Category: Machine Learning

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairbanks Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Stalking and Murder for Hire Plot

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – A Fairbanks man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline for stalking and attempting to arrange a murder for hire.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at his sentencing, Roger Keeling, 55, devised and solicited a murder for hire plot targeting his former girlfriend while he was in custody on stalking charges. He was indicted in January 2021 and found guilty by a federal jury in August 2021.

    At sentencing, the United States underscored the physical, emotional and mental abuse suffered by Keeling’s former girlfriend. In both her testimony and her victim impact statement, she described the terrifying and traumatic ordeal. As she became increasingly frightened by Keeling’s actions and mental state, she left him. He tried winning her back but when that didn’t work, his anger began to consume him as he stalked her and found someone to murder her.  

    In October 2020 Keeling placed his hands around his girlfriend’s neck, told her he should rip her heart out and threatened to burn her house down. Keeling pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in state court. The victim applied for and was granted a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) and it was served on Keeling before his release on the assault charges. Over the next six weeks, Keeling was arrested – and released by the state court – for violating this DVPO multiple times in an escalating pattern that included following the victim, slashing her tires, sending dozens of threatening emails from various “disguised” email accounts and planting disturbing handwritten notes along her usual running route.

    Keeling was arrested for stalking the victim in December 2020. While in custody, Keeling told his cellmate he wanted to find someone to harm his girlfriend. During the next few days, Keeling agreed to pay his cellmate $1,500 to arrange for a hitman to kill her, and after being released by a state court judge, he made an initial payment of $500. During a search of Keeling’s home, Alaska State Troopers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found numerous notes and documents confirming the existence of the plot, as well as multiple documents and drawings created by Mr. Keeling that showed his desire to see her harmed, including a hand-drawn picture of her home in flames.

    “While no sentence can atone for the sense of security his victim lost, she no longer has to live in fear always looking over her back and worried about her personal safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska. “Every citizen has the right to feel safe as they go about their daily life and we will continue to seek justice for victims of such appalling acts.”   

    “This investigation and disruption of Mr. Keeling’s deadly plot should serve as a reminder that the FBI and our partners will vigorously hold those accountable who plan such actions,” said Antony Jung, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Soliciting a murder for hire is a federal crime, and the defendant will now spend the next 12 years in federal prison.”

    The Alaska State Troopers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fairbanks Police Department conducted the investigated the case.  

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Doty and Ryan Tansey prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 

    Domestic violence is a crime. If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, it is normal to feel scared, helpless and vulnerable. You are not alone. Help is available through local and state police departments as well as through national entities such as the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). 

    During a search of Roger Keeling’s home, Alaska State Troopers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found numerous notes and documents confirming the existence of the murder for hire plot, as well as multiple documents and drawings created by Mr. Keeling that showed his desire to see his former girlfriend harmed, including a hand-drawn picture of her home in flames.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York and North Yorkshire set to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    York and North Yorkshire set to benefit from recent trade deals

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit a range of manufacturing sectors that employ nearly 9% of all people in York and North Yorkshire.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Delivers a welcome boost to a range of manufacturing sectors that employ nearly 9% of people in the region.

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit a range of manufacturing sectors that employ nearly 9% of all people in York and North Yorkshire. 

    Reducing India’s tariffs on machinery, slashing tariffs on car exports in both deals and our agreement with the US to remove the 25% tariff on steel provides stability for more than 1,500 businesses in the region employing 43,000 people. 

    This means greater job security for workers and stronger economic growth to create more jobs across York and North Yorkshire – delivering on the priorities in our Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for nearly 9% of people in York and North Yorkshire who are employed in manufacturing. 

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives. 

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across York and North Yorkshire.

    Over 31,000 people employed in agriculture across the region will also benefit from our agreement with the EU, which reduces red tape and burdens on business, meaning regional specialties like crab, Yorkshire Pudding and cheeses will face easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market.

    The agreement also protects British steel exports from new EU rules and restrictive, providing further security for 8,400 jobs in the steel industry across Yorkshire and the Humber.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in North Yorkshire, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.  

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.  

    Tom Richardson, Chief Commercial Officer, Warrendale Group Limited, said:  

    While we are yet to see the full detail of the agreement, having less red tape when exporting will be welcome to us as a UK beef production business; this will hopefully allow us to reduce time and costs when exporting our products and therefore could open up more markets in the EU to ultimately benefit the farmers producing beef for us.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including in York and North Yorkshire’s manufacturing sector.

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, India has agreed to remove tariffs on a wide variety of UK agri-food products. This will deliver significant benefits for the region’s farming and horticultural sector that produces 20% of all the UK’s agri-food.

    In the same week, we negotiated a first of its kind agreement with the US that will reduce tariffs on UK car exports and remove tariffs on steel, protecting two key industries in the region that employ thousands of people. 

    The US deal also opens the way to a wider UK-US Economic Deal, opening up access for our world leading services industries – including those in York and North Yorkshire. 

    Just this week, the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in York and North Yorkshire, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.  

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West of England to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    West of England to benefit from recent trade deals

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit manufacturing that accounts for around 5% of all employment in the West of England.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor for the West of England Helen Godwin to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Agreement with the EU a huge boost to 64,000 people employed in agriculture across the South West.

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will benefit manufacturing that accounts for around 5% of all employment in the West of England. 

    Reducing India’s tariffs on machinery, reducing the US tariff on cars and removing American tariffs on UK aerospace will support employers with a significant presence in the region like Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN Aerospace. 

    This means job security for workers, jobs creation supported in local communities and higher living standards across the West of England – priorities that we are delivering through Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The trade deals that we have closed provides certainty for the 5% of all working people who are employed in manufacturing, delivers security for their families and puts more in people’s pockets.  

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across the West of England.

    68,000 people employed in agriculture (a fifth of all agriculture workers in England) across the South West will benefit significantly from our trade deal with the EU, that removes red tape and burdens on business, meaning regional specialties like Cheddar Cheese now have easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market.

    In another win for local producers, the deal means goods like Gloucestershire sausages that previously could not be exported can now be sold to customers in the EU.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in the West of England, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.  

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.  

    John Harrison, Chair of Airbus UK, said:

    We welcome this new chapter in the UK-EU relationship. In an uncertain world, closer cooperation gives businesses greater certainty and unlocks new opportunities for investment, innovation and growth.

    For Airbus, with our unique industrial footprint across both the UK and EU, this reset provides a vital platform to strengthen partnerships in defence, space and civil aerospace, areas where collaboration is essential to Europe’s long-term security and competitiveness.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing major economy, including the West of England. 

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, the barriers to trading have been dropped, with India agreeing to reduce tariffs on products including advanced machinery, aerospace and medical devices that are made in the West of England. 

    Based on 2022 trade alone, this amounts to India cutting tariffs worth over £400 million when the deal comes into force, which will more than double to around £900 million after 10 years.    

    India reduced tariffs on medical devices and machinery exported from the UK, that will deliver significant benefits for firms across Bristol and the wider region. 

    The deals both support collaboration on green energy tech, aligning with the region’s initiatives in renewables and energy innovation. They also bring benefits to the financial, digital and services companies that are based in Bristol which employ local people and generate economic growth across the region. 

    Just this week, the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in the West of England, raising standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.  

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Teesside to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Teesside to benefit from recent trade deals

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will boost the Tees Valley’s manufacturing industries (9% of local jobs), with tariffs on car exports slashed alongside a range of other measures.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Metro Mayor of the Tees Valley Ben Houchen to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Delivers a welcome boost to a range of manufacturing sectors that employs 9% of local jobs.

    The three trade deals that we have struck in three weeks will boost the Tees Valley’s manufacturing industries (9% of local jobs), with tariffs on car exports slashed alongside a range of other measures.   

    Reducing India’s tariffs on machinery, slashing tariffs on car exports in both deals and our agreement with the US to remove the 25% tariff on steel provides stability for the biggest employers in the region like Nissan, the engine manufacturer Cummins and Caterpillar.   

    This means greater job security for workers, stronger economic growth to support more jobs and higher living standards across the Tees Valley – priorities that we are delivering through our Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    The trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for manufacturing in the Tees Valley that employs 9% of all people.   

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across the Teesside.

    10,123 people employed in agriculture across the North East are also set to benefit from our trade deal with the EU. It means less checks and red tape, meaning farmers and producers who grow food across the region now have easy access to the EU, the UK’s biggest trading partner.

    This deal also protects British steel exports from new rules and restrictive tariffs, helping to protect 3,050 people working in the steel industry across the North East.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in Teesside, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.    

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.   

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing major economy, including for businesses in the Tees Valley like independent production company Wander.

    Chloe Clover, Co Founder and CEO at Wander:

    Trade deals like these are game changing for ambitious businesses because they open doors, spark innovation and make international growth possible.

    The support Wander received from DBT on our recent trade missions to SXSW Austin and Amsterdam gave us the perfect platform to expand our services globally. We connected with major industry players, explored new markets and showcased our expertise at roundtables.

    We attended bootcamps ahead of the missions and were introduced to other agencies and potential clients & partners.

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, tariffs on cars sold to India will come down from over 100% to 10% under a quota, while other tariff reductions on aerospace parts will also benefit Teesside’s manufacturing sector. 

    Based on 2022 trade alone, this amounts to India cutting tariffs worth over £400 million when the deal comes into force, which will more than double to around £900 million after 10 years.     

    In the same week, we negotiated the first of its kind agreement with the US that will reduce tariffs on UK car exports and remove tariffs on steel, protecting two key industries in Teesside that employ thousands of people.  

    Just this week the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in Teesside, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.    

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wales to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Wales to benefit from recent trade deals

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in Wales.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change
    • Delivers job security for workers in Wales and more opportunities for Welsh Industry

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in Wales. 

    These deals will deliver benefits that communities across Wales will feel – supporting job creation, reducing costs and expanding export opportunities.

    This means stronger economic growth across Wales – delivering our Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Wales. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people’s lives.  

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Wales.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.  

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.  

    Russell Greenslade, Director, CBI Wales, said:

    As an export-led economy, the government’s commitment to free and fair trade will be welcomed by firms across Wales.

    Amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and economic headwinds, these agreements with the US, India and the EU will reduce existing barriers to trade and provide Welsh firms with a renewed sense of optimism as they look to seize new international opportunities.

    Deals like these will be critical to driving growth, creating jobs and raising living standards across our nation.

    Over 200 Welsh businesses exported goods worth £226 million to India last year and this could grow even further under the new trade deal.

    Welsh farmers will benefit from the India deal with tariffs on lamb reduced from 33% to 0%. Wales has a vibrant creative sector, and the deal provides enhanced copyright protections for producers so they can be confident that works will continue to be protected for at least 60 years.

    Welsh food and drink producers will also no longer face huge delays and red tape to export into the EU while some products like Welsh sausages and lamb mince will no longer be blocked. The deal has been welcomed by the Head of Wales at the Federation of Small Businesses and by the National Farmers Union Cymru who highlighted that Wales exports £813m of food and drink a year to the EU – 75% of all exports and more than the UK level of 57%. 

    Wales is also home to a thriving clean energy sector employing over 58,000 people and generating over £4.8 billion in revenue – this deal will support further development as we gain unprecedented access to India’s procurement market as they transition towards a net zero economy. The sector will also benefit from the new EU deal which agrees cooperate on clean energy and link our schemes for emissions trading – worth up to £3.8 billion a year to our economy in the long run.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    The trade deals with India, the US and the EU are great news for Welsh consumers, Welsh business, and Welsh jobs.

    Taken together these deals mean a huge boost for our key industries, from farming to green energy and the creative sector. We want to grow our economy and create secure well-paid jobs and by unlocking new markets and opportunities we can deliver on that promise.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including for Wales.

    Wales’s steel industry has also been supported by the US trade deal which has eliminated the previous steel tariffs of 25% and our deal with the EU adds further protection for steel by safeguarding steel exports from new EU tariffs.

    Under the historic deal reached with the US last week, we have agreed reciprocal market access on beef that will benefit farmers in Wales, will a total UK quota of 13,000 metric tonnes. There will be no weakening of UK food standards on imports.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For Welsh businesses, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    Just this week, the Prime Minister continued to act in Britain’s national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, create more jobs in Wales, raising living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Scotland to benefit from recent trade deals

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU slashing tariffs on key industries and opening markets are set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in Scots’ pockets.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the First Minister of Scotland to discuss recent trade deals and the boon for Scotland.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Iconic Scottish produce such as Salmon, Whisky, Gin and Irn Bru boosted by easier access to international markets.

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU slashing tariffs on key industries and opening markets are set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in Scots’ pockets.

    These deals represent tangible benefits for communities throughout Scotland, supporting jobs, reducing costs, expanding export opportunities for iconic Scottish products and making it easier to go on holiday.

    This means stronger economic growth for firms across Scotland – delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Scotland. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Scotland.

    The new agreement with the European Union, the UK’s largest trading market, will directly address challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019. The Scottish salmon industry has estimated that between 2019 and 2023, Scottish Salmon export values experienced a net loss of around £75 million. Our deal makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to European markets. We’ve also unlocked a new salmon market through our deal with India, with tariffs dropping from 33% to 0%.

    Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: 

    We welcome the UK Government’s efforts in moving at pace to secure trade deals that will grow and strengthen market opportunities for our farmers.

    Ministers rightly recognise salmon as the jewel in the crown of our world-class produce and its vital role in the economy of coastal communities and across the UK.

    Securing frictionless access to key markets such as the EU, along with expanding opportunities in India, is crucial to protect our producers from unnecessary barriers like tariffs and red tape.

    Scottish salmon’s high standards of quality and sustainability set it apart globally, helping to drive investment and support 12,500 jobs across the Highlands and Islands and beyond.

    We look forward to continuing to work with government to build on this momentum, including further progress with the US, and to ensure Scotland’s salmon sector continues to thrive on the world stage.

    The landmark deal with India has slashed tariffs on Scotland’s most iconic products. Scottish distillers will immediately see these halved from 150% to 75% and eventually to just 40% over the next decade.

    Other industries boosted by the deal include soft drinks and food that will ramp up Scotland’s export economy, supporting jobs and increasing prosperity across the country.

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

    Our trio of trade deals shows we are championing Scottish products and businesses on the global stage. From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets. But more importantly as part of our Plan for Change this means more money in people’s pockets.

    By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we’re creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.   

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.   

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For Scottish businesses, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    In the US Tariffs on British steel and aluminium will be removed. In addition to vital assurances for life science, there are reductions for the automotive industry with US tariffs cut from 27.5% to 10% for 100,000 vehicles every year and Indian tariffs dropping from 110% to 10% under a quota.

    New reciprocal market access has also been agreed on beef – with UK farmers given a tariff free quota for 13,000 metric tonnes without compromising the sector’s high standards.

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: North East of England to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    North East of England to benefit from recent trade deals

    Top job creators in the North East of England’s automotive industry are set to benefit from new trade deals with India and the US that slashes tariffs and boosts access to the world’s fastest growing economy.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of North East England Kim McGuiness to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.
    • Boost for top job creators and delivers long term security for 14,000 workers employed in the automotive industry locally.

    Top job creators in the North East of England’s automotive industry are set to benefit from new trade deals with India and the US that slashes tariffs and boosts access to the world’s fastest growing economy.

    This means long-term stability for 14,000 people employed in the sector and security for their families. 

    It will also deliver opportunities for major job creators in the region like Nissan, Hitachi and Caterpillar to grow – the first priority of our Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

      These trade deals that we have closed delivers stability for the 14,000 workers employed in the automotive manufacturing in the North East.    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across the North East Combined Authority.

    10,123 people employed in agriculture across the North East are also set to benefit from our trade deal with the EU. It means less checks and red tape, meaning farmers and producers who grow food across the region now have easy access to the EU, the UK’s biggest trading partner.

    This deal also protects British steel exports from new rules and restrictive tariffs, helping to protect 3,050 people working in the steel industry across the North East.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

      The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need.

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in the North East, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.  

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.  

    The benefits of the India deal for local businesses and workers have been praised by Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter, Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics Limited & Director General of The Durham Institute of Research, Development & Innovation. 

    Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE said:  

      Coltraco Ultrasonics is strongly supportive of the India Free Trade Agrement and proud to have modestly contributed to and advising the British negotiating team on various chapters.   The UK private sector can now, because of the India FTA, the Windsor Framework CPTPP, and a variety of other UK FTAs, look out to the world, balancing our exporting and investment opportunities between the USA, the EU and Asia Pacific.    It is a tremendous success and we thank British and Indian Civil Servants for their public service in the UK-India FTA.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including the North East.

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, tariffs on cars sold to India will come down from over 100% to 10% under a quota.  

    In the same week, we negotiated a first of its kind agreement with the US that will reduce tariffs on car exports to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles per year, almost the total number of UK vehicles exported to the country last year. 

    Just this week, the Prime Minister acted in the national interest by confirming a new agreement with the European Union that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in the North East, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.  

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Executive of Airline and Co-Conspirator Sentenced in a Money Laundering Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SHUKHRATJON MIRSAIDOV and SHUKHRAT ABDULLAEV were sentenced to one year and a day and 24 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in operating a money laundering scheme from June 2019 to February 2022, using the U.S. bank account of an international airline (“Airline-1”) with a hub at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, where MIRSAIDOV was the lead U.S.-based executive.  U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska imposed MIRSAIDOV’s sentence today and ABDULLAEV’s sentence on September 4, 2024, following the defendants’ guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: “For years Shukhratjon Mirsaidov and Shukrat Abdullaev engaged in a scheme to launder healthcare fraud proceeds through the accounts of an international airline in order to conceal the illicit nature of these funds.  Laundering schemes that use real businesses to conceal crime proceeds are often particularly difficult for law enforcement to detect.  This case demonstrates that this Office will continue to root out money laundering, no matter how sophisticated, wherever it occurs and that those responsible will be held to full account.”  

    According to allegations in the Indictment, the criminal Complaint, public filings, and statements made in court: 

    In the course of the money laundering conspiracy, MIRSAIDOV and ABDULLAEV used a U.S. company bank account for Airline-1 (the “Airline-1 Bank Account”) to operate a check-cashing scheme and to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars of healthcare fraud proceeds.  As a senior executive, MIRSAIDOV was one of two signatories for the Airline-1 Bank Account.  Between approximately June 2019 and August 2021, MIRSAIDOV deposited into the Airline-1’s Bank Account over 100 checks drawn from accounts controlled by seven shell companies that were used to launder the proceeds of healthcare fraud.  For example, the shell companies had received insurance payments for medical services purportedly provided by a doctor, but the doctor did not, in fact, provide such services.  The shell companies were primarily funded by payments from medical clinics, physicians, and medical diagnostic testing companies and had no relation whatsoever to the airline industry. 

    MIRSAIDOV obtained the checks from the shell companies from ABDULLAEV, who was not an employee of Airline-1 and who obtained the checks from the perpetrators of the healthcare fraud scheme.  MIRSAIDOV and ABDULLAEV collected cash generated from Airline-1 ticket sales and fees, and instead of depositing that cash into Airline-1’s bank account, used the cash to illegally cash the shell company checks.  ABDULLAEV gave the cash generated from the airline ticket sales and fees to the perpetrators controlling the shell companies.

    MIRSAIDOV and ABDULLAEV not only used the Airline-1 Bank Account to launder healthcare fraud proceeds from the shell companies, but also used the Airline-1 Bank Account to launder funds represented to be fraud proceeds in a series of sting transactions.  Between approximately June 2021 and February 2022, law enforcement, with the assistance of a confidential source (“CS-1”), conducted a series of sting money laundering transactions involving MIRSAIDOV, ABDULLAEV, and the Airline-1 Bank Account.  CS-1 asked ABDULLAEV to cash checks and transmit funds abroad and agreed to pay ABDULLAEV a four percent fee to do so.  ABDULLAEV told CS-1 a portion of the fee went to MIRSAIDOV.  During the transactions, CS-1 represented to ABDULLAEV that the funds were healthcare fraud proceeds.  Overall, CS-1 provided ABDULLAEV with 14 checks totaling $210,000 issued from a covert law enforcement account held in the name of a fictitious company.  MIRSAIDOV, working with ABDULLAEV, deposited 12 of the checks totaling $190,000 into the Airline-1 Bank Account.  CS-1 received cash from ABDULLAEV in exchange for the checks, and in one instance, ABDULLAEV coordinated the delivery of U.S. currency to an individual abroad in exchange for some of the checks.  During the course of these sting transactions, in a recorded conversation with CS-1, MIRSAIDOV admitted, in sum and substance, that he received many checks from ABDULLAEV and that MIRSAIDOV gave ABDULLAEV cash in exchange for the checks.  CS-1 informed MIRSAIDOV, in sum and substance, that the checks from CS-1 came from a medical company and that the company disguised the check payments in its financial reporting by claiming the check deposits were for business class flight tickets.  MIRSAIDOV nevertheless expressed a willingness to work directly with CS-1 to conduct check cashing using the Airline-1 Bank Account.       

    Participants in the underlying healthcare fraud scheme who laundered their crime proceeds with the assistance of MIRSAIDOV and ABDULLAEV using the Airline-1 Bank Account have been charged by this Office in U.S. v. Tariverdi, et al, No. 24 Cr. 599 (JPO).

    *                *                *

    In addition to the prison sentence, MIRSAIDOV, 46, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $674,171.  ABDULLAEV, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $704,171.   

    Mr. Kim praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cecilia Vogel, Christopher Brumwell, and Vladislav Vainberg are in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: $TRUMP Meme Coin to be Accepted as Crypto Payment in Social Casino of Bitnile.com, a Hyperscale Data Subsidiary

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that, on or about June 15, 2025, the $TRUMP meme coin will become an accepted payment method on Bitnile.com, the sweepstakes-based social-casino platform operated by Bitnile.com, Inc. (“Bitnile.com”), an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of Hyperscale Data.

    Players will be able to use Solana-based $TRUMP to purchase a package (the “Nile Package”) of Bitnile.com’s virtual in-game currency, Nile tokens (the “Tokens”). The Tokens are used to enter a wide range of casino-style social games on BitNile.com, including slots, poker and blackjack. The Tokens cannot be redeemed for cash or prizes. In addition to the Tokens, purchases of the Nile Package receive Nile sweeps coins (the “Coins”). The Coins, which cannot be purchased, give the holder sweepstakes entries, the winners of which can receive prizes or cryptocurrency (in the form of currency used to purchase the Nile Package that gifted the Coins).

    “We love the idea that a meme coin can have real purpose and functionality in today’s digital world. With more than 750,000 wallets holding $TRUMP, we believe there is a market for those holders who want to engage in social gaming,” said Milton “Todd” Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data. “Starting mid-June, $TRUMP holders will be able to enjoy BitNile.com in a whole new way.”

    Special Package Promotion

    For one month after $TRUMP becomes an accepted payment method, BitNile.com will offer a limited-time promotion: players who use $TRUMP to purchase Nile Packages will receive three times the number of Tokens and Coins. For example, a $20.00 package that normally includes 50,000 Tokens and 21 Coins will be upgraded to 150,000 Tokens and 63 Coins during the promotional period.

    “This is more than just gaming,” Milton “Todd” Ault III added. “By tripling the Nile Package size, we’re amplifying the experience—users get to experience more of the social casino games while receiving additional chances to win cryptocurrency and exciting prizes.”

    Additional Cryptocurrencies to be Accepted

    Additionally, BitNile.com is actively evaluating additional cryptocurrencies for future payment options and expects to announce more supported digital assets in the coming months.

    For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

    About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

    Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence (“AI”) ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

    Hyperscale Data expects to divest itself of ACG on or about December 31, 2025 (the “Divestiture”). Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would solely be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, though it may at that time continue to mine Bitcoin. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

    On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be stockholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

    Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:
    IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: South Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    South Yorkshire to benefit from recent trade deals

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in South Yorkshire.

    • Prime Minister to meet with the Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard to discuss the benefits of his recent trade deals.  
    • Comes as we’ve nailed three trade deals in as many weeks to deliver growth that is a priority for the Plan for Change.   
    • Delivers job security for 5,000 workers in the region and will create more highly skilled jobs in communities.

    Trade deals with India, US and the EU that have seen tariffs on key industries slashed are set to help drive growth in South Yorkshire. 
      
    Reductions in tariffs on the steel and auto exports have provided security for nearly 5,000 workers, their families and the biggest two employers in the region.  

    It also will deliver opportunities for major job creators like Rolls Royce and Mclaren based in Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District to grow – a priority of our Plan for Change

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These trade deals deliver long term security for nearly 5,000 workers, their families and for steel and auto manufacturing in South Yorkshire.  

    It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.   

    These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across South Yorkshire.

    Over 31,000 people employed in agriculture across the region will also benefit from our agreement with the EU, which reduces red tape and burdens on business, meaning regional specialties like crab, Yorkshire Pudding and cheeses will face easy access to the UK’s biggest trading market. 

    The agreement also protects British steel exports from new EU rules and restrictive, providing further security for 8,400 jobs in the steel industry across Yorkshire and the Humber. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 

    We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For businesses in South Yorkshire, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.

    The Prime Minister will tell the English Mayors and the Leaders from the Devolved Governments at a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London today (Friday 23 May) that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.   

    He will challenge those in attendance to drive economic growth in their local areas to deliver for working people.   

    Liam Bates, President of Long Products, Marcegaglia said:

    The intention to remove tariffs is a very positive step, which when implemented secures both our own production in USA as well as our customers. 

    Getting this deal across the line needs to be a priority, because supply chains are currently in a state of flux awaiting the details and the effective date.

    Our increased trade with India will unlock opportunities for every region in the UK to access the world’s fastest growing economy, including South Yorkshire.  

    Under the Free Trade Deal that was concluded, tariffs on cars sold to India will come down from over 100% to 10% under a quota.  

    In the same week, we negotiated a first of its kind agreement with the US that reduces tariffs on car exports to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles per year, almost the total number of UK vehicles exported to the country last year.  

    Both of these deals secure greater certainty for the sector, the 5,000 workers in South Yorkshire and their families, while also enhancing opportunities for manufacturing in the region to grow. 

    Just this week, the Prime Minister continued to act in Britain’s national interest by confirming a new agreement that will deliver on his core mission to grow the economy, creating more jobs in South Yorkshire, raising living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.   

    At today’s meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions the Prime Minister will also lead discussions about spreading AI to help working people access the services that they need in their local areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 23 May 2025 Departmental update The World Health Assembly endorses the extension of the Global Strategy on Digital Health to 2027 and approves the next phase for 2028–2033

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Digital health is not about applications, platforms, or devices. It’s about transforming how health systems serve people—more equitably, more effectively, and with greater attention to individual needs.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus / WHO Director-General

    Originally endorsed at the Seventy-third World Health Assembly (WHA73) in 2020, the strategy has catalyzed significant progress in equitable digital health implementation across all WHO regions. Key advancements include advancement in the development of national digital health strategies, strengthened collaboration through regional frameworks, enhanced cross-border interoperability, the establishment of guidance and governance on artificial intelligence, and improvements in health information systems. Digital health has also gained sustained global attention, having been included in the agendas of five consecutive G20 presidencies.

    Since the Strategy’s launch, countries and partners have made substantial progress:

    • 129 countries have established national digital health strategies.
    • Over 1,600 government officials from more than 100 countries have received training in digital health and artificial intelligence.
    • Transformative initiatives such as the Global Digital Health Certification Network have been launched, benefiting 1.8 billion people across 80 countries.
    • Critical guidance on artificial intelligence in health has been issued, including the Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Health, with global workshops supporting Member States in ethical AI implementation.
    • 130 Member States have conducted digital health maturity assessments using the Global Digital Health Monitor.
    • Government-to-government collaboration on digital health has been established in four WHO regions, with 40 Member States joining the Global Digital Health Partnership.
    • Global collaboration has been strengthened through the Global Initiative on Digital Health, the WHO Innovation Hub and regional frameworks led by WHO, ITU, the African Union, PAHO and other key partners.

    “This extension is not just about adding two more years—it’s about accelerating action. With a renewed mandate extending from 2028 to 2033, we are entering a critical phase where digital health must be purposefully scaled and equitably integrated into every health system. From AI to telehealth, we have the tools; now we must ensure they reach and benefit everyone,” Dr Alain Labrique, Director of WHO’s Department of Digital Health and Innovation.

    With digital health set to play an increasingly central role in universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness, and climate-resilient systems, this extension reaffirms the shared commitment of WHO and its Member States for inclusive, ethical and sustainable digital transformation.

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-05-23T07:48:42.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/topics/health-systems-and-interventions/digital-health/wha-assembly.jpg?sfvrsn=2b149a22_4″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-05-23T07:48:42.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/23-05-2025-world-health-assembly-endorses-extension-of-the-global-digital-health-strategy-to-2027″,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
    ]]>

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: Phunware Showcases Next-Gen Guest Experience Technology at HITEC 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Phunware to Debut Hospitality AI Features to Streamline Mobile Interactions; Joins Industry Leaders in Discussing How Next-Gen Apps Are Redefining Guest Engagement

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Phunware, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHUN), a leading provider of mobile-first engagement solutions for the hospitality industry, today announced its participation in the 2025 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), taking place June 16–19 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

    At Booth #2233, Phunware will showcase its mobile hospitality solution and unveil its newest AI features. Executives and product experts will be on-site to demonstrate how Phunware’s solution is transforming guest experiences while unlocking new revenue opportunities for hospitality leaders.

    Phunware’s team will also join a discussion about next-generation mobile apps at the Exhibit Hall on Tutorial Stage A on Wednesday, June 18. Phunware will demonstrate how intuitive UX, in-app services, real-time wayfinding, and AI-driven features enhance guest discovery across the resort experience—driving deeper engagement, increased revenue, and greater adoption of ancillary services. More details to follow.

    Phunware’s mobile hospitality solution empowers hoteliers to deliver seamless, intuitive, and personalized guest experiences. With features like property-wide navigation, real-time offers, and targeted messaging, it helps brands boost operational efficiency and drive ancillary revenue, all while staying aligned with brand standards and existing systems.

    Attendees can explore Phunware’s hospitality solution, test-drive the new AI features, and learn how top properties are transforming mobile engagement into revenue-generating, 5-star experiences.

    Book a meeting here to connect with Phunware’s team during the event.

    For additional information on HITEC program, visit here.

    About Phunware

    Phunware Inc. (NASDAQ: PHUN) envisions a world where every organization can deliver immersive, personalized mobile experiences that drive real-world action, loyalty, and growth. We aim to be the leading provider of integrated software solutions enabling smarter engagement through data-driven insights and seamless mobile platforms. We are bridging digital and physical touchpoints to shape the future of mobile engagement.

    Phunware’s mission is to achieve unparalleled connectivity and monetization through the widespread adoption of Phunware mobile technologies, leveraging brands, consumers, partners, digital asset holders, and market participants. Phunware is poised to expand its software products and services audience so customers can drive deeper engagement, automate key functions, and deliver compelling, on-brand experiences.

    For more information on Phunware, please visit www.phunware.com.

    Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. For example, Phunware is using forward-looking statements when it discusses the adoption and impact of emerging technologies and their use across mobile engagement platforms.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Chris Tyson, Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    PHUN@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    Phunware Media Contact:

    Joe McGurk, Managing Director
    917-259-6895
    PHUN@mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Spotlights 2025 TV Line-Up with Samsung Vision AI: Next-Level Picture Quality and Smart Features Arrive in UK

    Source: Samsung

    Chertsey, U.K. – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.’s latest 2025 TV and AV-line-up is available to buy in the UK. To celebrate the launch and power of Samsung Vision AI, Samsung held its “The Home of Vision” event, showcasing the power of AI in Movies, Gaming and Sports.
     
    The Home of Vision event was an immersive adventure bringing to life Samsung’s vision to elevate TVs from screens to intelligent smart home companions that adapt to your needs, becoming the centerpiece of the home.
     
    Jose Barreiro-Lopez, Vice President of TV and AV, Samsung Europe, commented: “Samsung has been the No. 1 TV globally for 19 years in a row[1]. This year we are transforming our TVs into a true AI-powered companion, designed to be at the heart of every home.
     
    “Our event showcases the breadth of our TV line-up with the promise to elevate every home entertainment scenario. Whether you are immersed in a cinematic film, cheering on your favourite sports team or enjoying a gaming session with your friends, our TVs are built to cater for every experience, and Samsung Vision AI elevates them to the next level.”
     
    Unlock the Full Potential of Vision AI at Home
    “The Home of Vision” event featured immersive, interactive zones designed to showcase consumers’ favourite TV pastimes, Gaming, Movies and Sport, and how Samsung Vision AI is used to not only enhance the picture and sound of these experiences, but to create new ways to enjoy them.
     

     
    Samsung’s Home of Vision cinema re-imagined iconic film scenes with stunning clarity and depth, thanks to powerful AI picture optimisation. Showcasing a diverse range of film genres, it demonstrated how advanced AI technologies can analyse your content and surroundings to automatically adjust the picture enhance your experience.
     
    The film experience also features AI Sound. By analysing your room’s acoustic properties, it dynamically adapts the sound to create rich, spatial audio that surrounds you. The audio performance of the new line-up has also been upgraded. AI Sound works in combination with the latest Samsung Q-Series Soundbar line-up, which seamlessly integrates with selected TVs[2] via Q-Symphony, perfect for cinema-like quality at home.
     

     
    House of Vision’s Sports Zone further demonstrated how Samsung Vision AI intelligently adapts to your viewing set-up – offering a truly personalised experience for every sports fan.
     
    Highlighting AI Motion Enhancer Pro, it sharpens low-resolution content, reduces blurring and ball distortion, allowing your TV to adapt for the sports you love watching. When watching fast-paced matches, such as football, AI Motion Enhancer Pro intelligently tracks the ball’s movement and enhances its resolution in real time – ensuring each moment appears crisp and clear, delivering a viewing experience that feels as immersive as being in the stadium.
     

     
    For gamers, Samsung Vision AI can be a game-changer. Home of Vision featured an immersive e-sports inspired environment with Neo QLED 4K QN90F displays and dynamic lighting to create an engaging and atmospheric experience, showcasing features that respond to gameplay in real time.
     
    AI Auto Game Mode automatically detects game titles and genres, fine-tuning settings to deliver a next-level experience – meaning gamers no longer need to manually adjust their settings. If you are a fan of RTS games and want to change over to an FPS, AI Auto Game Mode will adapt in real time, so you never miss a shot.
     
    Powered by Samsung Vision AI, the latest Samsung TVs takes viewing experience to the next level – with industry-leading Quantum Dot technology delivering vibrant, true-to-life visuals for an unforgettable viewing experience. Samsung’s Glare-Free technology[3], now introduced across select Neo QLED and OLED models, cuts reflections while preserving deep blacks and sharp images – even in bright rooms. A new anti-reflective material ensures stunning picture quality in any light.
     
    Soundbar models such as the HW-Q990F and HW-Q930F offer a three-dimensional surround sound with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing a superior audio experience.
     
    Pricing & Availability
    The following models from the 2025 line-up are available to purchase or pre-order:

    Neo QLED 8K – QN900F, QN990F – RRP starting from £3,399
    Neo QLED 4K – QN90F, QN85F, QN80F, QN70F – RRP starting from £1,099
    QLED – Q8F, Q7F – RRP starting from £519
    OLED – S95F, S90F – RRP starting from £1,499
    Lifestyle – Frame Pro, Frame – RRP starting from £1,099
    Soundbars – Q990F, Q930F, Q800F, QS700F – RRP starting from £749

     
    Promotions available on Samsung.com/uk:
     
    From 21st-27th May: on selected AI TVs

    Galaxy S25 on us with code AITV[4]
    Up to 20% off with code SPRING[5]
    Claim up to £1,000 cashback[6]

    From 28th May-10th June: on selected AI TVs

    Galaxy S25 on us with code AITV4[4]
    Up to 20% off with code SPRING5[5]

     
    [1]Samsung TV has been ranked No.1 selling TV Brand for 19 consecutive years by Omdia
    [2]Compatible list of Samsung TVs 2022-2025 available from Samsung.com
    [3]Measured against Unified Glare Rating (UGR) testing standard, validated as ‘Glare Free’ by UL
    [4]Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 10.06.25. Enter code AITV at checkout to redeem free Galaxy S25. Colour may vary. While stocks last
    [5]Purchase from samsung.com/uk by 10.06.25. Enter code SPRING at checkout
    [6]For cashback purchase by 27/05/25. Claim between 30 & 60 days of purchase. To claim and for full T&Cs see https://samsungoffers.claims/preorder2025VisionAI

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairbanks Man Convicted for Stalking and Murder-for-Hire Plot

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – A federal jury today convicted a Fairbanks man for stalking and attempting to arrange a murder for hire. 

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Roger Keeling, 55, devised and solicited a murder for hire plot targeting his former girlfriend while he was in custody on stalking charges.   

    In October 2020 Keeling placed his hands around his girlfriend’s neck, told her he should rip her heart out and threatened to burn her house down. Keeling pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in state court. The victim applied for and was granted a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) and it was served on Keeling before his release on the assault charges. Over the next six weeks, Keeling was arrested – and released by the state court – for violating this DVPO multiple times in an escalating pattern that included following the victim, slashing her tires, sending dozens of threatening emails from various “disguised” email accounts and planting disturbing handwritten notes along her usual running route.

    Keeling was arrested for stalking the victim in December 2020. While in custody, Keeling told his cellmate he wanted to find someone to harm his girlfriend. During the next few days, Keeling agreed to pay his cellmate $1,500 to arrange for a hitman to kill her, and after being released by a state court judge, he made an initial payment of $500. During a search of Keeling’s home, Alaska State Troopers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found numerous notes and documents confirming the existence of the plot, as well as multiple documents and drawings created by Mr. Keeling that showed his desire to see her harmed, including a hand-drawn picture of her home in flames.

    “Every citizen has the right to feel safe as they go about their daily life. With today’s conviction, the victim will no longer live in fear always looking over her back and worried about her personal safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson, District of Alaska.

    “The Alaska State Troopers are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to keep the citizens of our great state safe,” said Colonel Bryan Barlow, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. “Investigations like these should serve as a warning to anyone considering soliciting a murder; the Alaska State Troopers and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone that perpetrates these unconscionable acts.”

    Keeling faces up to a five year sentence on the stalking conviction and up to a 10 year sentence on the murder for hire conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The Alaska State Troopers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fairbanks Police Department conducted the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Doty and Ryan Tansey are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week 2025 to Set the Stage for Investment and Innovation

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 23, 2025/APO Group/ —

    With global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and copper reaching unprecedented heights, Africa’s vast mineral reserves have placed the continent at the center of the global energy transition. From powering electric vehicles to supplying renewable energy infrastructure, these resources are essential to the world’s low-carbon future – and Africa holds many of the keys. As the world races to secure stable, long-term access to these minerals, the spotlight is increasingly turning toward African markets.

    African Mining Week (AMW), taking place on October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town, arrives at a critical moment. The event serves as a high-level, pan-African platform designed to unlock new investment flows, accelerate technological adoption and promote sustainable, inclusive growth across the continent’s mining landscape. By convening government leaders, mining executives, financiers and technology providers under one roof, AMW will shape strategic dialogue and dealmaking that define the next era of African mining.

    Driving Investment and Economic Growth

    AMW 2025 represents more than a conference; it’s a strategic platform designed to attract and mobilize investment into Africa’s mining industry. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and investors, the event will facilitate discussions on creating favorable regulatory environments, showcasing investment-ready projects and highlighting the continent’s untapped mineral potential, given that it holds about 30% of the world’s proven critical mineral reserves. The focus on value addition and local content development underscores the commitment to ensuring that mining activities translate into tangible economic benefits for African nations.

    Fostering Innovation and Technological Advancement

    In an era where technology is revolutionizing industries, AMW 2025 will spotlight the latest advancements in mining technology. The dedicated Technology Forum will showcase how digital solutions, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, are enhancing exploration and operational efficiency. By connecting African mining projects with global tech providers, the event will promote the adoption of innovative practices that can drive productivity and sustainability in the sector.

    Promoting Sustainable Development and Responsible Mining

    Sustainability is at the heart of AMW 2025’s agenda. The event will address the importance of responsible mining practices, environmental stewardship and community engagement. Discussions will explore strategies for minimizing environmental impact, ensuring fair labor practices and integrating artisanal and small-scale mining into the formal economy. In Ghana, for example, small-scale mining generates $5 billion in foreign earnings alone. By emphasizing sustainability, AMW aims to align Africa’s mining sector with global best practices and standards.

    Enhancing Knowledge Sharing and Regional Collaboration

    AMW 2025 will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, offering a series of sessions, workshops and panel discussions led by experts and stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. Topics will range from regulatory frameworks and investment opportunities to technological innovations and sustainable practices. The event will also feature country-specific spotlights, providing insights into the unique mining landscapes of nations like Gabon, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: HTX Crypto Gem Hunt Report #5: Meme Coins Keep Soaring as A-Rated Restaking and L1 Projects Gain Steady Momentum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin soared to an unprecedented high of over $110,000 today, sending ripples of positive sentiment across the entire cryptocurrency market, HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange is proud to announce the release of its 5th Crypto Gem Hunt Report. The latest report meticulously highlights eight tokens that have demonstrated substantial wealth creation across various narratives, including meme coins, Layer 1 solutions, restaking protocols, and data tools.

    Notably, MOODENG emerged as the top performer, delivering an astonishing surge of up to 567% as of May 19. This remarkable performance underscores the platform’s belief that carefully selecting high-quality projects and responding swiftly to market shifts are paramount for identifying and capitalizing on the most profitable opportunities.

    Meme Coins Dominate Yet Again and Deliver Explosive Gains Across Blockchains

    Meme coins remain the hottest narrative in crypto, delivering standout returns regardless of their chain origin. Whether rooted in the Solana or Ethereum networks, both legacy names and emerging narratives have posted significant breakouts.

    According to HTX data, top Solana meme coins like MOODENG and POPCAT have skyrocketed by 567% and 447%, respectively. MOODENG in particular, jumped from 0.036 USDT to 0.24 USDT, demonstrating remarkable narrative resilience. HOUSE, a new Solana meme coin launched exclusively on HTX on April 27, surged 179% shortly after listing, further validating the strength and capital flow into the Solana meme coin space.

    On the Ethereum side, NEIROCTO—a meme coin initially listed on HTX on September 7, 2024—recently rallied 400%. Meanwhile, the AI meme coin DARK gained 246%, demonstrating the strong appeal of combining AI with the meme coin narrative.

    In short, meme coins that combine strong narratives, engaged communities, and cultural virality continue to outperform. As market sentiment recovers, meme coins are often the first to ignite retail enthusiasm, acting as the catalysts for broader market rallies.

    A-Rated Infrastructure Projects Earn Their Spot: Restaking, L1, and Data Tools

    Beyond meme coins, HTX’s 5th Crypto Gem list also includes high-quality projects StakeStone (STO), Initia (INIT), and Bubblemaps (BMT), representing the restaking, Layer 1, and data tool sectors, respectively. They were all awarded A ratings by HTX analysts, reflecting their high potential and broad market recognition.

    StakeStone has quickly emerged as a star in the restaking space. Unlike PoS staking or existing restaking protocols, StakeStone focuses on cross-chain liquidity infrastructure with efficient liquidity distribution and dynamic yield strategies for ETH, BTC, and stablecoins. Since listing on HTX on April 6, STO has gained 314%, outperforming most restaking peers.

    Initia, one of 2025’s most anticipated Layer 1 launches, fuses a robust Layer 1 chain with a flexible, interconnected Layer 2 ecosystem. It aims to offer production-grade modular blockchain services for developers and users alike. INIT was listed on HTX on April 23 and has rallied 155% to date. Bubblemaps offers next-gen data visualization tools that bring clarity to complex on-chain relationships. Its innovative data presentation and user-friendly design for DeFi users position it as a differentiated contender in the data infrastructure sector.

    HTX Crypto Gem Hunt Offers High Standards for Project Selection

    Since its inception, the HTX Crypto Gem Hunt program has focused on identifying tokens with strong upside potential, leveraging deep analysis across technology, narrative strength, and user experience. The program has continually selected only the most promising opportunities for user wealth growth by zeroing in on narratives like meme coins, public chains, restaking protocols, AI memes, data tooling, and the Solana ecosystem.

    Across its five phases, the program has featured projects that delivered an average return of over 8 times, with seven “super cryptos” achieving more than 10x growth. The program’s first two phases (phase 1 and phase 2) focused on the on-chain meme coin boom. Phase 3 targeted the AI meme coin sector, yielding excellent performance, and phase 4 expanded to sectors including meme coins, Layer 1, and AI-powered social media, achieving consistent results.

    HTX empowers investors to unlock significant financial gains with its innovative Crypto Gem list. By tracking HTX’s latest asset listings, users gain early access to high-potential tokens before they surge. This proactive approach allows investors to strategically position themselves in undervalued opportunities, maximizing returns in the current market cycle. The next list may include your prized assets. HTX’s rigorous project selection and market expertise ensure a continuous stream of lucrative investment opportunities for its valued users.

    About HTX

    Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

    As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

    To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on XTelegram, and Discord.

    For further inquiries, please contact Ruder Finn Asia, glo-media@htx-inc.com.

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HTX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8d8fea5-0beb-4272-a507-e228bd85537e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7b4efe0-bae5-4dfe-8e6c-2353e73016e4

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris 2025 Presale Gains Momentum with Explosive Growth and Mobile Mining Breakthrough

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the crypto market enters a new phase of innovation and user empowerment, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) is emerging as one of 2025’s most compelling blockchain opportunities. With its ongoing presale generating buzz across the industry, Bitcoin Solaris is redefining accessibility and scalability in Web3, offering everyday users a real shot at building long-term wealth.

    A New Era of Decentralized Accessibility

    Bitcoin Solaris introduces a next-generation hybrid blockchain that merges Proof-of-Work and Delegated Proof-of-Stake (PoW + DPoS) mechanisms, supporting lightning-fast speeds of up to 10,000 transactions per second and 2-second finality. With cross-chain compatibility and seamless integration with Solana’s tech stack, Bitcoin Solaris delivers both performance and flexibility.

    Key features include:

    • Hybrid PoW + DPoS architecture for scalability and decentralization
    • ZK privacy options, DeFi/NFT capabilities, and mobile-first design
    • Cyberscope and Freshcoins-audited smart contracts
    • Freshcoins KYC verification for added transparency

    Most notably, the Solaris Nova App—currently in beta—allows users to mine BTC-S directly from smartphones or laptops without expensive hardware or technical skills, making it one of the most accessible crypto experiences to date.

    And people are noticing. A growing number of influencers and early adopters are joining the conversation. One of the most talked-about reviews is from CryptoChester, who breaks down why Bitcoin Solaris is poised to lead the next market wave.

    Why Work for Money When BTC-S Can Work for You?

    Tokenomics That Build Trust

    Bitcoin Solaris adheres to a deflationary model with a 21 million total token supply, reflecting a long-term vision grounded in utility and scarcity. The distribution model prioritizes community and miner incentives:

    • 66.66% for mining (14 million BTC-S)
    • 20% for presale
    • 5% for liquidity pools
    • 2% each for ecosystem development, community rewards, marketing, and staking
    • 0.33% for team and advisors

    This transparent structure ensures decentralization, trust, and broad-based participation from the ground up.

    Presale Highlights: A 90-Day Opportunity

    The Bitcoin Solaris presale is designed to reward early adopters and generate sustainable momentum. With only 90 days to participate, it’s already breaking records:

    • Current Price: $4
    • Next Phase: $5
    • Launch Price: $20
    • Bonus: 12%

    But what makes it stand out even more?

    • Runs for only 90 days, launch Date: July 31, 2025
    • Over $1,000,000 raised already
    • More than 8,900 unique users onboarded
    • Potential return: 1,900%
    • One of the shortest and most explosive presales of the year

    And that growth isn’t just hype—it’s backed by substance. To stay updated or get involved, explore their Telegram or check the buzz on X.

    This is one of the fastest-growing presales in the 2025 crypto landscape, driven by strong fundamentals and community excitement.

    Double Rewards Referral Program

    Bitcoin Solaris is boosting community growth with a referral program that rewards both you and your invitees. During the presale, you’ll earn 5% in BTC-S tokens for every purchase made through your referral link, while your referrals get a 5% bonus on their token buy. Simply log into your account at bitcoinsolaris.com, grab your referral link, and start sharing it across social media, crypto groups, or directly with friends. It’s a win-win system built to grow the ecosystem and your rewards.

    Join the Bitcoin Solaris Movement

    With a rapidly growing user base, audited infrastructure, and mobile-friendly innovation, Bitcoin Solaris is positioning itself as a cornerstone of the next crypto cycle. Whether you’re new to digital assets or a seasoned investor, BTC-S offers a compelling pathway to participate in—and benefit from—the decentralized future.

    Get involved before July 31, 2025. The clock is ticking.

    For more information:
    Website: bitcoinsolaris.com
    Telegram: @Bitcoinsolaris
    X (Twitter): @BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    info@bitcoinsolaris.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0de5d24-8d39-48ec-9ac3-a58c3ce8fa14

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4812643c-7ca2-4e66-90f4-a08aabbc474c

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7232e923-9a0b-406b-af65-991e2329843e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dadbff09-25b1-4b4d-98c3-c9e8e643680b

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Do shorter prison sentences make society less safe? What the evidence says

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Alge, Senior Lecturer in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Brunel University of London

    The final report of the Independent Sentencing Review has proposed the most significant reform of sentencing and punishment in England and Wales since the 1990s.

    The review, chaired by former Conservative justice secretary David Gauke, calls for a number of changes to address the crisis of overcrowding in prisons. These include using fewer and shorter prison sentences, enhanced opportunities for early release based on good behaviour, and more use of community sentences.

    The government has already accepted most of the recommendations in principle, though many will require legislation to bring them into effect. The justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has said that the most serious offenders should not be eligible for an earlier release under the proposals.

    Prisons in England and Wales have been at or near capacity for a number of years, and frequently exceed their safe capacity. Official data shows that the current adult prison population is estimated to be around 87,700, compared with a maximum operational capacity of around 88,800. However, maximum capacity figures are only recorded annually, and the poor conditions of the prison estate mean the usable maximum may often be lower at any given time.

    Without reforms to sentencing, the prison population is projected to increase to up to 105,000 by 2029.


    Want more politics coverage from academic experts? Every week, we bring you informed analysis of developments in government and fact check the claims being made.

    Sign up for our weekly politics newsletter, delivered every Friday.


    In September 2024, prison overcrowding resulted in the emergency early release of around 1,700 prisoners serving sentences of less than five years who had served 40% of their sentence. They would ordinarily have not been eligible for early release until they had served 50% of their sentences.

    The Gauke review was commissioned to create a more sustainable solution to prevent further emergency measures. However, both the review and the emergency measures have come under criticism, namely that dangerous offenders will be released and communities and victims will be at risk. The shadow home secretary, Robert Jenrick, has claimed that the most recent proposals will “spark a crime wave”.

    So, will shorter sentences make communities less safe?

    What does the evidence say?

    A core recommendation is that custody should be used only as last resort. It calls for sentences of less than 12 months to only be given in exceptional circumstances, for example, where the offender is known to pose a high level of risk to a specific victim despite being sentenced for a less serious offence.

    The research on short-term imprisonment consistently shows that it is ineffective for a number of reasons. Short prison sentences are disproportionately expensive, especially when compared with community sentences. The offenders serving them have committed relatively minor offences, so pose a low risk other than in exceptional cases.

    Perhaps the most significant finding is the fact that the shorter the sentence, the higher the reoffending rate. Reoffending is around 55% for prisoners sentenced to less than 12 months, compared with an overall rate of 27.5%. If reoffending can be reduced by using more effective sentences, communities will be safer.




    Read more:
    How a doubling of sentence lengths helped pack England’s prisons to the rafters


    Another key proposal is the “earned progression model”. Under this, most prisoners (except those sentenced for specified serious sexual or violent offences) would be eligible for release after serving one-third of their sentence. They must have engaged constructively with the prison regime.

    They would then be supervised intensively in the community by probation services until they had served two-thirds of their sentence. After this, they would not be actively supervised.

    Prisoners who fail to engage constructively would not be eligible for release until the halfway point of their sentence. Under the early release policy introduced by the government in September 2024, these prisoners would be released after serving just 40% of their sentences.

    There is a sound evidence base for incentivising good behaviour in prison, rather than simply punishing bad behaviour. It is shown to help prisoners develop a sense of autonomy and accountability for their actions. This can help them abstain from reoffending once released.

    A focus on effective rehabilitation, rather than punishment alone, runs through the review. For example, recommendations for improved and targeted substance abuse and mental health treatment.

    There is widespread evidence across jurisdictions which suggests that a focus on rehabilitation, and not longer prisons sentences, is what reduces overall crime levels and makes communities safer. It also makes economic sense.

    The chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, made clear in his most recent annual report in September 2024 that a fundamental reorientation of prisons towards rehabilitation is needed in order to reduce overall crime levels.

    The Howard League for Penal Reform has also welcomed the proposals in the sentencing review.

    Concerns

    Victims groups have raised concerns about the risk of sex offenders or domestic abusers being released early, even under the current regime. The review recommends strengthening protections for victims, for example by expanding specialist domestic abuse courts and tagging for all perpetrators of violence against women and girls.

    More controversially, it recommends increasing trials into the use of voluntary chemical castration for serious sex offenders. The justice secretary is reported to be considering the use of mandatory chemical castration.

    Other questions remain around the implementation of the reforms, not least how they would be funded in the current economic climate. The chief inspector of probation, Martin Jones, has warned that without better funding and other reforms in the probation service, the proposals in the Gauke review would be “catastrophic”. The review recommends investing in the strained probation service, and bringing in third-sector organisations to support it.




    Read more:
    How to stop released prisoners reoffending: what the evidence says


    These are ambitious reforms that would require a considerable investment in the probation service, prisons, community rehabilitation and technology. There are also emerging human rights concerns about the adoption of advanced AI by probation services, as is recommended by the review.

    Ultimately, there is little evidence to suggest that fewer prisoners and shorter sentences will make communities less safe. It is ineffective rehabilitation leading to reoffending which comes at a considerable social and economic cost.

    Daniel Alge 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. Do shorter prison sentences make society less safe? What the evidence says – https://theconversation.com/do-shorter-prison-sentences-make-society-less-safe-what-the-evidence-says-257279

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anniversary Statement: G-DJMD, Discus B, and G-DCTB, Standard Cirrus

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Anniversary Statement: G-DJMD, Discus B, and G-DCTB, Standard Cirrus

    Investigation of Discus B fatal accident while landing at Hinton-in-the-Hedges Airfield, Northamptonshire on 25 May 2024

    This statement provides an update on the AAIB investigation into the collision between gliders Discus B, G-DJMD and Standard Cirrus, G-DCTB, while landing at Hinton-in-the-Hedges Airfield, Northamptonshire, on 25 May 2024. 

    The gliders were competing in an inter-club event that involved navigating a fixed course task with designated turning points.  On returning to land, the gliders collided immediately to the west of the thresholds of Runways 06 and 09.  

    The investigation into this event is complete and a final report will be issued in due course.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking News: Strong and Stable China-Germany Relations Serve the Interests of Both Countries and Meet the Expectations of Various Sectors in China and Europe – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said strong and stable relations between China and Germany serve the interests of both countries and meet the expectations of various sectors in China and Europe.

    Both countries should expand cooperation in cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, he said during a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund announces a change in the financial calendar

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Annual General Meeting of Baltic Horizon Fund investors will be held on 9 September 2025. Previously the planned time of the general meeting was 2 June 2025. Updated financial calendar is available on Baltic Horizon Fund webpage.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, FacebookX and YouTube.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE removes child rapist, illegal alien wanted in Honduras

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAINT PAUL – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed a dangerous foreign fugitive and illegal alien wanted by law enforcement authorities in Honduras for rape and preparation for use of aggravated child pornography May 16.

    Felipe Nery Casco Murillo, first came to the attention of immigration authorities, May 13, 2023, when he applied for admission to the United States at the Hildago Port of Entry in Hidalgo, Texas. On the same date, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued Casco a notice to appear and paroled him into the U.S., pending immigration proceedings.

    On Nov. 5, 2024, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations received notice that Casco was wanted in Honduras for the crime of rape and preparation and use of aggravated child pornography. ICE ERO arrested him on Jan. 28, 2025, and an immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review ordered him removed April 17.

    ICE ERO St. Paul removed Casco and turned him over to Honduran authorities May 16.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how the ERO field office in the Twin Cities carries out its immigration enforcement mission follow us on X at @EROSaintPaul

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says sound, stable China-Germany relationship serves both countries’ interest, meets expectations of various sectors in China, Europe

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

    Xi says sound, stable China-Germany relationship serves both countries’ interest, meets expectations of various sectors in China, Europe

    BEIJING, May 23 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that a sound and stable China-Germany relationship serves both countries’ interest, and meets the expectations of various sectors in China and Europe.

    The two countries should expand cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology, Xi said during his phone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI experiments see “Humphrey” help townhalls cut costs and improve services

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    AI experiments see “Humphrey” help townhalls cut costs and improve services

    AI experts are experimenting to build new AI within “Humphrey” to help speed up admin in areas like planning and social care, as 25 councils trial new AI tech from Whitehall.

    • AI experts are experimenting to build new AI within “Humphrey” to help speed up admin in areas like planning and social care, as 25 councils trial new AI tech from Whitehall.
    • Early research on the tech shows officials are saved from 60-minutes of admin for each hour-long meeting, saving staff from what half say is the worst thing about their job.
    • Comes as “Humphrey” is taking notes in the Prime Minister’s Council of Nations and Regions meeting taking place today, with talks covering recent trade deals and how AI can improve public services.

    Local councils across the country are trialling a new AI tool called ‘Minute’ – part of the “Humphrey” suite being rolled out across Whitehall – to cut burdensome admin tasks to improve services for citizens as part of the UK government’s Plan for Change.

    It comes as the Prime Minister brings together Heads of the devolved governments and elected English Mayors today at the Council of the Nations and Regions for talks on recent trade deals, as well as how AI can improve public services and maximise the technology’s benefits for people across UK. ‘Minute’ has been used to take notes in the meeting, marking the first time AI has been used in a meeting chaired by a UK Prime Minister.

    25 local councils are currently taking part in the early-stage trial of ‘Minute’ to speed up note taking across the services they provide, including West Berkshire Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. This includes streamlining burdensome admin tasks in the planning process to help hit the government’s target of building 1.5 million homes by 2030.

    This could help speed up actions after planning meetings, allowing officers to focus on the task at hand, rather than paperwork, and make informed decisions to get homes built. This will support approvals, so bricks can be laid and homes built faster.

    The tool also helps take detailed notes in meetings between social care workers and their supervisors, allowing workers to focus on offering more support instead of being bogged down by bureaucracy.

    The trial comes as alongside a push from government to help local councils use technology to improve the dozens of essential services they are responsible for delivering to local residents – from planning approvals to housing, pest control and parking permits. It includes a new AI Knowledge Hub published today, sharing exciting examples of how local councils are using technology so others can learn from them – such as an AI assistant that speeds up the reporting of fly-tipping and graffiti in central London.

    ‘Minute’ is part of ‘Humphrey’, the package of AI tools built to help civil servants deliver for ministers and the public more effectively. It uses generative AI to turn meetings into notes and adds unique tools to help tweak and correct summaries more efficiently. Early tests of the technology in central government showed that officials were saved, on average, from one hour of admin per one hour meeting, with nearly half of them saying note-taking is the least enjoyable part of their job.

    In the pilot, the tool helps local councils automate requirements for note taking and record keeping so officials can focus on helping residents more quickly.

    The trial announced today follows the Prime Minister setting out that he will “push forward with the digitisation of government services” to find £45 billion worth of productivity savings to make the state more productive and agile and deliver the Plan for Change.

    AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark said:

    From parking permits and planning permission, local councils handle some of the services that impact our daily lives most. For too long, they have been left to fend for themselves when keeping up with rapid innovations in AI and digital technology – when we know it has huge potential to help solve many of the challenges they face.

    That’s why “Humphrey”, a suite of exciting AI tools built in my department, is being sent to townhalls to help them fast track planning decisions, build 1.5 million homes and take meeting notes more quickly. This is just the first step as we are also going to work with local councils to help them buy and build the technology they need to deliver our Plan for Change and support their local communities more effectively.

    Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government Baroness Taylor said:

    Local councils are on the frontline of housing delivery, and we’re backing them with cutting-edge AI technology like ‘Minute’, so officers can spend less time buried in admin and more time helping to get Britain building.

    This is alongside our landmark reforms to deliver 1.5 million homes, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will get working people and families in to secure homes and boost economic growth right across the country.

    Earlier this year, the government’s State of Digital Government Review unveiled that local councils were spending £5 billion per year on technology, despite employing half the number of digital specialists they should be. The report also found that each of the 320 local authorities negotiate technology contracts with big tech companies independently – when many are buying exactly the same tools – making this spending much less effective.

    Work has also begun to look at how technology built by the UK government, like the upcoming GOV.UK App which will give people access to public services on their phones, can help councils save money while delivering a better, more consistent service for citizens. It will also aim to improve data sharing between councils and other public bodies, as well as helping councils negotiate contracts together and share best practices.

    It comes alongside a new AI Knowledge Hub being published, sharing practical examples of how AI is being used in government and across local councils so other organisations across the UK can take their work forward. The publication of the website delivers against a recommendation made in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, aiming to help the public sector adopt AI more quickly and effectively.

    Other areas set to be discussed today include how by working with devolved governments and mayors the UK can ensure it has the infrastructure and capability needed to power AI, and ways to facilitate better data sharing.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Wix Acquires Hour One to Expand Generative AI Capabilities and Accelerate Product Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK— Today Wix.com Ltd. (Nasdaq: WIX), the leading SaaS website builder platform globally1, announced its acquisition of Hour One, a pioneer in generative AI media creation. This acquisition marks yet another milestone in Wix’s transformation into a frontrunner in AI-powered digital experiences, giving the company access to advanced technologies that will continue to shape the future of web and visual design creation.

    Founded in 2019, Hour One develops technology that enables the effortless creation of studio-quality content at scale. Its platform supports personalized video and interactive experiences that merge storytelling with real-time engagement. At the core of Hour One’s offering is a proprietary cloud-based infrastructure that  integrates generative AI inference with advanced 3D rendering –  a technology that puts Wix on the cutting edge of scalable, high-impact content creation.

    “We are excited to expand our knowledge and investment in AI by bringing Hour One into the Wix fold,” said Ronny Elkayam, COO at Wix. “This move reinforces Wix’s position as a leader in the new era of generative AI and fuels our vision to make web creation smarter, faster, and more immersive. We see significant opportunities to accelerate innovation and build experiences the industry hasn’t yet imagined. By bringing these capabilities in-house, we can maintain higher quality and control over rapidly evolving front-end technologies, reduce reliance on third-party providers, and better manage costs.  Most importantly, we are acquiring a team of exceptional talent with deep technical expertise in generative AI and media infrastructure. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of what creators and businesses can do with Wix.”

    “Joining Wix is a natural next step in our journey,” said Oren Aharon, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO of Hour One. “From day one, we’ve been driven by the vision of making high-quality media creation accessible and scalable through AI. With Wix’s global reach, product innovation, and commitment to empowering creators, we’re excited to amplify our impact and shape the next generation of web and content experiences together.”

    Founders Oren Aharon Ph.D., Lior Hakim and Arnon Kahani and their team will join Wix at their headquarters, bringing with them years of experience, innovation, and a shared ambition to redefine what’s possible with technology.

    About Wix.com Ltd.

    Wix is the leading SaaS website builder platform1 to create, manage and grow a digital presence. Founded  in 2006, Wix is a comprehensive platform providing users – self-creators, agencies, enterprises, and more – with industry-leading performance, security, AI capabilities and a reliable infrastructure. Offering a wide range of commerce and business solutions, advanced SEO and marketing tools, the platform enables users to take full ownership of their brand, their data and their relationships with their customers. With a focus on continuous innovation and delivery of new features and products, users can seamlessly build a powerful and high-end digital presence for themselves or their clients. 

    For more about Wix, please visit our Press Room
    Media Relations Contact:  PR@wix.com  

    1 Based on number of active live sites as reported by competitors’ figures, independent third-party data and internal data as of H1 2024.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Buy $XDX, An XRP-Backed Token on XenDex As CME Group Launches XRP Futures

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As global crypto momentum surges around XRP, the launch of CME Group’s XRP Futures has sent bullish waves through the market. At the heart of this renewed interest lies XenDex, the first all-in-one decentralized exchange (DEX) on the XRP Ledger and its $XDX presale ends in just 5 days.

    Early investors are rushing in to lock down $XDX at pre-launch pricing before listings go live on Binance, Gate.io, MEXC, BitMart, MagneticX, and FirstLedger. With the presale soft cap filled and the hard cap nearly complete, this is the final chance to buy before demand and price skyrocket.

    Buy $XDX Before Listing On Binance

    What is XenDex on XRP Blockchain?

    XenDex is a DeFi powerhouse being built natively on XRPL, designed for both beginners and professional traders. It merges DeFi functionalities into a seamless interface backed by XRPL’s unmatched speed and low transaction fees.

    Features and Problems XenDex Aims to Solve on XRP Ledger

    While XRP excels in speed and cost, it lacks native DeFi solutions. XenDex solves this with:

    • Lending & Borrowing – Lend or borrow XRP tokens on XenDex
    • AI Copy Trading – Mirror top traders automatically
    • Cross-Chain Trading – Swap XDX across Ethereum, BNB, and Solana
    • DAO Governance – Community-driven decision-making

    Buy $XDX on XenDex At Discount

    Advantages of Holding $XDX

    $XDX unlocks major benefits for holders:

    • Voting rights for platform proposals
    • Staking and yield farming rewards
    • Trading fee discounts
    • Early access to launches and airdrops

    Where Can I Trade $XDX?

    After the presale, $XDX will list on Binance, Gate.io, BitMart, MEXC, MagneticX, and FirstLedger, ensuring high liquidity and global reach.

    Is XenDex a Legit Project on XRP?

    Absolutely. XenDex is a transparent, community-first project, backed by XRPL integrations and a skilled team with prior experience on Cardano and SUI. The platform is currently undergoing smart contract audits and has formed strategic partnerships with Xaman, XRP Toolkit, Gitbook, Github, and Namecheap.

    Purchase $XDX At A low Price & Earn Rewards

    How Do I Buy $XDX?

    Visit: https://xendex.net/presale
    Set up a trustline-compatible wallet (e.g., Xaman)
    Minimum buy: 150 XRP
    Rate: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX
    More info: https://xdxdocs.gitbook.io/xendex/buy-usdxdx-token-presale

    XenDex Presale Details

    • Soft Cap: Filled
    • Hard Cap: Almost Reached
    • Price: 1.25 XRP = 10 XDX
    • Presale Rate: 150 XRP = 1200 $XDX
    • Time Remaining: 5 Days

    Buy Now Before the Presale Ends: https://xendex.net/presale

    Join XenDex Community

    Website: xendex.net
    Presale: xendex.net/presale
    Telegram: t.me/xendexcommunity
    Twitter: x.com/xendex_xrp
    Docs: xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post provided by XenDex. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4bbf962f-fa01-438e-828a-51e87891082a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Mammography equipment market in South Korea to grow at 4% CAGR through 2036, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Mammography equipment market in South Korea to grow at 4% CAGR through 2036, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    The market for mammography equipment in South Korea is undergoing significant growth. This upsurge is attributable to the broadening scope of breast cancer screening initiatives, increased public awareness, and the incorporation of sophisticated imaging technologies. Owing to these factors, the mammography equipment market in South Korea is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4% through 2036, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Mammography Equipment Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Installed Base and Forecast to 2036,” reveals that South Korea represented nearly 20% of the mammography equipment market in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024. This significant share highlights the country’s strong healthcare infrastructure, early embrace of new technologies, and a clear national focus on preventive healthcare and innovation.

    In March 2025, a comprehensive Korean study revealed that the utilization of Lunit INSIGHT MMG, an AI-powered mammography software developed by the South Korean medical AI firm Lunit Inc., enhanced breast cancer detection rates by 13.8% without elevating recall rates. The findings affirm South Korea’s advancing role in shaping high-impact, AI-driven medical imaging practices that prioritize accuracy without added patient burden.

    Shagufta Hasan, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Despite the growth of mammography market in South Korea, breast cancer detection still faces challenges related to inconsistent access, diagnostic delays, and disparities in the adoption of technology, factors that may hinder early intervention and patient outcomes. However, solutions such as the Lunit INSIGHT MMG and DBT represent a transformative shift in breast imaging. These advanced diagnostic solutions are paving the way for more detailed, efficient, and accessible screening pathways, aligning with the country’s broader commitment to preventive healthcare and innovation.”

    AI solutions such as Lunit INSIGHT MMG and DBT streamline case prioritization, support early diagnosis, and enhance precision across diverse clinical environments. By reducing diagnostic delays and standardizing interpretation regardless of reader experience, these solutions help bridge gaps in access and technological disparities, ultimately supporting more equitable breast cancer screening outcomes.

    Hasan concludes: “South Korea appears to be strategically poised to influence the future of breast imaging through continued investment, fostering strategic partnerships, and expanding its global outreach. By reinforcing its position in the advancement of diagnostic technologies, it is likely to enhance access to high-quality care to patients with breast cancer, and bolster its global impact.”

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Capital for the development of universities: the Russian Ministry of Education and Science held a strategic session at the Polytechnic University dedicated to endowments

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation held a strategic session at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University dedicated to endowment funds in science and higher education.

    The event was attended by over three hundred participants: heads of universities and research organizations supervising the creation and development of endowment funds, representatives of government bodies and alumni associations. The plenary session was opened by the first vice-rector of SPbPU Vitaly Sergeev.

    “Working with endowment capital today is a new mentality, the formation of which requires both time and constant interaction with business and government bodies,” Vitaly Vladimirovich said in his welcoming speech. “Therefore, today’s strategic session is important and useful, and the exchange of experience, I am sure, will lead to the fact that we will be able to build a systematic work with endowment funds, especially since much has already been done in this direction. I hope that the Polytechnic University is a good platform with strong energy, and we are also very interested in this topic.”

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia Andrey Omelchuk recorded a video message for the participants of the strategy session, in which, in particular, he noted: Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Government of the Russian Federation pay special attention to the development of endowment funds for universities and scientific organizations. Important changes have already been made to the legislation, concepts and methodological recommendations for the development of endowment funds for universities have been developed. The session plans to discuss the formation of endowment funds, the structure of fundraising and its relationship with the strategy of the university. We hope that the participants will gain an understanding of the need to create funds and new ideas for their development.

    Director of the Department of Economic Policy of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Aslan Kanukoev thanked the Polytechnic University for organizing the event and spoke about the results and prospects of the activities of the interdepartmental working group of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia on the development of endowment funds in the field of higher education and science.

    Aslan Sultanovich noted that the topic of endowment capital has become significantly more relevant and popular in recent years. A specially created interdepartmental working group of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Finance developed and approved concepts for the development of endowment funds in universities and research organizations until 2035 in 2023–2024, the main areas of which are defined as: interaction with graduates, with the business community, formation of a pool of partners, information support, increasing the efficiency of capital management and the formation of transparency standards. An educational course has also been created and is planned to be launched in the near future, which will provide a complete understanding of the creation, formation, development and management of endowment capital, including the legal aspects of working with this topic, and will also introduce fundraising technologies and building relationships with endowment donors.

    According to monitoring data from the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, as of January 1, 2024, 94 endowment funds were created in subordinate universities.

    The Russian Ministry of Education and Science believes that endowment funds are a long-term strategic instrument for the sustainable development of educational, scientific, healthcare and cultural organizations, emphasized Aslan Kanukoev.

    Chairperson of the Board of the National Endowment Association Svetlana Lavrova presented a report entitled “Understanding and Culture of Endowment Themes: History, Modernity, and Focus on Eternity.”

    Svetlana Nikolaevna explained what an endowment is, what are the origins of this phenomenon, why it has been so important in the world for many centuries, and what place Russia occupies in it. By the way, the Russian Empire had its own history of endowments, only before 1918 they were called “eternal contribution”, “eternal capital” or “untouchable capital”, and the entire social sphere was based on them.

    According to Svetlana Lavrova, the educational organization has several sources of funding: state (in the future, not direct, but aimed at supporting individual programs), tuition fees, research orders, contracts, short-term projects, and an endowment fund.

    The purpose of the existence of science and the university goes into eternity, and the sources of funding on which this activity relies are usually short-lived. The endowment fund is a super-stable source that gives the university independence. It is long-term, and it is the university’s money that ensures sustainability, – Svetlana Lavrova believes.

    An endowment consists of three components: fundraising, or seeking donations, investing funds through a management company, and finally receiving and using income from investments.

    The university is interested in the income from the endowment, and the Ministry of Finance is interested in it, because endowments are the largest institutional investors worldwide. This is a unique system that works simultaneously to develop different aspects of the state, so the state is extremely interested in them, Svetlana Lavrova emphasized.

    First Vice-Rector for Economics and Strategic Development of the Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin Daniil Sandler shared an interesting experience of the university in the formation of endowments. As of May 1, 277 million had been collected for the UrFU endowment — these are funds from 18 endowments created by more than 12 thousand donors. Each of the funds, according to Daniil Sandler, “has its own face.” The endowment for the 100th anniversary of the Ural Federal University in the amount of 75 million rubles was created on the initiative of the Students’ Union. If you ask artificial intelligence what to do with the fact that in Russia there is no tradition of forming and donating endowments, it will write: “Start with the students,” and in practice it is clear that it was the Students’ Union that took the initiative, and now this is our largest endowment. Although they say that a student has no money, he has time, energy and desire, says Daniil Sandler.

    The second endowment — “Sports Programming at UrFU” — was created by a group of enthusiasts who wanted sports programming to develop in the Urals. They got a serious business interested in their idea and collected 51 million rubles. There is a personal endowment of Maslakov — a graduate of the history department, who donated 16 million rubles so that the interest from this endowment would be used to pay financial assistance to elderly teachers of the history department every year. The endowment of the Institute of New Materials and Technologies in the amount of 11.6 million rubles was created to establish a scholarship named after a respected university professor who passed away to perpetuate his memory.

    The speech by the executive director of the MGIMO Development Fund (over 2 billion rubles) Marina Petrova was devoted to the Russian and international experience of financing science through the endowment mechanism.

    Oksana Oracheva, CEO of the Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation, spoke about the role of transparency and accountability in working with stakeholders.

    Irina Tolmacheva, Deputy Director of the Foundation for the Formation of Endowment Capital of the Foundation for the Development of Social and Economic Sciences and Education, highlighted the legal aspects of the activities of endowment funds.

    Thus, the speakers at the plenary session outlined the main problems of endowment development: insufficient awareness of the funds’ activities among businesses and university graduates, the need to increase motivation among philanthropists, a decrease in the funds’ profitability during periods of high economic volatility, the need to provide additional tax preferences and other benefits. How to interest donors, how to popularize endowment funds and make them socially significant, how to fulfill and exceed the “Priority-2030” program indicator in terms of endowment – these and many other issues were to be discussed in more detail by the participants of the strategy session in sections, mechanisms for their solution were to be developed and discussed at the final joint session.

    As a result, representatives of all five sections identified problems and proposed approaches to solving them, which demonstrated deep immersion in the topic, mutual understanding and interaction in the community. Participants of the strategy session came to the conclusion that it is necessary to concentrate efforts on developing fundraising as a specific work on finding donations, to conduct educational work so that the endowment becomes a socially approved mechanism and an indicator of the effectiveness of universities, to expand opportunities for investment and to legislatively enshrine incentive measures – tax preferences and motivating co-financing.

    The results of the strategic session were summed up by the Director of the Department of Economic Policy of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia Aslan Kanukoev: Today there are more like-minded people among us. Visiting all the sections, I was convinced that, despite the differences in issues and challenges, the mechanisms for solving them were close. Today we had the first introductory strategic session. It is important that you feel each other, feel the shoulder of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. We will develop endowment funds, we believe in this tool and promise that we will not abandon anyone on this path and will help everyone.

    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: Announcement of the final result of Nykredit’s recommended voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S – Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 21(3) OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 636 OF 15 MAY 2020

    NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR TO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE DOING SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

    Announcement of the final result of Nykredit’s recommended voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S

    23 May 2025

    Nykredit announces the final result of the recommended voluntary public tender offer for Spar Nord Bank A/S

    In accordance with section 4(1) of the Danish Takeover Order1, Nykredit Realkredit A/S (“Nykredit”) announced on 10 December 2024 that Nykredit intended to submit a voluntary public takeover offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all shares in Spar Nord Bank A/S (“Spar Nord Bank”), with the exception of Spar Nord Bank’s treasury shares, for a cash price of DKK 210 per share, valuing the aggregated issued share capital of Spar Nord Bank at DKK 24.7 billion. As stated in a supplement dated 2 April 2025, the offer price has subsequently been increased to DKK 210.50 per share.

    On 8 January 2025, Nykredit published the offer document regarding the Offer (the “Offer Document”), as approved by the Danish FSA in accordance with section 11 of the Danish Takeover Order. The Offer Document was most recently supplemented in a supplement of 23 April 2025.

    The offer period expired on 20 May 2025 at 23:59 (CEST), and on 21 May 2025 Nykredit announced the preliminary result of the Offer in accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order. The preliminary result of the Offer showed that Nykredit had obtained acceptances which, combined Spar Nord Bank shares held by Nykredit, represent 96.54 per cent of the total share capital and voting rights in Spar Nord Bank, excluding Spar Nord Bank’s holding of treasury shares.

    Final result

    In accordance with section 21(3) of the Danish Takeover Order, Nykredit hereby announces the final result of the Offer.

    The final summation of acceptances shows that Nykredit has obtained acceptances for 72,169,763 shares, equal to 62.87 per cent of the share capital and the associated voting rights in Spar Nord Bank, excluding Spar Nord Bank’s holding of 2,918,044 treasury shares. The acceptances correspond to 61.32 per cent of the total share capital and voting rights in Spar Nord Bank.

    The acceptances received combined with the total of 38,646,475 Spar Nord Bank shares owned by Nykredit represent 96.54 per cent of the total share capital and voting rights in Spar Nord Bank, excluding Spar Nord Bank’s holding of treasury shares. The acceptances received and Nykredit’s holding of Spar Nord Bank shares correspond in total to 94.15 per cent of the total share capital and the total number of voting rights in Spar Nord Bank.

    The relevant regulatory approvals have been obtained, and the final summation of acceptances confirms that the minimum condition for acceptance is also fulfilled. Nykredit therefore considers that all conditions for completion of the Offer have been fulfilled, and Nykredit intends to complete the Offer on the terms and conditions set out in the Offer Document.

    Settlement

    The Offer is expected to be completed on 28 May 2025, on which date the cash consideration will be paid to the designated account of each Spar Nord Bank shareholder who has validly accepted the Offer and who has not validly withdrawn the acceptance of the Offer.

    Compulsory acquisition, delisting and changes to the management and articles of association

    As Nykredit stands to obtain an ownership interest corresponding to more than 90 per cent of the share capital and the associated voting rights in Spar Nord Bank (excluding treasury shares) upon completion of the Offer, it is Nykredit’s intention, as described in section 7.8 of the Offer Document, to initiate and complete a compulsory acquisition of the shares held by the remaining Spar Nord Bank shareholders in pursuance of sections 70-72 of the Danish Companies Act.

    Nykredit furthermore intends to seek to have the Spar Nord Bank shares removed from trading and official listing on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S as described in section 7.9 of the Offer Document.

    In this connection, Nykredit will request Spar Nord Bank to convene an extraordinary general meeting at which Nykredit, as described in sections 7.4 and 7.5 of the Offer Document, will propose changes to the board of directors of Spar Nord Bank and changes to Spar Nord Bank’s articles of association.

    Detailed information on compulsory acquisition and delisting will be published in separate announcements.

    Additional information

    Contact persons:

    Investor contact:

    Morten Bækmand, Head of Investor Relations, Nykredit (+45 4455 1521)

    Media contact:

    Orhan Gökcen, Head of Press, Nykredit (+45 3121 0639)

    For further information about the Offer, please see: https://www.nykredit.com/en-gb/offer-spar-nord/

    This announcement and the Offer Document (with supplements) are not directed at shareholders of Spar Nord Bank A/S whose participation in the Offer would require the issuance of an offer document, registration or activities other than what is required under Danish law (and, in the case of shareholders in the United States of America, Section 14(e) of, and applicable provisions of Regulation 14E promulgated under, the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). The Offer is not made and will not be made, directly or indirectly, to shareholders resident in any jurisdiction in which the submission of the Offer or acceptance thereof would be in contravention of the laws of such jurisdiction. Any person coming into possession of this announcement, the Offer Document or any other document containing a reference to the Offer is expected and assumed to independently obtain all necessary information about any applicable restrictions and to observe these.

    This announcement does not constitute an offer or an invitation to purchase securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in accordance with the Offer or otherwise. The Offer will be submitted only in the form of the Offer Document (with supplements) approved by the FSA, which sets out the full terms and conditions of the Offer, including information on how to accept the Offer. The shareholders of Spar Nord Bank are advised to read the Offer Document and any related documents as they contain important information.

    Restricted jurisdictions

    The Offer is not made, and acceptance of the Offer to tender Spar Nord Bank shares is not accepted, neither directly nor indirectly, in or from any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction or would require any registration, approval or any other measures with any regulatory authority not expressly contemplated by the Offer Document (the “Restricted Jurisdictions”). Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom is a Restricted Jurisdiction.

    Restricted Jurisdictions include, but are not limited to: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

    Persons obtaining documents or information relating to the Offer (including custodians, account holding institutions, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) should not distribute, communicate, transfer or send these in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction or use mail or any other means of communication in or into a Restricted Jurisdiction in connection with the Offer. Persons (including, but not limited to, custodians, custodian banks, nominees, trustees, representatives, fiduciaries or other intermediaries) intending to communicate this announcement, the Offer Document, supplements or any related document to any jurisdiction outside Denmark or the United States should inform themselves about these restrictions before taking any action. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the laws of such jurisdiction, including securities laws. It is the responsibility of all Persons obtaining this announcement, the Offer Document, supplements, an acceptance form and/or other documents relating to the Offer, or into whose possession such documents otherwise come, to inform themselves about and observe all such restrictions.

    Nykredit is not responsible for ensuring that the distribution, dissemination or communication of this announcement, the Offer Document or supplements to shareholders outside Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom is consistent with applicable law in any jurisdiction other than Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Important Information for Shareholders in the United States

    The Offer concerns the shares in Spar Nord Bank, a public limited liability company incorporated and admitted to trading on a regulated market in Denmark, and is subject to the disclosure and procedural requirements of Danish law, including the Danish capital markets act and the Danish takeover order.

    The Offer is being made to shareholders in Spar Nord Bank in the United States in compliance with the applicable US tender offer rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “U.S. Exchange Act”), including Regulation 14E promulgated thereunder, subject to the relief available for a “Tier II” tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Danish law and practice

    Accordingly, US Spar Nord Bank shareholders should be aware that this announcement and any other documents regarding the Offer have been prepared in accordance with, and will be subject to, the disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments of Danish law and practice, which may differ materially from those applicable under US domestic tender offer law and practice. In addition, the financial information contained in this announcement or the Offer Document has not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or derived therefrom, and may therefore differ from, or not be comparable with, financial information of US companies.

    In accordance with the laws of, and practice in, Denmark and to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, Nykredit, Nykredit’s affiliates or any nominees or brokers of the foregoing (acting as agents, or in a similar capacity, for Nykredit or any of its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly, purchase, or arrange to purchase, outside of the United States, shares in Spar Nord Bank or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares in Spar Nord Bank before or during the period in which the Offer remains open for acceptance. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases will be announced via Nasdaq Copenhagen and relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable law. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Denmark, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform US shareholders of Spar Nord Bank of such information.

    In addition, subject to the applicable laws of Denmark and US securities laws, including Rule 14e-5 under the U.S. Exchange Act, the financial advisers to Nykredit or their respective affiliates may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Spar Nord Bank, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities.

    It may not be possible for US shareholders to effect service of process within the United States upon Spar Nord Bank, Nykredit or any of their respective affiliates, or their respective officers or directors, some or all of which may reside outside the United States, or to enforce against any of them judgments of the United States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States or other US law. It may not be possible to bring an action against Nykredit, Spar Nord Bank and/or their respective officers or directors (as applicable) in a non-US court for violations of US laws. Further, it may not be possible to compel Nykredit and Spar Nord Bank or their respective affiliates, as applicable, to subject themselves to the judgment of a US court. In addition, it may be difficult to enforce in Denmark original actions, or actions for the enforcement of judgments of US courts, based on the civil liability provisions of the US federal securities laws.

    The Offer, if completed, may have consequences under US federal income tax and under applicable US state and local, as well as non-US, tax laws. Each shareholder of Spar Nord Bank is urged to consult its independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Offer.

    NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN ANY STATE OF THE U.S. HAS APPROVED OR DECLINED TO APPROVE THE OFFER OR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, PASSED UPON THE FAIRNESS OR MERITS OF THE OFFER OR PROVIDED AN OPINION AS TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OR ANY OFFER DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.


    1 Executive Order no. 636 of 15 May 2020

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alaska Couple Charged in $700,000 Investment Fraud Scheme Based on Fictitious Alaska Marijuana ‘Bud and Breakfast’

    Source: US FBI

    FAIRBANKS – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging a husband and wife from Delta Junction, Alaska, with conspiracy and wire fraud for perpetrating a years’ long scheme that defrauded nearly two-dozen investors out of over $700,000 dollars.

    According to court documents, from 2017 until 2020, Brian Keith Corty, 52, and his wife Candy Corty, 47, used false and fraudulent claims to solicit investors to buy shares of stock in Ice Fog Holdings, LLC, a company purportedly established to grow, extract, develop, manufacture, and sell products in the medical and recreational marijuana markets in Alaska and other future markets. The defendants purchased the Midway Lodge along the Richardson Highway near Delta Junction, Alaska, and represented to investors that their money would be used to turn it into a “Bud and Breakfast” that would be a “marijuana theme park” and include glass ceilings so Ice Fog’s customers could lie in bed and watch the northern lights. Defendants also represented that they would grow, cultivate, and sell marijuana from the location.

    The defendants and their co-conspirators made numerous material misrepresentations to Ice Fog investors, including that Ice Fog was already generating income via contracts for security services, that Ice Fog would make over $3.85 million in annual sales by year one; over $13.05 million in annual sales by year two; and over $23.24 million by year three with an expected return to investors of 30 times their initial investment. The defendants also represented that inspectors from the Alaska Marijuana Control Office had performed inspections on the Midway Lodge to create the impression that their application to become a licensed marijuana grow and dispensary was in the final stages of approval. Defendants made these representations while knowing that Ice Fog had no meaningful current or prospective revenue stream and little to no prospect to obtain a license from the Alaska Marijuana Control Office.

    Over the course of the scheme, the defendants caused at least 22 individuals to invest in Ice Fog, and raised approximately $722,000 dollars through the sale of “shares” in Ice Fog Holdings, the majority of which the defendants misappropriated for their own personal use.

    U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case with assistance from investigators at the Alaska Department of Law. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Tansey and Tom Bradley for the District of Alaska are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI