Category: Australia

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Delivers Over $13,500 Worth of Baby Formula to Rochester Families

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office secured more than $13,500 worth of baby formula from baby formula supplier Paragon USA & Co., LLC (Paragon) for families in Rochester. The donation is the result of an investigation conducted by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) into Paragon for price gouging during the national baby formula shortage in 2022. As part of a settlement with OAG, Paragon has paid a $10,000 penalty and must pay an additional $35,000 in donated baby formula or cash. Today’s donation will be distributed to families in need across Rochester by Foodlink, a community organization that serves the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes regions.

    “During a nationwide baby formula shortage, Paragon took advantage of New York families, illegally raising the price on formula to squeeze extra profits,” said Attorney General James. “My office made sure Paragon was held responsible for their illegal action and guaranteed that hard-working families in New York received relief. I thank Foodlink and all its partner organizations for distributing this baby formula to help Rochester families in need.”

    “We are thankful to Attorney General James for once again providing Foodlink and our new Health & Wellness initiative with additional baby formula,” said Julia Tedesco, President & CEO of Foodlink. “Our partners have highlighted a growing need for baby products and other essential items, especially as grocery prices remain historically high. This generous contribution will greatly benefit our members and their clients who are in urgent need of formula.”

    In 2022, Abbott Laboratories closed one of its baby formula manufacturing plants and recalled formula produced there, creating significant hardship for families throughout New York and the nation as formula supplies dwindled and prices rose. Abbott produces over 40 percent of the infant formula sold in the United States, and the plant it closed was responsible for approximately one fifth of total U.S. production.

    New York’s price gouging laws prohibit vendors from unconscionably increasing prices on goods that are vital to consumers’ health, safety, or welfare during market disruptions such as the 2022 formula shortage. In May 2022, Attorney General James issued warnings to more than 30 retailers across the state to stop overcharging for baby formula after consumers reported unreasonably high prices.

    The OAG’s investigation found that Paragon, which supplies formula to retailers in New York, generated tens of thousands of dollars in additional revenue by raising prices more than 20 percent after Abbott announced its recall.

    As a result of a settlement with OAG, Paragon must pay penalties and make formula donations with a combined value of $45,000. This includes a $10,000 penalty to the state that Paragon has already paid and an additional $35,000 that can be paid in the form of donated formula or cash that must be delivered by June 10, 2025.

    Today’s donation is the third secured by Attorney General James as part of the settlement with Paragon. In February, Attorney General James secured the donation of $1,500 worth of baby formula to families in Westchester, and in March, $6,300 worth of baby formula to families in Brooklyn. To date, Attorney General James has donated more than $21,400 worth of baby formula as a result of the settlement with Paragon.

    “No parent should be forced to choose between paying their bills or feeding their child,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “When businesses illegally jack up prices for goods like baby formula, they must be held accountable. I applaud Attorney General James for once again protecting consumers and ensuring Rochester families get the relief they deserve.”

    “Families are struggling to make ends meet with inflation and an economy on the brink of a recession, so this donation goes such a long way for Rochester children, who are already amongst the neediest in the nation,” said Assemblymember Jen Lunsford. “I am grateful to Attorney General James for doggedly pursuing these bad corporate actors and holding them accountable for their opportunistic money grab.”

    Attorney General James is a leader in the fight to protect New York consumers and guard against price gouging. As part of a $675,000 settlement with formula suppliers Marine Park and Formula Depot, Attorney General James secured the donation of over $344,000 worth of baby formula to families in the Bronx in March 2025 and $140,000 worth of formula to families in Rochester in December 2024. In October 2024, Attorney General James led a multistate coalition urging Congressional leaders to support a national ban on price gouging. In March and April 2024, Attorney General James distributed over 9,500 cans of baby formula in Buffalo and New York City from a settlement with Walgreens for price gouging during the formula shortage. In May 2023, Attorney General James secured a $100,000 settlement with Quality King Distributors, Inc. due to unconscionable price increases for Lysol products during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2021, Attorney General James delivered 1.2 million eggs to food pantries throughout the state which were secured as part of an agreement with the nation’s largest egg producers for price gouging in the early months of the pandemic.

    New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to the OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

    This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Fishman, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia and Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine, all of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. Former Data Scientist Jasmine McAllister also assisted in this matter, under the supervision of Director of Research and Analytics Victoria Khan, Deputy Director Gautam Sisodia, and former Director Megan Thorsfeldt. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is a part of the Division for Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and is overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: 51Talk Online Education Group to Present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference May 15th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE American: COE) based in Singapore, and focused on global online education, today announced that its Investor Relations Vice President David Chung will present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025. This virtual investor conference is aimed exclusively at introducing global companies with ADR programs to investors.

    DATE: May 15th
    TIME: 11:00 a.m. EST
    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Participation is free of charge.

    51Talk Online Education Group: Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial and Operational Highlights

    • Gross billings for the fourth quarter of 2024 were US$21.4 million, a 93.4% growth from the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Net revenues were US$16.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, a 117.3% increase from US$7.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • The number of active students with attended lesson consumption was approximately 74,200 in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an 83.2% increase from approximately 40,500 for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    About 51Talk Online Education Group

    51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE American: COE) is a global online education platform with core expertise in English education. The Company’s mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company’s online and mobile education platforms enable students to take live interactive English lessons, on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    51Talk Online Education Group

    David Chung

    Investor Relations Vice President

    Jinling Wang

    Investor Relations Manager

    wangjinling@51talk.com 

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Viomi Technology Co., Ltd to Present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference May 15th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GUANGZHOU, China, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viomi Technology Co., Ltd (“Viomi” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: VIOT) based in Guangzhou, and focused on home water solutions, today announced that Mr.Sam Yang, Head of the Company’s Capital and Strategy Department, and Ms. Claire Ji, the Company’s IR contact, will present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025. This virtual investor conference is aimed exclusively at introducing global companies with ADR programs to investors.

    DATE: May 15, 2025
    TIME: 8:30 AM EDT
    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Participation is free of charge.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • The Company achieved strong results with a significant turnaround from previous losses, driven by a strategic shift to focus on home water business. Net revenue for 2024 increased by 29.3% year over year, and net income reached RMB62.3 million, compared to a net loss of RMB89.3 million in 2023. Viomi is now on a fast track to high-quality growth and is well-positioned to seize new market opportunities.

    About Viomi Technology

    Viomi’s mission is “AI for Better Water,” utilizing AI technology to provide better drinking water solutions for households worldwide.

    As an industry-leading technology company in home water solutions, Viomi has developed a distinctive “Equipment + Consumables” business model. By leveraging its expertise in AI technology, intelligent hardware and software development, the Company simplifies filter replacement and enhances water quality monitoring, thereby increasing the filter replacement rate. Its continuous technological innovations extend filter lifespan and lower user costs, promoting the adoption of water purifiers and supporting a healthy lifestyle while effectively addressing the rising global demand for cleaner, fresher and healthier drinking water. The Company operates a world-leading “Water Purifier Gigafactory” with an integrated industrial chain that boasts optimal efficiency and facilitates continuous breakthroughs in water purification. This state-of-the-art facility enables Viomi to achieve economies of scale and accelerate the global popularization of residential water filtration.

    For more information, please visit: https://ir.viomi.com.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®

    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    Viomi Technology Co., Ltd
    Claire Ji
    E-mail: ir@viomi.com.cn

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Yiren Digital to Present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference May 15th  

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yiren Digital (NYSE:YRD) based in Beijing, an AI-powered platform providing a comprehensive suite of financial and lifestyle services in Asia, today announced that its SVP of Capital Market, William Hui, will present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025. This virtual investor conference is aimed exclusively at introducing global companies with ADR programs to investors.

    DATE: May 15th
    TIME: 11:30 AM ET
    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Participation is free of charge.

    About Yiren Digital

    Yiren Digital Ltd. is an advanced, AI-powered platform providing a comprehensive suite of financial and lifestyle services in Asia. Our mission is to elevate customers’ financial well-being and enhance their quality of life by delivering digital financial services, tailor-made insurance solutions, and premium lifestyle services. We support clients at various growth stages, addressing financing needs arising from consumption and production activities, while aiming to augment the overall well-being and security of individuals, families, and businesses.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:

    Yiren Digital
    Name: Keyao He
    Title: IR Director
    Email: ir@yiren.com 

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Equasens: Q1 revenue at 31 March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Villers-lès-Nancy, 12 May 2025 – 6:00 PM (CET)

    PRESS RELEASE

    Q1 revenue at 31 March 2025: €57.0m
    + 6.9% growth on a reported basis and + 5.9% like-for-like

    Q1 2025 REVENUE (€m) 2024
    Reported basis
    2025
    Reported basis
    Change /
    Reported basis
    Of which external growth Like-for-like change
    (organic growth)
    Equasens Group 53.3 57.0 3.7 6.9% 0.5 3.2 5.9%
    Q1 2025 revenue / Division (€m) 2024
    Reported basis
    2025
    Reported basis
    Change /
    Reported basis
    Of which external growth Like-for-like change
    (organic growth)
    Pharmagest 39.8 42.0 2.2 5.5%   2.2 5.5%
    Axigate Link 7.8 8.3 0.4 5.5%   0.4 5.5%
    e-Connect 2.9 3.5 0.6 21.2%   0.6 21.2%
    Medical Solutions 2.1 2.7 0.5 25.1% 0.5 0.0 0.0%
    Fintech 0.6 0.6 -0.1 -8.3%   -0.1 -8.3%
    Total 53.3 57.0 3.7 6.9% 0.5 3.2 5.9%

    As of March 31, 2025, Equasens Group, (Euronext Paris™ – Compartment B – FR 0012882389 -EQS), a leading provider of digital solutions for healthcare professionals, reported revenue of €57.0m, up 6.9% on Q1 2024 reported basis and 5.9% like-for-like.

    Revenue from CALIMED SAS, acquired by the Medical Solutions Division in December 2024, was restated to reflect changes in the scope of consolidation (€0.5m).

    Q1 2025 revenue by type of business (€m) 2024
    Reported basis
    2025
    Reported basis
    Change / Reported basis
    Sale of configurations and hardware 21.5 23.2 1.7 7.7%
    Scalable maintenance and professional training services 19.7 20.3 0.7 3.5%
    Software solutions and subscriptions 11.6 12.9 1.3 11.3%
    Other services (including intermediation) 0.5 0.6 0.0 7.7%
    Total 53.3 57.0 3.7 6.9%

    Q1 2025 highlights by type of business

    • Sales of configurations and hardware (+7.7%) were back on track, after one year, with a trajectory of sustained growth for Pharmagest (+5.7%) and e-Connect (+68.4%), confirming the rebound announced in Q4 2024.
    • Scalable maintenance and training services (+3.5%) display steady growth, maintaining the momentum of 2024, highlighting the loyalty of the customer base and the success of its value-added services.
    • Software solutions and subscriptions (+11.3%) continue to perform well, boosted both by the contribution of acquisitions (+4.4%) and strong organic growth (+6.9%), illustrating the relevance of the strategy of progressively transforming new solutions to a SaaS model.
    • The PHARMAGEST Division had Q1 revenue of €42.0m (+5.5%) on a reported basis (100% organic growth).
      • Investments in recruitment, R&D and continuing improvements in customer service are paying off, in a French market environment marked by positive signals from the public authorities that have contributed to renewed confidence among pharmacists.
        • In France, all business lines reported growth (+ 3.5%), driven by :
          • Mainly equipment sales, with a clear upturn. However, even if the trend is positive, certain segments remain cautious in terms of growth (e.g. electronic labels);
          • The success of innovative new offerings such as id.genius (540 sales in Q1), id.vocal+ (55 sales) and id.care+ ;
          • Digipharmacie (+41%), which is continuing to add new customers at a sustained pace and whose recently deployed new functionalities are driving the acceleration in growth that the Group has foreseen;
          • Atoopharm (+23%), which has benefited from the end of three-year training scheme for healthcare professionals and the anticipated substitution of biosimilars.
        • In Italy (revenue up 13.3%), the Division benefited from buoyant sales momentum (with almost 50 new customers in Q1), with a reinforced sales team that is now covering the entire country.
        • In Belgium, growth in revenue is back on track (+4.8%).
        • In Germany, revenue rose by 12.5%, driven by successful upgrades to existing software and the roll-out of innovative solutions, notably the id. express payment terminal.

    This Division accounts for 73.7% of total revenue.

    • The AXIGATE LINK Division recorded revenue of €8.3m in Q1 2025 (up 5.5% on a reported and like-for-like basis).
      • The Nursing Home sector (+11.9%) is still continuing this year to benefit from “ESMS Numérique” public funding in France, while the migration to TitanLink remains on course in both France and Belgium.
      • The Homecare sector (+6.5%) is maintaining a promising level of new business, buoyed by the signature of new contracts.
      • The Hospitals sector experienced a temporary downturn (-9.2%) reflecting the postponement of contracting cycles to Q2 2025 for a number of major agreements concluded in Q1 2025.

    This Division accounts for 14.5% of total revenue.

    • The E-CONNECT Division recorded revenue of €3.5m in Q1 2025 (up 21.2% on a reported and like-for-like basis).
      • The Division is benefiting from a significant rebound in sales of its Mobility solutions which are integrated by the market’s leading publishers.
      • The announcement in March 2025 that the French health insurance card app (Apps Vitale) will be rolled out nationwide, together with the adoption of the third-party payment system for dental check-ups at dentists, are a major catalyst for accelerating sales of electronic health insurance card readers.

            This Division accounts for 6.1% of total revenue.

    • The MEDICAL SOLUTIONS Division reported revenue of €2.7m in Q1 2025 (up 25.1% on a reported basis and nil like-for-like).
      • The driving force of this performance was the integration of CALIMED and its two SaaS software solutions for surgeons and physicians (with €0.5m in recurring revenues in Q1).
      • Sales of the traditional solutions for physicians, nurses and physiotherapists have remained stable, and are benefiting from the favourable reception given to new offerings such as the LOQUii voice AI consultation companion or online back-up solutions.

    The Division accounts for 4.7% of total revenue.

    • The FINTECH Division had revenue of €0.6m (down 8.3% on a reported and like-for-like basis) in Q1 2025.
      • This decline is the result of a decision to restructure the customer base in order to reduce the risk exposure and enhance the quality of the portfolio.
      • Sales activity remains dynamic, generating a stream of qualified prospects meeting the Group’s demanding criteria.

    The Division accounts for 1.0% of total revenue.

    H1 2025 outlook

    The investment and organisational efforts made are producing results, with the successful roll-out of SaaS solutions to all our healthcare professional customers. These efforts will be maintained throughout 2025.

    The level of orders received, particularly in the Pharmacy sector, reflects the renewed confidence of pharmacists, and enables the Group to be confident about growth in Q2, and is in line with the momentum of Q1.

    Backed by a solid financial structure, the Group remains attentive to opportunities for external growth, both in France and in Europe, that will strengthen its position as a leader in digital healthcare solutions.

    Financial calendar:

    • Annual General Meeting: 25 June 2025
    • Q2 2025 Revenue: 31 July 2025
    • H1 2025 results: 26 September 2025
    • Presentation of H1 2025 results to analysts (SFAF): 29 September 2025
    • Q3 2025 revenue: 5 November 2025
    • FY 2025 revenue: 5 February 2026

    About Equasens Group

    Founded over 35 years ago, Equasens Group, a leader in digital healthcare solutions, today employs over 1.300 people across Europe.
    Equasens Group’s specialised business applications facilitate the day-to-day work of healthcare professionals and their teams, working in private practice, collaborative medical structures or healthcare establishments. The Group also provides comprehensive support to healthcare professionals in the transformation of their profession by developing electronic equipment, digital solutions and healthcare robotics, as well as data hosting, financing and training adapted to their specific needs.
    And reflecting the spirit of its tagline “Technology for a More Human Experience”, the Group is a leading provider of interoperability solutions that improve coordination between healthcare professionals, their communications and data exchange resulting in better patient care and a more efficient and secure healthcare system.

    Listed on Euronext Paris™ – Compartment B
    Indexes: MSCI GLOBAL SMALL CAP – GAÏA Index 2020 – CAC®SMALL and CAC®All-Tradable
    Included in the Euronext Tech Leaders segment and the European Rising Tech label

    Eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (“Service à Réglement Différé” – SRD) and equity savings accounts invested in small and mid-caps (PEA-PME).
    ISIN: FR 0012882389 – Ticker Code: EQS

    Get all the news about Equasens Group www.equasens.com and on LinkedIn

    CONTACTS

    EQUASENS Group
    Analyst and Investor Relations:
    Chief Administrative and Financial Officer: Frédérique Schmidt
    Tel: +33 (0)3 83 15 90 67 – frederique.schmidt@equasens.com

    Financial communications agency:
    FIN’EXTENSO – Isabelle Aprile

    Tel.: +33 (0)6 17 38 61 78 – i.aprile@finextenso.fr

    Forward-looking statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements that are not guarantees of future performance and are based on current opinions, forecasts and assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions about Equasens’ current and future strategy and the environment in which Equasens operates. These involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results or other events, to materially differ from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those detailed in Chapter 3 “Risk factors” of the Universal Registration Document filed with the French financial market authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers or AMF) on April 29, 2025 under number D.25-0334. These forward-looking statements are valid only as of the date of this press release.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur and DeLauro Expose Energy Secretary’s Lies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    *NEW FACT SHEET*: Wright’s Wrongs

    Toledo, Ohio — Last week, United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies for a hearing on the Department of Energy’s fiscal year 2026 budget request. During the hearing, Secretary Wright made several incorrect, misleading, or outright false statements.

    In a new fact sheet, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) set the record straight.

    “The Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee has the opportunity to make strategic investments that lower energy costs for American families, promote America’s energy independence, and support a robust and modern manufacturing sector, which are in line with President Trump’s stated goals. But the President and Secretary Wright’s actions at the Department of Energy will only lead to higher costs, reliance on foreign energy, and suppressed manufacturing,” said Representatives Kaptur and DeLauro. “Instead of working with the Committee to lower costs for Americans and get to the bottom of some of the Trump Administration’s stealing of funds promised to the American people, Secretary Wright spent hours at the hearing making incorrect and misleading statements or outright lying. This cannot go unchecked. It is impossible for Congress to responsibly conduct oversight of an agency when presented with false information. The American people deserve to know the truth and are owed an explanation as to why their energy bills are about to go up.”

    This new fact sheet can be found by clicking here. A full recording of the hearing can be found by clicking here. Ranking Member Kaptur’s opening statement can be found by clicking here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ICAO Council: Russian Federation responsible for downing of flight MH17

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO Council) has concluded Monday that the Russian Federation is responsible for the downing of Flight MH17 and has thus violated the Convention on International Civil Aviation, known as the Chicago Convention. The ICAO Council rendered this decision in a case initiated by the Netherlands and Australia in 2022 against the Russian Federation over the downing of Flight MH17 on 17 July 2014. The Council has found in favour of the Netherlands and Australia.

    Foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp: ‘I am pleased with this decision by the ICAO Council, first and foremost because of what it means for the next of kin of the victims of the downing of Flight MH17. It cannot take away their grief and pain, but the decision is an important step towards establishing the truth and achieving justice and accountability for all victims of Flight MH17, and their families and loved ones. This decision also sends a clear message to the international community: states cannot violate international law with impunity.’

    In the coming weeks the ICAO Council will consider what form of reparation is in order. In that context the Netherlands and Australia are requesting that the ICAO Council order the Russian Federation to enter into negotiations with the Netherlands and Australia, and that the Council facilitate this process. The latter is important in order to ensure that the negotiations are conducted in good faith and according to specific timelines, and that they will yield actual results.

    ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations with 193 member states. Under the Chicago Convention these states may not use weapons against civil aircraft in flight. It is for the ICAO Council to decide whether countries have violated the Convention. 

    The decision was reached on Monday by a vote among the members of the ICAO Council. A large majority of the Council members voted in favour of the Netherlands’ and Australia’s position.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assessing the Global Climate in April 2025

    Source: US National Oceanographic Data Center

    April Highlights:

    • Temperatures were above normal across most land and ocean areas in April.
    • Preliminary data suggest that global average precipitation in April was record low.
    • Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent tied for lowest on record for the month.
    • Sea ice extent was below average around both poles.
    • Global tropical storm activity was near-normal with four named storms.
    Map of global selected significant climate anomalies and events in April 2025.

    Temperature

    Temperatures were above normal across much of the globe in April. Asia and the Arctic stood out in this regard, though western Antarctica was also warmer than normal, and most of the ocean surface was much above average. A few areas were below normal, such as northern Australia, southern South America and eastern Antarctica, as well as the Norwegian, Greenland and Barents Seas. 

    For the globe as a whole, April 2025 was 2.20°F (1.22°C) above the 20th-century baseline. This is 0.13°F (0.07°C) below the record-warm April of 2024, thus ranking second in the 1850–2025 period. According to NCEI’s Global Annual Temperature Outlook, there is only a 3% chance that 2025 will rank as the warmest year on record.

    Surface Temperature Departure from the 1991–2020 Average for April 2025 (°C). Red indicates warmer than average and blue indicates colder than average.

    Precipitation

    Large areas in central Asia and southern Africa received record-setting precipitation in April.  Parts of northern Australia also experienced abnormally high precipitation. Heavy rainfall during the month caused floods and landslides in Brazil and Congo as well as flooding in western Somalia. Despite these extreme events, the globe as a whole was much drier than the long-term average. In fact, preliminary data indicate that April 2025 might have been the driest April in the historical record, which spans from 1979 to present.

    Percent of Normal Precipitation from the 1961–1990 base period for April 2025. Brown indicates drier than average and green indicates wetter than average.

    Snow Cover

    The Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent in April was 820,000 square miles below average, tying with 2024 as the smallest April snow cover extent on record. Snow cover over North America and Greenland was below average (by 120,000 square miles), and Eurasia was also below average (by 710,000 square miles). A lack of snow cover was particularly obvious over the United States and central Eurasia.

     

    Sea Ice

    Global sea ice extent was 480,000 square miles below the 1991–2020 average, ranking in the lowest third of the historical record. Arctic sea ice extent was below average (by 160,000 square miles), with the Barents, Okhotsk, Bering and Labrador Seas having lower-than-normal ice extent. Antarctic extent was also below average (by 320,000 square miles), though extent was above normal in some areas (such as the Weddell and Amundsen Seas).

    Map of the Arctic (left) and Antarctic (right) sea ice extent in April 2025.

    Tropical Cyclones

    Four named storms occurred across the globe in April, which matches the long-term average. Most notable among these was Severe Tropical Cyclone Courtney in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Two other storms occurred in the Australian region, along with one in the southwest Pacific.


    For a more complete summary of climate conditions and events, see our April 2025 Global Climate Report or explore our Climate at a Glance Global Time Series.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Orbit International Corp. Reports 2025 First Quarter Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Quarter 2025 Net Loss of $2,152,000 ($0.65 loss per share) v. Net Loss of $751,000 ($0.22 loss per share) in Prior Year Comparable Period

    First Quarter 2025 EBITDA, as adjusted, was a loss of $1,949,000 ($0.59 loss per share) v. loss of $551,000 ($0.16 loss per share) in Prior Year Comparable Period

    Backlog at March 31, 2025 was $13.3 million compared to $12.0 million at December 31, 2024

    HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orbit International Corp. (OTC PINK:ORBT) today announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 vs. First Quarter 2024

    • Net sales were $4,726,000, as compared to $6,175,000.
    • Gross margin was 12.4%, as compared to 30.8%.
    • Net loss was $2,152,000 ($0.65 loss per share), as compared to a net loss of $751,000 ($0.22 loss per share).
    • Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, fair value adjustment on contingent liabilities and other non-current liability, and stock-based compensation (EBITDA, as adjusted) was a loss of $1,949,000 ($0.59 loss per share), as compared to a loss of $551,000 ($0.16 loss per share).
    • Backlog at March 31, 2025 was $13.3 million compared to $12.0 million at December 31, 2024.

    Mitchell Binder, President and CEO of Orbit International commented, “The first quarter for 2025 was a very challenging quarter for our Company. Our net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $2,152,000 ($0.65 loss per share) compared to a net loss of $751,000 ($0.22 loss per share) for the prior comparable period. EBITDA, as adjusted, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was a loss of $1,949,000 ($0.59 loss per share) compared to a loss of $551,000 ($0.16 loss per share) in the prior comparable period. Our current first quarter operating results were negatively affected by significantly lower sales incurred by our Orbit Electronics Group (“OEG”) inclusive of our Simulator Product Solutions LLC (“SPS”) subsidiary. In particular, we incurred an operating loss at our Orbit Instrument division due to a gap in our delivery schedules. Our Orbit Instrument division has historically been our best performing operating unit with strong operating leverage. However, it was adversely affected by contract delays in the second half of 2024 and a temporary pause in certain production contracts as our engineering team worked with our customers for next generation enhancements. The Orbit Power Group (“OPG”), which makes up the remainder of our legacy business, recorded operating income that was relatively flat for the first quarter.

    Binder added, “Operating results for SPS were adversely impacted by lower sales during the quarter as a consequence of reduced bookings in the second half of 2024 due to contract delays that were eventually awarded in 2025. Bookings were also negatively affected by ongoing opportunities that have not yet finalized in 2025 and certain lost opportunities, primarily due to lack of funding or our customer losing awards to competitors. Bookings for SPS in 2025 have since improved from the second half of 2024. In addition, aside from certain costs mentioned above, general and administrative costs at SPS, in general, have stabilized. We had incurred significant infrastructure costs in 2023 and 2024 in order to support SPS’ sales increase since the Company’s acquisition of the SPS business in 2022. At the time of the SPS acquisition, we anticipated the need to invest in infrastructure and internal controls in order to bring SPS up to the standards of a public company. We believe that our cost structure at SPS is now aligned to support our growth.”

    Binder noted, “Operating results for SPS were also burdened by more than $200,000 ($0.06 loss per share) of expenses incurred by SPS for fees paid to an outside engineering firm in order to modify legacy drawings, along with bill of material part identification, that was developed prior to the acquisition, as well as legal fees incurred in connection with the litigation associated with the termination of the former President of SPS.”

    Mr. Binder added, “Our sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025, decreased significantly to $4,726,000 compared to $6,175,000 from the prior comparable period. This decrease in sales was primarily attributable to lower sales at our OEG and despite higher sales at our OPG. As previously mentioned, the lower sales at our OEG were attributable to lower bookings in the second half of 2024 due primarily to contract delays which is an inherent risk in contracting with the U.S. government and its prime contractors.”

    Mr. Binder further added, “Our gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2025, decreased to 12.4% compared to 30.8% in the prior year comparable period. The decrease in gross margin during the three months ended March 31, 2025, was attributable to a significantly lower gross margin at our OEG due to decreased sales resulting in a higher percentage attributable to overhead and other fixed costs; and a slightly lower OPG gross margin due to product mix and despite slightly higher sales.”

    Mr. Binder added, “For the three months ended March 31, 2025, selling, general and administrative expenses were $2,717,000, compared to $2,643,000, an increase of $74,000, primarily due to higher expenses from SPS and slightly higher corporate expenses. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses at SPS increased principally due to more than $200,000 of expenses incurred for (i) an outside engineering firm engaged to modify legacy drawings as well as bill of material part identification that was developed prior to the acquisition and (ii) legal fees incurred in connection with the litigation associated with the termination of the former President of SPS. The engineering firm was needed in order to conform drawing documentation to the actual manufacturing procedures to build the product as well as to comply with inventory internal controls. This was in addition to over $200,000 in engineering fees that were incurred in the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in corporate expenses was primarily due to (i) all audit fees for our 2024 audit being billed in the first quarter of 2025 whereas prior years audit fees were distributed during all the quarters and (2) slightly increased payroll costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses at our OEG (exclusive of SPS), and our OPG did not materially change. We expect that the outside engineering fees at SPS will decrease significantly, beginning the second quarter of 2025 and corporate expenses should also decrease beginning the second quarter due to the absence of any audit fees for the remainder of the year.”

    Mr. Binder continued, “Backlog at March 31, 2025, was approximately $13,300,000 compared to approximately $12,000,000 at December 31, 2024, an increase of approximately 10.8%. This increase in backlog is reflective of a general increase in bookings from our OEG, inclusive of SPS and despite a decrease in bookings from our OPG during the quarter. In 2024, for our OPG, bookings for our VPX power supplies increased by 91.5% over the prior comparable period and represented the highest amount of VPX bookings in any previous calendar year. We are hopeful that the momentum of continued bookings for our VPX power supplies will continue in 2025. Bookings for our OEG, inclusive of SPS, improved in the first quarter of 2025 and are expected to continue to improve, as many anticipated follow-on awards expected in the second half of 2024 were delayed, resulting in a poor second half of bookings for the segment. Some of these orders were received in the first quarter of 2025 and are now expected to continue to be received in the first half of 2025. Contract delays are an inherent part of doing business with the U.S. Government.”

    David Goldman, Chief Financial Officer, noted, “At March 31, 2025, our cash and cash equivalents aggregated approximately $0.7 million and our financial condition continued to remain solid as evidenced by our 2.5 to 1 current ratio. We have access to a $4,000,000 line of credit (“LOC”) with our bank and have borrowed $900,000 under the LOC as of March 31, 2025. Our book value per share at March 31, 2025 was $4.69, which compares to $5.34 at December 31, 2024 and $5.54 at December 31, 2023. (Note: book value per share does not include any additional value for our partially reserved deferred tax asset.) To offset future federal and state taxes resulting from profits, we have approximately $2.4 million and $0.4 million in available federal and New York State net operating loss carryforwards, respectively.”

    Mr. Binder added, “Because our revenues are tied to delivery schedules specified in our contracts, it is often difficult to judge our performance on a quarterly basis. Our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 resulted from weak bookings in the second half of 2024 that emanated from contract delays that led to a significant gap in first quarter delivery schedules. Some of these contracts were awarded in the first quarter and some represent ongoing opportunities that we have not yet finalized with our customer. We reported at year end that these contract delays would adversely affect our operating performance in the first half of 2025. Although, we expect an improvement in the second quarter operating results, we expect the results to still be somewhat affected by the 2024 contract delays. Because of the improved bookings in the first quarter and our expectation of improved bookings throughout our operating units and barring unforeseen delays, we expect these awards to fill in our delivery schedules and lead to an improvement to operating results in the second half of 2025.”

    Mr. Binder concluded, “We continue to evaluate the impact of tariff announcements and are evaluating their impact on the cost of our products and, in particular, our VPX power supplies, which recorded significant sales growth in 2024 and is expected to be the driver of the growth of our OPG in the future. We are addressing the tariffs in a number of ways, including a pass through to our customers, adjusting our pricing, negotiating with our vendors or seeking out alternative sources. We’ve been proactive in moving certain of our foreign vendors to countries that are not expected to be materially affected by tariffs.”

    Orbit International Corp., through its Electronics Group, is involved in the development and manufacture of custom electronic device and subsystem solutions for military, industrial and commercial applications through its production facilities in Hauppauge, New York and Carson, CA. Orbit’s Power Group, also located in Hauppauge, NY, designs and manufactures a wide array of power products including AC power supplies, frequency converters, inverters, VME/VPX power supplies as well as various COTS power sources.

    Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company including, statements regarding our expectations of Orbit’s operating plans, deliveries under contracts and strategies generally; statements regarding our expectations of the performance of our business; expectations regarding costs and revenues, future operating results, additional orders, future business opportunities and continued growth, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Federal securities laws. Although Orbit believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved.

    Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond Orbit International’s ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact Orbit International and the statements contained in this news release can be found in Orbit’s reports posted with the OTC Disclosure and News service. For forward-looking statements in this news release, Orbit claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Orbit assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    CONTACT   
    David Goldman 
    Chief Financial Officer 
    631-435-8300 

    (See Accompanying Tables)

     
    Orbit International Corp.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
     
        Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    (unaudited)
          2025       2024  
             
    Net sales   $ 4,726     $ 6,175  
             
    Cost of sales     4,138       4,275  
             
    Gross profit     588       1,900  
             
    Selling general and administrative expenses     2,717       2,643  
             
    Interest expense     19       5  
             
    Other (income) expense, net     (7 )     (14 )
             
    Loss before income taxes     (2,141 )     (734 )
             
    Income tax provision     11       17  
             
    Net loss   $ (2,152 )   $ ( 751 )
             
             
    Basic loss per share   $ (0.65 )   $ (0.22 )
             
    Diluted loss per share   $ (0.65 )   $ (0.22 )
             
    Weighted average number of shares outstanding:        
    Basic     3,327       3,343  
    Diluted     3,327       3,343  
             
     
    Orbit International Corp.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
     
     
        Three Months Ended
    March 31,
          2025       2024  
             
    EBITDA (as adjusted) Reconciliation        
    Net loss   $ (2,152 )   $ (751 )
    Income tax expense     11       17  
    Depreciation and amortization     170       165  
    Interest expense     19       5  
    Fair value adj-contingent liabilities & other non-current liability    

         

    10

     
    Stock-based compensation     3       3  
    EBITDA (as adjusted) (1)   $ (1,949 )   $ (551 )
             
    EBITDA (as adjusted) Per Diluted Share Reconciliation        
    Net loss   $ ( 0.65 )   $ (0.22 )
    Income tax expense     0.00       0.01  
    Depreciation and amortization     0.05       0.05  
    Interest expense     0.01       0.00  
    Fair value adj-contingent liabilities & other non-current liability    

    0.00

         

    0.00

     
    Stock-based compensation     0.00       0.00  
    EBITDA (as adjusted) per diluted share (1)   $ (0.59 )   $ (0.16 )

    (1) The EBITDA (as adjusted) tables presented are not determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management uses EBITDA (as adjusted) to evaluate the operating performance of its business. It is also used, at times, by some investors, securities analysts and others to evaluate companies and make informed business decisions. EBITDA (as adjusted) is also a useful indicator of the income generated to service debt. EBITDA (as adjusted) is not a complete measure of an entity’s profitability because it does not include costs and expenses for interest, depreciation and amortization, income taxes, fair value adj.-contingent liabilities and other non-current liability and stock-based compensation. EBITDA (as adjusted) as presented herein may not be comparable to similarly named measures reported by other companies.

        Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    Reconciliation of EBITDA, as adjusted,
    to cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities (1)
       

                  2025

         

    2024

     
                     
    EBITDA (as adjusted)   $ (1,949 )   $ (551 )
    Income tax expense     (11 )     (17 )
    Interest expense     (19 )     (5 )
    Fair value adj-contingent liabilities and other non-current liability           (10 )
    Stock-based compensation     7       7  
    Net change in operating assets and liabilities     1,353       1,230  
    Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities   $ ( 619 )   $ 654  
     
    Orbit International Corp.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
     
      March 31, 2025
    (unaudited)
      December 31, 2024
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 696,000     $ 1,355,000  
    Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses   2,152,000       3,935,000  
    Inventories   9,068,000       8,884,000  
    Contract assets   1,029,000       643,000  
    Other current assets   376,000       428,000  
           
    Total current assets   13,321,000       15,245,000  
           
    Property and equipment, net   1,147,000       1,192,000  
    Right of use assets, operating leases   2,122,000       2,297,000  
    Right of use assets, financing leases   67,000       77,000  
    Goodwill   3,515,000       3,515,000  
    Intangible assets, net
    Deferred tax asset
      2,262,000
    100,000
          2,322,000
    100,000
     
    Other assets   52,000       53,000  
           
    Total assets $ 22,586,000     $ 24,801,000  
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 1,000,000     $ 878,000  
    Accrued expenses   975,000       990,000  
    Notes payable   86,000       99,000  
    Lease liabilities, operating leases   716,000       717,000  
    Lease liabilities, financing leases   39,000       38,000  
    Contingent liability   1,362,000       1,362,000  
    Line of credit   900,000       850,000  
    Customer advances   282,000       296,000  
           
    Total current liabilities   5,360,000       5,230,000  
           
    Notes payable, net of current portion   69,000       83,000  
    Lease liabilities, operating leases   1,498,000       1,678,000  
    Lease liabilities, financing leases   31,000       41,000  
           
    Total liabilities   6,958,000       7,032,000  
           
    Stockholders’ Equity      
    Common stock   352,000       351,000  
    Additional paid-in capital   17,181,000       17,171,000  
    Treasury stock   (1,224,000 )     (1,224,000  
    Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)   (681,000 )     1,471,000  
           
    Stockholders’ equity   15,628,000       17,769,000  
           
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 22,586,000     $ 24,801,000  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: PSNA says broadcast ruling a warning to NZ news media to be wary of ‘Israeli propaganda’

    Asia Pacific Report

    A decision by the Broadcasting Standards Authority to uphold a complaint against a 1News broadcast last November is a warning to news media, says the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

    The authority ruled that a TVNZ news item on violence in Amsterdam in the Netherlands breached BSA rules.

    1News described violence in the streets of Amsterdam on November 7 and 8 following a soccer match as “disturbing” and ‘antisemitic’ and stated the graphic video of beatings were Maccabi Tel Aviv fans under attack just for being Jewish.

    Videographers who took the footage which 1News had used, complained to their news agencies that this description was wrong. The violence had been perpetrated by the Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv fans against those they suspected of being Arab or supporters of Palestine.

    The visiting Israelis were the attackers — not the victims, said the PSNA statement, as widely reported by global media correcting initial reports.

    Before the match these same Maccabi fans had gathered in large groups to chant “Death to Arabs” — a racist genocidal chant which if used with the races reversed (“Arabs” replaced by Jews”) “would have been rightly condemned in purple prose by Western news media such as TVNZ”, said PSNA co-chair John Minto in the statement.

    “But no such sympathy for Palestinians or Arabs,” he added.

    Requested broadcast correction
    PSNA said in its statement that it had immediately requested that TVNZ broadcast a correction. TVNZ refused, though admitting they had got the story wrong.

    PSNA then referred a complaint to the BSA which upheld the complaint as failing to meet the accuracy standard.

    Minto said in the statement that the BSA decision should be seen as a warning to news media to be aware that Israel was using “fabricated charges of antisemitism, to justify and divert attention from its genocide in Gaza and silence its critics”.

    “Just because [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu and the then US President Joe Biden made statements turning Amsterdam attackers into victims, doesn’t mean TVNZ news should automatically parrot them,” Minto said.

    “That’s effectively what the BSA concluded.”


    Framing violence: How Israel shaped the narrative and the impact on Dutch politics   Video: Al Jazeera

    Minto also pointed to what he called a recent fabricated hysteria about antisemitism in Sydney, which the New South Wales police found to be completely based on hoaxes by a criminal gang.

    “In the US, Trump is using the same charge as an excuse to close down university courses and expel anyone who protests against the Israeli genocide in Gaza,” Minto said.

    “Of course, we strongly condemn the real antisemitism of anti-Jewish, Nazi-type Islamophobic groups,” Minto says.

    Call for media ‘self education’
    “It should be easy for professional reporters and editors to tell the difference between criticism of Israeli apartheid, ethnic cleansing and violence on one hand, and on the other hand Nazis and their fellow travellers who condemn Jews because they are Jews.

    “The BSA is, in effect, demanding the news media educate themselves.”

    In a half-hour report on 16 November 2024 headlined “Media bias, inaccuracy and the violence in Amsterdam”, Al Jazeera’s global mediawatch programme The Listening Post said “one night of violence revealed … Western media’s failings on Israel and Palestine”.

    “In the wake of an ugly eruption of violence on the streets of Amsterdam, the media coverage of the story [was] put under the microscope with editors scrambling to revise headlines, rework narratives, and reframe video content.”

    In an investigative documentary, The Full Report, on 22 January 2025, Al Jazeera’s Dutch correspondent Step Vaessen reported how Israel had framed the violence, shaped the narrative, manipulated the global media, and impacted on Dutch politics.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Is overprescribing of pain medication harming older people? A new study will explore chronic pain prescribing in older adults around the UK, with the aim of highlighting the extent of the population impacted and whether current treatments and processes meet their overall needs.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    A new study will explore chronic pain prescribing in older adults around the UK, with the aim of highlighting the extent of the population impacted and whether current treatments and processes meet their overall needs.
    The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded HOPE-AO project is being led by the University of Plymouth in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen and other partners.
    Around four million older people across the UK live with varying degrees of chronic pain as a result of conditions including arthritis, diabetes or frailty.
    But while some people benefit from being prescribed analgesic medicines for pain relief, many end up receiving long-term repeated prescriptions – for medications ranging from paracetamol and ibuprofen, to opioids and antidepressants for weeks, months or even years at a time.
    The HOPE-AO project will investigate whether certain groups of the older population are prone to overprescribing and any side effects or other harms these medications can pose if taken for long periods.
    It also aims to identify alternative treatment solutions to reduce the use of unnecessary analgesic pain medicines, working with patients to develop a list of acceptable strategies that could be tested and implemented across the UK.
    The project is being led by researchers from the University of Plymouth, working with colleagues at the University of Exeter, Aston University, University of Aberdeen, and the North East London Foundation NHS Trust. It is funded by through a Programme Development Grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
    The project team comprises experts in the care of older people – including healthcare researchers, nurses, consultants, GPs, pharmacists and psychiatrists working across the UK – as well as medical statisticians and health economists. It also involves an advisory group of patients with lived experience of receiving repeat prescriptions for pain medication.
    During the project, the team will speak to patients aged 65 and over with a history of chronic pain for which they are taking, or have taken, analgesic medication, and families who cared for and supported relatives with chronic pain.

    Chronic pain is really common in older age and this work will provide foundation to further develop programmatic work which will be relevant to older people, healthcare professionals, service providers and policy makers.” Professor Phyo Myint

    They will also engage healthcare professionals who are either prescribing or supporting older adults taking analgesic medication for chronic pain management.
    Alongside this work, the team will conduct a wide-ranging statistical analysis of anonymised healthcare data, to understand more about older adults who are prescribed medication for chronic pain. This includes patterns in prescribing, health and demographic factors associated with pain medication use, and potential health outcomes, and will help identify those likely to benefit most from support.
    Patricia Schofield, Professor of Clinical Nursing at the University of Plymouth and one of the study’s Chief Investigators, said: “Very often, older people are told by a doctor that the most effective means of treating a health condition is through some form of pain relief. But they often don’t get any form of follow-up appointment and, as a generation, are less likely to seek one as they either feel pain is part of the ageing process or they don’t wish to be seen as a burden. The result is that they end up getting repeat prescriptions, potentially for pain medications they no longer need and also at significant cost to the NHS. This study will give us a clearer understanding of the scale of the issue which we can use to develop ways of benefitting patients and their families, and the healthcare professionals working to treat and support them.”
    Professor Phyo Myint, Chair in Old Age Medicine (Clinical) at the University of Aberdeen who is leading the Aberdeen-arm of the project added: “Chronic pain is really common in older age and this work will provide foundation to further develop programmatic work which will be relevant to older people, healthcare professionals, service providers and policy makers. We are delighted to be part of this exciting programme development award from the NIHR”
    Dr Carrie Stewart, Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to be involved in this innovative project which tackles an important issue in the care of older people; reducing harms from medicine use. Chronic pain is a difficult condition to live with and complex to manage. Through understanding the views of all who are affected by this, we can identify where potentially harmful medicines can be safely stopped, and identify where risks can be better managed or monitored, to improve the care, health and wellbeing of older people across the U.K.”
    Rajinder Flora, Assistant Director of NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research, said: “We are pleased to fund this important project investigating the impact of overprescribing in older adults living with chronic pain. We’re proud to support research that brings together a range of expertise to improve care and help to save money for the NHS.”
    Victoria Abbott-Fleming MBE, founder of the charity Burning Nights CRPS Support, is the Chair of the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement group for the HOPE-AO study. It will be made up of several adults over the age of 65 who live with chronic pain, and have received repeat prescriptions for pain medication.
    Victoria has herself lived for more than 20 years with a chronic pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and set up Burning Nights to support those affected by it on a day-to-day basis and their families. She is also Chair of the Expert Patient and Carer Committee at the British Pain Society.
    She said: “I’m excited to support this study that places the voices of older adults and their carers at the heart of pain management. All too often, those living with chronic pain – especially older adults – are prescribed medication without regular review or consideration of alternative approaches. This study is a vital step towards more informed and balanced care, helping ensure that older people living with chronic pain are not just treated, but truly heard and supported.”
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    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: First Pacific to Present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference May 15th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Pacific Company Limited (Hong Kong: 00142, ADR: FPAFY) based in Hong Kong and focused on domestic defensive businesses in the fast-growing region of Southeast Asia, today announced that Associate Director John W. Ryan will present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025. This virtual investor conference is aimed exclusively at introducing global companies with ADR programs to investors.

    DATE: May 15th
    TIME: 10:00 AM ET
    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Participation is free of charge.

    What First Pacific offers

    First Pacific has a mature market listing and offers access to defensive industries in the fastest-growing region of the world; none of our businesses is significantly affected by primary consequences of changes in foreign trade tariffs. First Pacific has three key guidelines in its strategy to maximise shareholder returns:

    • Stick to the industries we know – consumer foods, telecommunications, infrastructure and natural resources
    • Stick to one geography – the emerging economies of southeast Asia
    • Hold majority or significant stakes in our investments to ensure control over cash flows

    Through 2024 the Company has had six years of profit growth, with the last four recording successive record highs. First Pacific management is confident of continuing earnings growth in the medium term owing to the strong market positions of our companies and the region’s continuing strong growth against a background of low inflation. In addition, all our investments are immune to the immediate consequences of any struggle over tariffs.

    Assets include the world’s biggest maker of instant noodles (Indofood), the region’s largest privately owned toll road operator (MPTC), and the biggest power company (Meralco), telecommunications (PLDT), and water (Maynilad) companies in the Philippines. The company is also the biggest shareholder in Philex Mining, which plans to open a second gold and copper mine in 2026 using development funding already in place.

    First Pacific’s borrowings are low with an interest coverage ratio of 4x and the Company has held investment grade credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P Global for three years. After seeing its share price rise by 25% in 2023 and 45% in 2024, First Pacific has a recurring p/e ratio of 3.6x at FY 2024.

    About First Pacific
    First Pacific is a Hong Kong-based investment holding company with operations located in Asia-Pacific. The Company’s principal businesses are in consumer food products, telecommunications, infrastructure, and mining. First Pacific is listed in Hong Kong (HKSE: 00142) and its shares are also available in the United States through American Depositary Receipts (ADR code: FPAFY). For further information, visit www.firstpacific.com.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    First Pacific Company Limited
    John W. Ryan
    Associate Director, Group Head of Investor Relations
    +852 6336 1411
    johnryan@firstpacific.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences

    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Belite Bio, Inc to Present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference May 15th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Belite Bio, Inc (NASDAQ: BLTE) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, today announced that CSO, Dr. Nathan L. Mata will present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025. This virtual investor conference is aimed exclusively at introducing global companies with ADR programs to investors.

    DATE: May 15th
    TIME: 12:30 pm ET
    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Participation is free of charge.

    Recent Company Highlights

    • DRAGON trial, a pivotal global Phase 3 trial of Tinlarebant in adolescent Stargardt disease (STGD1) subjects is expected to be completed by Q4 2025
    • Following a pre-specified interim analysis, an independent DSMB recommended to submit the interim analysis data of DRAGON trial for further regulatory review for drug approval
    • Pivotal global Phase 3 PHOENIX trial of Tinlarebant in geographic atrophy (GA) subjects is ongoing with more than 460 subjects enrolled

    About Belite Bio
    Belite Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical drug development company focused on advancing novel therapeutics targeting degenerative retinal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs, such as Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and Geographic Atrophy (GA) in advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in addition to specific metabolic diseases. Belite’s lead candidate, Tinlarebant, an oral therapy intended to reduce the accumulation of toxins in the eye, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 study (DRAGON) and a Phase 2/3 study (DRAGON II) in adolescent STGD1 subjects and a Phase 3 study (PHOENIX) in subjects with GA. For more information, follow us on XInstagramLinkedInFacebook or visit us at www.belitebio.com.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    Belite Bio
    Jennifer Wu
    ir@belitebio.com
    Julie Fallon
    belite@argotpartners.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commencement 2025 at a Glance

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    It’s UConn’s most important weekend of the year.

    Yes, move-in weekend is huge; and yes, the last three years have featured Final Four weekends exciting enough to keep the entire population of Connecticut glued to their screens.

    But this is why we – the staff, the faculty, and above all, the students – are here in the first place.

    From Saturday, May 10 through the evening of Monday, May 12, nearly 8,000 Huskies will hear their names called and walk across the stage at Gampel Pavilion, the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, or the Student Union Theatre, and walk off the stage as graduates and alumni. The celebration wraps up on May 18, as the UConn School of Law confers its degrees in Hartford.

    It’s a long weekend of big smiles, happy tears, and striking a pose near the statue of Jonathan or the giant U-C-O-N-N on Rte. 195, all combining to make lifelong memories of the final minutes before “student” turns into “graduate.”

    University photographers Sean Flynn, Sydney Herdle, and Peter Morenus will be at all 17 ceremonies this month. Here are just a few of the unforgettable moments they captured on Saturday and Sunday.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bindi Irwin was rushed to hospital for appendix surgery. But what is appendicitis?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Warwick Teague, Co-group Leader, Surgical Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

    lev radin/Shutterstock

    Bindi Irwin has reportedly been rushed to hospital in the United States to undergo emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix.

    According to brother Robert Irwin, “she’s going to be OK”, however the 26-year-old was forced to miss an annual gala event honouring her late father Steve Irwin.

    So what is the role of the appendix, and in what circumstances can it rupture? Here’s what you need to know about appendicitis.

    What is the appendix?

    The appendix is a finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine. It can be found on the right of our lower abdomen.

    For a long time, there was a theory that the appendix was an evolutionary remnant which may have played a role in our ancestors’ digestion, but wasn’t overly useful for modern humans following contemporary diets.

    However emerging research has shown the appendix could play a role in the body’s immune function and microbiome, particularly in the gut. The gut microbiome may be disrupted by infection or antibiotics and the appendix may help the gut flora replenish and recover.

    That said, most people who need to have their appendix removed to treat appendicitis do completely fine without it.

    What is appendicitis, and what are the symptoms?

    Appendicitis is typically a bacterial infection. Most commonly, appendicitis starts with blockage of the appendix, caused for example by a hardened piece of stool or swelling. Once blocked, bacteria in the appendix are not cleared as normal, but build up. In turn this leads to inflammation and infection of the appendix, and in some instances the appendix can burst or rupture.

    The more time that elapses before someone with appendicitis is treated, the greater the risk the appendix may rupture.

    Symptoms of appendicitis become more severe as the appendix becomes more inflamed.
    Twinkle picture/Shutterstock

    Rupture is more common in children, accounting for roughly one-quarter of all cases. This is especially so for younger children, who might not have the words to describe their symptoms and might not show the classic signs, both of which can delay diagnosis.

    But even in adults, sometimes the symptoms can be hard to discern from other things.

    Typically, early symptoms of appendicitis can be vague, and can easily be mistaken for something else, such as viral gastroenteritis. They might include a lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, low grade fever, together with general tummy pain around the belly button.

    Over hours or days the pain increases in severity and becomes localised to the right lower part of the abdomen.

    How common is appendicitis?

    Across the country, more than 40,000 Australians are hospitalised with appendicitis each year. The condition is responsible for around 180 of every 100,000 hospitalisations.

    It’s estimated that about one in 12–15 people will experience appendicitis in their lifetime.

    Appendicitis is more common in children and young people. The “peak” age group for appendicitis is between about age 10 and 30, but it can certainly happen in other age groups too.

    Appendicitis tends to be more common in children and young people than adults.
    Streamlight Studios/Shutterstock

    How is appendicitis diagnosed and treated?

    For the most part the diagnosis of appendicitis is made clinically – in other words, by talking to the patient and examining them. There may be a role for blood tests and scans to help make the diagnosis, but these tests may not be able to distinguish between appendicitis and other causes of abdominal pain.

    For most people, appendicitis is treated with a surgery called an appendicectomy (where the appendix is removed) together with intravenous antibiotics.

    Some people may be treated only with antibiotics. However research suggests removing the appendix, alongside antibiotics, is more effective.

    Nowadays an appendicectomy is generally a keyhole (or laproscopic) surgery, meaning it’s minimally invasive, doesn’t leave a big scar, and sees patients back on their feet sooner.

    Some patients will be able to be discharged from hospital the day after surgery, while others will stay a few days. Hospital-in-the-home is a positive alternative which can help patients get home sooner, even many children treated for a ruptured appendix.

    An appendicectomy can be performed whether the appendix has burst or not. But the surgery is more complex, and the recovery longer, if the appendix has ruptured.

    For a minority of people, appendicitis can have complications, for example infections and scars inside the abdomen or at the site of surgery. Untreated, appendicitis can be life-threatening and even in the setting of well-organised health systems such as ours in Australia, there are instances of death due to appendicitis. This is thankfully rare, with mortality rates as low as 0.02% of appendicetomies performed in Australia.

    Fortunately, for most people, a bout of appendicitis and its treatment with surgery does not leave a long-lasting legacy and a return to full health and life is a few quieter weeks away. Hopefully this will be the case for Bindi Irwin, and we join the rest of Australia in wishing her a quick and complete recovery.

    Warwick Teague 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. Bindi Irwin was rushed to hospital for appendix surgery. But what is appendicitis? – https://theconversation.com/bindi-irwin-was-rushed-to-hospital-for-appendix-surgery-but-what-is-appendicitis-256452

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI: Hut 8 Subsidiary American Bitcoin Announces Go-Public Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hut 8 Corp. (Nasdaq | TSX: HUT) (“Hut 8” or the “Company”), an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing, today announced that its majority-owned subsidiary, American Bitcoin, has entered into a definitive merger agreement to go public with Gryphon Digital Mining, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRYP) (“Gryphon”) pursuant to which Gryphon will acquire American Bitcoin in a stock-for-stock merger transaction.

    Upon closing, the combined company will operate under the American Bitcoin brand, led by the American Bitcoin board of directors, including Mike Ho, Asher Genoot, Justin Mateen, and Michael Broukhim, and management team, including Mike Ho, Matt Prusak, and Eric Trump. The combined company is expected to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “ABTC.” The transaction is expected to close as early as Q3 2025.

    “This transaction marks the next step in scaling American Bitcoin as a purpose-built vehicle for low-cost Bitcoin accumulation at scale,” said Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8. “By taking American Bitcoin public, we expect to unlock direct access to dedicated growth capital independent of Hut 8’s balance sheet, while preserving long-term exposure to Bitcoin upside for our shareholders.”

    Existing stockholders of American Bitcoin are expected to own approximately 98% of the combined company. Immediately following the completion of the transaction, the Company will beneficially own a majority of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the combined company.

    Following the transaction, Hut 8 will continue to serve as American Bitcoin’s exclusive infrastructure and operations partner through a series of long-term commercial agreements expected to generate stable, contracted revenue streams in Hut 8’s Power and Digital Infrastructure segments.

    Additional Transaction Information

    American Bitcoin has made available on its website a presentation with additional information concerning the transaction.

    Supplemental Materials and Upcoming Communications

    For important news and information regarding the Company, including investor presentations and timing of future investor conferences, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, https://hut8.com/investors, and its social media accounts, including on X and LinkedIn. The Company uses its website and social media accounts as primary channels for disclosing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information.

    About Hut 8 

    Hut 8 Corp. is an energy infrastructure platform integrating power, digital infrastructure, and compute at scale to fuel next-generation, energy-intensive use cases such as Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing. We take a power-first, innovation-driven approach to developing, commercializing, and operating the critical infrastructure that underpins the breakthrough technologies of today and tomorrow. Our platform spans 1,020 megawatts of energy capacity under management across 15 sites in the United States and Canada: five Bitcoin mining, hosting, and Managed Services sites in Alberta, New York, and Texas, five high performance computing data centers in British Columbia and Ontario, four power generation assets in Ontario, and one non-operational site in Alberta. For more information, visit www.hut8.com and follow us on X at @Hut8Corp.

    About American Bitcoin

    American Bitcoin is a Bitcoin accumulation platform focused on building American’s Bitcoin infrastructure backbone. A majority-owned subsidiary of Hut 8, the company combines Hut 8’s proven mining operations, cost-efficient infrastructure development capabilities, and disciplined approach to capital allocation with Eric Trump’s commercial acumen, capital markets expertise, and commitment to the advancement of decentralized financial systems. For more information, visit www.americanbtc.com and follow the company on X at @AmericanBTC.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the structure, timing, and completion of the proposed transaction between American Bitcoin and Gryphon, the combined company’s listing on Nasdaq after the closing of the proposed transaction, the expected management and board of directors of the combined company, American Bitcoin’s capital markets access, Hut 8’s ability to preserve long-term exposure to Bitcoin upside for its shareholders, Hut 8’s ownership interest in the combined company, Hut 8’s exclusive provision of infrastructure and operations services to American Bitcoin, and the vision, goals, and trajectory of American Bitcoin and the combined company.

    Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events based on certain material factors and assumptions at the time the statement was made. While considered reasonable by Hut 8 as of the date of this press release, such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the merger agreement; the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because the conditions to closing are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all, including the failure to timely obtain stockholder approval for the proposed transaction from Gryphon’s stockholders, if at all; risks related to Gryphon’s continued listing on Nasdaq until closing of the proposed transaction; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against American Bitcoin, Gryphon, or the combined company; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction to the parties or to Hut 8 are not realized when expected or at all; the possibility that the vision, goals, and trajectory of the combined company are not timely achieved or realized or achieved or realized at all; the possibility that the integration of the two companies may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive or take longer to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; changes in Gryphon’s stock price before closing; and other factors that may affect future results of American Bitcoin, Gryphon, or the combined company. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in Gryphon’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and other documents subsequently filed by Gryphon with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and in the Company’s recent and upcoming annual and quarterly reports and other continuous disclosure documents, which are available under the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov and SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

    This press release relates to a proposed transaction between American Bitcoin and Gryphon. In connection with the proposed transaction, Gryphon intends to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement) to register the Class A common stock to be issued by Gryphon in connection with the proposed transaction. The Registration Statement will include a proxy statement of Gryphon and a prospectus of Gryphon (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), and each of American Bitcoin and Gryphon may file with the SEC other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement is declared effective, the definitive Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be sent to the stockholders of Gryphon to seek their approval of the proposed transaction. This press release is not a substitute for the Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement/Prospectus or any other relevant documents that American Bitcoin or Gryphon has filed or will file with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF GRYPHON ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY AND ENTIRELY READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AMERICAN BITCOIN, GRYPHON, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, AND RELATED MATTERS.

    A copy of the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other relevant documents filed by American Bitcoin and Gryphon with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge, when they become available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You will also be able to obtain these documents free of charge, when they are available, by directing a request to Gryphon’s Investor Relations department at 646-755-7412 or emailing James@HaydenIR.com. The information on the Company’s, American Bitcoin’s, or Gryphon’s respective websites is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this communication or incorporated into other filings either company makes with the SEC.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    American Bitcoin, Gryphon and certain of their respective directors, executive officers, and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Gryphon, their ownership of Gryphon common stock, and Gryphon’s transactions with related persons is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, the definitive proxy statement for Gryphon’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, as filed with the SEC on August 7, 2024, the definitive proxy statement for Gryphon’s 2025 special meeting of stockholders, as filed with the SEC on April 21, 2025, and other documents that may be filed from time to time with the SEC. Additional information about the directors and executive officers of American Bitcoin and Gryphon and other persons who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of stockholders of Gryphon in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus related to the proposed transaction or other relevant materials, which will be filed with the SEC. These documents may be obtained free of charge, when they become available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and from Gryphon using the sources indicated above.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or the solicitation of any proxy, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    Hut 8 Corp. Investor Relations
    Sue Ennis
    ir@hut8.com

    Hut 8 Corp. Public Relations
    Gautier Lemyze-Young
    media@hut8.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Water park beyond the Arctic Circle: the best report of the “Architectural Seasons” has been named

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Ekaterina Voznyak and Grand Prix winner Victoria Ivanova

    The results of the III National (All-Russian) scientific-practical conference “Architectural Seasons” were summed up at SPbGASU. The conference work was held in four departments-sections, 88 reports were heard.

    Each department identified the best speakers who presented their work to the competition jury, which included faculty members of the architecture department and invited experts. However, there were not four but five contenders for the award: the architectural design department nominated two finalists at once.

    “The smartest and strongest master’s students of our faculty have gathered here. Representatives of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University have also come to us. We need to develop, compare our level with others: we will take something from you, and you will take something from us. We will compete, but this will not cancel our deep respect for each other,” said Ekaterina Voznyak, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, in her welcoming speech.

    Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Design Fyodor Perov announced the opening of a new training program in the Master’s program 07.04.01 Architecture. Architectural Design and Urbanism for the Arctic Zone of Russia since 2025. Fyodor Viktorovich emphasized that the Arctic has become the most important area of development and training at SPbGASU.

    During the presentations of the students, the master’s student of SPbGASU Victoria Talavirya presented the results of her dissertation work. She examined the formation of the architectural and design environment of the equestrian complex as a public space (scientific supervisor – associate professor of the landscape architecture department Irina Shkolnikova).

    According to Victoria, modern society has faced a number of problems in the environmental, social, and economic spheres, indirectly or directly related to the equestrian industry. Such problems include the deterioration of the physiological and psychological state of the population, the reduction of buffer zones within the city, the destruction of natural landscapes, and the low level of equestrian sports in Russia. As a solution to these problems, the student proposed holding sports events, creating unique public spaces, developing domestic horse breeding, etc.

    “The concept of an ideal equestrian complex should be based on the symbiosis of three factors: the creation of a public space that attracts people to equestrian sports; involvement in the culture of ecotourism, promotion of views and ideas that influence attitudes towards ecology; creation of conditions that satisfy all the needs of horses. The results of the dissertation can be used in further theoretical and practical work on the design of multifunctional equestrian complexes. Two scientific articles have been published on the topic of the dissertation research,” said Victoria. Alexandra Sudarikova, a student of the Higher School of Design and Architecture of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, presented a report on “Development of Ecotourism Territories in Russia Using the Example of the Republic of Karelia” (supervisor – Associate Professor of the Higher School of Design and Architecture Elena Ladik).

    According to Alexandra, domestic tourism is becoming increasingly popular in Russia. At the same time, ecotourism is becoming the most dynamically developing direction, which is due to the desire of modern people for clean and safe recreation, saving resources and preserving the natural environment. Ecotourists prefer recreation in small groups in active interaction with nature, choose environmentally friendly options for transport and accommodation. In this context, Karelia with its unique natural landscapes is one of the most attractive regions.

    The student chose the city of Kem, located on the route to the Murmansk Region and the Solovetsky Islands, as the territory for the study. By order of the President of Russia, the Kemsky District and the Belomorsky District are classified as Arctic support settlements.

    Alexandra identified the territory for the development of tourist infrastructure and proposed to form additional walking and water routes in the city. In addition, she developed a project proposal for an all-season tourist complex on the riverside territory of the Kem River, which will become a potential point of attraction for city residents and tourists.

    Vasilisa Smirnova, a master’s student at SPbGASU, spoke about the regional architectural features of the manor development of the 18th–19th centuries in the city of Toropets in the Tver Region (academic supervisor: associate professor of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage Natalia Dubrovina).

    There are six estate complexes on the territory of modern Toropets. They are significantly ruined and in a lost state. To find analogues, Vasilisa expanded the boundaries of the study and studied 46 estates where the main house has been preserved. She focused on estates built of stone in the 18th–19th centuries in the classical and eclectic styles.

    “Five main types were identified in general according to the volumetric-spatial and compositional solution of the main house. The estates of the city of Toropets turned out to be diverse. They are related to the types of the Pskov, Novgorod, Tver and Smolensk regions. However, the estate has characteristic features of the so-called Toropets Baroque,” the student said.

    The author believes that the main results of his project are the organization of points of attraction for local residents and tourists, the design of development zones for children and the improvement of territories.

    Master’s student Nikita Milov developed a project for a multifunctional sea terminal in Kandalaksha, Murmansk Region (supervised by associate professors of the Department of Architectural Design Alexey Mikhalychev, Igor Ivanov, Yulia Devyatova and Valeria Supranovich). The topic of the work is based on a fundamental approach to the development of the Far North. The student is confident that Kandalaksha has great tourism potential as a point for sea and river cruises from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Arkhangelsk, Salekhard, Tiksi and further along the northern coast. Kandalaksha can become both a transit point for these routes and create its own package of offers. The routes can be one-day, short-term, medium-term and long-term.

    Victoria Ivanova, a student of the Department of Urban Development at SPbGASU, designed a residential area with a multifunctional tourist complex in Monchegorsk, Murmansk Region (scientific supervisors: associate professors of the Department of Architectural Design Fyodor Perov and Alexandra Eremeeva, associate professor and academic secretary of the department Olga Kokorina, senior lecturer Larisa Venatovskaya).

    “Based on the urban development analysis, I identified the main hubs of public life in the city, drew up a diagram of the relationship between the main hubs and identified four main sites that were the most promising for development. The choice was made on the territory of the Leningradskaya Embankment with a park near Komsomolskoye Lake and a yacht club. It would seem, what kind of yacht club is there in the north? However, in Monchegorsk, one has existed since the 1950s. In the summer season, sailing competitions and regattas are held annually; in March of this year, the Russian Windsurfing Championship was held. At the same time, the infrastructure of the yacht club is in decline: the building is falling apart, there are vacant lots and chaotically located boathouses and garages around. There is a complex system of residential development in the block. It is mainly represented by outdated Soviet-era buildings in need of renovation.”

    According to Victoria, the main urban problems are ecology and population outflow. However, there are recreational resources that can be used wisely.

    Victoria proposed creating a single route that would connect four key points – the bus station, the park at Komsomolskoye Lake, Leningradskaya Embankment and the yacht club, which could become a center of attraction not only within the block, but for the entire city. The complex consists of various buildings connected to each other: residential buildings, a hotel, a preserved yacht club building, new and under-construction boathouses, a panoramic restaurant on the water, a building of a water entertainment complex with a water park, an entertainment center, exhibition halls, and a cafe. The water park offers a view of Lake Imandra and the Khibiny Mountains. The architectural appearance was formed in accordance with Sami motifs (the Sami are the indigenous people of the territory).

    The author of the project is confident that the multifunctional complex can become an additional vector for the city’s development, slow down the rate of outflow of local residents and increase the flow of tourists to the region.

    Alexandra Sudarikova, Vasilisa Smirnova, Victoria Talavirya, Nikita Milov and Victoria Ivanova received first-degree diplomas. Victoria Ivanova also received the Grand Prix.

    We wish you further professional success!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures a Historic Trade Win for the United States

    Source: The White House

    SECURING ANOTHER HISTORIC DEAL: Today, on the heels of the brand-new deal with the United Kingdom, President Donald J. Trump reached an agreement with China to reduce China’s tariffs and eliminate retaliation, retain a U.S. baseline tariff on China, and set a path for future discussions to open market access for American exports.

    • Today, the United States issued the first joint statement on trade in many years with China after successful negotiations over the weekend in Geneva, Switzerland.
    • Both parties affirmed the importance of the critical bilateral economic and trade relationship between both countries and the global economy.
    • For too long, unfair trade practices and America’s massive trade deficit with China have fueled the offshoring of American jobs and the decline of our manufacturing sector.
    • In reaching an agreement, the United States and China will each lower tariffs by 115% while retaining an additional 10% tariff. Other U.S. measures will remain in place.
    • Both sides will take these actions by May 14, 2025.
    • This trade deal is a win for the United States, demonstrating President Trump’s unparalleled expertise in securing deals that benefit the American people.

    CHINESE ACTIONS: China will remove the retaliatory tariffs it announced since April 4, 2025, and will also suspend or remove the non-tariff countermeasures taken against the United States since April 2, 2025.

    • China will also suspend its initial 34% tariff on the United States it announced on April 4, 2025 for 90 days, but will retain a 10% tariff during the period of the pause.

    AMERICAN ACTIONS: The United States will remove the additional tariffs it imposed on China on April 8 and April 9, 2025, but will retain all duties imposed on China prior to April 2, 2025, including Section 301 tariffs, Section 232 tariffs, tariffs imposed in response to the fentanyl national emergency invoked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and Most Favored Nation tariffs. 

    • The United States will suspend its 34% reciprocal tariff imposed on April 2, 2025 for 90 days, but retain a 10% tariff during the period of the pause.
    • The 10% tariff continues to set a fair baseline that encourages domestic production, strengthens our supply chains and ensures that American trade policy supports American workers first, instead of undercutting them.
    • By imposing reciprocal tariffs, President Trump is ensuring our trade policy works for the American economy, addresses our national emergency brought on by our growing and persistent trade deficit, and levels the playing field for American workers and producers.
    • Unlike previous administrations, President Trump took a tough, uncompromising stance on China to protect American interests and stop unfair trade practices.

    WORKING TOWARDS A REBALANCING: When these changes come into effect, both nations agreed to establish a mechanism to continue important discussions about trade and economics.

    • The U.S. goods trade deficit with China was $295.4 billion in 2024—the largest with any trading partner.
    • Today’s agreement works toward addressing these imbalances to deliver real, lasting benefits to American workers, famers, and businesses.
    • As our nations continue these discussions, China will be represented by He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council.
    • The United States will be represented by Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, and Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative.

    ADDRESSING THE FENTANYL CRISIS: The United States and China will take aggressive actions to stem the flow of fentanyl and other precursors from China to illicit drug producers in North America.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: 21Shares Spotlights Solana’s Breakout Year in New “State of Crypto” Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New report explores Solana’s rise as the infrastructure layer of next-gen finance

    Zurich, 12 May 2025 – 21Shares, one of the world’s largest issuers of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs), today announced the release of the 14th edition of its flagship research series, State of Crypto, featuring an in-depth spotlight on Solana.

    With ultra-high speed, near-zero fees, and a rapidly expanding ecosystem, Solana has emerged as a leading blockchain powering everything from cross-border payments to AI and decentralised physical infrastructure. The new report explores Solana’s evolution into a real-world financial layer, and why it is fast becoming the blockchain of choice for both developers and institutions.

    “Solana is redefining what’s possible with blockchain technology,” said Adrian Fritz, Head of Research at 21Shares. “It combines performance, usability, and scale in a way few networks can match. In this report, we unpack the numbers, the tech, and the trends behind Solana’s rise, and what that means for investors.”

    The report includes:

    • A detailed comparison between Solana and leading competitors such as Ethereum, Sui, and TON.
    • In-depth sector analyses of Solana’s growing ecosystem, including DePIN, AI agents, DeFi innovation, and the memecoin phenomenon.
    • A comprehensive valuation framework to evaluate whether Solana is currently undervalued relative to its peers.
    • Insights into Solana’s role within a diversified crypto portfolio and how it can enhance broader asset allocation strategies.

    Solana now processes over 3,000 transactions per second with transaction fees consistently below $0.01. During peak activity in January, it surpassed $364 billion in on-chain volume, matching the throughput of Nasdaq over the same period. With major integrations from Visa, Shopify, and PayPal, along with emerging innovations like Solana Blinks and the Saga smartphone, Solana is rapidly positioning itself as the foundational infrastructure layer for the next generation of the internet.

    21Shares offers the 21Shares Solana Core Staking ETP (ticker: CSOL), an exchange-traded product that allows investors to gain exposure to Solana without directly holding the asset. CSOL has a management fee of 0.35%, is 100% physically backed, and also benefits from staking rewards, which are seamlessly generated by adding the yield to the investor’s coin entitlement. 

    For more details about the 21Shares Solana Core Staking ETP, including the factsheet, please click here

    The report is available for download here.

    About 21Shares

    21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialised research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.

    21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralised finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com

    Contact: matteo.valli@21shares.com

    DISCLAIMER

    This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.

    This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.

    This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

    Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

    Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under www.21Shares.com.

    The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

    This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).

    ###

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Crocodile captured in Ross River in Townsville

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 9 May 2025

    Open larger image

    Estuarine crocodile in a floating trap.

    A 2.8-metre estuarine crocodile has been captured in a floating trap on the Ross River near Aplins Weir on 8 May 2025.

    The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation targeted the animal for removal after receiving multiple sighting reports recently from concerned members of the public.

    Wildlife rangers conducted a land-based spotlight assessment to locate the crocodile and due to its size and location – in a high recreational use area – it was targeted for removal.

    Principal Wildlife Ranger Dinouk Perera said that when wildlife rangers were removing the trapped animal, they observed a second crocodile about two metres in length, nearby.

    “We have re-installed the trap to target the second crocodile for removal,” Mr Perera said.

    “The department would like to thank those community members who reported the crocodile.

    “Crocodile sighting reports give us important information about a crocodile’s location and behaviour that allows us to assess whether it needs to be removed from the wild.

    “The captured crocodile is currently in a holding pond at our facility and will be rehomed to a farm or zoo.

    “People in Townsville are reminded that the area is crocodile habitat, and they need to make sensible choices when they are around the water.

    “Crocodiles could be present in any waterway in areas of crocodile habitat. They can swim long distances and may turn up in places they haven’t been seen before, particularly after flooding.

    “That’s why it is important to report all crocodile sightings to the department as soon as possible, for investigation by wildlife rangers.”

    Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

    Further information is available at: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/crocodiles/becrocwise

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cassowary release highlights importance of reporting all sightings

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 12 May 2025

    Open larger image

    A male cassowary

    A young male cassowary has been rehabilitated and released into Wooroonooran National Park after being rescued from cane fields near Mourilyan in far north Queensland.

    The successful release of the cassowary demonstrates the importance of public reporting of cassowary sightings, particularly if the birds are sick, injured or in places well away from of their normal habitat.

    In March this year, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) received multiple sighting reports a young cassowary wandering along roads among cane fields, several kilometres from the nearest forested area.

    DETSI wildlife rangers found the bird to be in poor condition and an analysis of its fresh scat showed it had been eating solely non-native fruit.

    Due to the location, condition and the risk of vehicle strike, the bird was captured and placed in DETSI’s Cassowary Rehabilitation Centre at Garners Beach.

    Senior Wildlife Ranger Alex Diczbalis said the juvenile male cassowary had received daily care and feeding at the centre by volunteers from the Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation (C4), and its condition had improved rapidly.

    “We’d like to thank the members of the public who took the time to report the cassowary to us and to the C4 volunteers for their dedication,” Mr Diczbalis said.

    “After several weeks of care, which included feeding the bird native fruit collected from the roadside, the cassowary was assessed by local vet Dr Graham Lauridsen as being suitable

    for release back into the wild.

    “We chose a release location in Wooroonooran National Park that has dense rainforest, abundant native food, and access to fresh water which will give the cassowary a great opportunity to establish a home range.

    “On 10 April 2025, the cassowary was released into the rainforest and calmly explored its new surroundings.

    “Recent site visits have confirmed that the cassowary is foraging well and fulfilling its vital role in seed dispersal and rainforest regeneration. We hope the cassowary will thrive and in time father its own chicks.”

    To report a cassowary sighting or incident, call 1300 130 372 in a timely manner.

    Be Cass-o-wary!!

    Southern cassowary behaviour is unpredictable. Cassowaries can inflict serious injuries to people and pets by lashing out with their large, clawed feet.

    • Don’t approach cassowaries, it’s best to appreciate them from a distance
    • Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
    • Don’t feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths.
    • Discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
    • Slow down and keep an eye out when driving on roads in cassowary habitat.
    • Don’t park your vehicle near cassowaries, they may think you’ve stopped to feed them.
    • Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Brazil’s First Lady Visits Higher School of Economics

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    On May 7, 2025, the First Lady of the Federative Republic of Brazil Jeanja Lula da Silva, an active supporter of sustainable development and the initiator of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, visited HSE University. During the visit, a closed meeting was held with HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov. The meeting discussed the prospects for the development of Russian-Brazilian relations in science and education.

    On this day, the Higher School of Economics hosted a round table on the topic “The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty as a Key to Modern International Cooperation,” where Jeanja Lula da Silva was the guest of honor.

    Opening the meeting, Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS-Russia Expert Council, Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Sherpa in the Women’s Twenty, emphasized the importance of strategic partnership with Brazil, noting that the country actively expresses the position of the World Majority. Mutual understanding between Brazil and Russia on key issues of the international agenda creates favorable ground for promoting the principles of a multipolar world and strengthening ties at the level of scientific, expert and humanitarian cooperation.

    Jeanja Lula da Silva shared her personal attitude to the topic of combating poverty and hunger, which she considers her life’s work. The First Lady noted that her ancestors come from Moscow, which makes her visit to Russia especially significant. According to her, the initiative to create the Global Alliance was one of the first steps of President Lula da Silva during his third term. The Alliance is aimed at combating global challenges, primarily social inequality, hunger and extreme poverty, which still affect hundreds of millions of people around the world.

    Jeanja Lula da Silva stressed that in the context of sustainable development, states cannot ignore these challenges. The main goal is to provide real assistance to vulnerable groups, including women, children and the elderly. She paid special attention to the three key “pillars” of the Alliance: national policy, financial support and dissemination of knowledge. The Alliance currently unites 95 countries, as well as funds, international organizations and financial institutions.

    Russian experts also spoke at the round table. Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Director of the Institute of Social Policy Lilia Ovcharova noted the importance of the Brazilian experience in building an effective social protection system: from employment and education support programs to child nutrition. Professor of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Head of the Department of Agricultural Policy of the Institute of Agricultural Research Renata Yanbykh emphasized Russia’s contribution to global food security, noting the growth of agricultural exports and the importance of food cooperation with Brazil.

    Igor Pilipenko, head of the working group “Financial Cooperation and the International Monetary and Financial System” of the BRICS-Russia Expert Council, recalled the potential of the New Development Bank as a financial instrument for combating poverty. HSE Araújo Esteves lecturer Ana Livia emphasized the need for joint efforts by both developed and developing countries to address global challenges.

    In conclusion, Victoria Panova expressed gratitude to Jeanje Lula da Silva for her personal involvement and leadership, emphasizing that only initiatives “with a soul behind them” can change the world. She also invited the First Lady to become an ambassador of the Alliance within the Women’s Twenty.

    The round table became a significant stage in the development of international scientific and humanitarian cooperation and gave a powerful impetus to the further strengthening of the Global Alliance as an effective instrument for combating poverty, hunger and social inequality on a global scale.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week to Connect Junior Miners with African Prospects, Global Investors

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 12, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The upcoming African Mining Week – scheduled for October 1–3, 2025, in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated Junior Mining Forum that will connect emerging mining companies with investors, industry experts and potential partners.

    The forum will showcase the role played by junior miners in driving the growth of the African extractive sector as African countries capitalize on the growing global demand for minerals to drive economic development.

    Junior mining companies are driving innovation, discovering new deposits, bringing new projects online and creating opportunities for the growth of Africa’s mining sector.

    In Tanzania, UK-listed Marula Mining began manganese production in March, 2025 and plans to start operations at its Kinusi copper project later this year. Australia’s Walkabout Resources is also ramping up output at the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Project in Tanzania, which boasts some of Africa’s highest-grade flake graphite ore reserves.

    In Zimbabwe, Kavango Resources secured $5 million in April 2025 from local pension funds to support its Hillside Gold Project. Premier African Minerals continues to advance the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project, bolstering Zimbabwe’s status as a leading lithium producer.

    Junior miners are also propelling Africa’s gold sector. In Guinea, Canadian firm Robex Resources is accelerating development of the Kiniero Gold Mine, targeting initial production by the end of 2025 with an expected annual output of 100,000 ounces. Allied Gold secured a $500 million investment from UAE-based Ambrosia to expand the Sadiola Gold Mine in Mali and develop the Kurmuk Gold Mine in Ethiopia. In Sierra Leone, FG Gold Limited is advancing the Baomahun Gold Mine – the country’s first large-scale commercial gold project – slated to become operational in 2025.

    To expand on these activities, the forum will host high-level panel discussions addressing the regulatory and market-entry challenges faced by junior miners, offering them a valuable opportunity to engage directly with regulatory authorities and identify effective pathways toward integration into the mining sector.

    Recognizing that limited access to investment remains a key barrier for junior mining companies, the event will also serve as a platform to facilitate strategic partnerships between these emerging players, global investors, and established industry leaders – unlocking new avenues to advance Africa’s vast mining potential.

    As the continent’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, African Mining Week enables junior miners to connect with technology providers, ensuring they are equipped with the tools needed to explore and develop Africa’s rich geological resources.

    The forum will feature exclusive networking sessions and project showcases, providing a platform for regional and global emerging mining firms to connect with growing and lucrative investments opportunities across the African mining value chain.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits the United States of America

    Source: NATO

    Washington D.C., 5 to 8 May 2025 – The Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, participated in a series of high-level strategic meetings in the US, exchanging ideas with military leadership from US and across the Alliance, as well as political and civil society leaders from around the world. During the visit, he also paid homage to the American service members who lay at rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

    The very first event was the Munich Leaders Meeting, organized by the Munich Security Conference, gathering senior leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to hold informal discussions on the most pressing security and geopolitical developments. CMC used the platform for a frank exchange emphasising that “cohesion is critical, vis-à-vis common threats and challenges. Unity across NATO isn’t just a political ambition, it’s a strategic requirement. And unity must extend beyond governments, to include our economies, societies, and defence communities.” Furthermore, he stressed that “in today’s global security environment, unilateral actions may offer short-term gains, but enduring stability and legitimate deterrence are only possible through unity and trust.”

    Another high-level event attended by the CMC was the Strategic Dialogue with NATO Pacific Partners, hosted by NATO Allied Command Transformation. This engagement focused on fostering a strategic level civil-military dialogue between NATO and its Indo-Pacific Partners, by encouraging open conversations on common topics of interest. In the occasion, CMC highlighted that “the NATO Chiefs of Defence meeting held last January, which brought together more than twenty-five partner Chiefs of Defence, underscored how deeply we value these relationships, across the globe, and in the Indo-Pacific among the most relevant.” He concluded reminding that “we are united by common purposes: securing peace, preserving freedom, and protecting the generations to come.”

    CMC’s final event took place at the Allied Warfighters Talks, co-organized by NATO ACT and the Vice Chief of the Joint Staff, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The event brought together high-level military leaders from across the Alliance, with a common objective of strengthen the collective warfighting capabilities of NATO. There CMC used the opportunity to discuss how the Alliance can shape its approach to deterrence, capability development, and interoperability. Ensuring that NATO and each of its Allied members remain prepared for any challenges that may arise.

    Finally, while in Washington, Admiral Cavo Dragone paid respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, a site that honours American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. On behalf of the NATO Military Committee, he extended thanks to the United States for “enduring as a force for deterrence, defence and stability.”

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The reshuffle announced by Anthony Albanese is a mix of continuity and change, with those in the government’s top rank staying in their previous ministries, as the prime minister had earlier flagged, but some big movements down the line.

    Tanya Plibersek, in the past a left factional rival to Albanese, has received what many see as another hospital pass, moving from environment and water to social services.

    But her new portfolio does include domestic violence, a policy passion of hers, and is less tricky in terms of her left-leaning electorate than her previous post.

    Plibersek’s former portfolio is taken by Murray Watt, a can-do Queenslander who is likely to speed up development approvals.

    His appointment will be welcomed by the development-oriented Western Australian Labor government, which played a key role in frustrating Plibersek’s attempt to get a deal with the crossbench on the “nature positive” legislation.

    Watt’s previous post of employment and workplace relations – which he held for less than a year – goes to Amanda Rishworth, formerly in social services.

    After the sensational factional removal of Mark Dreyfus, the prized attorney-general position goes to Michelle Rowland, who was communications minister. Rowland was a senior telecommunications lawyer with Gilbert + Tobin, but lacks Dreyfus’ distinguished legal background.

    Ed Husic, also the victim of the factional power play in the right, is replaced by Tim Ayres, from the left, in both cabinet and the industry portfolio. Ayres, formerly an assistant minister, is a close confidant of Albanese.

    On another front, the Muslim Husic is replaced in cabinet by another Muslim, Anne Aly, promoted from the outer ministry, and taking a grab bag of responsibilities: small business, international development and multicultural affairs.

    Aly’s promotion may partially soothe the Muslim voices who have reacted sharply to Husic’s treatment. The Jewish community will be less placated: with the demise of Dreyfus there is no Jew in the ministry. Josh Burns, who is Jewish, has been made a special envoy for social housing and homelessness.

    The post of special envoy for social cohesion has been scrapped – Albanese said “we will continue to work as a whole government of social cohesion”.

    Sam Rae, a numbers man for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, whom Marles shoehorned into the ministry, becomes minister for aged care and seniors, a testing job for a man who made his reputation in running Labor campaigning.

    One of the most potentially significant moves is the shift of the National Disability Insurance Scheme to come under Health Minister Mark Butler.

    In the last term Bill Shorten, father of the scheme, who was responsible for the NDIS and government services, undertook significant reform of the NDIS, which had become a sink for money.

    Albanese told his news conference the NDIS belonged with health. The question is whether Butler will continue to drive the reform process, which still has a significant way to go. The junior minister for the NDIS will be Jenny McAllister, praised by Albanese for her grasp of detail.

    Anika Wells, who was put in cabinet in January, continues up the escalator, moving from aged care to communications.

    She will still hold sport. She comes from Queensland, which is preparing for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and Albanese is anxious for continuity in the role. Responsibility for sport is being moved from the Department of Health to the Department of Infrastructure.

    Some sources question the linkage of communications and sport as presenting potential conflicts of interest, given the communications portfolio deals with gambling advertising and broadcast rights.

    Tony Burke remains in home affairs but will get responsibility for the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, which came under Dreyfus (originally both were in home affairs under the Liberals).

    But the attorney-general will be “cross sworn” into both agencies. Albanese said there had been issues about information-sharing during the so-called caravan incident. This was a reference to the criminal hoax involving a caravan found in Sydney filled with explosives, when there were problems in communications between various state and federal agencies.

    Newcomer to the ministry Daniel Mulino, from the Victorian right, who has a PhD in economics from Yale, was an obvious choice for assistant treasurer, in the outer ministry. Andrew Charlton, former economic adviser to Kevin Rudd, has been appointed cabinet secretary and an assistant minister.

    Another new minister, Jess Walsh, takes early childhood education and youth, in the outer ministry.

    The highly qualified Andrew Leigh continues as an assistant minister. His failure to be promoted is the price for not being in a faction. He will be assistant minister for productivity, competition, charities and treasury – dropping employment but adding productivity.

    Given treasurer Chalmers’ current emphasis on productivity, this should give some more scope to Leigh.

    One notable new special envoy post is for men’s health, which goes to Dan Repacholi, a champion sporting shooter.

    Nationals re-elect leader David Littleproud

    Nationals leader David Littleproud has retained the leadership, holding off a challenge from Senator Matt Canavan, who called for a drastic realignment of policy including ditching the 2050 net zero emissions commitment.

    Kevin Hogan was elected deputy. A supporter of Littleproud, he replaces Perin Davey, who lost her Senate seat at the election.

    The Nationals do not release vote numbers.

    Bridget McKenzie remains Senate leader of the party.

    Littleproud said the party would review “all our policies”.

    A major issue is whether it will hold to the 2050 commitment, about which there is considerable internal scepticism.

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-albanese-shifts-tanya-plibersek-from-environment-in-favour-of-can-do-murray-watt-255963

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Eglinton’s Heath Park Pavilion now complete

    Source: South Australia Police

    Eglinton’s Heath Park is officially complete and set to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members alike.

    The new pavilion features changerooms, first aid rooms, activity rooms, an umpire’s room, universal access toilets and showers, kitchens, kiosks and storage.

    Wanneroo Deputy Mayor James Rowe said this development marks a significant investment for our northern corridor.

    “We are thrilled to see the completion of this fantastic new sports amenities building. Heath Park is already proving to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members in our growing suburb of Eglinton,” he said.

    “This facility ensures local sporting activities can run smoothly, supporting players, club personnel, volunteers and spectators.

    In addition to high-quality sporting infrastructure, the pavilion is an ideal venue for community groups to host meetings, workshops and celebrations. It’s more than just a place to play sport – it’s a space that brings people together.

    “This investment reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the social and physical wellbeing of the community. We look forward to seeing residents enjoy this space for many years to come.”

    The City is grateful to have received funding contributions of $1.97 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $930,701 from the WA Government, administered through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, including $710,000 through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, as well as $220,701 under the Club Night Lights Program to support important floodlighting upgrades, which are currently underway.

    State Minister for Transport, Sport and Recreation, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said sporting precincts form such an important part of our communities, particularly in our suburbs.

    “Not only do they support healthier lifestyles through sport and physical activity, but they also bring people together and create a sense of community,” she said.

    “This new precinct will help ensure more people in our northern suburbs are able to participate and engage in community sport, as well as use the space for gatherings, workshops and celebrations.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attends the Buddha’s Day Ceremony Hosted by Tzu Chi Australia

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu was honored to attend the Buddha’s Day Ceremony hosted by Tzu Chi Australia. Joined by Tzu Chi Australia CEO Randy Sung, Ryde City Mayor Trenton Brown, Clr. Lyndal Howison, and hundreds of members, DG Wu prayed for purity in people’s hearts, harmony in society, and a world free of disasters.
    For 59 years, Tzu Chi has dedicated itself to its Four Great Missions: Charity, Medicine, Education, and Humanistic Culture. These efforts have established Tzu Chi as a vital force for stability in Taiwan and a shining example of Taiwan’s role as a global force for good.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: PageUp Unifies Brands to Strengthen Market Leadership and Enhance Customer Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PageUp, a global leader in talent acquisition software, announced the consolidation of its portfolio of brands – PageUp, eArcu, and Clinch – under the singular PageUp brand. This milestone follows PageUp’s recent acquisition by EQT, a leading global investment organization. The strategic move is designed to create a more cohesive brand and deliver best-in-class solutions to customers worldwide.

    Founded in 1997, PageUp has expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, incorporating eArcu’s cutting-edge recruitment solutions and Clinch’s world-class recruitment marketing technology. By bringing these solutions together under the PageUp brand, the company reinforces its commitment to providing a seamless, end-to-end talent acquisition and management experience while amplifying its investment in product innovation and accelerating international expansion.

    Strengthening market leadership and innovation

    PageUp’s rebrand marks an exciting new chapter, positioning the company as the most complete and scalable talent acquisition solution in the market. By combining Clinch’s cutting-edge recruitment marketing – featuring content management, automation, and candidate relationship tools – with a powerful ATS, seamless onboarding, and end-to-end talent management, PageUp supports every stage of the talent journey. Backed by robust analytics and a thriving partner ecosystem, it’s built to grow with today’s ambitious organizations.

    Customers will continue to benefit from the same robust products and world-class customer support they have come to trust, with the added advantage of a more streamlined experience and increased investment in future-forward innovations.

    By unifying our brand under PageUp, we’re simplifying our identity while amplifying our impact,” said Eric Lochner, CEO of PageUp. “This strategic evolution enables us to better serve our customers by delivering a seamless, integrated experience that drives hiring success across industries and regions. We remain committed to ongoing product development, AI-driven innovation, and customer success, ensuring our customers stay ahead in the rapidly evolving talent landscape.

    A future focused on growth and excellence

    PageUp will continue to invest in AI-driven automation, deeper analytics capabilities, and user-centric enhancements that empower organizations to attract, hire, and retain top talent more effectively, as part of its commitment to delivering unparalleled value.

    “Our purpose is to create connectionsbetween employers and top talent, between technology and human potential,” added Lochner. “With this consolidation and EQT’s investment, we’re better positioned than ever to drive innovation, expand our global reach, and provide our customers with the industry’s most advanced talent acquisition technology.”

    To learn more about the new PageUp, visit www.pageuppeople.com.

    About PageUp

    PageUp is a global leader in SaaS talent acquisition and management solutions. Powering the hiring strategies of leading enterprises, PageUp’s solutions streamline the recruitment process, enhance candidate experiences, and drive business success. With operations in Australia, North America, and Europe, PageUp continues to lead the way in transforming talent acquisition through technology and innovation.

    Customers choose PageUp for its deep functionality and ability to be custom-configured for various workflows and industries, all accompanied by outstanding customer service. Used in over 190 countries, PageUp is a genuinely global solution with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, and Paris.

    For more information, visit www.pageuppeople.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foster Care Fortnight 2025

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The focus for this year’s campaign is the power of relationships and the extraordinary impact that foster parents can have on children and young people who, for a wide range of reasons, are unable to remain with their birth families.  

    Carers can offer a home to a child or young person, for as long as is required – from just a few days or weeks to months or years.   Personal qualities, and experience with children and/or young people, are more important than age or qualifications. Carers need to have experience of and enjoy spending time with children and young people and have a good sense of humour, lots of compassion, tolerance and bags of energy.   

    Councillor John Rebbeck, Convener of Learning and Families said: “All kinds of people can become foster carers – it is an extremely rewarding role to take on, not without its challenges, but the impact that carers have for children and young people can make a real, powerful difference to their lives. 

    “We have fantastic foster carers working with us here in Perth and Kinross and we are always keen to welcome more prospective carers to join them. In Foster Care Fortnight, I would urge anyone interested in making positive changes in a child’s life to get in touch with our Family Based Care Team.”  

    You can contact the Family Based Care Team by calling 01738 477806 or email ecsfpduty@pkc.gov.uk. For more information, visit our Fostering page.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Australian Prime Minister announces new cabinet for second term

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    CANBERRA, May 12 (Xinhua) — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his cabinet for his second term on Monday and will be sworn in at a ceremony attended by Governor-General Samantha Mostyn on Tuesday.

    “I intend to recommend to the Governor General the next composition of the government, which will be sworn in tomorrow at 9:00. Immediately after that, the full government will meet here in the parliament building,” said E. Albanese.

    He noted that the Labour Party now has the largest faction in the history of the federation.

    As of Monday, the Labor Party was on track to win an absolute majority of 93 of the 150 seats in the lower house of parliament, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). At that time, 83.9 percent of the votes had been counted, with five seats still “in question.”

    Labor had never won more than 90 seats in the lower house before, and no party in Australian history had won more than 94 seats.

    After winning the election, E. Albanese called on his party’s elected members to focus on working for the benefit of all Australians. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News