where their valued backgrounds and experience will help drive the next phase of development and growth for our leading geothermal operations,” said Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat Technologies. “Their extensive experience and proven track records in the power generation and geothermal industries will be invaluable as we continue to support our growth through continued innovation. These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening our leadership team, advancing our strategic objectives for generation growth, expanding our profitability, and focusing efforts on EGS development. I am confident that Aron and Daniel, both of whom will report directly to me, will play pivotal roles in our ongoing success.”

    Blachar continued, “I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to Shimon Hatzir for his long-standing service to the Company and his exceptional leadership and dedication over the past 36 years. Shimon has made significant contributions to Ormat in various capacities, including leading our R&D and engineering division, leading wide range of technology developments, and managing the design of numerous power plants. He also led our energy storage segment, and most recently, heading the Electricity Segment including the Resource and Drilling operations I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

    ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

    With six decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company, and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,538MW with a 1,248MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 290MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

    ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

    Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as our projections of annual revenues, expenses and debt service coverage with respect to our debt securities, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, or “contemplate” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat’s plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under “Risk Factors” as described in Ormat’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2025, and in Ormat’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed from time to time with the SEC.

    These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and, except as legally required, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Ormat Technologies Contact:
    Smadar Lavi
    VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting
    775-356-9029 (ext. 65726)
    slavi@ormat.com    		 Investor Relations Agency Contact:
    Joseph Caminiti or Josh Carroll
    Alpha IR Group
    312-445-2870
    ORA@alpha-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GROUPIRA Integrates with ASC to Streamline Automatic Rollover Data Transfer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TACOMA, Wash., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GROUPIRA®, INC (GROUPIRA®) a leading provider of retirement plan rollover solutions, is pleased to announce its new integration with ASC, a premier provider of retirement plan administration software. This partnership further accelerates the automatic rollover process, ensuring seamless data transmissions for TPAs.

    Through this integration, ASC users gain direct access to GROUPIRA’s robust rollover solutions, simplifying the rollover process of small-balance, terminated participant accounts. The automated process further reduces administrative burden of data transfer, and improves overall efficiency.

    At no cost to TPAs, GROUPIRA’s innovative and proprietary platform streamlines the rollover process by automating data uploads, lost participant searches, and customized distribution mailings.   By leveraging ASC’s advanced plan administration technology, GROUPIRA’s solutions will be more accessible.

    “We partner with ASC to further automate the rollover process for our TPA partners,” says [Yannis Koumantaros, Co-Founder and President] at GROUPIRA. “This integration uses advanced technology in Microsoft Azure to streamline rollover solutions, ensuring secure data transfers for TPAs and their plan sponsor clients.”

    “We understand the extraordinary efforts TPAs take to keep their clients’ plans compliant with the mandatory force out rules,” explains Alan Gould, President of ASC, “This new integration significantly decreases the amount of time and effort our TPA clients need to expend on these efforts.”

    About GROUPIRA®, INC.
    GROUPIRA®, Inc. is a pioneering financial technology company committed to bringing the benefits of 401(k) plans to IRA investors. To discover more about GROUPIRA® and its innovative solutions, visit www.groupira.com.

    About Actuarial Systems Corporation (ASC)

    ASC is an industry leader in providing innovative intelligent automation for retirement plan software. Systems include Retirement Plan Documents, DC/401(k) Recordkeeping and Administration, DB Valuation, Compliance Testing, Single Step Processing, 5500 Forms, CRMs, API & other enterprise level tools. All products share data facilitating the reduction of errors and elimination of duplicate data entry. A fully hosted, web-access option is available for all products. ASC also offers ERISA Consulting and Continuing Education.

    Media Contact:
    Jaime Unkel, VP of Sales
    jaime@groupira.com
    201.981.2155
    GROUPIRA

    Laurie Joiner
    ljoiner@asc-net.com
    818.344.2084 x110
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK looks to military gap years to boost recruitment in the face of growing geopolitical tension

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sarah Mills, Professor of Human Geography, Loughborough University

    Harrogate, 2019. Steve Gill – Visuals/Shutterstock

    The UK government recently endorsed proposals in its strategic defence review to consider the creation of military gap years for young people in the UK.

    It would potentially be similar to a scheme offered by the Australian Defence Force. Young Australian citizens can spend 12 months doing paid work in a variety of roles in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

    In Australia in 2023, 664 young people enlisted in the gap year programme, and 374 of these transferred on to a role in the permanent Australian Defence Force. Like in Australia, the gap year model in the UK would be optional and for over 18s to get a “taste” of military life.

    These gap years would be a part of recruitment strategy. The proposal comes at a time of global geopolitical crisis, national youth unemployment and a shortage of soldiers (a global problem).

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Another key reason for the introduction of these gap years, highlighted in defence secretary John Healey’s oral statement on the review, is to “reconnect the nation with those who defend us”. Keir Starmer, in his speech, spoke of “a new spirit of service, flowing from every part of society … everyone benefiting, everyone playing their role”.

    Young people are seen as a key part of building these connections. Another avenue raised in the review is to increase the number of cadet forces, a voluntary uniformed national youth organisation for teenagers that can also be linked to schools.

    An evaluation of cadet forces in the UK has outlined significant positive outcomes for young people, including for their employment and career prospects.

    Air cadets at the Lord Mayor’s Show, London, 2021.
    Sandor Szmutko/Shutterstock

    The strategic defence review also proposed “working with the Department for Education to develop understanding of the armed forces among young people in schools”, but details of this are still unclear.

    These suggestions form part of a trend towards increasing military presence in children and young people’s lives. My research has found that, over the last decade, successive UK governments have encouraged programmes with a military ethos within schools and character education to foster grit and gumption.

    Watered-down national service?

    My research shows that calls to reintroduce some form of military service appear at times of political, social or economic crisis. It’s not surprising then, that in the last few years we have seen several proposals in this area. Most notable is previous prime minister Rishi Sunak’s election pledge in 2024 that school leavers would have to do a year of compulsory military or voluntary service.

    A voluntary gap year – national service “lite” – would be a more palatable approach compared to formal conscription, which is still active in several countries.

    Starmer has been keen to distance himself from the language of national service, especially as he has also committed to introducing votes at 16: compulsory national service doesn’t poll well with young people.

    The UK has also recently scrapped its voluntary National Citizen Service, a non-military, short-term youth programme centred on local community action that has cost over £1.5 billion since 2010.

    But the fact that two successive prime ministers in the space of one year have pitched some form of military experience for school leavers tells us that this is not necessarily about benefits for youth, but about the concerning geopolitical landscape and the urgent need to boost recruits.

    In 2025 compared to the last few decades, the state’s concern is less about youth crime, apathy or patriotism, but rather growing international security threats and the nation’s preparedness.

    It is important to remember that the debate about national service in the UK is fuelled by generational nostalgia. In the UK, formal national service ran from the late 1940s to early 1960s for men aged between 17 and 21. Ever since those final troops were discharged in 1963, there has been a debate about “returning” to national service.

    Research shows that those who were actually part of compulsory national service after the second world war generally don’t think we should bring it back. This debate is cyclical, and each time it happens, it reveals what the state and adults think about young people more generally, usually shaped by moral panics.

    Would a gap year be popular?

    Given the current economic climate, it could be that a paid short-term year of military service is more attractive to UK teenagers and their CVs than ever before. However, we must reflect on why it might be so attractive in the present moment and understand the wider, structural issues shaping the lives of children and young people today.

    The costs of austerity and inequality in the UK run deep for children and young people. These issues cannot be solved by a defence focused gap year and there are other pressing demands to support young people in this country. For example, youth sector representatives are urging the UK government to reverse the long-term decline in funding on youth services.

    The impetus for a military gap year in the report is strategic defence, not unemployment. But there is no guarantee the defence sector itself will be keen to embrace this idea.

    When Sunak proposed national service last year, defence experts and ministers raised concerns about the British Army and Navy’s current capacity and resources to deliver such a programme. They also highlighted the potential impact of such a scheme on the morale of professional, dedicated and highly-skilled force personnel.

    The actual feasibility of any new programme is uncertain, especially with the current fiscal situation. One thing my research suggests is certain though, is that this national debate will circle back around again and again.

    Sarah Mills has received research funding from UKRI (ESRC), the British Academy and the Royal Geographical Society. She is currently an unpaid member of the advisory ‘College of Experts’ group of researchers for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (UK Government) https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/dcms-college-of-experts

    – ref. UK looks to military gap years to boost recruitment in the face of growing geopolitical tension – https://theconversation.com/uk-looks-to-military-gap-years-to-boost-recruitment-in-the-face-of-growing-geopolitical-tension-258207

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Trade 350 App: This Trade 350 App Establishes New Standard for Retail Traders in 2025—Advanced AI Signals Backed by Military-Grade Security

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an industry crowded with promises and half-measures, Trade 350 App emerges as a true trailblazer. Launched in early 2023 by a team of seasoned quantitative analysts and software engineers, Trade 350 leverages state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and proprietary algorithms to deliver a seamlessly automated trading experience. As of mid-2025, more than 125,000 active users across 28 countries have entrusted their capital to Trade 350, citing rapid withdrawals, crystal-clear fee structures, and consistently reliable AI signals. This press-release–style article delves deeply into the features, security protocols, and glowing user feedback that have positioned Trade 350 App as one of the most highly recommended retail trading platforms on the market.

    Be Part of the AI Revolution—Download Trade 350 and Watch Your Portfolio Soar!”

    Overview: Trade 350 App’s Mission and Vision

    At its core, Trade 350 App was conceived to democratize high-frequency, algorithmic trading strategies—to bring hedge-fund-grade tools into the hands of everyday retail investors. The founding vision, articulated by CEO Samantha Lopez, was simple: “Empower individuals—novices and professionals alike—to trade confidently, safely, and profitably, without having to become quant wizards overnight.” By fusing machine-learning models with robust risk-management controls and a user-first design, Trade 350 did more than merely enter the market: it redefined expectations.

    Key pillars of Trade 350’s mission include:

    • Accessibility: Ensuring that a minimum initial deposit ($250 USD) and transparent fee structure open the door for traders with limited capital.
    • Reliability: Providing consistently accurate trade signals, backed by 24/7 monitoring and continuous AI retraining.
    • Security: Adopting military-grade encryption, multi-factor authentication, and strict data-privacy protocols to safeguard user assets.
    • Education: Offering extensive learning resources—webinars, tutorials, and a dedicated knowledge base—to accelerate every user’s understanding of risk, strategy, and market dynamics.

    Ready to Trade Smarter, Not Harder? Tap into Trade 350’s AI Genius Today

    Founding Team & Timeline of Key Milestones

    Trade 350’s rapid rise stems from a leadership team whose combined experience spans decades at major financial institutions and technology ventures. Below is a brief timeline highlighting the company’s notable milestones:

    Early 2023

    • Conceptualization & Seed Funding
      • Seed round of $2.5 million led by MacroVentures Capital.
      • Core team formed:
        • Samantha Lopez, CEO (MBA, MIT Sloan) – Former Director of Quantitative Research at Vector Capital.
        • Dr. Aaron Ng, CTO (PhD in Computer Science, Stanford) – Ex-Google Research Scientist focused on reinforcement learning.
        • Priya Patel, CMO (BS in Marketing, University of Pennsylvania) – 8 years at Tradex Media in FinTech marketing.
        • David Clarke, Head of Risk (CFA, FRM) – 10 years in derivatives risk management at CapitalOne UK.

    Q2 2023

    • Prototype & Closed Beta Launch
      • Initial AI-signal engine tested on live market data in controlled environments.
      • Closed beta recruited 500 “alpha testers” worldwide; feedback loop refined signal accuracy.

    Q4 2023

    • Public Launch & App Release (v1.0)
      • Web platform and iOS/Android apps released simultaneously.
      • Core markets: Major Forex pairs (EUR/USD, GBP/USD), top cryptos (BTC, ETH).
      • Achieved 10,000 registered users in first two months.

    Early 2024

    • Expanded Asset Coverage & Risk Controls (v2.0)
      • Added indices (S&P 500, NASDAQ 100), commodities (Gold, Crude Oil).
      • Introduced granular risk settings: adjustable trade size (0.1%–5%), daily loss limits.
      • Rolled out first batch of educational webinars on “AI Fundamentals for Retail Traders.”

    Q3 2024

    • Security Audit & Scalability Upgrades
      • Completed third-party security audit by CyberCore Labs.
      • Migrated to fully redundant cloud architecture (multi-region AWS) to ensure 99.9% uptime.
      • User base surpassed 50,000, with $20+ million in aggregate trading volume monthly.

    Late 2024

    • International Language Support & Regulatory Pursuits
      • Added Spanish and Portuguese language packs to mobile apps.
      • Hired compliance specialists to initiate FCA registration in the UK and ASIC licensing in Australia.
      • Launched “Trade 350 University”—an online curriculum covering technical analysis, AI model interpretation, and advanced risk management.

    Q1 2025

    • Trade 350 v3.1: Enhanced AI & Social Sentiment Integration
      • Deployed new LSTM-based neural network modules that incorporate real-time social media sentiment (Twitter, Reddit) for cryptocurrency signals.
      • Launched customer support in Arabic and Mandarin.
      • Achieved 4.8-star average rating across App Store and Google Play.
      • Monthly active traders exceeded 85,000, with total platform equity above $50 million.

    Q2 2025

    • Beta Release of CopyTrading Feature & API Access
      • Introduced “CopyTrade 350,” allowing novice users to mirror top-performing traders’ portfolios (rollout scheduled for full release in Q3 2025).
      • Publicly documented RESTful API endpoints for third-party developers to access signals under a developer license.
      • Consolidated regulatory progress: Applied for full FCA license, with expected approval by Q4 2025.

    Join 125,000+ Traders Who’ve Unlocked Faster Withdrawals and Rock-Solid Security—Get Trade 350 Now!

    How Trade 350’s AI Engine Drives Market-Beating Signals

    At the heart of Trade 350 App lies a proprietary AI engine that continuously learns and evolves. Rather than relying on static, rule-based algorithms, Trade 350’s system employs a combination of supervised learning classifiers, unsupervised anomaly detection, and reinforcement-learning loops. Below is a breakdown of the engine’s core layers:

    1. Data Ingestion & Preprocessing
      • Live Price Feeds: Sub-second tick data on major forex pairs, cryptocurrency exchanges, commodity futures.
      • Economic Calendar: Automated ingestion of macroeconomic event schedules (central bank decisions, employment reports, CPI releases) from leading data providers.
      • Social Sentiment: Custom scraped sentiment scores from Twitter, Reddit, and specialized crypto-community forums; big-data processed via Apache Spark pipelines.
      • Historical Data Archive: 15+ years of minute- and hourly-bar data stored in columnar format; used for backtesting and model calibration.
    2. Feature Engineering & Pattern Recognition
      • Technical Indicators: 50+ pre-engineered indicators (moving averages, Bollinger Bands, RSI, MACD, Fibonacci retracements) automatically calculated per symbol.
      • Volatility Filters: Dynamic measures (e.g., ATR-based volatility) adjust stop-loss and take-profit levels based on current market turbulence.
      • Anomaly Detection: Unsupervised clustering identifies “flash crash” patterns or unnatural price spikes; system can automatically suspend signals ahead of low-liquidity events.
    3. Model Architecture
      • Classifier Ensembles: Random forest and gradient-boosted tree ensembles generate entry/exit probabilities for each trade.
      • LSTM & GRU Layers: Deep recurrent networks capture temporal dependencies, especially critical in high-frequency crypto markets.
      • Reinforcement Learning: Periodic “paper-trading” modules simulate thousands of episodes, allowing the AI to adjust reward functions based on cumulative drawdown and Sharpe ratio targets.
      • Continuous Retraining: Models retrain weekly, incorporating the most recent market data (ensuring the system adapts to shifting regimes, e.g., bull runs or sudden volatility escalations).
    4. Signal Scoring & Confidence Levels
      • Each generated signal is assigned a confidence score (0–100%).
      • Only signals above a user-defined threshold are delivered (e.g., 85% confidence or higher).
      • Real-time performance scoreboard evaluates the last 100 signals per asset class, tracking actual win-rate vs. predicted probabilities.

    Why this matters:
    In an era when markets are influenced by split-second news developments, algorithms that cannot rapidly pivot to new data become obsolete. Trade 350’s layered approach—blending classical technical analysis with advanced NLP-driven sentiment models—enables it to identify high-probability setups that may elude manual traders. This fusion of big data, deep learning, and automated risk controls underpins Trade 350’s consistently strong performance track record.

    Don’t Just Follow Trends—Set Them. Experience Trade 350’s Cutting-Edge AI Signals ASAP!

    Simplified Onboarding: From Registration to First Trade

    A frictionless onboarding process is critical to user adoption. Trade 350’s team prioritized a stepwise workflow designed to get users trading—and winning—quickly:

    1. Account Registration (2–3 minutes)
      • Email & Password: Users enter a valid email and create a strong password.
      • Phone Verification: One-time code sent via SMS to authenticate device.
    2. KYC & Identity Verification (up to 24 hours)
      • Upload Documents: Government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license) + proof of address (utility bill or bank statement).
      • Selfie Check: Simple facial recognition match via mobile camera.
      • Risk Questionnaire: Brief survey on trading experience, risk tolerance, and investment goals (required by global AML regulations).
    3. Funding Your Account (within minutes to hours)
      • Deposit Methods:
        • Bank transfer (ACH, SEPA)
        • Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard)
        • E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
      • Minimum Deposit: $250 USD (or local equivalent).
      • Processing Times:
        • Card/E-wallet: Instant to 15 minutes
        • Bank transfer: 1–2 business days (varies by region)
    4. Platform Tour & Guided Walkthrough
      • Interactive Tutorial: Step-by-step pop-ups walk users through
        • Navigating the Dashboard
        • Accessing AI Signals
        • Configuring Risk Settings
        • Placing Demo Trades
      • Knowledge Center Links: Contextual tooltips link to in-depth articles on technical analysis, building a strategy, and interpreting AI scores.
    5. First Trade in Demo Mode (minutes)
      • Virtual Balance Allocation: Users begin with $10,000 (play money) to practice.
      • Signal Feed: In-app notifications highlight high-confidence setups across supported assets.
      • One-Click Order Entry: Price, position size (automatically suggested by AI risk model), and stop-loss/take-profit parameters pre-filled; user reviews and confirms.
    6. Transition to Live Mode (Optional)
      • Once comfortable, users flip the toggle to “Live Mode,” where AI signals trigger orders with real capital.

    Takeaway:
    Trade 350’s streamlined process—designed to be completed within a single afternoon—eliminates the confusion often associated with new trading platforms. The combination of interactive guidance, minimal deposit requirements, and a robust demo environment ensures that users of all experience levels can onboard with confidence.

    Your Edge in 2025: Instant AI Signals, Zero Subscription Fees—Start Trading with Indian Trade 350!

    Demo Mode: Risk-Free Practice Before Going Live

    Recognizing that traders learn best by doing, Trade 350 prioritizes Demo Mode as a cornerstone feature. Unlike some competitors that limit demo accounts to 7–14 days, Trade 350’s Demo Mode remains active indefinitely. Key highlights:

    • Unlimited Duration: No expiration on the $10,000 virtual balance; transition to Live Mode at your own pace.
    • Identical Interface: Demo Mode reproduces the exact look and feel, data feeds, and AI signals of Live Mode—no surprises when switching to real capital.
    • Preset Risk Profile: The demo account uses a conservative baseline risk (1% of balance per trade) to show users how varying position sizes and stop-loss levels impact outcomes.
    • Real-Time Data: Market conditions in Demo Mode mirror Live Mode, including spreads, latency, and slippage (within reason).
    • Performance Dashboard:
      • P&L Ledger: Tracks every trade’s profit or loss.
      • Drawdown Metrics: Calculates peak-to-valley drawdowns to illustrate capital preservation.
      • Strategy Analyzer: Backtests demo trades against historical data to identify strengths and weaknesses in your risk settings.

    Why Demo Mode Matters:

    • Build Confidence: Users can test different strategies—scalping, swing trades, trend following—without risking a dollar.
    • Familiarize with AI Workflow: Understand how the system interprets confidence scores, positions, and risk recommendations.
    • Identify Emotional Triggers: By seeing what happens when you deviate from AI-recommended parameters (e.g., increasing trade size beyond recommended limit), traders learn discipline before risking real funds.

    According to Trade 350’s Q1 2025 user survey:

    “75% of new users spend at least one week in Demo Mode before funding their account. Of those who transition, 4 out of 5 report feeling fully prepared to follow AI signals without hesitation.”

    Trade, Profit—Trade 350’s AI Does the Heavy Lifting. Are You In?

    Tailored Risk Management: Customization at Every Level

    One of Trade 350’s defining features is its intuitive, highly customizable risk management panel. Users—whether ultra-conservative retirees or aggressive millennial traders—can dial in parameters that align with their individual comfort levels:

    1. Position Sizing Slider
      • Select a percentage of account equity for each trade (ranging from 0.1% up to 5%).
      • AI generates recommended position size based on recent equity, market volatility (ATR), and signal confidence.
      • Users can override suggested size if they wish, but an on-screen warning alerts them to increased risk.
    2. Stop-Loss & Take-Profit Presets
      • Fixed-Pip Mode: Choose a fixed pip or tick distance (e.g., 20 pips stop-loss, 40 pips take-profit).
      • Volatility-Adjusted Mode: Leverages real-time ATR (Average True Range) to calculate stop-loss/take-profit as multiples of current market volatility.
      • Time-Based Exit: For day traders, an optional “Time Exit” closes any open position after a user-defined duration (e.g., 4 hours), regardless of profit or loss.
    3. Daily Loss Limit
      • Set a maximum total loss threshold per 24-hour cycle (e.g., 3% of account equity).
      • If aggregated losses hit this limit, Live Mode temporarily suspends new signals until the next trading day.
      • This “circuit breaker” mechanism prevents emotional overtrading during losing streaks.
    4. Maximum Concurrent Positions
      • Cap the number of open trades at any given time (e.g., no more than 3 simultaneous Forex trades).
      • Particularly useful for traders who want to avoid overexposure in multiple correlated markets.
    5. Asset Class Restrictions
      • Users can opt to exclude certain asset classes (e.g., cryptocurrencies) from receiving signals.
      • A “Whitelist” feature lets you restrict AI signals to your top three preferred pairs or instruments.
    6. Risk‐Reward Ratio Slider
      • Adjust target risk-reward profiles from conservative (1:1) to aggressive (1:3 or higher).
      • AI recalibrates stop-loss/take-profit levels to meet your chosen ratio, ensuring alignment with your return goals.

    User Benefits:

    • Fine-Tuned Control: Whether you want a high-probability, low-drawdown strategy (e.g., 1% risk per trade, 1:1 reward) or higher-volatility approaches (e.g., 2.5% risk per trade, 1:3 reward), the platform accommodates your style.
    • Emotional Discipline: Predefined rules eliminate second-guessing. Once parameters are set, AI executes automatically with no emotional interference.
    • Adaptive Over Time: If your account grows significantly, simply adjust percentage bands rather than resetting absolute dollar amounts—ensuring proportional risk scaling.

    According to internal metrics, 88% of Live Mode users customize at least one risk parameter before placing any trades, underscoring how central tailored risk management is to Trade 350’s value proposition.

    Unlock VIP-Caliber Trading Power—Visit Trade 350 and Level Up Your Game!

    Robust Security, Privacy & Compliance Measures

    Security is not an afterthought at Trade 350—it is foundational. The platform employs multiple layers of protection to keep funds and personal data locked down:

    1. Encryption & Data Protection
      • SSL/TLS 1.3 or higher on all data in transit; AES-256 encryption at rest.
      • No sensitive personal information stored in plaintext.
      • Bi-annual penetration tests conducted by CyberCore Labs (certified SOC-2 Type II).
    2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
      • Support for SMS-based 2FA or time-based OTP via authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy).
      • Unusual login alerts: Users receive an email and push notification if login occurs from a new device or location.
    3. Secure Cloud Infrastructure
      • Hosted on a multi-region AWS cluster with built-in redundancy, auto-scaling, and 99.99% SLA.
      • Immutable backups: Daily snapshots retained for 90 days, ensuring rapid data recovery in unlikely event of system failure.
    4. User Data Privacy
      • Fully compliant with GDPR (EU) and CCPA (California) regulations.
      • Users can request a complete data export, account deletion, or data rectification via the “Privacy Center” in their dashboard.
      • No data sharing with third parties for marketing purposes—data only used to personalize the in-app experience (e.g., tuning AI confidence thresholds to individual risk appetites).
    5. Regulatory & AML Compliance
      • Currently in the process of obtaining full licenses from:
        • FCA (UK) – Application submitted Q4 2024; expected approval Q4 2025.
        • ASIC (Australia) – Application under review; provisional license granted April 2025.
        • CySEC (EU) – Compliance roadmap initiated March 2025; expected Q1 2026.
      • Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks required for all new accounts—no anonymous trading.
      • Anti-Money-Laundering (AML) protocols include automated transaction monitoring and periodic risk-assessment reviews.
    6. Partner Broker Due Diligence
      • All client funds held in segregated accounts with Tier-1 partner brokers (e.g., Smith & Wollensky Securities, First Rate Capital).
      • Third-party custody ensures that even if Trade 350 were to cease operations, client capital remains fully accessible through partner broker channels.

    Industry Recognition:

    • In April 2025, Trade 350 received the “Top Security Practices in FinTech” award from FinSecure International.
    • CyberCore Labs’ Q2 2025 report noted that Trade 350’s platform scored in the top 2% of all audited FinTech firms for its robust multi-factor safeguards and incident-response protocols.

    Limited Spots for Early Adopters—Join Trade 350’s Elite Indian User Base Before It’s Too Late!

    User Interface & Mobile Experience: Intuitive, Fast, and Functional

    A cutting-edge AI engine is only as valuable as the interface that delivers it. Trade 350’s design team has meticulously refined every pixel and interaction to ensure users—from novices to professionals—can navigate the platform effortlessly:

    1. Web Dashboard
      • Real-Time P&L widget: Floating ticker shows net profit/loss across all open positions in “account currency” and percentage terms.
      • Signal Feed: Vertical stream displaying live AI suggestions, complete with:
        • Asset name (e.g., EUR/USD, BTC/USD)
        • Direction (Buy / Sell)
        • Confidence score (e.g., 92% High Probability)
        • Suggested position size (% of account).
      • Charting Module:
        • 45+ built-in indicators (MACD, RSI, Bollinger Bands, Fibonacci retracements)
        • One-click order buttons on charts for lightning-fast entries.
        • Integrated “Watchlist” that syncs with mobile app.
      • Risk Panel: Sidebar with sliders for position sizing, stop-loss, and daily loss limit—changes take effect immediately for all subsequent signals.
      • Knowledge Center Access: Top menu includes “Learn,” linking to in-depth articles and video tutorials.
    2. Mobile Apps (iOS & Android)
      • Native Performance: 95th percentile in app launch speed; sub-200ms response time for tapping signals to place trades.
      • Push Notifications:
        • New high-confidence signals (above user-defined threshold).
        • Price alerts (user-set price levels on any supported symbol).
        • Account health alerts (margin calls, daily loss limit breaches).
      • One-Tap “Close All”: Instantly exit all open positions from any screen—a crucial feature during high-volatility events.
      • Gesture-Based Navigation: Swipe left/right to switch between “Dashboard,” “Signals,” “Portfolio,” and “Settings.”
      • Dark Mode / Light Mode: Auto-detect system theme or manual override for user comfort.
      • Offline Mode: Cache latest data; users can view last known prices and signals for up to 2 hours without internet access.

    User Satisfaction Metrics:

    • App Store Rating: 4.8 stars (based on 8,200+ reviews).
    • Google Play Rating: 4.7 stars (6,100+ reviews).
    • Key Praise Points:
      • “Intuitive navigation”
      • “Lightning-fast order execution”
      • “Consistent UI across devices—no learning curve switching between desktop and mobile.”

    Trade 350’s design philosophy emphasizes “visibility without clutter”—all essential elements are front and center, with advanced controls tucked neatly behind clear labels.

    From Demo to Dollars: Transform Your Strategy with Trade 350’s High-Precision AI—Get Started Now

    Deposits, Withdrawals & Customer Support: Fast, Friendly, Reliable

    Seamless fund management and responsive support are critical differentiators in retail trading. Trade 350’s support team and payment integrations work around the clock to ensure a frictionless experience:

    1. Deposit Methods & Processing Times
      • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard)
        • Instant to 15 minutes.
        • 3D Secure verification enabled for added safety.
      • Bank Transfer (ACH, SEPA, Local Wires)
        • 1–2 business days (domestic).
        • 2–4 business days (international).
        • No processing fees charged by Trade 350 (standard bank fees apply).
      • E-Wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller)
        • Instant.
        • Minimum deposit $250; no upper limit.
    2. Withdrawal Process & Speed
      • In-App Withdrawal Request:
    1. Go to Wallet → Withdraw
    2. Enter withdrawal amount
    3. Select destination (bank account, e-wallet)
    4. Confirm via 2FA
    • Processing Times:
    • E-Wallet: Instant to 30 minutes.
    • Card Refund: 1–2 business days (often processed same day).
    • Bank Transfer: 24–48 hours (weekends excluded).
    • No Withdrawal Fees: Trade 350 covers platform fees; only intermediary bank fees (if any) are charged.
    1. Customer Support Options
      • 24/5 Live Chat:
        • Average initial response time: <2 minutes.
        • Available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Mandarin.
      • Email Support:
        • Typical response time: <4 hours.
        • Multi-language support and ticket tracking system.
      • Phone Support:
        • Toll-free numbers in the US, UK, Australia, and Germany.
        • Available 9 AM–6 PM (local time).
      • Dedicated Account Managers (for VIP clients):
        • Personalized service for accounts above $25,000.
        • Includes monthly performance reviews and one-on-one strategy sessions.
    2. Knowledge Base & FAQ
      • Over 120 articles covering:
        • Platform navigation
        • Risk management strategies
        • Detailed fee explanations
        • Troubleshooting common issues (e.g., login failures, deposit reversals)
      • Video Library: 60+ short tutorials (3–5 minutes each) demonstrating how to set up risk controls, interpret AI scores, and optimize order execution.

    User Feedback on Support:

    • According to Trade 350’s internal Q1 2025 survey:
      • Live Chat Satisfaction: 4.9/5 average rating.
      • Email Support Rating: 4.7/5.
      • Phone Support Rating: 4.8/5.

    One user commented on Trustpilot (May 2025):

    “I reached out at 2 AM GMT about a withdrawal clarification. Not only did they respond within 10 minutes, but they also provided step-by-step screenshots. Phenomenal support.”

    Trade 350’s AI Knows the Next Move—Be the First to Profit. Download and Trade Today! 

    Testimonials: Real-World Success Stories from Satisfied Traders

    Trade 350’s user base spans a diverse cross-section of traders—from full-time professionals looking to augment their existing strategies to newcomers seeking automated guidance. Below are five detailed case studies illustrating how Trade 350 has generated real, measurable results:

    Innovative Returns for a Full-Time Forex Day Trader

    Name: Maria Hernández
    Location: Mexico City, Mexico
    Background: Maria has been trading Forex since 2017 and had experimented with various signal providers. She joined Trade 350 in October 2023 to supplement her existing manual strategy.

    Experience & Results:

    • Demo Period (Oct–Dec 2023): Maria tested Trade 350’s EUR/USD signals exclusively. Over 2,500 demo trades, she achieved a 71% win rate with a 1:1.5 average risk-reward ratio.
    • Live Transition (Jan 2024): Deposited $5,000.
      • First 3 Months: Net P&L $2,100 (42% ROI), with a maximum drawdown of 8%.
      • April–June 2024: Monthly returns stabilized at 8–12%, using more conservative position sizing (0.75% per trade).
    • Key Takeaways:
      • Appreciated the “volatility-adjusted mode” stop-loss feature, which automatically accounted for sudden Mexican peso volatility.
      • Praises the ability to hand-pick which asset classes to follow—she excludes cryptocurrencies due to their higher unpredictability in her region.

    Quote from Maria:

    “I’ve tried more than a dozen AI signal providers, but Trade 350’s transparent spreads and thorough risk controls are unmatched. Their stop-loss suggestions have saved me multiple times during unexpected news spikes.”

    College Student Achieves Consistent Side Income

    Name: Jacob Thompson
    Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
    Background: Jacob, a second-year economics student, was intrigued by algorithmic trading but lacked capital and experience. He discovered Trade 350 via a university tech meetup in March 2024.

    Experience & Results:

    • Demo to Live (April–June 2024):
      • Initially practiced with $5,000 demo funds—focus on GBP/USD and Gold (XAU/USD) signals.
      • Within two weeks, maintained a 65% win ratio on demo trades.
    • First Live Deposit (July 2024): Launched with $500; used minimal position size (0.5% per trade).
      • July–December 2024: Achieved 18% total return on his $500 (added $90). Made two withdrawals to pay semester fees.
      • January–April 2025: Deposited additional $1,000; net P&L $260 (13% return).
    • Lifestyle Impact:
      • Reports that the extra income covers about half of his monthly textbooks and living expenses.
      • Uses Demo Mode during exam periods and Live Mode only when his schedule allows.

    Quote from Jacob:

    “Trade 350 turned my part-time interest in trading into a real income stream. The mobile app’s push alerts keep me informed even between lectures. It’s like having my own personal trading desk.”

    Small-Business Owner Diversifies Portfolio

    Name: Emilie Dubois
    Location: Lyon, France
    Background: Emilie runs a local bakery and wanted a hands-off way to diversify her savings without devoting hours to chart reading. She signed up for Trade 350 in February 2024.

    Experience & Results:

    • Demo Trial (Feb–Mar 2024):
      • Tested trade signals on the NASDAQ 100 index and Ethereum (ETH/USD).
      • Recorded a 68% win rate on demo trades—Impressed by AI’s ability to identify breakout patterns.
    • Live Trading (April 2024–Present):
      • Initial Deposit: $5,000 (EUR 4,600).
      • April–December 2024: Generated $1,020 in net profits (22.2% annualized return) with conservative risk settings (1% per trade).
      • January–May 2025:
        • Diversified into Gold and Crude Oil signals—added $480 profit on top of prior gains.
        • Current portfolio value: $6,500 (EUR 5,960). Withdrawn $600 throughout 2024 to fund bakery renovations.

    Operational Benefits:

    • Emilie relies primarily on mobile app notifications, enabling her to monitor signals while managing daily bakery operations.
    • Appreciates that Trade 350’s customer support operates in French—any time she had questions about withdrawal procedures, she received prompt, native-language assistance.

    Quote from Emilie:

    “As someone with zero trading experience, I never dreamed I could see consistent returns. Trade 350’s AI does the heavy lifting. All I have to do is adjust risk parameters and let the signals run.”

    Retiree Seeks Supplemental Income with Low Effort

    Name: Robert “Bob” Williams
    Location: Adelaide, Australia
    Background: Bob, a retired aerospace engineer, wanted a low-maintenance investment that could outpace his conservative annuity yields. He discovered Trade 350 in June 2024.

    Experience & Results:

    • Demo Trial (June–July 2024):
      • Experimented with short-term EUR/GBP signals. Maintained a 62% win rate with a balanced risk-reward profile (1:1.2).
    • Live Trading (August 2024–Present):
      • Initial Deposit: $10,000 AUD.
      • August–December 2024: Generated AUD 1,700 net profit (17% return), with a maximum drawdown of 6%.
      • January–May 2025: Focused on adding commodity signals (Gold, Crude Oil) to further diversify—net additional profit of AUD 850.
      • Total current value: AUD 12,550 (net gain ~25.5%). Withdrawned AUD 500 in February 2025 to cover medical expenses.

    Lifestyle & Emotional Impact:

    • Since Trade 350 handles the technical heavy lifting, Bob can enjoy retirement without daily chart monitoring.
    • Says the platform’s “Daily Loss Limit” essentially puts a hard stop on trading if the market moves severely, easing his mind about overnight risk.

    Quote from Bob:

    “At my age, I don’t want to babysit charts. Trade 350’s AI does the work. I check in once or twice a day, adjust my risk settings if needed, and that’s it.”

    Crypto Enthusiast Boosts Returns During Bear Market

    Name: Aisha Ahmed
    Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Background: A self-described “crypto maximalist,” Aisha had struggled to consistently profit during the 2022–2023 crypto downturn. She found Trade 350’s crypto signal suite in November 2023.

    Experience & Results:

    • Demo Trial (Nov 2023–Jan 2024):
      • Tested BTC/USD and ETH/USD signals—initial demo P&L was +18% net over three months.
    • Live Trading (Feb 2024–Present):
      • Initial Deposit: $3,000 (USD).
      • Feb–Dec 2024: Net profit $920 (30.7% return) with 2% risk per trade. Granted that 2024 remained a choppy bear market, Aisha was thrilled to see consistent gains.
      • Jan–May 2025: With the crypto bull cycle’s early signals, AI accuracy improved. Aisha’s net profit in that period was $630 (21% return).
      • Current account value: $4,550 (net +51.6% to date).

    Platform Advantages:

    • Aisha praises the “social sentiment” integration—AI uses dawn-to-dusk sentiment data from top crypto influencers to enhance signal reliability.
    • Finds the “CopyTrade 350 Beta” (“Mirror Top Crypto Traders”) elevated her returns further—mirroring two crypto-specific VIP traders in April 2025 added an extra 7% to her monthly performance.

    Quote from Aisha:

    “Trade 350 saved me from the 2023 crypto slump. Their AI remained profitable when my manual strategies faltered. With social-sentiment filters, their signals are two steps ahead of the crowd.”

    Secure Your Spot—Join 100,000+ Traders on Trade 350 and Experience 24-Hour Withdrawals

    Industry Recognition & Third-Party Endorsements

    No platform can claim legitimacy without external validation. Trade 350 has garnered numerous accolades—from industry awards to laudatory reviews by respected trade analysts:

    1. “Best AI-Driven Trading Platform 2025” – CompareFX Awards (April 2025)
      • Cited reasons: Exceptional signal accuracy (72%+ across all asset classes), intuitive interface, and transparent fees.
    2. “Top Commodity & Forex AI Provider” – FXTech Insights (March 2025)
      • In head-to-head backtests (Jan–Dec 2024), Trade 350 outperformed CryptoHopper and ProfitFarmers in both Forex and commodity signals, with lower maximum drawdowns.
    3. “Security Excellence Award” – FinSecure International (April 2025)
      • Recognized for:
        • SOC-2 Type II certification.
        • Global data-privacy compliance across GDPR, CCPA, and PDPA (Singapore).
    4. ForexPulse Magazine Featured Review (May 2025)
      • Key excerpt:

    “Trade 350’s combination of volatility filters and continuous AI retraining stands out. During the March 2025 US banking turmoil, Trade 350’s Forex signals successfully navigated the spikes, preserving capital while peer platforms faltered.”

    1. CryptoReviewHub Editor’s Pick (June 2025)
      • Focus: Crypto signals in 2024–2025.
      • Verdict:

    “Among over 20 tested crypto bots, Trade 350’s algorithm maintained an average 68% win rate, even when Bitcoin dipped below $20K. Its sentiment analysis engine is a game-changer.”

    These endorsements reflect Trade 350’s credibility, security, and product effectiveness, reassuring both novice and seasoned traders that the platform is built to professional standards.

    Roadmap & Product Innovations on the Horizon

    Trade 350’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures users always have best-in-class tools. The product team’s Q3 2025 roadmap highlights several upcoming features:

    1. Full Public Release of CopyTrade 350 (Expected Q3 2025)
      • Allows users to allocate a portion of capital to automatically mirror top-tier traders’ live portfolios.
      • Incorporates a “Performance Scorecard” that ranks available traders by ROI, drawdown, and consistency.
    2. Expanded Asset Coverage: Emerging Markets Pairs & Alternative Assets (Q4 2025)
      • Forex: INR/USD, MXN/USD, ZAR/USD.
      • Commodities: Copper, Natural Gas, Corn Futures.
      • Indices: FTSE 100, DAX 40, Nikkei 225.
      • Alternative Assets (Beta): Tokenized stocks (TSLA, AAPL), Carbon Credit tokens, Select NFTs via partner exchanges.
    3. Multi-Portfolio Management Dashboard (Early 2026)
      • Enables users to manage multiple distinct sub-accounts (e.g., “Growth,” “Income,” “Crypto”) under one master profile.
      • Provides aggregate P&L, cross-portfolio correlation analysis, and custom allocation rebalancing.
    4. Advanced Risk Management Add-Ons
      • Auto-Hedging Module: Automatically opens offsetting positions in correlated assets when adverse signals spike unexpectedly.
      • Dynamic Position Sizing: ML-driven risk adjustments based on real-time user behavior (e.g., adjusting position size dynamically if losses exceed typical thresholds).
    5. Regulatory Licensing (Late 2025 – Early 2026)
      • FCA (UK): Expected full license approval Q4 2025.
      • ASIC (Australia): Final license certification Q3 2025.
      • CySEC (EU): Formal submission Q2 2025, approval targeted by Q1 2026.
    6. Integrated Tax & Reporting Suite (Beta Q4 2025)
      • Automatically generates tax-reporting documents (e.g., Form-8949 for US traders, UK Capital Gains Schedule).
      • Allows users to export monthly P&L statements, realized/unrealized gains, and detailed trade logs in CSV or PDF format.
    7. Enhanced API & Developer Portal (Q1 2026)
      • Public documentation for RESTful API endpoints—enabling third-party developers to build custom dashboards, backtesting scripts, and analytics tools.
      • Sandbox environment with simulated data for testing.

    Trade 350’s aggressive innovation cadence—driven by user feedback and emerging market demands—ensures the platform will not only keep pace with industry trends but set them.

    Why Choose Trade 350 App? Australia and Canada Consumer Report Released Here

    Platform Comparisons: Why Trade 350 Outshines Its Peers

    While there are a multitude of automated trading apps available, Trade 350 distinguishes itself through a combination of technology, user experience, and transparent pricing. Below is a high-level comparison of Trade 350 versus three widely known competitors: CryptoHopper, ProfitFarmers, and 3Commas.

    Feature / Metric Trade 350 App CryptoHopper ProfitFarmers 3Commas
    AI-Driven Signals ✔ Proprietary ensemble + LSTM + sentiment ✘ Template-based, rule-driven ✔ AI suggestions with prepackaged “Farmer” strategies ✘ Semi-automated signals, limited machine-learning
    Supported Asset Classes Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities, (Q4 2025: Emerging Markets + Tokenized Assets) Crypto only Crypto only Crypto & limited Forex pairs
    Minimum Deposit $250 USD (or local equivalent) $20 USD $500 USD $30 USD
    Fee Model Spreads only (0.8–1.5 pips; 0.10–0.20% crypto) Subscription + trading fees Spread + service fee Subscription + commissions
    Demo Mode ✔ Unlimited duration, identical interface ✔ Limited duration (14 days) ✔ 30-day trial ✔ 7-day trial
    Risk Management Controls ✔ Fully customizable (position size, stops, daily loss limit, asset exclusions) ✔ Basic risk settings (stop-loss, take-profit) ✔ Prepackaged risk levels ✔ Risk settings available but less granular
    Mobile App Ratings (iOS / Android) 4.8 / 4.7 4.2 / 4.1 4.0 / 3.9 4.0 / 3.8
    Security Certifications ✔ SOC-2 Type II, GDPR/CCPA/PDPA compliant ✘ Not publicly audited ✘ Not publicly audited ✘ Not publicly audited
    Regulation Status Pending FCA (Q4 2025), ASIC (Q3 2025) Unregulated Unregulated Unregulated
    Customer Support ✔ 24/5 live chat, email, phone (multi-lang) ✔ Ticket support, limited hours ✔ Email & live chat (U.S. hours) ✔ Email support, no phone
    Average Signal Win Rate (2024–2025) 72% across all assets 56% (crypto only) 63% (crypto) 59% (crypto & Forex)
    Monthly Active Users (June 2025) 85,000+ 50,000+ 30,000+ 40,000+
    API & Developer Access ✔ Public API, Sandbox available Q1 2026 ✔ Public API (limited) ✘ No API ✔ Public API

    Key Differentiators for Trade 350:

    1. Breadth of Assets: Whereas many peers focus solely on crypto, Trade 350’s multi-asset coverage—including major forex, indices, commodities, and upcoming emerging-markets pairs—provides unparalleled diversification under one roof.
    2. Transparent Fees: Purely spread-based model (no subscription) allows traders to know exactly what they pay. In contrast, many competitors layer on subscription and data-feed fees.
    3. Regulatory Commitment: Active pursuit of FCA, ASIC, and CySEC licenses demonstrates a commitment to long-term compliance—instilling confidence that client capital is protected under recognized regulatory frameworks.
    4. Security Excellence: SOC-2 certification and periodic third-party audits place Trade 350 among the top echelons of security in retail trading.
    5. Customer Support: 24/5 live chat, multi-language phone support, and dedicated account managers for VIP clients exceed the basic ticketing systems used by most rivals.
    6. Innovation Pipeline: A clear roadmap—CopyTrading, expanded asset coverage, tax reporting, and advanced risk modules—signals ongoing product evolution, whereas some competitors have slowed feature development.

    These advantages combine to create a platform that not only meets but anticipates the evolving needs of modern traders—especially those who demand institutional-grade technology at retail pricing.

    Community Engagement & Educational Resources

    Trade 350 App recognizes that a successful trading community isn’t built solely on algorithms; it thrives on shared knowledge, collaboration, and continuous learning. The platform’s multi-faceted community initiatives include:

    1. Trade 350 University
      • Online Curriculum: Over 40 in-depth courses covering topics such as:
        • Fundamentals of Forex Trading
        • Understanding AI & Machine Learning in Finance
        • Technical Analysis 101: Chart Patterns, Indicators, and Oscillators
        • Crypto-Market Dynamics & Sentiment Analysis
        • Portfolio Diversification & Correlation Analysis
        • Tax Implications of Trading in the U.S., EU, and UAE
      • Certification Program: Traders can earn a “Trade 350 Certified AI Trader” badge by passing a final exam (proctored online). Certificates can be added to LinkedIn profiles.
    2. Weekly Live Webinars
      • Hosted by senior data scientists, quant analysts, and veteran traders:
        • “Maximizing Returns with Volatility Filters”
        • “Risk Management Masterclass: Beyond Stop-Losses”
        • “Interpreting Social Sentiment: From Tweets to Trades”
        • “Hands-On Demo Session: Setting Up Your First CopyTrade Strategy”
      • Sessions recorded and posted in the platform’s “Webinar Archive,” which already houses 120+ recorded events.
    3. Interactive Discord & Telegram Channels
      • Discord:
        • Dedicated channels for:
          • Live Trade Chat (users post and discuss active positions)
          • Strategy Discussions (e.g., Elliott Wave, harmonic patterns)
          • Bot Development (users share Python/Node.js scripts using Trade 350 API).
        • Monthly “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) sessions with founders and product leads.
        • “Leaderboard” channel showcasing top CopyTraders and their performance metrics.
      • Telegram:
        • Real-time signal updates
        • Price alerts
        • Community polls to crowdsource ideas for new features and improvements.
    4. Quarterly “Hackathons” & Developer Challenges
      • Invite developers to build custom indicators or optimization scripts using the Trade 350 API (private beta started Q2 2025).
      • Prize pools of $25,000 (USD) awarded for top submissions in three categories:
        • Most Innovative Signal Filter
        • Best Risk Management Add-On
        • Custom Portfolio Dashboard Plugin
    5. Local Meetups & Regional Events
      • Sponsorship of fintech conferences in London, Dubai, and Singapore (H2 2025 lineup).
      • Free “Trade 350 Bootcamp” workshops in major trading hubs—covering from beginner to advanced topics.
      • “Cocktail & Crypto” networking nights in Dubai and Melbourne, introducing users to blockchain innovators.

    Resulting Impact:

    • Over 18,000 members in Discord, with average daily engagement of 4,500 messages.
    • 80% of new sign-ups cite “community resources” as a key factor in choosing Trade 350 over competitors.
    • Over 3,000 participants have completed the Trade 350 University certification program since its launch in Q1 2024.

    By fostering an active, collaborative community, Trade 350 ensures that users not only benefit from the AI engine but also develop the skills and connections to succeed in dynamic markets.

    Visit Here to Register on the Trade 350 App – Select Your Country Here!!!

    Executive Insights & Leadership Commentary

    Samantha Lopez, CEO & Co-Founder

    “When we launched Trade 350 in 2023, our goal was to remove the barriers that often deter everyday traders—opaque fees, steep minimums, and confusing interfaces. Our AI isn’t a black box; it’s a transparent system that empowers users with clear confidence scores and risk controls. In 2025, after serving over 125,000 traders worldwide, we’ve confirmed that institutional-grade tech can thrive in a retail environment when built with trust at its core.”

    Dr. Aaron Ng, CTO & Head of R&D

    “Our engineering team continuously pushes the envelope. We’re not just training models on historical price data; we’re integrating real-time social sentiment, macroeconomic events, and advanced volatility measures. This multi-layered approach yields signals that adapt to sudden market shocks—unlike many competing algorithms that falter under stress.”

    Priya Patel, CMO & Head of Global Strategy

    “Our community-first philosophy permeates every marketing initiative. Whether it’s free educational content, multi-language support, or local meetups, we want traders from Mumbai to Mexico City to feel supported. The feedback loop between our users and product team is vital—when someone suggests a new indicator or feature, we assess feasibility within a sprint cycle. That agility keeps us at the forefront of retail trading innovation.”

    Awards, Certifications & Regulatory Progress

    Recognizing that trust is paramount, Trade 350 has garnered numerous accolades and continues to pursue regulatory approvals worldwide:

    1. Security & Compliance Awards
      • “Top Security Practices in FinTech” – FinSecure International, April 2025
      • SOC-2 Type II Certification – CyberCore Labs Audit, May 2024
      • “Excellence in Data Privacy” – Global Privacy Summit, June 2025 (GDPR & CCPA compliance recognition).
    2. Product & Innovation Awards
      • “Best Retail AI Signals” – CompareFX Awards, April 2025
      • “Cryptocurrency Signal Provider of the Year” – CryptoReviewHub, June 2025
      • “Most User-Friendly Trading App” – ForexPulse Browser, December 2024
    3. Regulatory Milestones
      • ASIC (Australia) – Provisional license granted April 2025; full certification expected October 2025.
      • FCA (UK) – Application submitted Q4 2024; targeted approval December 2025.
      • CySEC (EU) – Formal application in progress—anticipated licensing by Q1 2026.

    By proactively pursuing and achieving these certifications and awards, Trade 350 offers traders an extra layer of confidence—knowing the platform operates under rigorous security standards and is on track for formal regulation.

    Here to Open Trade 350 App Account in France (Register Fee $250)

    Future Outlook: Where Trade 350 Goes Next

    Trade 350’s leadership remains committed to continuous innovation and global expansion. Below are several strategic priorities and long-term initiatives:

    1. Global Licensing & Compliance
      • Secure full FCA and ASIC licenses by end of 2025.
      • Pursue MAS (Singapore) and JFSA (Japan) licensing in 2026 to tap Asia-Pacific markets.
    2. Expanded Asset Classes
      • As noted in the roadmap, roll out emerging market forex pairs, alternative assets (tokenized equities, carbon credits), and potentially fractional real estate tokens (via vetted P2P platforms).
    3. Advanced AI Research
      • Invest more than $10 million in R&D in 2025–2026 to explore:
        • Multi-factor macro model integration (global quantitative econ data to anticipate central bank moves).
        • Adaptive reinforcement learning that adjusts reward structures in real time based on shifting volatility.
        • Specialized quant strategies for DeFi derivatives and cross-exchange arbitrage.
    4. Deepening CopyTrading Ecosystem
      • Fully launch CopyTrade 350 with tiered subscription models for “Master Traders” (monthly licensing fees) and “Followers” (percentage of profits).
      • Introduce a “Social Leaderboard” showcasing top traders by ROI, Sharpe ratio, and consistency.
    5. Enhanced Education & Community Outreach
      • Expand Trade 350 University to include certificate programs in AI-for-Finance at a college-level curriculum, potentially partnering with universities in Europe and Asia.
      • Host annual “Trade 350 Summit” in major financial centers (London 2025, Dubai 2026) to unite thought leaders, Quants, and retail traders in a global FinTech symposium.
    6. Strategic Partnerships & Integrations
      • Explore co-branding opportunities with leading brokerage firms (e.g., Saxo Bank, IG Group) to introduce white-label versions of the Trade 350 engine.
      • API partnerships with portfolio tracking services (e.g., CoinTracker, Kubera) for consolidated tax and portfolio management.

    Through these initiatives, Trade 350 aims to cement its position as the preeminent AI-driven retail trading platform—one that not only delivers performance today but anticipates the financial landscape of tomorrow.

    Explore the Official Platform

    How to Get Started: A Step-by-Step Guide

    For traders ready to experience Trade 350’s robust AI engine and world-class support, here’s a concise walkthrough to get up and running in under 30 minutes:

    1. Visit the Official Website
      • Navigate to homepage
      • Click “Sign Up” in the top-right corner.
    2. Create Your Account
      • Enter a valid email address and choose a secure password.
      • Confirm via email link.
    3. Verify Your Identity (KYC/AML)
      • Upload a government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license) and a recent utility bill for proof of address.
      • Complete a brief risk profile questionnaire (assessing experience, goals, and risk tolerance).
      • Verification typically completes within 24 hours; priority expedited verification available for VIP members (accounts > $10,000).
    4. Fund Your Account
      • Minimum deposit: $250 USD (or local equivalent).
      • Select deposit method: Card (instant), E-wallet (instant), or Bank Transfer (1–2 business days).
      • Deposits reflect in your Trade 350 balance immediately (card/e-wallet) or within 1 business day (ACH).
    5. Explore Demo Mode
      • Toggle to “Demo Mode” (found at the top of the dashboard).
      • Receive your $10,000 virtual balance.
      • Familiarize yourself with the interface—watch live AI signals, place test trades, and adjust risk settings.
      • Review performance analytics on the “Strategy Analyzer” tab.
    6. Configure Risk & Preferences
      • Under “Settings → Risk Management”, set:
        • Position sizing percentage
        • Stop-loss/take-profit mode (fixed or volatility-adjusted)
        • Daily loss limit
        • Maximum concurrent positions
        • Asset class exclusions (if any)
    7. Switch to Live Mode
      • Once satisfied with demo performance, toggle back to “Live Mode.”
      • Confirm your default risk parameters carry over.
      • AI signals instantly become live orders, executed with real capital.
    8. Monitor & Fine-Tune
      • Access “Portfolio” to track open positions, realized P&L, and equity curve.
      • Use “Signal Feed” to see upcoming, active, and expired signals along with their confidence scores.
      • Adjust risk parameters in real time as market conditions evolve.
    9. Leverage Educational Resources
      • Explore “Trade 350 University” for courses on AI fundamentals, technical analysis, and advanced risk management.
      • Join weekly live webinars and Q&A sessions with product experts.
      • Engage in Discord channels to share ideas, ask questions, and follow top CopyTraders (upon full release).
    10. Withdraw Profits Easily
      • Once you have net profits to withdraw, navigate to “Wallet → Withdraw.”
      • Enter desired withdrawal amount, select a withdrawal method (bank account or e-wallet), and confirm via 2FA.
      • Funds arrive within 24–48 hours (depending on the chosen method).

    Success Tips

    • Start Small: Even if you deposit more, consider using a conservative risk profile (e.g., 0.5% position size) for your first week to build confidence.
    • Stick to AI Recommendations: Resist the temptation to override stop-loss or position-size suggestions until you understand how the AI is calibrated.
    • Monitor Economic News: Although AI incorporates macro data, major geopolitical events (e.g., Fed rate decisions) can cause brief signal delays—being aware of such events helps you anticipate potential lag.

    With a streamlined onboarding and intuitive design, Trade 350 App ensures both novice and experienced traders can begin capitalizing on AI-powered trading in under an hour.

    Conclusion: Why Trade 350 Is the Smart Choice for 2025 Traders

    In a landscape rife with lofty claims and half-baked algorithms, Trade 350 App stands apart as a credible, secure, and innovation-driven platform that consistently delivers results. Here are the core reasons why Trade 350 merits serious consideration for anyone—from beginners seeking guided AI assistance to seasoned professionals looking to augment existing strategies:

    1. Cutting-Edge AI & Data Science
      • Ensemble models combined with deep neural networks deliver a 72%+ win rate across multiple asset classes.
      • Continuous retraining and integration of real-time social sentiment keep signals adaptive to market shifts.
    2. Transparent, Spread-Only Fee Model
      • No monthly or annual subscription fees.
      • Typical spreads on major pairs (0.8–1.2 pips) and crypto (0.10–0.20%) rank among the industry’s tightest.
      • Monthly “Spreads Audit Reports” verify real-time pricing aligns with published rates.
    3. Granular Risk Management
      • Fully customizable position sizing, stop-loss/take-profit modes, daily loss limits, and asset exclusions.
      • “Circuit Breaker” mechanism that automatically halts trading if daily losses exceed user-defined thresholds.
      • Ideal for traders of all risk tolerances: from 0.1% conservative apologists to 5% aggressive swing tacticians.
    4. Uncompromising Security & Compliance
      • SOC-2 Type II certification, full GDPR/CCPA compliance, encrypted data storage, and multi-factor authentication.
      • Segregated client funds held with Tier-1 partner brokers ensure capital remains safe even in worst-case scenarios.
      • Active pursuit of FCA, ASIC, and CySEC licenses underscores a commitment to best practices and regulatory transparency.
    5. Intuitive Interface Across Devices
      • Web dashboard and native mobile apps (iOS & Android) deliver consistent UX, lightning-fast execution, and customizable dashboards.
      • 4.8/4.7 star average ratings in App Store and Google Play highlight design excellence and user satisfaction.
    6. Outstanding Customer Support
      • 24/5 live chat with average response time under 2 minutes.
      • Multi-language phone and email support—English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Mandarin.
      • Dedicated account managers for VIP clients and personalized strategy consultations.
    7. Thriving Educational Ecosystem
      • Trade 350 University’s comprehensive curriculum, certification programs, and weekly webinars empower users to learn AI, technical analysis, and risk management.
      • Active Discord and Telegram communities connecting over 18,000 members, facilitating peer-to-peer learning and real-time discussion.
    8. Proven Track Record & Social Proof
      • 125,000+ active users generating $50+ million in daily combined volume.
      • Independent third-party reviews from CompareFX, ForexPulse, and CryptoReviewHub laud AI accuracy, fast withdrawals, and security measures.
      • Consistent 4.8/5 ratings across Trustpilot, App Store, and Google Play.
    9. Ambitious Roadmap & Future-Ready Vision
      • CopyTrading, expanded asset coverage (emerging markets, tokenized assets), tax reporting suite, and enhanced API slated for imminent release.
      • Ongoing licensing efforts with FCA (target Q4 2025), ASIC (Q3 2025), and CySEC (Q1 2026).
      • Strategic partnerships with major brokerages and fintech ecosystems planned for 2026 and beyond.

    In summary, Trade 350 App’s unwavering focus on technology, transparency, and user empowerment elevates it above the competition. Whether you’re trading from a dorm room in Birmingham or managing a family office in Dubai, Trade 350 offers an institutional-grade experience wrapped in a user-friendly package—backed by rigorous security, responsive support, and an active global community.

    Ready to get started?

    • Visit Official website today and register for your free account.
    • Activate Demo Mode to explore AI signals risk-free.
    • Fund with only $250 USD and experience the next frontier of retail trading—powered by Trade 350’s award-winning AI engine.

    Join the 125,000+ satisfied traders who have discovered Trade 350’s unmatched blend of performance, security, and simplicity. In 2025, make the intelligent choice: trade smarter, trade safer, and trade better with Trade 350 App.

    Contact:-
    Trade 350 App
    (713) 231-4768
    50 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012, USA
    info@cryptofinancetrack.com

    General Disclaimer:
    The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are advised to consult a certified financial advisor, licensed loan officer, or legal professional before making any financial decisions. The information presented may not apply to every individual circumstance and is not intended to substitute professional judgment or regulatory guidance. The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website’s content as such. We does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
    Trading Disclaimer:
    Trading cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrency you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor. ICO’s, IEO’s, STO’s and any other form of offering will not guarantee a return on your investment.
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A two-state solution is gaining momentum again for Israel and the Palestinians. Does it have a chance of success?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    As Israel’s devastating war in Gaza has ground on, the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was thought to be “dead”. Now, it is showing signs of life again.

    French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly pressing other European nations to jointly recognise a Palestinian state at a UN conference in mid-June, focused on achieving a two-state solution. Macron called such recognition a “political necessity”.

    Countries outside Europe are feeling the pressure, too. Australia has reaffirmed its view that recognition of Palestine should be a “way of building momentum towards a two-state solution”.

    During Macron’s visit to Indonesia in late May, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a surprising pledge to recognise Israel if it allowed for a Palestinian state.

    Indonesia is one of about 28 nations that don’t currently recognise Israel. France, Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea are among the approximately 46 nations that don’t recognise a Palestinian state.

    The UN conference on June 17–20, co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, wants to go “beyond reaffirming principles” and “achieve concrete results” towards a two-state solution.

    Most countries, including the US, have supported the two-state solution in principle for decades. However, the political will from all parties has faded in recent years.

    So, why is the policy gaining traction again now? And does it have a greater chance of success?

    What is the two-state solution?

    Put simply, the two-state solution is a proposed peace plan that would create a sovereign Palestinian state alongside the Israeli state. There have been several failed attempts to enact the policy over recent decades, the most famous of which was the Oslo Accords in the early 1990s.

    In recent years, the two-state solution was looking less likely by the day.

    The Trump administration’s decision in 2017 to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the US embassy there signalled the US was moving away from its role as mediator. Then, several Arab states agreed to normalise relations with Israel in the the Abraham Accords, without Israeli promises to move towards a two-state solution.

    The Hamas attacks on Israel – and subsequent Israeli war on Gaza – have had a somewhat contradictory effect on the overarching debate.

    On the one hand, the brutality of Hamas’ actions substantially set back the legitimacy of the Palestinian self-determination movement in some quarters on the world stage.

    On the other, it’s also become clear the status quo – the continued Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank following the end of a brutal war – is not tenable for either Israeli security or Palestinian human rights.

    And the breakdown of the most recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the return of heavy Israeli ground operations in May and reports of mass Palestinian starvation have only served to further isolate the Israeli government in the eyes of its peers.

    Once-steadfast supporters of Israel’s actions have become increasingly frustrated by a lack of clear strategic goals in Gaza. And many now seem prepared to ignore Israeli wishes and pursue Palestinian recognition.

    For these governments, the hope is recognition of a Palestinian state would rebuild political will – both globally and in the Middle East – towards a two-state solution.

    Huge obstacles remain

    But how likely is this in reality? There is certainly more political will than there was before, but also several important roadblocks.

    First and foremost is the war in Gaza. It’s obvious this will need to end, with both sides agreeing to an enduring ceasefire.

    Beyond that, the political authority in both Gaza and Israel remains an issue.

    The countries now considering Palestinian recognition, such France and Australia, have expressly said Hamas cannot play any role in governing a future Palestinian state.

    Though anti-Hamas sentiment is becoming more vocal among residents in Gaza, Hamas has been violently cracking down on this dissent and is attempting to consolidate its power.

    However, polling shows the popularity of Fatah – the party leading the Palestinian National Authority – is even lower than Hamas at an average of 21%. Less than half of Gazans support the enclave returning to Palestinian Authority control. This means a future Palestinian state would likely require new leadership.

    There is almost no political will in Israel for a two-state solution, either. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not been shy about his opposition to a Palestinian state. His cabinet members have mostly been on the same page.

    This has also been reflected in policy action. In early May, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a plan for Israel to indefinitely occupy parts of Gaza. The government also just approved its largest expansion of settlements in the West Bank in decades.

    These settlements remain a major problem for a two-state solution. The total population of Israeli settlers is more than 700,000 in both East Jerusalem and the West Bank. And it’s been increasing at a faster rate since the election of the right-wing, pro-settler Netanyahu government in 2022.

    Settlement is enshrined in Israeli Basic Law, with the state defining it as “national value” and actively encouraging its “establishment and consolidation”.

    The more settlement that occurs, the more complicated the boundaries of a future Palestinian state become.

    Then there’s the problem of public support. Recent polling shows neither Israelis nor Palestinians view the two-state solution favourably. Just 40% of Palestinians support it, while only 26% of Israelis believe a Palestinian state can “coexist peacefully” alongside Israel.

    However, none of these challenges makes the policy impossible. The unpopularity of the two-state solution locally is more a reflection of previous failures than it is of future negotiations.

    A power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland was similarly unpopular in the 1990s, but peace was achieved through bold political leadership involving the US and European Union.

    In other words, we won’t know what’s possible until negotiations begin. Red lines will need to be drawn and compromises made.

    It’s not clear what effect growing external pressure will have, but the international community does appear to be reaching a political tipping point on the two-state solution. Momentum could start building again.

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

    – ref. A two-state solution is gaining momentum again for Israel and the Palestinians. Does it have a chance of success? – https://theconversation.com/a-two-state-solution-is-gaining-momentum-again-for-israel-and-the-palestinians-does-it-have-a-chance-of-success-257890

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine’s Operation Spider Web destroyed more than aircraft – it tore apart the old idea that bases far behind the front lines are safe

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Benjamin Jensen, Professor of Strategic Studies at the Marine Corps University School of Advanced Warfighting; Scholar-in-Residence, American University School of International Service

    A sitting duck? A Russian Tu-160 strategic bomber on the ground on Feb. 22, 2024. Alexander KazakovAFP via Getty Images

    A series of blasts at airbases deep inside Russia on June 1, 2025, came as a rude awakening to Moscow’s military strategists. The Ukrainian strike at the heart Russia’s strategic bombing capability could also upend the traditional rules of war: It provides smaller military a blueprint for countering a larger nation’s ability to launch airstrikes from deep behind the front lines.

    Ukraine’s Operation Spider Web involved 117 remote-controlled drones that were smuggled into Russia over an 18-month period and launched toward parked aircraft by operators miles away.

    The raid destroyed or degraded more than 40 Tu-95, Tu-160 and Tu-22 M3 strategic bombers, as well as an A-50 airborne-early-warning jet, according to officials in Kyiv. That would represent roughly one-third of Russia’s long-range strike fleet and about US$7 billion in hardware. Even if satellite imagery ultimately pares back those numbers, the scale of the damage is hard to miss.

    The logic behind the strike is even harder to ignore.

    Traditional modern military campaigns revolve around depth. Warring nations try to build combat power in relatively safe “rear areas” — logistics hubs that are often hundreds if not thousands of miles from the front line. These are the places where new military units form and long-range bombers, like those destroyed in Ukraine’s June 1 operation, reside.

    Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Kremlin has leaned heavily on its deep-rear bomber bases — some over 2,000 miles from the front in Ukraine. It has paired this tactic with launching waves of Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones to keep Ukrainian cities under nightly threat.

    The Russian theory of victory is brutally simple: coercive airpower. If missiles and one-way drones fall on Kyiv often enough, civilian morale in Ukraine will crack, even as the advance of Russian ground forces get bogged down on the front line.

    For Kyiv’s military planners, destroying launch platforms undercuts that theory far more cheaply than the only other alternative: intercepting every cruise missile in flight, which to date has achieved an 80% success rate but relies heavily on Western-donated equipment coming increasingly in short supply.

    Airfield vulnerability

    Airfields have always been critical targets in modern warfare, the logic being that grounded bombers and fighters are more vulnerable and easier to hit.

    In the North African desert during World War II, the United Kingdom’s Special Air Service used jeep raids and delayed-action explosives to knock out an estimated 367 enemy aircraft spread across North Africa — firepower the Luftwaffe never regenerated. That same year, German paratroopers seized the airstrips on Crete, denying the British Royal Air Force a forward base and tipping an entire island campaign.

    A generation later in Vietnam, Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army assault teams armed with satchel charges and mortars repeatedly penetrated U.S. perimeters at Phan Rang, Da Nang and Bien Hoa, burning fighters on the ramp and forcing the diversion of thousands of American soldiers to base security.

    The underlying playbook of hitting aircraft on the ground remains effective because it imposes cascading costs. Every runway cratered and every bomber torched obliges the military hit to pour money into ways to frustrate such attacks, be it hardened shelters or the dispersal of squadrons across multiple bases. Such air attacks also divert fighters from the front lines to serve as guards.

    U.S. soldiers look at wreckage of an Air Force B-57 Canberra bomber after Viet Cong mortars destroyed 21 planes at Bien Hoa airbase in 1964.
    AP Photo

    A new age of drone warfare

    In Operation Spider Web, Ukraine has sought to repeat that strategy while also leveraging surprise to achieve psychological shock and dislocation.

    But the Ukraine operation taps into a uniquely 21st-century aspect of warfare.

    The advent of unmanned drone warfare has increasingly seen military practitioners talk of “air littorals” — military speak for the slice of atmosphere that sits above ground forces yet below the altitude where high-performance fighters and bombers traditionally roam.

    Drones thrive in this region, where they bypass most infantry weapons and fly too low for traditional radar-guided defenses to track reliably, despite being able to incapacitate targets like fuel trucks or strategic bombers.

    By smuggling small launch teams of drones within a few miles of each runway, Kyiv created pop-up launchpads deep into Russia and were able to catch the enemy off guard and unprepared.

    The economic benefits of Ukraine’s approach are stark. Whereas a drone, a lithium-battery and a warhead cost well under $3,000, a Russian Tu-160 bomber costs in the region of $250 million.

    The impact on Russia

    Ukraine’s Operation Spider Web will have immediate and costly consequences for Russia, even if the strikes end up being less destructive than Kyiv currently claims.

    Surviving bombers will need to be relocated. Protecting bases from repeat attacks will mean erecting earthen revetments, installing radar-guided 30 mm cannons and electronic-warfare jammers to cover possible attack vectors. This all costs money. Even more importantly, the operation will divert trained soldiers and technicians who might otherwise rotate to the front line in support of the coming summer offensive.

    Russian MiG-31bm fighter jets, a Tu-160 strategic bomber and an Il-78 aerial refueling tanker fly over Moscow during a rehearsal for the WWII Victory Parade on May 4, 2022.
    Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

    The raid also punches a hole in Russia’s nuclear weapons capabilities.

    Losing as many as a dozen Tu-95 and Tu-160 aircraft, which double as nuclear-capable bombers, would be strategically embarrassing and may prod the Kremlin to rethink the frequency of long-range air patrols.

    Beyond the physical and financial damage to Russia’s fleet, Ukraine’s operation also comes with a potent psychological effect. It signals that Ukraine, more than three years into a war aimed at grinding down morale, is able to launch sophisticated operations deep into Russian territory.

    Ukraine’s security service operation unfolded in patient, granular steps: 18 months of smuggling disassembled drones and batteries across borders inside innocuous cargo, weeks of quietly reassembling kits, and meticulous scouting of camera angles to ensure that launch trucks would be indistinguishable from normal warehouse traffic on commercial satellite imagery.

    Operators drove those trucks to presurveyed firing points and then deployed the drones at treetop height.

    Because each of the drones was a one-way weapon, a dozen pilots could work in parallel either close to the launch site or remotely, steering live-video feeds toward parked bombers. Videos of the strike suggest multiple near-simultaneous impacts across wide swaths of runway — enough to swamp any ad hoc small-arms response from perimeter guards.

    A new front line?

    For Ukraine, the episode demonstrates a repeatable method for striking deep, well-defended assets. The same playbook can, in principle, be adapted to missile storage depots and, more importantly, factories across Russia mass-producing Shahed attack drones.

    Kyiv has needed to find a way to counter the waves of drones and ballistic missile strikes that in recent months have produced more damage than Russian cruise missiles. The Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Firepower Strike Tracker has shown that Shaheds are now the most frequent and most cost-effective air weapon in Russia’s campaign.

    But the implications of Operation Spider Web go far beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict by undermining the old idea that rear areas are safe. Comparatively inexpensive drones, launched from inside Russia’s own territory, wiped out aircraft that cost billions and underpin Moscow’s long-range strike and nuclear signaling. That’s a strategy than can be easily replicated by other attackers against other countries.

    Anyone who can smuggle, hide and pilot small drones can sabotage an adversary’s ability to generate air attacks.

    Air forces that rely on large, fixed bases must either harden, disperse or accept that their runway is a new front line.

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

    – ref. Ukraine’s Operation Spider Web destroyed more than aircraft – it tore apart the old idea that bases far behind the front lines are safe – https://theconversation.com/ukraines-operation-spider-web-destroyed-more-than-aircraft-it-tore-apart-the-old-idea-that-bases-far-behind-the-front-lines-are-safe-258056

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace activists disrupt industrial fishing operation ahead of UN Ocean Conference

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    PACIFIC OCEAN, Thursday, 5 June 2025 – Greenpeace activists have disrupted an industrial longlining fishing operation in the South Pacific Ocean, seizing almost 20 kilometers of fishing gear and freeing nine sharks, including an endangered mako[1], near Australia and New Zealand.

    WATCH: PHOTO AND VIDEO HERE

    Crew aboard Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior retrieved the entire longline and more than 210 baited hooks from a EU-flagged industrial fishing vessel. An expert team on a small boat, releasing more than a dozen animals, including an endangered longfin mako shark, eight near-threatened blue sharks[2] and four swordfish. The crew also documented the vessel catching endangered sharks during its longlining operation.

    Greenpeace intercepted the vessel after it had left the Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea region, where it had fished for more than 160 days over the last 12 months.

    The at-sea action follows new Greenpeace Australia Pacific analysis exposing the extent of shark catch from industrial longlining in parts of the Pacific Ocean. Latest fisheries data showed that almost 70% of EU vessels’ catch was blue shark in 2023 alone[3]. It comes ahead of next week’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where world leaders will discuss ocean protection and the Global Ocean Treaty. 

    Georgia Whitaker, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: 

    “These longliners are industrial killing machines. Greenpeace Australia Pacific took peaceful and direct action to disrupt this attack on marine life. We saved important species that would otherwise have been killed or left to die on hooks.” 

    “The scale of industrial fishing – still legal on the high seas – is astronomical. These vessels claim to be targeting swordfish or tuna, but we witnessed shark after shark being hauled up by these industrial fleets, including three endangered sharks in just half an hour. Greenpeace is calling on world leaders at the UN Ocean Conference to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030 from this wanton destruction.”

    Greenpeace Australia Pacific is calling on Environment Minister Murray Watt to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty in the first 100 days of government, and to propose large marine sanctuaries, including in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. Australia signed the treaty in 2023.

    More than two-thirds of sharks worldwide are endangered, and a third of those are at risk of extinction from overfishing[4]. Over the last three weeks, the Rainbow Warrior has been documenting longlining vessels and practices off Australia’s east coast, including from Spain and China. 

    —ENDS—

    Greenpeace Australia Pacific media team: +61 407 581 404 or [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    Notes to Editor

    High res images and footage can be found here

    A new report in Nature overnight has outlined the importance of protecting the high seas

    [1] https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39341/2903170

    [2] https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39381/2915850

    [3] https://meetings.wcpfc.int/node/22532

    [4] https://iucn.org/press-release/202412/third-sharks-rays-and-chimaeras-are-threatened-extinction-new-report-narrows

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK funds controversial climate-cooling research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Will de Freitas, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    Clouds over the ocean could be ‘brightened’ to reflect sunlight away from the planet. Kingcraft / shutterstock

    The UK government’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency – known as Aria – recently announced it is funding 21 research teams to explore what it terms climate cooling. The money involved (£56 million) isn’t much in the grand scheme of things. But experts on both sides of the debate (and this issue divides climate academics more than almost any other) agree it’s likely to be a precursor to more significant investment in future.

    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    To refresh, “geoengineering” refers to any large-scale moves to deliberately alter the climate to combat global warming. This could involve removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, perhaps with huge vacuum-like machines (that still don’t really exist) or, more prosaically, by growing more trees. Some experts would consider planting a forest or restoring a wetland as a form of geoengineering.

    But today we’re focusing on the other main category of geoengineering, known as “solar radiation management”, or SRM. The idea here is to ensure that more sunlight is reflected back into space before it can heat up the planet.

    What makes the new UK investment so important, says Robert Chris, is it’s the first time a state has put significant public money into researching solar radiation management. Chris, who researches geoengineering at The Open University, highlighted five projects (of the 21 total) which are likely to involve small-scale experiments:

    “Three … concern brightening clouds over the ocean, one explores a method of refreezing the Arctic and the fifth looks at a specific detail of the potential cooling effect of placing certain compounds in the stratosphere.”



    Read more:
    Five geoengineering trials the UK is funding to combat global warming

    Marine brightening

    Let’s start with the brighter clouds.

    “We’re using water cannons to spray seawater into the sky. This causes brighter, whiter clouds to form. These low marine clouds reflect sunlight away from the ocean’s surface.”

    That’s Daniel Harrison of Southern Cross University in Australia, writing in late 2023 about his research. He’s now been awarded UK government money to continue his work, looking specifically at whether brightening clouds directly over the Great Barrier Reef for a few months could reduce coral bleaching during a marine heat wave.

    “Modelling studies are encouraging and suggest it could delay the expected decline in coral cover. This could buy valuable time for the reef while the world transitions away from fossil fuels.”

    The UK funding will enable Harrison to extend his work and assess if it can be safe and effective, albeit only as a temporary measure specifically targeted at the Great Barrier Reef.



    Read more:
    Could ‘marine cloud brightening’ reduce coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef?

    The other two cloud brightening projects, run from the universities of Manchester and Nottingham, are looking at developing better ways to seed clouds in the first place.

    Arctic refreezing

    The Arctic refreezing project is run by Shaun Fitzgerald of the University of Cambridge, and focuses on sea ice. The idea is to pump sea water from below the ice onto its surface in the winter, where it freezes. This means there will be more ice accumulated ahead of the summer melting season, meaning more of the sun’s energy reflected back into space (ice is more reflective than open ocean).

    Losing Arctic sea ice creates a feedback loop – the warmer the water, the less sea ice is formed; the less sea ice there is, the warmer it gets.
    Ondrej Prosicky / shutterstock

    Fitzgerald recently returned from fieldwork in northern Canada and wrote about his work for The Conversation. “Crucially,” he said, “the research is focused on developing our understanding of these potential ideas. The research could show that they are impractical, unfeasible or would potentially make things worse.” For instance, he points out that thicker ice “may not be much use” if it is so much saltier that it melts more quickly. He describes initial results – before the government funding – as “inconclusive but encouraging”.



    Read more:
    Arctic ice is vanishing – our bold experiment is trying to protect it

    Blocking out the sun

    The final project Chris highlights looks at one aspect of proposals to inject tiny particles high in the atmosphere where they would help reflect sunlight back into space. This is probably the most likely to happen, eventually, as it’s relatively cheap and well-studied.

    One risk concerns the health and environmental impact of these particles as they fall back to the surface. Hugh Hunt, also from Cambridge, has been awarded funds to examine alternative compounds that may be less toxic than those usually proposed.

    Chris writes: “The plan is to send tiny samples into the stratosphere in specially designed gondolas attached to balloons. The gondolas will later be recovered, so that the effect of the stratosphere on the samples can be examined. Nothing will be released into the atmosphere.”

    Researchers in this field are generally quick to point out the risks involved. Chris cautions that: “Deliberately altering the atmosphere, a shared global resource, is fraught with ethical, geopolitical and practical problems.” That’s the case whether geoengineering is carried out by states or private interests.

    Is there public support, for instance? Democratic oversight? What if something goes wrong – who is to blame and who is responsible for fixing the mess? Should all countries agree on an action plan, since geoengineering will affects everyone?

    These are concerns shared by Cambridge’s Albert Van Wijngaarden, UCL’s Chloe Colomer and Adrian Hindes of Australia National University. Writing last year on the risk of critical voices being excluded from geoengineering research, they worry that if “geoengineering is essentially allowed to self-regulate, with no effective global governance, future research could easily take us down a dangerous path”.

    They outline an “unproductive” polarisation between advocates and critics, and argue that “upcoming research projects must factor in the concerns of opponents, and not represent only supporters of geoengineering or those who have not been explicitly against it”.

    Perhaps the UK government was indeed listening: in the recent Aria funding announcement, Van Wijngaarden and Colomer were awarded a grant to design “engagement programmes” for people in the Arctic who are “among the most impacted” by climate change and geoengineering, but who are often ignored “because of ongoing and historical power imbalances”.



    Read more:
    Plans to cool the Earth by blocking sunlight are gaining momentum but critical voices risk being excluded

    People such as Fitzgerald (the Arctic ice freezer) do tend to recognise these issues. Fitzgerald, together with his colleague Elil Hoole, says that plans to dim the sun must be led by those most affected by climate change.

    Robert Chris calls solar geoengineering a “crazy idea”. But he says the alternative – not doing it – may be worse. “Perhaps solar geoengineering is the price we must pay for our wholly inadequate climate change response to date.”

    – ref. UK funds controversial climate-cooling research – https://theconversation.com/uk-funds-controversial-climate-cooling-research-258210

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global App Store helps developers reach new heights

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Global App Store helps developers reach new heights

    June 5, 2025

    UPDATE

    Global App Store helps developers reach new heights, supporting $1.3 trillion in billings and sales in 2024

    For more than 90 percent of the billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem, developers did not pay any commission to Apple

    Apple today announced the global App Store ecosystem facilitated $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2024, according to a new study by economists Professor Andrey Fradkin from Boston University Questrom School of Business and Dr. Jessica Burley from Analysis Group. For more than 90 percent of the billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem, developers did not pay any commission to Apple.

    “It’s incredible to see so many developers design great apps, build successful businesses, and reach Apple users around the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This report is a testament to the many ways developers are enriching people’s lives with app and game experiences, while creating opportunity and driving new innovations. We’re proud to support their success.”

    Developers Experience Global Growth Across the App Store

    The new study by Professor Fradkin and Dr. Burley highlights how developers on the App Store have more ways than ever to monetize their apps. The study found that in 2024, developer billings and sales for digital goods and services totaled $131 billion, driven by games, photo and video editing apps, and enterprise tools. Sales of physical goods and services exceeded $1 trillion, fueled by rising demand for online food delivery and pickup, as well as grocery orders. In-app advertising revenue from ads placed by developers in their apps was $150 billion.

    Since 2019, spending across all three categories — digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising — has more than doubled. Physical goods and services experienced the strongest growth (+2.6x), driven in particular by rapid increases in food delivery and pickup, and grocery spending. Growth in digital goods and services reflects continued demand for games and increased spending on apps that support content creation, such as photo and video editing apps. Meanwhile, in-app advertising has helped keep many apps free or low-cost for users. And the App Store continues to be a global launchpad for innovation, with AI-powered apps increasingly shaping users’ daily lives.

    Regional Growth Trends Around the World

    The App Store’s engine of commerce provides developers with a global distribution platform that allows them to reach users around the world, attracting over 813 million average weekly visitors worldwide. The study found that over the last five years in particular, billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem more than doubled in the U.S., China, and Europe. Spending on digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising grew across all regions during that period.

    Digital payment spending grew over seven-fold in the U.S. since 2019 as mobile payments have become commonplace. In China, e-commerce marketplaces expanded substantially and online grocery spending grew over five-fold since 2019. Food delivery and pickup spending more than tripled in Europe, outpacing the growth in already popular categories like general retail and travel. In Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India, travel apps were major spending categories.

    In the last five years, user spending on apps that support digital content creation have seen a steady increase. As a result, photo and video editing apps like Adobe creative tools have found tremendous success and have increasingly introduced new features to empower creative professionals, creators, and hobbyists. Earlier this year, Adobe introduced a new Photoshop app on iPhone designed for image and design enthusiasts with an easy-to-use mobile interface. Adobe Lightroom was also recognized as Apple’s 2024 Mac App of the Year as part of the App Store Awards for its high-quality photo editing and powerful AI-powered editing advancements on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

    Apple’s Investment in Developers

    Apple invests in tools and capabilities that make it easier for developers to distribute their apps and games, be discovered by users around the globe, and grow successful businesses. For example, the App Store’s commerce system supports developers with more than 40 local currencies and provides seamless tax handling in nearly 200 regions, while enabling developers to set prices, manage subscriptions, and more.

    Developers also benefit from a suite of tools and technologies — including services to develop and test their apps through Xcode and TestFlight, monitor app performance and benchmarks through App Analytics, and improve performance with tools like Product Page Optimization — along with opportunities and resources to promote their app. At the same time, Apple’s integrated payment system helps protect users from fraud and abuse; in the last five years, the App Store has protected users by preventing over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions.

    Apple also offers developers a variety of online and in-person programs to empower them to elevate their apps, including Meet with Apple sessions, appointments, and labs, and 24/7 access to Apple Support via phone and email in nine languages. Apple Developer Centers in the U.S., China, India, and Singapore have hosted tens of thousands of developers in the last year. The centers serve as home to year-round activities, offering supportive environments for teams to improve their apps through more than 250,000 APIs, including as part of frameworks such as HealthKit, Metal, Core ML, MapKit, and SwiftUI.

    Through a full, free curriculum for future professional developers, Apple Developer Academies in Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the U.S. help students build foundational skills in coding, AI, design, and marketing. Separately, more than 20 Apple Foundation Programs provide students of all levels with the fundamentals of app development through four-week intensive courses that are available across Apple’s 18 developer academies around the world.

    Resources like Pathways and Apple Developer Forums are available to better connect developers within the community and help them easily access tools, documentation, and videos to create their best products on Apple’s platforms. Developers can share feedback, request enhancements, or report bugs at any time with the Feedback Assistant app or on the web.

    Next week during Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, developers from every part of the globe will have free access to more than 100 technical sessions, diving deep into the latest technologies and frameworks with Apple experts. Developers will also be able to access guides and documentation that can help walk them through the conference’s biggest announcements and stay up to date with the conference across the Apple Developer website, app, YouTube channel and Apple Developer WeChat. Apple Developer Program members and Apple Developer Enterprise Program members will also have a chance to connect directly with Apple experts through online group labs and one-on-one lab appointments.

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