NewzIntel.com

Category: Machine Learning

  • MIL-OSI Economics: K-Pop’s Biggest Bands Perform in Los Angeles at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in L.A., Exclusively on Samsung TV Plus

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung TV Plus, the ultimate destination for K-Content, is teaming up with SM Entertainment to bring K-Pop’s biggest performances to the big screen in celebration of its 30th anniversary. As part of this exclusive, Samsung TV Plus will debut a new, dedicated SMTOWN channel–enhancing its commitment to deliver the best-in-class content to K-fans around the world.
    The partnership will kick off its first live event from the Los Angeles Dignity Health Sports Park on May 11th starting at 6 PM PT, with a star studded concert to remember.
    The lineup includes:
    TVXQ!
    SUPER JUNIOR
    KEY, MINHO of SHINee
    SUHO, CHANYEOL, KAI of EXO
    Red Velvet (IRENE, SEULGI, JOY)
    NCT127
    NCT DREAM
    WayV
    aespa
    RIIZE
    NCT WISH
    Hearts2Hearts
    SMTR25
    Now K-Pop fans from around the globe can experience live performances across 18 countries, with concert replays, music videos, and playlists with additional K-Content added to the channel following the SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in L.A. concert.
    “Our partnership with SM Entertainment reflects our continued commitment to leading the K-Content space through bold investments and exclusive experiences,” said Salek Brodsky, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus. “By bringing this milestone event to audiences around the globe, we’re not only celebrating K-Pop’s growing popularity, but further expanding the depth of the Samsung TV Plus K-Content offering, which remains amongst the largest in the world.”
    Samsung TV Plus‘ expansion continues to solidify its position as one of the largest providers of K-Content. From premium titles across a variety of genres like K-Dramas, K-Crime, K-Thrillers, K-Romance, and now K-Pop, its expansive offering showcases the unique crossovers and cultural tie-ins that have made K-Content a global phenomenon.
    For more information on Samsung TV Plus, please visit samsungtvplus.com.
    About Samsung TV Plus
    Samsung TV Plus is a premium global entertainment service and is the most used streaming app on Samsung Smart TVs. As a leader in FAST, Samsung TV Plus offers hundreds of channels and thousands of shows and movies on-demand in the U.S. Globally, the streaming service carries over 3,500 ad-supported linear channels in 30 countries and is accessible on over 630M active devices. Samsung TV Plus is the exclusive home of Conan O’Brien TV, Letterman TV, and hundreds of additional exclusive channels available worldwide. Samsung TV Plus is available on Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices, Samsung Smart Monitor, and Family Hub. To learn more, visit samsungtvplus.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney Announces $202 Million Settlement with Gilead Sciences for Using Speaker Programs to Pay Kickbacks to Doctors to Induce Them to Prescribe Gilead’s Drugs

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    Gilead Admits to Paying Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars to High Prescribers of Gilead’s HIV Drugs to Serve as Speakers at Programs and to Holding Programs at Luxury Restaurants

    Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Naomi Gruchacz, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”); Christopher M. Silvestro, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (“DCIS”), the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General (“DOD-OIG”); and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that the U.S. has settled a civil fraud lawsuit against GILEAD SCIENCES, INC (“GILEAD”), a large pharmaceutical manufacturer, that, among other things, develops, manufactures, and sells drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The settlement resolves claims that GILEAD offered and paid kickbacks in the form of honoraria payments, meals, and travel expenses to healthcare practitioners who spoke at or attended Gilead speaker events to induce them to prescribe Stribild®, Genvoya®, Complera®, Odefsey®, Descovy®, and Biktarvy® (the “Gilead HIV Drugs”) in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”) and thereby caused false claims for the Gilead HIV Drugs to be submitted to and paid by federal healthcare programs in violation of the False Claims Act.

    Under the settlement, which was approved yesterday by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, GILEAD agreed to pay a total sum of $202 million, of which $176,927,889.28 will be paid to the U.S. and the remainder will be paid to various states.  As part of the settlement, GILEAD also made extensive factual admissions regarding its conduct.

    U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “For years, Gilead unlawfully sought to increase sales of its HIV drugs, by using its speaker programs to funnel kickbacks to doctors.  As alleged, Gilead spent tens of millions of dollars on these programs, including over $20 million in speaking fees and millions more in exorbitant meals, alcohol and travel, all in an effort to induce doctors to prescribe Gilead’s HIV drugs and drive up sales.  With this settlement, Gilead has taken responsibility for its conduct and agreed to pay a significant financial penalty.  The message is clear, companies that illegally drain taxpayer dollars from federal healthcare programs will be held accountable.”

    HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz said: “This impactful settlement is the result of collaborative work by law enforcement partners, revealing Gilead’s unlawful practice of providing kickbacks to physicians under the guise of its HIV educational speaker programs.  Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, which in this case involved expensive HIV medications, can inappropriately influence physicians’ decision-making and divert the monies of taxpayer-funded federal healthcare programs.”

    DCIS Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Silvestro: “This settlement is the result of the partnership among law enforcement and the Department of Justice to aggressively investigate and hold accountable companies and their employees who value greed over healthcare.  Protecting TRICARE, the healthcare system for Service members and their families, and investigating kickback schemes are priorities for DCIS.”

    FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “This settlement ensures Gilead is held accountable for their illicit use of perks and kickbacks to entice doctors to prescribe the company’s medicine.  These types of schemes are not victimless – illegal kickbacks directly affect taxpayer funded healthcare programs.  The FBI will continue to investigate and stop healthcare companies attempting to benefit from deceitful and illegal practices.”

    As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:

    The Gilead HIV Drugs are antiretroviral drugs (i.e., drugs that act against retroviruses such as HIV) used for the treatment of HIV.  These drugs are very expensive—Medicare typically paid well in excess of a thousand dollars for a one-month supply of Complera®, and significantly more for many of the other Gilead HIV Drugs.

    As part of its marketing efforts and to increase sales, Gilead conducted events known as “HIV Speaker Programs” at which a healthcare provider involved in the treatment of HIV was engaged to present a slide deck (prepared by Gilead) and facilitate discussion about one of the drugs or a topic concerning HIV (an “HIV Disease State Topic”) to other healthcare providers involved in the treatment of HIV (“Attendees”).  Gilead’s HIV Speaker Programs were often held in the evening at restaurants (“HIV Dinner Programs”).

    From January 2011 to November 2017 (the “Relevant Time Period”), Gilead conducted HIV Speaker Programs in order to promote and increase the sales of the Gilead HIV Drugs.  The HIV Speaker Programs were supposed to be educational in nature and the cost of any meals provided was supposed to be modest.  But in practice, during the Relevant Time Period, Gilead’s HIV Speaker Programs provided kickbacks to healthcare providers by: holding HIV Dinner Programs at high-end restaurants that were wholly inappropriate for educational events; allowing Attendees to attend HIV Dinner Programs on the exact same topic again and again and, thereby, obtain free lavish meals for events that held minimal educational value for them; and paying for HIV Speakers to travel to speak at desirable destinations—at times at the HIV Speaker’s request.  Further, Gilead’s compliance program failed to prevent these improper practices, even though Gilead knew that it had to comply with the AKS and the company’s own data should have put Gilead on notice of many of these abuses. 

    Many healthcare providers who received these improper kickbacks then prescribed the Gilead HIV Drugs.  As a result, federal healthcare programs paid millions of dollars in reimbursements for tainted prescriptions.

    As part of the settlement, GILEAD admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged by the U.S., including the following:

    • Gilead paid many high-volume prescribers of HIV drugs tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in honoraria to prepare and present as HIV Speakers.  For instance, one HIV Speaker, who received over $300,000 in total honorarium payments, wrote prescriptions for Gilead HIV Drugs that resulted in over $6 million in Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE payments.
    • On many occasions, Gilead covered the travel costs of HIV Speakers who traveled long distances to speak at HIV Speaker Programs at desirable travel destinations, such as Hawaii, Miami, and New Orleans.  This was sometimes in response to an HIV Speaker’s request to be booked for an HIV Speaker Program in that city.
    • Sales representatives in Gilead’s HIV therapeutic area (“Sales Representatives”) organized HIV Speaker Programs at high-end restaurants across the country.  For instance, a significant percentage of the HIV Speaker Programs held in New York City were held at expensive restaurants, such as the James Beard House, Del Posto, Asiate, Palma, Vaucluse, Ilili, and Limani.  In particular, Gilead held 157 HIV Speaker Programs at the James Beard House, making it one of Gilead’s most used venues for HIV Speaker Programs.  A dinner at the James Beard House typically included approximately six courses with alcoholic beverage pairings.
    • Sales Representatives repeatedly invited numerous doctors and other healthcare providers to attend the same HIV program over and over.  Many repeatedly attended HIV Speaker Programs covering the exact same topic, often within a short period of time.
    • Over 250 prescribers of the Gilead HIV Drugs attended HIV Dinner Programs on the same topic three times or more within a six-month period.  And over 80 of them attended five or more HIV Dinner Programs on the same topic within a six-month period.
    • Further, many healthcare providers who were paid to be HIV Speakers on a particular topic also attended HIV Dinner Programs on exactly the same topic, often within less than six months after speaking.
    • In certain instances, the same group of doctors repeatedly attended the same HIV Speaker Programs together at various restaurants.  In many instances, they attended a HIV Dinner Program less than two weeks after speaking on the same topic.
    • During the Relevant Time Period, Gilead’s policies and procedures failed to prevent Sales Representatives and Regional Directors in its HIV therapeutic area from improperly providing honoraria payments, meals, and travel expenses to healthcare providers who spoke at or attended HIV Speaker Programs to induce them to prescribe the Gilead HIV Drugs. 

    In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.

    *                *                *

    Mr. Clayton thanked the New York Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their extensive collaboration in the investigation and resolution of this case, and also praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, HHS-OIG and DCIS.

    The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob M. Bergman, Allison M. Rovner, Rebecca S. Tinio, and Lucas Issacharoff are in charge of the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Diamond Lake Minerals Launches Advanced Materials & IP Division and Files Inaugural Provisional Patent for Physics-Informed Valuation Technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diamond Lake Minerals, Inc. (OTC: DLMI), a multi-strategy operating company focused on digital assets and SEC-registered security tokens, today announced the formation of its Advanced Materials & IP Division (AMIPD)-a wholly integrated division within DLMI that will spearhead the Company’s exploration into frontier intellectual property over the coming decade. AMIPD functions as a direct extension of DLMI; all IP and activity under AMIPD are wholly owned and controlled by DLMI.

    The division’s launch is marked by the Company’s first provisional patent filing under this new initiative, signaling the beginning of what DLMI anticipates will be a robust, multi-tiered patent portfolio. While AMIPD will serve as a strategic hub for innovation, its core function is to operationalize and commercialize advanced valuation technologies developed or acquired by DLMI, rather than independently orchestrate innovation.

    Cornerstone Filing – A Platform for IP Development

    On April 25, 2025, DLMI submitted U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/794,608, titled “Integrated System and Method for Valuation of Emerging Technologies in Physical Artifacts Utilizing Physics-Informed Replication Cost Modeling.” The application was co-invented by Mourad E. Mazouni, DLMI’s Head of Technical Strategy, and Brian J. Esposito, Chief Executive Officer. Ownership of the application resides with Diamond Lake Minerals, INC. The patent proposes a valuation model that integrates physics-based replication cost modeling with probabilistic real-options analysis to assess emerging and unconventional physical technologies.

    While the model offers a structured, repeatable approach to valuation, it does not replicate materials. Instead, it aims to support DLMI’s broader efforts to assign credible value estimates to advanced technologies, as the basis and support for internal analysis, strategic licensing and future digital asset offerings.

    Key Implications

    • Portfolio Architecture: Filing No. 63/794,608-internally referred to as “Series A-1”-represents the valuation which may provide the foundation of a layered IP architecture targeting emerging materials.
    • Licensing Enablement: The model, if validated through industry adoption, may help structure more transparent value frameworks for nascent technologies in sectors such as advanced composites and energy systems.
    • Potential Digital Asset Integration: DLMI anticipates the valuation framework may support security token offerings (STOs). However, integration will depend on third-party audit validation and regulatory acceptance, which have not yet been secured.

    Strategic Objectives – Subject to Execution Risk

    DLMI has defined the following preliminary goals for AMIPD, all of which are subject to market conditions, regulatory developments, and resource constraints:

    1. Intellectual Property Development – Leverage DLMI’s internal R&D and external collaborations to file patents in key domains, including advanced alloys and AI-manufactured substrates. Actual results may vary based on execution capacity and competitive disclosures.
    2. Monetization Pathways – Explore dual strategies involving traditional licensing/JVs and blockchain-based fractionalization. Monetization timelines and success rates are inherently uncertain.
    3. Innovation Partnerships – Form an advisory Innovation Council with academic and federal stakeholders. Outcomes are dependent on partnership traction and funding alignment.

    Leadership Commentary

    Brian J. Esposito, CEO of DLMI:

    “With AMIPD, we’re laying the groundwork for a sustainable IP strategy. Each filing, starting with Series A-1, aims to position DLMI to derive long-term value across technical and financial domains. That said, we are mindful of the complexity and cost involved and are proceeding with a phased, realistic approach.”

    Mourad E. Mazouni, Head of Technical Strategy, AMIPD:

    “This first filing provides DLMI with a structured framework to evaluate novel technologies. While not a solution in itself, it is a steppingstone toward building tools that help identify, assess, and potentially capitalize on high-potential innovations.”

    Understanding the Limitations of Provisional Patents

    DLMI’s provisional patent filing is an initial step and does not confer enforceable rights. Key considerations include:

    • Lack of Substantive Review: Provisional patents are not examined and may create a false sense of protection.
    • Strict One-Year Deadline: A nonprovisional application must be filed within 12 months to maintain the original filing date.
    • Disclosure Risks: Due to reduced filing requirements, there is a risk of insufficient detail in the application.
    • Limited International Applicability: Provisional applications are not recognized globally; separate filings will be required for international protection.

    Roadmap – Subject to Change

    Phase Timeline Goals Deliverables
    Seed &
    Validation    		 2025–
    2026    		 Initial filings and valuation prototypes Series A patent family
    Expansion &
    Layering    		 2026–
    2028    		 Convert to nonprovisionals; file PCTs; add continuations Series B–C patent families
    Monetization 2027–
    2029    		 Explore STOs; pilot licenses (subject to negotiations) Potential revenue, if achieved
    Global
    Fortification    		 2028–
    2030    		 Secure patents abroad; form licensing alliances IP footprint expansion (aspired)

    All forward-looking statements above are dependent on internal development timelines, regulatory approvals, partnership engagement, and capital availability. DLMI does not guarantee specific outcomes and disclaims any obligation to update this roadmap in the absence of material developments.

    About Diamond Lake Minerals, Inc. 

    Founded in Utah in 1954, Diamond Lake Minerals, Inc. (OTC: DLMI) is a multi-strategy operating company that specializes in the development and support of digital assets and SEC-registered security tokens. Our goal is to responsibly innovate and develop valuable traditional businesses and successfully combine them with the future of money and digital assets. Our mission is to bring back to the public markets timeless business principles that are focused on healthy sustainable growth and strong earnings that generate yields combined in a modern digital world creating value for our stakeholders. DLMI is positioning itself as an industry-agnostic leader in the digital asset and security token space.

    Safe Harbor Statement 

    This release contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by DLMI and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management’s current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “will” and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. 

    Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash, and other measures of financial performance. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause DLMI’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but are not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for DLMI’s products and services, the effects of competition, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. 

    Company Contact:

    Gary Zlobinskiy

    ir@diamondlakeminerals.com

    https://diamondlakeminerals.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Testimonials] Positive Impact of Samsung Innovation Campus on WSU Students

    Source: Samsung

    In today’s digital age, traditional qualifications alone are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the local economy – practical skills, problem-solving abilities and technological fluency are now also essential to develop work-ready job seekers and entrepreneurs with in-demand skills needed by the local economy.
     
    In response to this need, Samsung has – over the years through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives such as the global Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) – collaborated with esteemed academic institutions such as the Walter Sisulu University (WSU). This strategic partnership was formed in an effort to bridge the gap between traditional education and the demand for skills training tailored specifically for the current job market that requires modern tech expertise.
     
    Importantly, Samsung recognises how essential SIC is in driving economic growth and technological advancement in South Africa and the continent as a whole. This partnership with WSU therefore, aims to provide ICT education to students from underserved communities in the Eastern Cape. This global SIC programme is designed to provide practical, cutting-edge training in digital skills and has since inception, also trained participants on a range of soft skills to foster talented youth who will go on to shape the future society. This SIC programme is a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to continue addressing the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
     
    These are some of the reasons why Samsung has remained dedicated to making a long-term social impact by investing in education, youth skills training and technological innovation. Over the years, the company has invested in youth development and workforce skills training by equipping students with in-demand digital skills needed by the local economy.
    Along with core competencies such as artificial intelligence (AI) as well as Coding and Programming (C&P) training in Python – SIC has been providing progressive knowledge to students ensuring that they are both academically qualified and industry work-ready.
     
    These high-demand skills are positioning the country’s youth for careers in technology-driven sectors and entrepreneurship. The institution is making these incredible strides because it has long recognised that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping education, work and daily life. WSU has now also ensured that technology is integrated into its teaching, research and student development initiatives. Importantly, the university has now made sure that digital transformation has become a strategic priority, by establishing an AI Centre that will serve as a hub for advanced digital skills training, research and innovation.
    For Samsung’s CSR initiatives, measurable impact on the country’s youth including young women has always been essential. This SIC programme has now touched the lives of about 71 young people at WSU – a combination of both males and females. With this programme, WSU students have now been prepared for careers in technology by creating both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that will help them make a positive impact on society. For this reason, Samsung spoke to some alumni students about their experience in the programme and this, is what they had to say:
     
    A graduate and an alumni from the WSU-SIC programme who is originally from Lusikisiki, Atsho Nota has a diploma in Application Development studies which she believes has given her a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving.

    Atsho has always been passionate about technology and how it can be used to improve people’s lives. She added that this programme has made a significant difference in her personal and professional growth.
     
    “It has given me the opportunity to develop hands-on technical skills”, she explained: “I’ve now gained industry experience and it has improved my confidence in working with advanced technology. Also, the practical training has enhanced my problem-solving abilities significantly and prepared me for real-world challenges in the tech industry,” she added. Atsho’s future plans include advancing her career in the tech industry, possibly specialising in software development. She hopes to use her skills to contribute to innovative solutions and maybe even start her own business in the future. Atsho also wants to continue learning and growing in the field of technology to stay updated with industry advancements.
     
    Another impressive alumni student from the SIC programme is Lazola Leonardo Mbangata, who is currently running his own start-up company called Xero Technologies, while also pursuing a postgraduate degree – majoring in Software development. Born and raised in Butterworth, this young man has various certifications in data science and cyber security. For Lazola, this SIC programme has played a crucial role in his career and advancement in IT.
     

     
    He believes that studying Python and AI has advanced his development skills and enhanced his projects for automation and usability – thus bringing him one step closer to his future goal of AI security. “I decided to sign up for the programme because of my interest in AI and Python because I believed that this would grow my mind and understanding in the field, he said. “Also, working with a big company like Samsung was potentially an opportunity for crucial doors to be opened for me.”
     
    What Lazola found most interesting during the SIC lessons is the diversity in IT and the opportunity to not only build software but also to deal with software management and publishing. These skills that Lazola acquired have ensured that his business is on track for success. What is still a bit of a challenge is finding local clients, however he’s still quite determined and very optimistic.
     
    For Samsung, this partnership with WSU exemplifies the kind of university-industry collaboration that has ensured that together, they can continue training the leaders of tomorrow to use AI tools and other innovative technology platforms to effectively maximise the benefits of these new and exciting emerging technologies in their future careers.
    These testimonies are proof that this SIC initiative not only enhances individual career prospects, but also contributes significantly to building a group of resilient and future-ready workforce as well as technology entrepreneurs. Samsung’s efforts underscore its broader commitment to technological innovation and sustainable community development in the country.
     
    Sinethemba Mpambane, DVC: Institutional Support and Development at WSU said: “In a country that is facing significant youth unemployment, this SIC curriculum is a game-changer as it offers students direct access to opportunities in AI, software development and digital solutions, while also fostering innovation and problem-solving. As WSU, we are now looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with Samsung, expanding these programmes and continuing to empower students with future-ready skills.”
     

     
    Mpambane added that all these WSU-driven initiatives will complement this SIC programme by providing a platform for students and industry partners to engage in cutting-edge AI-driven projects. For WSU – the impact of this SIC programme is clear. Graduates are leaving with more than just certificates; they possess tangible, in-demand skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
     
    And furthermore, WSU in partnership with Samsung is committed to shaping the next generation of African technology leaders. This institution is seeking to become an impactful, technology-infused African university that remains relevant in today’s digital world, while preparing its students for the future. The SIC programme is but one of the ways of ensuring that WSU achieves its vision for the future.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    On World Press Freedom Day, France reaffirms its commitment to the freedom to inform and be informed, which is essential to all democratic societies, and condemns the violence committed against journalists and media professionals, information manipulation campaigns, and restrictions on freedom of the press in many countries across the globe.

    France reiterates its commitment to freedom of the press and expression and the protection of journalists and media professionals everywhere in the world. It pays tribute to those who are risking their life on a daily basis to convey free, plural and reliable information that is critical to democracy, as well as to those who have lost their lives doing their job. It is with this in mind that the second annual Anna Politkovskaya-Arman Soldin Prize was awarded in November 2024.

    This year marked the tenth anniversary of UNSC Resolution 2222 on the protection of journalists in armed conflicts, adopted in May 2015 at the instigation of France and Lithuania. This resolution recalls that journalists must be protected, including in the most dangerous contexts, and attacks on their safety are unacceptable. France condemns the increase in the number of journalists killed or wounded on the job. Journalists are protected by international humanitarian law as are all civilians. France will champion a resolution on the protection of journalists at the Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva from 16 June to 11 July 2025.

    France is pursuing its efforts to rally support from the international community for a global space of free, democratic and trustworthy information through the Information and Democracy Partnership, which brings together 55 States. France is contributing to media pluralism and economic sustainability of independent media via Canal France International (CFI) and its contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM). France supports the Journalism Trust Initiative, an international norm developed by Reporters Without Borders to promote reliable information sources and journalism that complies with an ethical framework.

    At a time when artificial intelligence is upending the media ecosystem, new risks are emerging including uncontrolled automation of information, manipulation of algorithms, amplification of unauthentic content, and large-scale manipulation of information. France is working to build inclusive and lasting international governance of artificial intelligence, having it serve the general interest and uphold human rights. It supported the adoption of the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law in 2024 at the Council of Europe. This is also the reason for the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet adopted on 11 February 2025 at the AI Action Summit. Amid the era of artificial intelligence and in light of Resolution 2222, France reaffirms that informing is not a crime, but a common good to be protected.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cerence AI and Code Factory Collaborate to Bring Voice-Powered Interaction to Self-Service Kiosks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BURLINGTON, Mass., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) (“Cerence AI”), a global leader pioneering conversational AI-powered user experiences, today announced an expanded collaboration with its long-time partner and distributor, Code Factory, to introduce VoiceTopping, a new solution that will bring conversational AI to self-service kiosks in a variety of industries. The announcement marks an important step as Cerence AI begins its strategic expansion into new markets, bringing the power of voice interaction to user experiences beyond automotive.

    VoiceTopping integrates embedded voice interaction technology into existing self-service kiosks, adding natural, spoken communication that enables users to hear and respond to on-screen information using their voice. Leveraging Cerence conversational AI, including core voice technologies and speech signal enhancement, VoiceTopping will help make engaging with kiosks simpler and more user-friendly, even in noisy environments. The solution will be particularly relevant in restaurant and hospitality, retail and self-checkout, healthcare, transportation, banking, and entertainment settings. With VoiceTopping, a typical user interaction could go as follows:

    • Kiosk: Hi, how can I help you today?
    • User: Could I see the menu, please?
    • Kiosk: Here you go! (Kiosk displays menu on screen.)
    • User: Show me the burger selection.
    • Kiosk showcases all burgers on screen.
    • User: I would like a Pulled Pork Burger – with BBQ sauce and no onions.
    • Kiosk: Here you go! (Kiosk adds burger to cart.) Would you like to add a drink, or anything else?
    • User: Add a Coke Zero, please.
    • Kiosk: Here you go! (Kiosk adds beverage to cart.)
    • User: That’s everything – I’m ready to check out.
    • Kiosk: Which payment method would you like to use?
    • User: Card, please.
    • Kiosk shows order total and tip options. User completes the transaction.
    • Kiosk: You’re all set!

    “With our decades of experience in conversational AI in the car, we are well versed in the power that voice interaction has to transform user experiences across a wide variety of sectors,” said Brian Krzanich, CEO, Cerence AI. “Expanding our long-term partnership with Code Factory to work together to address the self-service kiosk market is a natural evolution of our technology. Our proven solutions are perfectly suited to transform kiosk experiences, making them faster, more intuitive, and more accessible for users across industries.”

    For users, VoiceTopping will deliver an enhanced UX that enables them to quickly communicate with the kiosk via voice. In addition, as a touchless solution, VoiceTopping will enhance accessibility, a critical step as accessibility requirements, including the European Accessibility Act (EAA), are coming into effect worldwide. For kiosk manufacturers, integration and deployment will be simple – VoiceTopping is a plug-and-play solution that seamlessly integrates with the kiosk, enabling added capabilities without the need for extensive hardware modifications. Ongoing development efforts are enhancing the technology behind VoiceTopping, bringing improved experiences to users.

    “Self-service kiosks are evolving to emulate more human-like interactions, closely replicating the experience of speaking with a human attendant,” said Melanie Endres, CEO, Code Factory. “By leveraging industry-leading voice technology from Cerence AI, VoiceTopping is uniquely positioned for this transformation, enhancing users’ interaction experience with kiosks while also improving manufacturers’ accessibility compliance with evolving regulations in different countries.”

    For more information about VoiceTopping, visit www.voicetopping.com/. To learn more about Cerence AI, visit www.cerence.ai, and follow the company on LinkedIn.

    About Cerence Inc.
    Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 500 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. For more information, visit www.cerence.ai.

    Contact Information

    Kate Hickman | Tel: 339-215-4583 | Email: kate.hickman@cerence.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Valueex (VUEE) Exchange Opens IEO Window, Leading New Opportunities in Global Blockchain Investment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fresno, CA, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an era where blockchain technology and digital assets are rapidly rising, Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) have become an important avenue for investors to engage with emerging projects. Valueex Exchange (VUEE), a technology-driven global fintech platform, has officially announced the launch of its IEO window, providing global investors with secure, transparent, and efficient investment opportunities in blockchain projects. With its advanced technology, strict compliance, and outstanding market performance, VUEE is becoming a pioneer in the IEO space, helping investors seize new opportunities in the digital economy.

    IEO Window: Connecting Innovation and Wealth

    Established in 2023 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Valueex Exchange is founded by a team of top experts in the fintech field, dedicated to creating a leading global one-stop trading platform. VUEE’s IEO window will provide investors with direct access to high-quality blockchain projects, covering cutting-edge areas such as decentralized finance (DeFi), Web3 applications, and metaverse technology. Through VUEE’s IEO platform, investors can acquire rigorously vetted high-potential project tokens, enjoying the value appreciation opportunities of early investments.

    The IEO process at VUEE is user-centric, leveraging an advanced technological framework to ensure a simple and efficient participation experience. The platform supports stablecoin transactions (such as USDT and USDC), reducing the complexities of cross-border investments, while utilizing AI-driven analytical tools to provide users with project evaluations and investment recommendations. Whether for blockchain-curious newcomers or seasoned investors seeking high returns, VUEE’s IEO window offers a secure and trustworthy entry point for investment.

    Compliance and Security: The Solid Assurance of IEO

    Valueex Exchange understands that trust is key to the success of IEOs. The platform holds two authoritative licenses: a U.S. Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and a Money Services Business (MSB), and is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It strictly adheres to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. VUEE’s screening process for IEO projects is particularly rigorous, requiring all listed blockchain projects to pass multiple rounds of due diligence to ensure their technical feasibility, team backgrounds, and market potential.

    By collaborating with global regulatory bodies and leading companies in the blockchain industry, VUEE has built a robust compliance and security ecosystem. Its blockchain technology applications and multilayer encryption protocols safeguard user funds and transaction data, providing a worry-free investment environment for IEO participants. U.S. investors can receive localized support through VUEE’s studio in Fresno, California (address: 265 E River Park Circle, Fresno, CA 93720), further enhancing participation confidence.

    Technological and Market Advantages: The Cornerstone of IEO Success

    Valueex Exchange’s IEO window relies on its advanced technology platform to offer users a seamless investment experience. The platform’s high-frequency trading system and blockchain integration technology ensure fast and stable transactions during the IEO period. Its AI-driven one-click financial tool intelligently recommends suitable IEO projects based on user risk preferences, helping investors optimize returns. The stablecoin trading model allows global users to participate in investments with dollar-pegged assets, mitigating exchange rate fluctuation risks.

    VUEE’s market performance further substantiates its potential in the IEO space. Since its inception, the platform has attracted over 500,000 registered users globally, with an average daily trading volume exceeding $1 billion. After entering the U.S. market in 2025, VUEE quickly garnered support from 30,000 American users, showcasing its strong brand appeal. This market trust lays a solid foundation for the success of the IEO window, attracting numerous high-quality blockchain projects to choose VUEE as their issuance platform.

    Future Vision: IEO Driving Global Innovation

    The IEO window at Valueex Exchange is not only an opportunity for investors but also a catalyst for innovation in the blockchain industry. VUEE plans to support more transformative projects through IEOs, promoting global development in areas such as DeFi, NFTs, and the metaverse. The platform will continue to deepen its technological research and development, optimize the IEO process, and expand into European, Asian, and South American markets, providing global investors with more diversified blockchain investment options.

    A VUEE spokesperson stated, “The IEO window is another milestone in empowering global investors. With stringent compliance standards and leading technology, VUEE is committed to offering users secure and efficient blockchain investment channels, helping them seize opportunities in the digital economy.”

    Seize the IEO Opportunity, Join Valueex

    Valueex Exchange’s IEO window opens the door to the future of blockchain for investors. Whether exploring the potential of emerging projects or realizing global asset appreciation, VUEE offers a trustworthy platform. Visit valueexchanges.com to learn more about the IEO window and join the global blockchain investment wave.

    Media Contact:
    Valueex Exchange

    Email: service@valueexchanges.com

    Website: valueexchanges.com

    Contact Person: SILAMPARASAN RAJIN DRAN

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BigCommerce Taps Technology Industry Veteran with Strong Record of Innovation as Chief Product Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading provider of open, composable commerce solutions for B2C and B2B brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors, today announced that Vipul Shah has joined the company as its new Chief Product Officer, bringing over two decades of experience building innovative products and business models at PayPal, Google, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo.

    At BigCommerce, Shah leads product management, product design and product strategy groups across all three of the company’s products – BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift.

    “Vipul brings an unmatched record of innovation across a range of industries. That experience will be crucial to helping us unite BigCommerce, Feedonomics, and Makeswift under one holistic product strategy,” said Travis Hess, CEO at BigCommerce. “Beyond that proven technical expertise, he is also a great culture fit for BigCommerce and shares our vision for the company moving forward.”

    Prior to BigCommerce, Shah was president and chief operating officer of venture capital-backed NEXT Trucking, where he helped digitize shipping container movement and modernize broken supply chain processes exposed during the pandemic.

    Passionate about technology and its potential to help people, Shah began his career designing aircraft engines and later worked with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to improve drug development processes. Influenced by the economic disparity he observed growing up in India, Greece and the United States, Shah then tackled the world of banking and fintech with the goal of driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Over 20 years at PayPal, Google, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo, Shah has built innovative products and business models to help consumers and businesses worldwide capitalize on the burgeoning digital economy.

    “My personal experiences have always shaped my professional work, and I’m excited to bring my perspective to BigCommerce and the broader ecommerce industry,” Shah said. “As AI ushers in a new era of ecommerce, BigCommerce, Feedonomics and Makeswift have a tremendous opportunity to deliver powerful innovation, engaging customer experiences and meaningful growth for our global community of merchants and partners.”

    Learn more about BigCommerce’s leadership team here: https://www.bigcommerce.com/company/leaders/

    About BigCommerce
    BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    BigCommerce® is a registered trademark of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact:
    Brad Hem
    pr@bigcommerce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iBio’s First-in-Class Activin E Antibody Achieves >26% Fat Reduction Without Muscle Loss and Shows Synergy with GLP-1s in Preclinical Model

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Activin E antibody demonstrates significant decrease in fat in obese mice by reducing visceral fat depots, which are strongly linked to increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, resulting in a 26% reduction in fat mass with no loss in muscle
    • Strong synergistic effect on fat mass (77% reduction) was observed when the Activin E antibody was combined with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, resulting in total weight loss of 35.3%, 7.5% greater than GLP-1 alone

    SAN DIEGO, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iBio, Inc. (Nasdaq: IBIO), an AI-driven innovator of precision antibody therapies, today announced new promising preclinical data for its first-in-class Activin E antibody unveiled in January. Data from the recently completed 4-week study in diet-induced obese mice show a 26% reduction in fat mass following treatment with the Activin E antibody, with muscle mass fully preserved. These findings highlight a significant fat loss can be achieved without the double-digit weight reductions typically required by other obesity drugs.

    GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective at promoting weight loss. However, they can also reduce lean body mass, including muscle, which may limit some of the intended health benefits. In contrast, fat-specific weight loss is considered a higher-quality form of weight loss. It reduces fat—linked to lower risk of heart and metabolic diseases—while preserving muscle, which helps maintain strength, supports a healthy metabolism, and may prevent or reduce weight regain over time.

    “We believe achieving high-quality weight loss, by reducing fat mass while preserving muscle, is essential in addressing the obesity epidemic,” said Martin Brenner, DVM, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of iBio. “For example, a person with a BMI of 30 is classified as obese and often has a body fat percentage exceeding 25%. Reducing fat by 25% while maintaining muscle mass and strength could shift them into a healthier weight category without compromising physical function.”

    The study also analyzed specific fat depots in obese mice and found a significant 31% reduction in subcutaneous fat. More notably, reductions of 34% and 37% were observed in the epididymal and retroperitoneal fat depots, respectively—both of which are forms of visceral fat closely linked to increased risk of cardiometabolic disease. When combined with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, the Activin E antibody produced additive effects, reducing total fat mass by 77%. Subcutaneous fat loss increased to 74%, while visceral fat depots—epididymal and retroperitoneal—were reduced by 69% and 81%, respectively. The data was presented at the 14th International BMP Conference that occurred May 2–6 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

    About iBio, Inc.

    iBio (Nasdaq: IBIO) is a cutting-edge biotech company leveraging AI and advanced computational biology to develop next-generation biopharmaceuticals for cardiometabolic diseases, obesity, cancer and other hard-to-treat diseases. By combining proprietary 3D modeling with innovative drug discovery platforms, iBio is creating a pipeline of breakthrough antibody treatments to address significant unmet medical needs. Our mission is to transform drug discovery, accelerate development timelines, and unlock new possibilities in precision medicine.  For more information, visit www.ibioinc.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and include statements regarding the therapeutic potential of Activin E as a target for cardiometabolic disorders and obesity; Activin E being a promising novel therapeutic target whose inhibition is believed to induce fat-selective weight loss and offer protection against obesity and cardiometabolic disease; plans to rapidly advance testing of the antibody in more complex models; the in-licensed antibody being the first functional inhibitor of Activin E; inhibiting Activin E-mediated signaling offering a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce internal abdominal fat while preserving muscle mass potentially reversing obesity, preventing diabetes, and improving overall cardiometabolic health. As one of several cellular components involved in cardiometabolic regulation; Activin E, along with amylin, GLP-1 and others, having the potential to be targeted simultaneously to yield synergistic benefits for patients; and the antibody having the potential to deliver meaningful benefits to patients. While iBio believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the ability of Activin E to be a successful target for cardiometabolic disorders and obesity and iBio’s antibody to induce fat-selective weight loss and offer protection against obesity and cardiometabolic disease; iBio’s ability to obtain regulatory approvals for commercialization of its product candidates, or to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements; regulatory limitations relating to iBio’s ability to promote or commercialize its product candidates for specific indications; acceptance of iBio’s product candidates in the marketplace and the successful development, marketing or sale of products; and whether iBio will incur unforeseen expenses or liabilities or other market factors; and the other factors discussed in iBio’s filings with the SEC including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024 and its subsequent filings with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and iBio undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Corporate Contact:
    iBio, Inc.
    Investor Relations
    ir@ibioinc.com

    Media Contacts:
    Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D., or David Schull
    Russo Partners, LLC
    Ignacio.guerrero-ros@russopartnersllc.com
    David.schull@russopartnersllc.com
    (858) 717-2310 or (646) 942-5604

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: IDI Integrates with Ping Identity’s PingOne DaVinci to Deliver Powerful Identity Insights Across the Consumer Journey

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOCA RATON, Fla., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Interactive Data, LLC (“IDI”), a red violet company (NASDAQ: RDVT) and leader in identity verification and risk mitigation, today announced a new integration with Ping Identity, a leader in securing digital identities for the world’s largest enterprises, which leverages PingOne DaVinci™, a no-code identity orchestration service. The strategic relationship will expand industry access to IDI’s leading AI/ML-powered technology platform and comprehensive identity graph of consumer identity insights, enabling relying parties to verify identities, manage risk, and detect and prevent fraud, all while mitigating friction and enhancing the consumer experience.

    IDI joins a growing network of technology partners developing integrations with DaVinci through the Ping Identity Global Technology Partner Program. Partner solutions that integrate with DaVinci deliver an improved customer experience in a fraction of the time, through easy drag-and-drop design of digital user journeys across multiple applications and ecosystems.

    IDI’s coreIDENTITY™ DaVinci connector offers a comprehensive and highly configurable suite of identity solutions for the full consumer lifecycle, including:

    Identity Data Verification: Instantly verify the trustworthiness of claimed identity attributes such as name, Social Security number (SSN), date of birth, and address.

    Identity Data Refresh: Seamlessly update consumer records and improve contact rates with up-to-date phone numbers, emails, and mailing addresses.

    Application Pre-fill: Reduce friction and meet consumer privacy expectations by leveraging IDI to instantly and reliably pre-fill online application forms.

    Fraud Detection and Prevention: Detect and prevent fraud with access to IDI’s synthetic ID flag and other risk indicators associated with a consumer’s SSN, address history, criminal background, phone signals, and more.

    KYC Compliance: Facilitate compliance with KYC requirements via OFAC and other authoritative data sources available via coreIDENTITY.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Ping Identity to expand access to IDI’s ground-breaking suite of identity intelligence solutions,” said James Frasche, Chief Operating Officer at IDI. “This alliance underscores our commitment to innovation and makes it easier than ever for businesses and public sector agencies to seamlessly integrate IDI’s insights into their workflows. Together, we’re empowering organizations to make smarter, faster decisions with unparalleled confidence.”

    “Ping Identity is committed to expanding our technology partner ecosystem to deliver better, more frictionless customer experiences,” said Loren Russon, SVP of product management at Ping Identity. “Our collaboration with IDI leverages DaVinci’s seamless orchestration to ensure dynamic user journeys are delivered quickly and efficiently at every stage of the user journey.”

    For more information on IDI’s work with Ping Identity click here.

    About IDI
    At IDI, we deliver innovative identity intelligence solutions. Our proprietary technologies and advanced analytical capabilities empower organizations to operate with confidence, providing real-time identification and location of individuals, businesses, assets, and their interrelationships. With a focus on identity verification, risk mitigation, due diligence, fraud detection and prevention, regulatory compliance, and customer acquisition, our intelligent platform, CORE™, caters to organizations of all sizes, transforming data into intelligence for frictionless commerce, safety, and reduced fraud.

    For more information, please visit www.ididata.com.

    About Ping Identity
    Ping delivers unforgettable user experiences and uncompromising security. We make crafting digital experiences simple for any type of user—partners, customers, employees, and beyond. We are anti-lock-in. That means integration with existing ecosystems, clouds, and on-prem technologies is simple. Out-of-the-box templates let businesses leverage our identity expertise to give their users frictionless experiences. Whether they’re building a foundation of modern digital identity, or out-innovating their competitors with cutting-edge services like digital credentials, AI-driven fraud prevention and governance, Ping is the one-stop shop for game-changing digital identity.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA), which statements may be identified by words such as “expects,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate,” “believes,” “should,” “intends,” “estimates,” and other words of similar meaning. Such forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond our control and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations, including whether the strategic relationship between IDI and Ping Identity will expand industry access to IDI’s leading AI/ML-powered technology platform and comprehensive identity graph of consumer identity insights and whether the alliance between IDI and Ping Identity will make it easier than ever for businesses and public sector agencies to seamlessly integrate IDI’s insights into their workflows. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on our expectations as of the date of this press release and speak only as of the date of this press release and are advised to consider the factors listed above together with the additional factors under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in red violet’s SEC Filings. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    IDI Investor Relations:
    Camilo Ramirez
    Red Violet, Inc.
    561-757-4500
    ir@redviolet.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interactive-data-llc
    X: @IDIData
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/ididata

    Ping Identity Media Relations:
    press@pingidentity.com 
    774.451.5142

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy to Hold 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 14, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, today announced that it will be holding its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 14, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The meeting will be held at Enphase’s headquarters at 47281 Bayside Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538.

    Further information regarding the Annual Meeting, including how to vote and participate, is included in Enphase Energy’s 2025 Proxy Statement that has been made available to stockholders and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    After the conclusion of the formal portion of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, there will be a brief recess. Badri Kothandaraman, president and CEO of Enphase Energy, will then give a presentation beginning at approximately 9:30 am Pacific Time that can be accessed:

    For more details about Enphase’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and CEO Presentation, please visit the Investor Relations website.

    About Enphase Energy, Inc.

    Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems that enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power — and control it all with a smart mobile app. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and builds all-in-one solar, battery, and software solutions. Enphase has shipped approximately 81.5 million microinverters, and approximately 4.8 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in over 160 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.

    ©2025 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase Energy, Enphase, the “e” logo, IQ, and certain other marks listed at https://enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks or service marks of Enphase Energy, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Contact:

    Zach Freedman
    Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Investor Relations
    ir@enphaseenergy.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ManageMy and Solvrays Enable Insurance Carriers to Automate Workflows and Deliver Better Customer Experiences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ManageMy, the platform purpose-built to simplify insurance through superior digital experiences, and Solvrays, an innovator in AI-driven automation for insurance operations, are uniting to help insurance carriers drive efficiency and enhance customer engagement. Together, the companies will combine their strengths—agentic AI, automated workflows, and no-code configuration—enabling Life and P&C carriers to deliver modern, end-to-end insurance journeys.

    Solvrays brings intelligent back-end automation powered by agentic AI into the ManageMy platform. ManageMy’s no-code capabilities allow carriers to configure, design, and launch any insurance workflow and front-end experience to fit their business needs. The combined solution eliminates inefficiencies caused by legacy systems, manual processes, and disjointed user experiences.

    “This partnership is about more than just automation. It’s about reimagining what’s possible in insurance,” said Bobbie Shrivastav, CEO of Solvrays. “Together, Solvrays and ManageMy are dismantling legacy barriers and rebuilding the backbone of insurance operations with intelligence, speed, and human-centered design. We’re equipping carriers to leap ahead, not just adapt to the pace of change.”

    Insurance carriers across both solutions will benefit from:

    • Configurable Workflows: Solvrays extracts and validates data from PDFs, handwritten forms, emails, and other unstructured sources. ManageMy lets business users configure rules-based workflows and digital experiences without coding or custom development.
    • Intelligent Automation: Solvrays leverages agentic AI to automate decisions, apply business logic, and route data between systems. ManageMy reflects those actions in real time to ensure smooth transitions between internal teams and external touchpoints.
    • Superior Digital Experiences: Solvrays powers complex back-end processes, while ManageMy renders the outcomes through sleek, white-labeled web and mobile portals—giving customers and agents immediate access to the latest information.

    “This partnership combines the best of intelligent operations with intuitive experience design,” said Stuart Johnston, CRO of ManageMy. “Carriers can automate complex workflows and deliver personalized digital experiences without replacing their core systems.”

    Carriers can expect seamless integration with existing core and legacy systems, reduced manual effort, intelligent data flows, and scalable operations without adding technical debt. These capabilities help accelerate service turnaround times and elevate customer satisfaction.

    About ManageMy
    ManageMy is the digital platform insurance carriers rely on to increase sales, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Built around a powerful no-code API, ManageMy integrates easily with existing core systems, giving carriers the flexibility to configure insurance workflows and digital experiences to their specific needs—improving conversion, accelerating risk assessment, and driving retention.

    ManageMy is purpose-built for carriers to meet rising expectations for seamless, digital-first XPeriences, without overhauling their core.

    For more information, visit: https://managemy.com

    About Solvrays

    Solvrays is an AI-powered enterprise workflow platform built to transform insurance service operations from the inside out. At the heart of our platform are 12 Genes—a modular suite of agentic AI capabilities that automate up to 70% of manual back-office work. Purpose-built for life, annuity, and P&C carriers, Solvrays replaces slow, fragmented processes with intelligent, connected workflows. In an industry spending over $300 billion annually on operations, Solvrays empowers carriers to cut costs, accelerate decisions, and deliver modern, seamless experiences—without ripping out core systems.

    For more information, visit: https://solvrays.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hyperscale Data Announces Preliminary $25 Million in Revenue for Q1 2025, Provides Full-Year Guidance of $115–$125 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced preliminary financial results for the first quarter of 2025, which ended March 31, 2025, with revenue surpassing $25 million. The Company also issued guidance for the full fiscal year 2025, projecting revenue between $115 million and $125 million. The Company notes year-over-year growth at its subsidiaries, Ault Global Real Estate Equities, Inc., Circle 8 Crane Services, LLC and TurnOnGreen, Inc.

    In the first quarter, Hyperscale Data recognized a significant one-time gain of approximately $9.7 million due to the deconsolidation of Avalanche International, Corp. Additionally, the Company is continuing to transition its Michigan data center into a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (“AI”) data center, positioning itself at the forefront of AI infrastructure and service growth.

    “2025 is off to a strong start with growth across several of our core businesses,” said William B. Horne, Chief Executive Officer of Hyperscale Data. “Our transition of the Michigan facility to an AI data center and partial divestment of non-core assets are key milestones as we position Hyperscale Data for long-term success.”

    The Company’s strategic transition and focus on high-growth sectors are designed to ensure that Hyperscale Data is prepared to capture emerging opportunities and deliver sustained value to its stockholders. The Company encourages stockholders to read the About Hyperscale Data, Inc. section for information regarding the upcoming divestiture of certain Company assets.

    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 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-Evening Report: PINA on World Press Freedom Day – facing new and complex AI challenges

    By Kalafi Moala in Nuku’alofa

    On this World Press Freedom Day, we in the Pacific stand together to defend and promote the right to freedom of expression — now facing new and complex challenges in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    This year’s global theme is “Reporting a Brave New World: The impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom.”

    AI is changing the way we gather, share, and consume information. It offers exciting tools that can help journalists work faster and reach more people, even across our scattered islands.

    But AI also brings serious risks. It can be used to spread misinformation, silence voices, and make powerful tech companies the gatekeepers of what people see and hear.

    In the Pacific, our media are already working with limited resources. Now we face even greater pressure as AI tools are used without fair recognition or payment to those who create original content.

    Our small newsrooms struggle to compete with global platforms that are reshaping the media landscape.

    We must not allow AI to weaken media freedom, independence, or diversity in our region.

    Respect our Pacific voices
    Instead, we must ensure that new technologies serve our people, respect our voices, and support the role of journalism in democracy and development.

    Today, PINA calls for stronger regional collaboration to understand and manage the impact of AI. We urge governments, tech companies, and development partners to support Pacific media in building digital skills, protecting press freedom, and ensuring fair use of our content.

    Let us ensure that the future of journalism in the Pacific is guided by truth, fairness, and freedom — not by unchecked algorithms.

    Happy World Press Freedom to all media workers across the Pacific!

     Kalafi Moala is president of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) and also editor of Talanoa ‘o Tonga. Republished from TOT with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: NNIT A/S: Business performance impacted by market undercetainty expected to continue. Mitigating actions taken to protect profitability

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q1 2025 key highlights

    • Financial performance for the first quarter was expected to be moderate, but macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty increased, which impacted NNIT. The uncertainty has influenced customer behavior, especially in the three regions focusing on IT Life Science solutions, where several projects have been postponed, most predominantly in Region Europe. Group revenue amounted to DKK 464.1m, entailing flat revenue growth compared with last year.
    • Despite improving utilization and capacity adjustments made across regions during the quarter as well as tight cost focus across business areas, the group operating profit excl. special items declined to DKK 18.0m in Q1 2025 compared with DKK 23.9m in the same quarter last year. The decline was due to the lower profit generation in Region Europe and Region Denmark, partly offset by improved profitability performance in Region US and Region Asia. Group operating profit margin excl. special items was 3.9% in Q1 2025 compared with 5.2% in the same quarter last year.
    • Region Denmark growth around 4% where selected solution areas focusing on the Public sector in Denmark, is showing growth upwards at 8%. SCALES also contributed to the growth in region Denmark solidifying its position as a leader within D365 solutions.
    • Special items amounted to DKK 25.3m in Q1 2025 covering restructuring costs of DKK 20m impacting all regions, earn-out payments of DKK 3m, and IT systems and integration costs amounting to around DKK 2m.
    • The financial outlook for 2025 was adjusted on May 5, 2025 cf. company announcement 04/2025 as the current macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape has deteriorated materially since the full-year outlook communicated in February. NNIT expects to be further affected by current uncertainty why the organic growth range was adjusted to 0% to 5% (previously 7% to 10%). Group operating profit margin excl. special items was maintained at 7% to 9% due to significant cost reducing initiatives with most already having been executed. As a result of lower revenue generation caused mainly by external factors, NNIT expects to incur additional restructuring costs as special items. Special items are expected to be at up to last year’s level of DKK 69m (previously expected to be significantly below the 2024 level).

    The first quarter was more severely affected by uncertainty than expected at the beginning of the year. Hesitance among several customers of NNIT has resulted in less revenue and sales as projects are being postponed. In general, NNIT has taken action to adjust capacity to fit the current demand with several reductions completed in 2024 and leaving NNIT in a stronger position going into 2025. However, it has been necessary to take further actions to mitigate the business impact from lower revenue generation with a reduction of around 100 employees in Q1 2025. Furthermore, NNIT has carried out several cost-reducing initiatives such as putting new employments on hold and limiting all discretionary spending to a minimum with full impact from the second quarter.

    Given the current macroeconomic environment and geopolitical unrest, NNIT continues to expect that its customers will be affected, which is reflected in the adjusted full-year financial outlook.

    Pär Fors, CEO of NNIT, comments: “The business environment of NNIT has deteriorated in the first quarter of the year as especially our Life Science customers are being negatively impacted by the macroeconomic unrest. Customers are hesitant to engage in new contracts before things are stabilizing, and we are navigating this environment to continue our strategic journey at NNIT. However, the impact from the uncertainty is more severe than initially expected, why the full-year outlook has been adjusted.”

    Financial overview – Selected key figures

    NNIT A/S, DKK million Q1 2025 Q1 2024 FY 2024
    Revenue 464.1 463.4 1,851
    Revenue growth, % 0.2% 12.2% 23.4%
    Revenue growth, organic % -0.8% 8.0% 10.8%
    Group operating profit excl. special items 18.0 23.9 117
    Group operating profit margin excl. special items, % 3.9% 5.2% 6.3%
    Special items .25.3 11.3 -69
    Group operating profit incl. special items -7.3 35.2 48
    Group operating profit margin incl. special items, % -1.6% 7.6% 2.6%
           
    Free cash flow -73 -166 -40

    Conference call

    May 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM CEST: Webcast link 

    Dial in information:
    DK: +45 78 76 84 90
    SE: +46 31-311 50 03
    UK: +44 20 3769 6819
    US: +1 646 787 0157
    Participant Access code: 472855

    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Carsten Ringius            
    EVP & CFO
    Tel: +45 3077 8888
    carr@nnit.com

    Media Relations
    Thomas Stensbøl
    Press & Communications Manager
    Tel: +45 3077 8800
    tmts@nnit.com 

    ABOUT NNIT

    NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.

    We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.

    We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.

    We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies but always driven by business needs rather than technology.

    NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and the subsidiary SCALES. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and the USA.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week to Spotlight Cutting-Edge Mining Tech

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

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1-3, 2025 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated Technology Forum. The forum will connect African mining projects with global technology providers and investors, showcasing how digital solutions are transforming resource extraction and redefining the mining value chain.

    As African countries scale up mineral production to drive GDP growth, developers are increasingly adopting data analytics and digital tools to boost operational efficiency. U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals, which applies artificial intelligence (AI) to mineral exploration, entered the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in April 2025 to tap into the country’s estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral resources. The DRC – already the world’s largest cobalt producer and a key copper supplier – could see its global mining profile rise significantly with KoBold’s involvement. In Zambia, the company is advancing the $2 billion Mingomba project, one of the world’s most promising untapped copper assets.

    https://apo-opa.co/3Z0EMWY

    https://apo-opa.co/3EBP2yg

    Similarly, in Zimbabwe, Caledonia Mining is investing $1.1 million in IT infrastructure upgrades at the Blanket Mine as part of its $41.8 million capital budget. The upgrades include new mine planning software and a digital clocking system to improve labor efficiency, with a goal to increase gold output from 76,656 ounces in 2024 to up to 77,500 ounces in 2025.

    https://apo-opa.co/4k8pMPg

    In Botswana, Botswana Diamonds is employing AI-driven exploration to expand beyond diamond mining, recently identifying new prospects for copper, silver, cobalt, gold, nickel, zinc and platinum group metals. “During the initial analysis of the big database, it became clear that the AI technology could be used to identify other unknown minerals opportunities – and so it turned out,” said John Teeling, Chairman of Botswana Diamonds.

    https://apo-opa.co/4k6ZDQM

    Meanwhile, South African firms such as Kilken Platinum and Rio Tinto are deploying digital tools to unlock greater operational value. A joint report by Accenture and the World Economic Forum projects that digitalization could unlock up to R213 billion in additional value for South Africa’s mining sector by 2026. Technologies such as predictive maintenance, autonomous operations and real-time data monitoring are helping firms streamline processes, reduce downtime and improve safety outcomes.

    https://apo-opa.co/3EBP2yg

    https://apo-opa.co/4jXhBVG

    The Technology Forum at AMW 2025 will feature high-level panels examining how digitalization can optimize infrastructure, enhance safety, predict system failures and support sustainable resource management in a data-driven mining environment. The forum will also provide a platform for mining companies to showcase real-world case studies, exchange knowledge with tech innovators, and explore partnerships that drive long-term value creation.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Addressing healthcare workforce shortages through innovation – E-001595/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001595/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomislav Sokol (PPE)

    Europe faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, with over 1.2 million doctors, nurses and midwives needed as of 2022. Without action, this gap could reach 4 million by 2030. Ageing populations, chronic diseases and COVID-19 have worsened the crisis, with a 62 % rise in health worker absences during the pandemic. Innovations such as telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics and digital health platforms can help alleviate strain, improve efficiency and enhance patient care.

    • 1.Does the Commission recognise the role of healthcare innovations in addressing healthcare workforce shortages?
    • 2.What specific measures is the Commission implementing to promote the adoption of such health innovations across the Member States to alleviate the burden on healthcare workers and enhance patient safety?

    Submitted: 22.4.2025

    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Pacific ‘story sovereignty’ top of mind on World Press Freedom Day

    By Michelle Curran of Pasifika TV

    World Press Freedom Day is a poignant reminder that journalists and media workers are essential for a healthy, functioning society — including the Pacific.

    Held annually on May 3, World Press Freedom Day prompts governments about the need to respect press freedom, while serving as a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

    Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom.

    It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.

    According to Reporters Without Borders, the press freedom situation has worsened in the Asia-Pacific region, where 26 of the 32 countries and territories have seen their scores fall in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index.

    The region’s dictatorial governments have been tightening their hold over news and information with increasing vigour.

    No country in the Asia-Pacific region is among the Index’s top 15 this year, with Aotearoa New Zealand falling six places to 19. [Editor’s note: these figures are outdated — from last year’s 2024 Index. Go to the 2025 index here).

    Although experiencing challenges to the right to information, other regional democracies such as Timor-Leste (20th), Samoa (22nd) and Taiwan (27th) have also retained their roles as press freedom models.

    Storytelling a vital art
    Storytelling is inherent in Pacific peoples, and it is vital this art is nurtured, and our narrative is heard loud and clear — a priority goal for Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) and Pasifika TV.

    Chief executive officer of PCBL Natasha Meleisea says Pacific-led storytelling is critical to regional identity, but like all media around the world, it faces all sorts of challenges and issues.

    “Some of those current concerns include the need for journalism to remain independent, as well as the constructive use of technology, notably AI and that it supports the truth and does not undermine it,” Meleisea said.

    Forums such as the Pacific Media Summit are critical to addressing, and finding a collective response to the various challenges, she added.

    At the biennial Pacific Media Summit, staged last year in Niue, the theme centred around Pacific media’s navigation of press freedom, AI and geopolitical interests, and the need to pave a resilient pathway forward.

    Resilient media sector
    Meleisea said some solutions to these issues were being implemented, to provide a resilient and sustainable media sector in the Pacific.

    “It is a matter of getting creative, and looking at alternative platforms for content, as well as seeking international funding and building an infrastructure which supports these new goals,” she says.

    “There is no doubt journalists and media workers are essential for a healthy, functioning society and when done right, journalism can hold those in power to account, amplify underrepresented stories, bolster democratic ideals, and spread crucial information to the public.

    “With press freedom increasingly under threat, we must protect Pacific story sovereignty, and our voice at the table.”

    Republished from Pasifika TV strategic communications.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Artea – new name of Šiaulių Bankas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On May 5, 2025, Artea Bank will officially begin operations. This marks a historic and strategic transformation, as Šiaulių Bankas adopts a new name after more than 30 years of serving the Lithuanian market. The bank has also introduced new equity ticker on the Nasdaq Baltic Exchange: ROE1L.

    “We are turning a new page in our history, inspired by the trust shown to us by businesses, consumers and investors. Our ambition is to become the best bank in Lithuania and the first choice for the residents and corporations. The new name is a strategic decision that will strengthen our ability to achieve this goal.

    This decision has been maturing for some time, and we feel that now is the best time to proceed, as we have grown into a universal bank specializing in the Lithuanian market and we intend to continue develop our business in this direction,” says Vytautas Sinius, Chief Executive Officer of Artea Bank.

    From now on, the bank will unite all of the group companies – asset management, life insurance, consumer credit, and multi-apartment modernization funds – under one brand Artea. The new website address is www.artea.lt.

    The name Artea deliberately combines elements that convey the bank’s vision and commitment to being closer to its customers through a modern form and national identity.

    Artea emphasizes accessible, flexible and modern banking services for corporate and private customers.

    The rebranding is part of the bank’s updated strategy for 2024–2029. The bank announced the name change publicly in early March, 2025 prior to the general meeting of shareholders and on March 31 the general meeting of shareholders unanimously approved the decision to change the name to Artea Bank. On May 5, 2025 the bank’s articles of association with the new name were registered in the Register of Legal Entities of Lithuania, and Šiaulių Bankas officially became Artea Bank.

    Artea remains the largest independently owned bank in Lithuania. The bank’s main shareholders  – Lithuanian business leaders Invalda INVL, Tesonet Global, Willgrow, and the international European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) – remain unchanged.

    If you would like to receive Artea Bankas news for investors directly to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.

    Additional information:
    Tomas Varenbergas
    Head of Investment Management Division
    tomas.varenbergas@artea.lt , +370 610 44447

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 5 MAY 2025 AT 9.45 A.M. EET, INTERIM REPORT Q1

    Oma Savings Bank Plc’s Interim Report 1.1.-31.3.2025: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

    This release is a summary of Oma Savings Bank’s (OmaSp) January-March 2025 Interim Report, which can be read from the pdf file attached to this stock exchange release and on the Company’s web pages www.omasp.fi

    CEO Karri Alameri: High costs and declining market interest rates weighed on the result, work to strengthen OmaSp continues

    ”I had the honour of starting as the CEO of Oma Savings Bank at the end of March. In recent weeks, I have engaged with the bank’s personnel, customers, and stakeholders across Finland. These discussions have underscored OmaSp’s strong customer relationships, employee commitment, as well as comprehensive range of services, and personalised service model. These elements provide a solid foundation for OmaSp’s next phase. It is clear that we must continue refining our policies and evolving our ways of working. Trust in the Company is rebuilt through actions.

    The comparable profit before taxes for the first quarter was EUR 4.6 million and the comparable cost/income ratio of 54.4%. Profit and profitability were burdened by increased operating and personnel expenses, as well as lower net interest income due to declining market interest rates.

    The increase in costs is primarily attributed to the implementation of the risk management action plan (the “Noste”) initiated in summer 2024. The final investments in the project were made as planned in the first quarter, and new operating models are being integrated into daily operations. Total investments in the Noste project reached EUR 9.1 million over its duration. What is more, we continue to act on the findings of the supervisory assessment.

    Net interest income decreased by 18.3% compared to the comparison period, totalling EUR 46.9 million. The decline is due to fallen market interest rates. The volumes transferred from Handelsbanken have contributed to the development of net interest income as market interest rates have declined.

    Fee and commission income and expenses (net) remained nearly at the level of the comparison period, amounting to EUR 14.7 million.

    The mortgage loan portfolio increased by 3.0%, the corporate loan portfolio by 0.4%, and the deposit base by 2.7% from the level of the previous year.

    Impairment losses on financial assets totalled EUR -22.3 million in January–March. Approximately one-third was related to the update of the calculation model for expected credit losses (ECL), another third to increased allowances in the portfolio, which is being wound down in a controlled manner, and the remaining third to other impairment losses on the loan portfolio due to the general uncertain economic situation.

    Additionally, a provision of EUR 3.0 million was made for the first quarter to prepare for potential sanctions from the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) due to deficiencies identified in the final inspection report on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. The FIN-FSA’s audit covered the period prior to December 2023. Measures to rectify the deficiencies were initiated while the audit was underway last year.

    Customer and employee satisfaction at an excellent level

    Following the Handelsbanken acquisition, we gained 10,000 new customers last autumn, and the integration has progressed smoothly. We have 48 branches covering all key growth and regional centres in Finland. In January–March, approximately 800 new customer relationships were established organically per month. OmaSp has a strong customer base of over 200,000. We are committed to offering services to households and SMEs across our network.

    Our customer and employee surveys indicated that satisfaction has remained at the excellent level of previous years. I want to extend my gratitude to our personnel for their exemplary work. Committed and motivated personnel are crucial to OmaSp’s future success.

    OmaSp’s financial position is stable, with a good solvency and liquidity position. The total capital (TC) ratio further strengthened to 17.7% at the end of March. The accumulated equity exceeds EUR 583 million.

    I look to the future with confidence. We will continue to develop our operations, invest in our core business, and strengthen the customer experience for both existing and new customers. Our strategy aims for profitable growth.”

    January–March 2025

    • In January–March, net interest income decreased by 18.3% compared with the same period last year. Net interest income totalled EUR 46.9 (57.4) million.
    • Mortgage portfolio increased by 3.0% during the previous 12 months. Corporate loan portfolio increased by 0.4% during the previous 12 months.
    • Deposit base increased by 2.7% over the past 12 months.
    • From January to March, fee and commission income and expenses (net) decreased mainly due to lower lending commissions compared to the comparison period, 2.6%.
    • From January to March, total operating income decreased by 18.9% compared to the comparison period. In the first quarter, comparable total operating income decreased by 19.8% and was EUR 59.5 (74.3) million.
    • From January to March, total operating expenses grew in total by 31.9%. The growth is mainly explained by the costs of the Company’s ongoing extensive risk management development projects, the authority processes and the promotion of a controlled winding down plan related to the non-compliance with the guidelines. In addition, the number of personnel increased compared to the comparison period due to business arrangements, the opening of new branches and the strengthening of the risk management processes. Other operating expenses were in total EUR 22.2 (16.4) million, of which the development costs of the risk management action plan and investigation costs amounted to EUR 5.3 million.
    • Comparable total operating expenses grew by 27.9% in the first quarter and were EUR 32.2 (25.2) million. Of this amount the risk management action plan (the ”Noste”) amounted to EUR 3.3 million. The measures implemented in the first quarter completed the action plan initiated in the summer of 2024.
    • For January-March, the impairment losses on financial assets were in total EUR -22.3 (-23.1) million. During the reporting period, the Company updated the calculation model for expected credit losses (ECL) as part of a larger operational programme and development of risk control. The total impact of the updated model increased the ECL by approximately EUR 8.5 million. In addition, the amount of impairment losses was impacted by an increase in allowances in the controlled winding down of the portfolio, which had an impact of approximately EUR 5.7 million. In other credit portfolio, impairment losses amounted to approximately EUR 8.1 million, and the development was particularly affected by the overall economic uncertainty.
    • For January-March, profit before taxes was EUR 3.1 (24.7) million and comparable profit before taxes was EUR 4.6 (25.6) million.
    • In the first quarter, cost/income ratio was 57.4 (35.2)% and comparable cost/income ratio was 54.4 (34.1)%.
    • In the first quarter, comparable return on equity (ROE) was 2.5 (15.5)%.
    • Total capital (TC) ratio was 17.7 (15.6)%.
    The Group’s key figures (1,000 euros) 1–3/2025 1–3/2024 Δ % 1–12/2024
    Net interest income 46,880 57,369 -18 % 213,097
    Fee and commission income and expenses, net 12,439 12,766 -3 % 50,745
    Total operating income 60,074 74,080 -19 % 270,068
    Total operating expenses -34,240 -25,958 32 % -111,004
    Impairment losses and financial assets, net -22,322 -23,112 -3% -83,379
    Profit before taxes 3,111 24,668 -87% 74,589
    Cost/income ratio, % 57.4% 35.2% 63% 41.3%
    Balance sheet total 7,517,814 7,531,291 0% 7,709,090
    Equity 583 026 527 426 11% 576,143
    Return on assets, ROA % 0.1 % 1.0 % -88 % 0.8%
    Return on equity, ROE % 1.7 % 14.9 % -89% 10.7%
    Earnings per share (EPS), EUR 0.07 0.60 -88% 1.80
    Total capital (TC), % 17.7% 16.9% 5% 15.6%
    Common equity Tier 1 (CET1), capital ratio % 16.5% 15.4% 8% 14.4%
    Comparable profit before taxes 4,617 25,626 -82% 86,656
    Comparable cost/incme ratio, % 54.4% 34.1% 60% 37.8%
    Comparable return on equity, ROE % 2.5% 15.5% -84% 12.4%


    Outlook for the financial year 2025 adjusted

    OmaSp updated its expected credit loss (ECL) calculation model in the first quarter and made a provision to prepare for possible sanctions following the final inspection report from the FIN-FSA on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing. These had a total one-off impact of approximately EUR -11 million on the results. Overall economic uncertainly has further increased. Therefore, OmaSp maintains its earnings guidance on the Group’s comparable profit before taxes to be EUR 65–80 million for the financial year 2025, with a clarification that the figure is expected to be below the mid-point of the range.

    Business outlook and earnings guidance are as follows:

    The outlook for the Company’s business for the financial year 2025 is affected by the decline in market interest rates and the continued high level of costs due to IT investments and system improvements required by risk management and quality processes. In addition, the Company continues to invest in customer experience on different channels. The uncertainty of the operating environment and economic situation affects the development of balance sheet items and comparable profit for the financial year 2025.

    Oma Savings Bank Plc provides earnings guidance on comparable profit before taxes for 2025. Earnings guidance is based on the forecast for the entire year, which takes into account the current market and business situation. Forecasts are based on the management’s insight into the Group’s business development.

    We estimate the Group’s comparable profit before taxes to be EUR 65–80 million for the financial year 2025, with a clarification that the figure is expected to be below the mid-point of the range (comparable profit before taxes was EUR 86.7 million in the financial year 2024).

    Oma Savings Bank Plc

    Additional information:
    Karri Alameri, CEO, tel. +358 45 656 5250, karri.alameri@omasp.fi

    DISTRIBUTION: 
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Karolinska Development’s portfolio company Umecrine Cognition receives grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – May 5, 2025. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today announces that its portfolio company Umecrine Cognition has been awarded a research grant by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) amounting to USD 420,000. The grant will finance preclinical studies to evaluate the potential treatment effect of golexanolone in Parkinson’s disease.

    Umecrine Cognition is developing a new class of drugs to alleviate cognitive symptoms. The company’s drug candidate golexanolone has demonstrated a positive impact on non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disorders and cognitive impairments, in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease. The grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation will support further preclinical studies to confirm golexanolone’s treatment effect on Parkinson’s-related sleep dysfunction and cognitive impairments, as well as evaluate the drug candidate’s effect on disease progression in several disease models.

    The grant is awarded to the collaboration between Umecrine Cognition and the principal investigator, Professor Gilberto Fisone Head of the Laboratory of Molecular and Circuit Neuropharmacology, and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience, at Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.

    Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease most noticeably characterized by deteriorating motor functions. However, non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disorders and cognitive impairments, emerge before the onset of physical symptoms and have, historically, been overlooked due to a lack of scientific and clinical insights. While current treatments target motor dysfunction, there are no approved pharmaceutical therapies for non-motor symptoms.

    “The Michael J. Fox Foundation is the world’s largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s research, and the grant represents a significant acknowledgment and validation of golexanolone’s potential in treating this progressive and life-restricting disease. The funding enables further research on golexanolone as a novel treatment option for non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease, an area with high medical need,” says Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development.

    Karolinska Development’s ownership in Umecrine Cognition amounts to 73%.

    For further information, please contact:

    Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com 

    Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

    TO THE EDITORS

    About Karolinska Development AB

    Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patient’s lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

    Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

    Karolinska Development has a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

    The company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

    For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Solargik launches SOMA Pro, the next generation of its AI-powered platform for intelligent solar tracking, diagnostics, and control at Intersolar 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • SOMA Pro is a fully integrated software and hardware system that delivers real-time visibility and full remote control.
    • AI-driven optimization: Proprietary algorithms increase yield and proactively prevent losses.
    • Ground-truth loss attribution: In-house model recovers up to 6% in lost energy by pinpointing exact performance gaps.
    • End-to-end SCADA visibility: SOMA Pro unifies tracker behavior, site production, and inverter-level diagnostics.

    Munich, May 5, 2025 (8:30 AM CET) – Solargik, a global pioneer in photovoltaic energy solutions headquartered in Jerusalem, today announced the launch of SOMA Pro, the next generation of its intelligent monitoring and control platform, at Intersolar 2025. SOMA Pro is the first tracker-native software system that fully integrates monitoring, diagnostics, and performance control – enabling operators to increase yield, reduce downtime, and unlock deeper insights into plant operations.

    SOMA Pro, Solargik’s AI-powered platform, is built into the core of the company’s own tracker hardware, drawing on live-data from motion control, site-wide sensors, power meters, and inverter systems. Its integrated design breaks down silos common to third-party SCADA systems or bolt-on controls and provides operators with real-time visibility and full remote control over tracker positioning, energy flow, and site-wide performance. Optimized for complex terrains and light conditions, SOMA Pro allows precise management of energy production – whether remotely stowing the site or fine-tuning behavior at the single tracker level.

    “With SOMA Pro, we’ve redefined how solar installations can be managed – especially in environments where traditional systems fall short,” said Gil Kroyzer, Solargik’s CEO. “By combining our lightweight tracker technology with an intelligent control system designed in-house, we offer a level of adaptability, insight, and flexibility that helps operators extract more value from every site.”

    Integrated architecture for unmatched reliability

    SOMA Pro is Solargik’s own proprietary SCADA platform that seamlessly integrates production monitoring, tracker configuration, and component diagnostics. This unified architecture reduces operational complexity, improves site stability, and eliminates the data blind spots that plague third-party monitoring tools.

    AI-driven optimization: Proprietary loss attribution with actionable results

    At the heart of SOMA Pro is Solargik’s in-house AI performance model, capable of identifying and quantifying energy loss down to specific rows or components. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, the platform achieves detection accuracy exceeding 95%, enabling operators to recover up to 6% in lost energy. Its predictive analytics support targeted maintenance and strengthen EPC contractor collaboration – protecting long-term asset value.

    Real-time operational intelligence, not just monitoring

    Learning from real site conditions, SOMA Pro continuously optimizes tracker positioning based on dynamic elements of the solar plant, such as irradiance, cloudiness, wind speed and topography. Through a cloud-based interface, operators gain full command of tracker tilt, stow modes (manual or automatic), and production status – from the entire site down to an individual tracker or inverter – enabling faster response to changing conditions and improved energy yield.

    Intersolar launch and media availability

    Solargik will officially debut SOMA Pro at Intersolar 2025. Journalists and analysts can schedule executive briefings and live demonstrations by contacting the Solargik media relations team or requesting a meeting here.

    About Solargik

    Solargik is a global leader in photovoltaic tracking and energy management, specializing in intelligent, terrain-adaptive solar systems that deliver strong performance in complex and constrained environments. Its lightweight, single-axis trackers are engineered for maximum efficiency on slopes up to 30% and in agrivoltaic applications. Powered by the proprietary SOMA Pro SCADA platform, Solargik provides integrated control, real-time diagnostics, predictive automation, and performance optimization. Field-proven across more than 100 projects globally, Solargik helps operators maximize output, reduce costs, and unlock the full potential of every site. Founded by solar industry veterans, Solargik is committed to advancing smarter, more adaptable solutions for the future of renewable energy.

    www.solargik.com

    HEAD OFFICES
    48 Emek Refaim St.
    Jerusalem 9314205
    Israel

    MEDIA RELATIONS — GLOBAL
    Eliav Rodman
    Solargik
    eliavr@solargik.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS — EUROPE
    Giovanni Ca’ Zorzi
    Cohesion Bureau
    giovanni.cazorzi@cohesionbureau.com
    +33 7 84 67 07 27

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dawn Health Secures EURm 11.5 to Scale Platform & Product Suite for Next-Gen Pharma Digital Health Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Dawn Health Secures EURm 11.5 to Scale Platform & Product Suite for Next-Gen Pharma Digital Health Solutions

    Copenhagen, Denmark – 5th of May, 2025

    Dawn Health – a global leader in digital health, co-founded by Trifork and held as a minority investment in Trifork Labs – today announced that the company has secured a funding round of EURm 11.5 from its existing investors: Chr. Augustinus Fabrikker, the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), and Trifork Labs. The investment is aimed at supporting the company’s strategy to deliver its platform and product suite to global pharma companies through a SaaS model, while continuing to invest in further offerings within the Dawn Product Suite.

    Since 2021, Dawn Health has been dedicated to developing a best-in-class platform designed specifically to accommodate the needs and use cases of the pharmaceutical industry. The Dawn Platform and Product Suite have already been widely adopted by five global industry leaders, including Merck and Novartis. The Dawn Platform is currently used in areas such as oncology, multiple sclerosis, and rare pediatric conditions like growth disorders. It helps patients manage their treatment, report symptoms, and stay in close contact with their healthcare team.

    The Dawn Platform and Product Suite empower pharma companies, patients, and healthcare professionals to improve outcomes and patient care by leveraging advanced capabilities in AI, data, evidence generation, clinical integrations, personalization, and connected health. By improving both data collection and analytics, these capabilities ultimately benefit patients and pharma companies alike, positioning the Dawn Platform as the foundation for therapy companions, disease management programs, and real-world evidence (RWE) solutions that enable the next generation of digital health.

    “Our ambition is to be the global leader in digital health, powering pharma’s next-generation products – and ultimately improving the lives of patients worldwide,” said Alexander Mandix Hansen, CEO of Dawn Health. “This funding allows us to bring our proven platform to more markets and deepen our impact.”

    This next phase reinforces Dawn Health’s position as a trusted partner to pharma companies, delivering valuable, scalable, regulatory-grade digital health products that evolve with the needs of modern medicine.

    “Since the major investment in December 2021, Dawn Health has grown its revenue significantly and expanded its footprint in global pharma. With more than 100 employees, unique solutions, and a strong regulatory infrastructure, we are prepared to further accelerate our growth,” said Lars Marcher, Chairman of Dawn Health.

     

    About Dawn Health
    Dawn Health is a global leader in digital health, specializing in the development of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), Digital Therapeutics (DTx), and connected health solutions. Accelerating the launch of digital solutions to market, the Dawn Health product suite drives innovation to change the lives of people with chronic conditions. Through close partnerships with the life sciences industry, Dawn Health creates digital health products that transform patient care through an empathetic and human-centric approach. Learn more at dawnhealth.com.

    Contact: Christopher Kold, Marketing Manager, cko@dawnhealth.com, +45 41 58 60 88

    About Trifork Group
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Contact: Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 7317

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: After its landslide win, Labor should have courage and confidence on security – and our alliance with the US

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanne Wallis, Professor of International Security, University of Adelaide

    The re-election of the Albanese Labor government by such a wide margin should not mean “business as usual” for Australia’s security policy.

    The global uncertainty instigated by US President Donald Trump means Australia’s security landscape is very different today from when Labor was first elected in 2022, or even when its Defence Strategic Review was released in 2023.

    As we argue in our recent book, the Albanese government faces increasingly difficult questions.

    How can we maintain our crucial security alliance with the US while deepening partnerships with other countries that have reservations about US policy?

    And, given Trump’s recent actions, how much can we continue to rely on the United States and what are the potential costs of the alliance?

    With a massive parliamentary majority, the new government has an opportunity for bold thinking on national security. This is not the time for Australia to keep its head down – we need to face the rapidly changing world with our heads held high.



    Read more:
    Blaming Donald Trump for conservative losses in both Canada and Australia is being too kind to Peter Dutton

    Trump 2.0 is not the same as 1.0

    We do not advocate Australia step away from the US alliance. We are also realistic that decades of defence procurement mean Australia is heavily reliant on US defence materiel (and its subsequent sustainment) for our security.

    The deep interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and the US military is something alliance sceptics too readily gloss over: much Australian military capability cannot function without ongoing American support.

    At the same time, many alliance advocates underestimate the impact of the new challenges we face. Some assumed a continuity between the first and second Trump administrations. However, we are not convinced the lessons learned from Trump 1.0 are still valid.

    A key difference between Trump 1.0 and 2.0 is the effect of his move away from respecting international law.

    For example, the US has voted with Russia against UN Security Council resolutions condemning the Ukraine war, withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement and World Health Organization, and damaged relations with NATO allies, among many other actions.

    As a middle power, Australia has long relied on the “rules-based order” to advance its foreign and strategic policy interests.

    Even if “normal transmission” resumes under a new US president in 2029, we are concerned the Trump administration’s structural changes to the international order will not easily be wound back. American soft power has been decimated by cuts to the US State Department, USAID and international broadcasting services. This will also not be rebuilt quickly.

    A second difference is there are few “adults left in the room” in the Trump administration.

    The advisers who kept Trump in check during his first administration have been replaced by loyalists less likely to push back against his ideas and impulses. This includes his long-held grievance that allies have been exploiting the US.

    The Albanese government needs to think more deeply about how to hedge against dependence on the US. This means investing in relations with other partners, especially in Asia and the Pacific, and working with them to promote the laws, rules and norms that maintain stability and predictability in global affairs.

    An idealistic vision for the future

    We are also concerned that many in the national security community base their policy recommendations on the assumption that war between the US and China is inevitable, and such a conflict could draw in Australia as America’s ally.

    Rather, the Trump administration’s preference for “deals” opens the possibility the US and China might come to an arrangement that will affect US presence and leadership in our region.

    Australia may not be prepared for this. The new government must engage in more open discussion about how we would maintain our security if the US does pull back from the region or makes decisions Australians don’t support.

    As a start, we need to consider how Australia can better pursue self-reliance within the alliance structure. We need a range of strategic options in the future that don’t rely on an outdated image of the US as a reliable partner.

    This debate should be guided by what we call “pragmatic idealism”.

    Rather than accepting the way things are, the government and members of the national security community need to re-imagine how things can be.

    We argue the Albanese government should draw confidence from its thumping electoral win to articulate a politics of hope, opportunity and possibility for our future security. This needs to drown out the cynicism, passive acceptance and learned helplessness that often characterises Australian national security debates.

    We are conscious that being “idealistic” is often dismissed as impractical, naïve “wishful thinking”. But the new government needs to demonstrate to Australians it has the courage to face the diverse, interlinked and complex security challenges we face – potentially on our own. These extend to issues such as cyber attacks, transnational crime and climate change.

    Practical steps

    As a first step, the Albanese government urgently needs to commission an integrated National Security Strategy that considers all the tools of statecraft Australia can use to respond to these challenges.

    This means engaging more with partners in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In particular, Australia should consider investing more heavily in information programs and public diplomacy as the US withdraws from this arena.

    The government must also engage better with the public and be more transparent about its security options and decisions.

    On AUKUS, for instance, the government must build its “social licence” from the public to sustain such a massive deal across generations. Australians need to be better informed about – and consulted on – the decisions they will ultimately pay for.

    This also includes being upfront with Australians about the need for greater defence spending in a tumultuous world.

    It is understandably tempting for the new Albanese government to continue a “small target” approach when it comes to the US. This has meant minimising domestic debate about the alliance that could undermine support for AUKUS and avoid risking the ire of a thin-skinned Trump.

    But the government needs the courage to ask difficult questions and imagine different futures.

    Joanne Wallis receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Department of Defence, and the government of South Australia. She is a Senior Nonresident Fellow of the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.

    Rebecca Strating receives funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    – ref. After its landslide win, Labor should have courage and confidence on security – and our alliance with the US – https://theconversation.com/after-its-landslide-win-labor-should-have-courage-and-confidence-on-security-and-our-alliance-with-the-us-255598

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s SAIC Motor signs deal for joint electric vehicle brand with Huawei

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    SHANGHAI, May 4 (Xinhua) — Shanghai-based Chinese automaker SAIC Motor on Thursday signed an agreement to set up a plant to produce vehicles and auxiliary battery units for its new electric vehicle (EV) brand, developed jointly with telecom giant Huawei, in the Lingang New Area of China’s Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

    According to SAIC Motor, the plant’s production capacity at the initial stage of the project will be about 250,000 vehicles per year.

    The move follows a partnership formed earlier this year between SAIC Motor and Huawei. In February this year, the two companies signed an in-depth cooperation agreement to jointly launch the SAIC Shangjie brand.

    Tech giant Huawei is already collaborating with four other EV brands, namely AITO, Luxeed, Stelato and Maextro, under its Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). Tech support from Huawei, such as adaptive driver assistance and AI cockpit solutions, has given new impetus to partner automakers.

    SAIC Shangjie brand products will be equipped with Huawei’s intelligent mobility solutions, said Zhu Yong, head of SAIC ShangJie, adding that the intelligent electric vehicles will target the mid- to high-end market, with customers mainly including household consumers and young office workers.

    The first model under this brand is a mainstream SUV priced at around 200,000 /around $27,800/, which is expected to hit the market this fall. The SUV will be available in two versions: a pure electric version and an extended range version. The pure electric model will have a range of over 600 km on a full charge.

    By joining the HIMA family, SAIC Shangjie brand will help further lower the price range of cars co-developed with Huawei to 200,000 yuan to better tap the vast market, Zhu Yong said.

    SAIC Shangjie’s project is expected to increase the scale of the already leading new energy vehicle (NEV) industry in Lingang New Area, home to Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, to 300 billion yuan, said Li Xiangcun, an official with the Lingang New Area Administrative Committee.

    Currently, there are more than 200 automobile-related companies in the Lingang New Area, forming an ecosystem covering automobile production, research, development and testing. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump to impose 100% tariff on all movies ‘produced in foreign lands’

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he is authorizing to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100 percent tariff on all movies “produced in Foreign Lands.”

    In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death.”

    “Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated,” Trump said in the post, calling the situation “a National Security threat.”

    “Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100 percent Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!” he added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Torres on GOP “Skinny Budget”: A Full-On Assault on Working Families, Trump’s Plan to Make America Unsafe Again

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    May 02, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) issued a statement on the administration’s plan for Fiscal Year 2026, calling it a dangerous, extremist blueprint ripped straight from Donald Trump’s playbook — a plan to Make America Unsafe Again.

    “Let’s be clear: this isn’t a budget — it’s a declaration of war on working families. Republicans want to gut the programs that keep our kids in school, our families healthy, and our communities safe — just to bankroll tax cuts for billionaires and Trump’s MAGA cronies. Even by their own math, the Trump-Musk budget slashes $163 billion from domestic investments — a brutal 23% cut,” said Torres. “These aren’t just numbers on a page — they’re programs that families in the Inland Empire rely on to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Republicans want to gut $880 billion from Medicaid, raid Social Security, and permanently freeze over $400 billion owed to the American people. All to protect yacht-buying tax breaks? Not on my watch.”

    The Trump-Musk budget would: 

    Raise the Cost of Living and Harm the Economy

    • Evict hundreds of thousands of seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities by slashing affordable housing programs — and force homeless shelters to halt operations, even as more than 771,000 people are experiencing homelessness.

    • Zero out the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, turning off the heat and air conditioning for 6 million households.

    • Eliminate the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, forcing more than 1,000 mayors and governors to abandon street, water, and sewer improvements and vital services for youth and seniors.

    Decimate Public Education

    • Make it harder for students to afford college by need-based financial aid for 1.7 million students by cutting Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) and ending the Federal Work Study Program for more than 500,000 students.

    • Eliminate English Language Acquisition programs, cutting services for over 5 million English learners.

    Make Americans Less Safe

    • Slash funding for public safety by cutting resources at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    • Eliminate thousands of FBI positions, including intelligence analysts who help prevent domestic and international threats.

    • Defund grants to prevent hate crimes and protect civil rights.

    • Cut weather satellite funding, crippling storm forecasting and emergency response capabilities during natural disasters.

    Make Communities Less Healthy

    • Eviscerate the CDC by eliminating dozens of programs — from HIV/AIDS, tobacco, and asthma prevention to maternal health and emergency preparedness.

    • Slash substance use prevention and treatment programs at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, undermining the fight against opioids.

    • Cut food assistance programs, including the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides food assistance for seniors.

    • Slash NIH funding by 40%, halting progress toward cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and more.

    • Eliminate air pollution control programs, increasing Americans’ exposure to harmful pollutants.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia can no longer take a ‘business as usual’ approach to the US. On security, it’s time for courage and confidence

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanne Wallis, Professor of International Security, University of Adelaide

    The re-election of the Albanese Labor government by such a wide margin should not mean “business as usual” for Australia’s security policy.

    The global uncertainty instigated by US President Donald Trump means Australia’s security landscape is very different today from when Labor was first elected in 2022, or even when its Defence Strategic Review was released in 2023.

    As we argue in our recent book, the Albanese government faces increasingly difficult questions.

    How can we maintain our critical security alliance with the US while deepening partnerships with other countries that have reservations about US policy?

    And, given Trump’s recent actions, how much can we continue to rely on the United States and what are the potential costs of the alliance?

    With a massive parliamentary majority, the new government has an opportunity for bold thinking on national security. This is not the time for Australia to keep its head down – we need to face the rapidly changing world with our heads held high.



    Read more:
    Blaming Donald Trump for conservative losses in both Canada and Australia is being too kind to Peter Dutton

    Trump 2.0 is not the same as 1.0

    We do not advocate Australia step away from the US alliance. We are also realistic that decades of defence procurement mean Australia is heavily reliant on US defence materiel (and its subsequent sustainment) for our security.

    The deep interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and the US military is something alliance sceptics too readily gloss over: much Australian military capability cannot function without ongoing American support.

    At the same time, many alliance advocates underestimate the impact of the new challenges we face. Some assumed a continuity between the first and second Trump administrations. However, we are not convinced the lessons learned from Trump 1.0 are still valid.

    A key difference between Trump 1.0 and 2.0 is the effect of his move away from respecting international law.

    For example, the US has voted with Russia against UN Security Council resolutions condemning the Ukraine war, withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement and World Health Organization, and damaged relations with NATO allies, among many other actions.

    As a middle power, Australia has long relied on the “rules-based order” to advance its foreign and strategic policy interests.

    Even if “normal transmission” resumes under a new US president in 2029, we are concerned the Trump administration’s structural changes to the international order will not easily be wound back. American soft power has been decimated by cuts to the US State Department, USAID and international broadcasting services. This will also not be rebuilt quickly.

    A second difference is there are few “adults left in the room” in the Trump administration.

    The advisers who kept Trump in check during his first administration have been replaced by loyalists less likely to push back against his ideas and impulses. This includes his long-held grievance that allies have been exploiting the US.

    The Albanese government needs to think more deeply about how to hedge against dependence on the US. This means investing in relations with other partners, especially in Asia and the Pacific, and working with them to promote the laws, rules and norms that maintain stability and predictability in global affairs.

    An idealistic vision for the future

    We are also concerned that many in the national security community base their policy recommendations on the assumption that war between the US and China is inevitable, and such a conflict could draw in Australia as America’s ally.

    Rather, the Trump administration’s preference for “deals” opens the possibility the US and China might come to an arrangement that will affect US presence and leadership in our region.

    Australia may not be prepared for this. The new government must engage in more open discussion about how we would maintain our security if the US does pull back from the region or makes decisions Australians don’t support.

    As a start, we need to consider how Australia can better pursue self-reliance within the alliance structure. We need a range of strategic options in the future that don’t rely on an outdated image of the US as a reliable partner.

    This debate should be guided by what we call “pragmatic idealism”.

    Rather than accepting the way things are, the government and members of the national security community need to re-imagine how things can be.

    We argue the Albanese government should draw confidence from its thumping electoral win to articulate a politics of hope, opportunity and possibility for our future security. This needs to drown out the cynicism, passive acceptance and learned helplessness that often characterises Australian national security debates.

    We are conscious that being “idealistic” is often dismissed as impractical, naïve “wishful thinking”. But the new government needs to demonstrate to Australians it has the courage to face the diverse, interlinked and complex security challenges we face – potentially on our own. These extend to issues such as cyber attacks, transnational crime and climate change.

    Practical steps

    As a first step, the Albanese government urgently needs to commission an integrated National Security Strategy that considers all the tools of statecraft Australia can use to respond to these challenges.

    This means engaging more with partners in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In particular, Australia should consider investing more heavily in information programs and public diplomacy as the US withdraws from this arena.

    The government must also engage better with the public and be more transparent about its security options and decisions.

    On AUKUS, for instance, the government must build its “social licence” from the public to sustain such a massive deal across generations. Australians need to be better informed about – and consulted on – the decisions they will ultimately pay for.

    This also includes being upfront with Australians about the need for greater defence spending in a tumultuous world.

    It is understandably tempting for the new Albanese government to continue a “small target” when it comes to the US. This has meant minimising domestic debate about the alliance that could undermine support for AUKUS and avoid risking the ire of a thin-skinned Trump.

    But the government needs the courage to ask difficult questions and imagine different futures.

    Joanne Wallis receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Department of Defence, and the government of South Australia. She is a Senior Nonresident Fellow of the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.

    Rebecca Strating receives funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    – ref. Australia can no longer take a ‘business as usual’ approach to the US. On security, it’s time for courage and confidence – https://theconversation.com/australia-can-no-longer-take-a-business-as-usual-approach-to-the-us-on-security-its-time-for-courage-and-confidence-255598

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees surge in new ‘digital intelligence’ jobs

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

    In a FAW Jiefang Group Co., Ltd. factory in Changchun, northeast China’s Jilin Province, senior intelligent vehicle design engineer Bai Zhigang is fine-tuning a smart heavy-duty truck.

    With 19 years of experience in the automotive industry, Bai has transitioned from traditional truck design to the development of intelligent connected vehicles, riding the wave of China’s rapid development in intelligent manufacturing.

    In his new profession, he equips vehicles with sensors to enhances their autonomous recognition capabilities and select appropriate controllers to enable autonomous driving in specific scenarios. This helps reduce driver fatigue and improve safety.

    “Our job is to figure out how to bring value to users through intelligent driving,” Bai said. “Specifically, we are responsible for the entire system architecture design, software development and calibration.”

    In recent years, China’s intelligent connected vehicle industry has seen explosive growth as the country strives to take the lead in the reshuffling of the global auto industry. Bai’s career shift reflects the conventional to intelligent transformation of China’s auto industry.

    As China moves toward high-quality development, new professions are emerging across the country. In 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced the official recognition of 19 new professions, including intelligent connected vehicle maintenance technician, intelligent manufacturing system maintenance technician and industrial internet maintenance technician.

    China’s high-speed rail industry — a golden calling card of intelligent manufacturing — has also seen the emergence of new job categories. On an assembly line operated by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd., dozens of rail vehicles were assembled in an orderly fashion.

    Senior engineer Bao Hongyang guided operators using smart wrenches to apply torque to bolts. The wrenches’ built-in sensors uploaded the torque data to a connected system immediately.

    “Based on the data uploaded to the backend, we can confirm that the system is running normally,” Bao explained.

    In the past, there was no way to record torque data, and quality of work depended solely on the workers’ sense of responsibility, making it impossible to trace quality issues. Now, data speaks for itself. Only when the set standard torque is reached, can a bolt be considered properly tightened, according to Bao.

    Since joining CRRC Changchun in 2008, Bao has been responsible for the design of instructions for large numerical control machines that mill parts such as doors and windows for high-speed trains. With the increasing speeds of high-speed trains, intelligent manufacturing has been integrated into the entire life cycle of rail vehicles in China.

    Bao now needs to design and maintain a large number of intelligent manufacturing systems, enabling “silent” equipment to “speak” through data, thereby improving production efficiency and minimizing product failure rates.

    At a substation in Jilin City, Jilin Province, power quality manager Li Sihan monitors readings on a dashboard, checking a newly installed electric heat-tracing device. Li developed the maintainable electric heat-tracing device, which has significantly reduced power outages and maintenance costs in the area.

    “Traditional heat-tracing belts require a complete power shutdown for maintenance, which severely affects power supply quality,” Li said. “With the maintainable electric heat-tracing device, we can maintain fault points without shutting down power, and work in a localized manner.”

    In Li’s view, the emergence of the power quality management profession reflects China’s shift from ensuring power supply to ensuring power quality in its power system.

    Today, China’s intelligent manufacturing equipment sector continues to expand, with multiple national demonstration factories, provincial digital workshops and smart factories being established.

    Data shows that over 90 percent of these demonstration factories have applied technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twins. With the efforts of workers like Bai, Bao and Li, China is moving from being a manufacturing giant to becoming a smart manufacturing powerhouse. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Thought the election campaign was boring? Maybe you’re just not on TikTok

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Grantham, Lecturer in Communication, Griffith University

    This year’s election campaign marked a turning point in Australian politics. TikTok has emerged not just as another tool, but as a main battleground.

    Although it played a part in the 2022 election, this was the first time the two major parties and the Greens embraced short-form video as a serious campaign strategy.

    These videos may seem silly or nonsensical, but for many Gen Z voters, they may have been the only political messages they encountered in the entire five-week campaign. Given the dominance of Gen Z and Millennial voters, social media videos are increasingly important.

    A blend of trends, podcasts and thirst traps

    The Australian Labor Party’s campaign leaned heavily into TikTok culture, crafting a multi-pronged strategy to reach younger voters where they scroll. This included meme engagement like this absurdist #italianbrainrot trend.

    #brainrot refers to deliberately absurd, low-effort videos that thrive on chaos and nonsensical repetition.

    It’s an existing TikTok trend that started in early 2025 and is designed to capture attention in an oversaturated feed. In other words, don’t try to understand, just watch and enjoy.

    Another standout is a now-viral video of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese edited with the stylistic flair typical of TikTok “thirst trap” content. The editing style and music choice are both characteristic of this sub-genre of video designed to make the subject appear attractive.

    It walked a fine line between irony and sincerity: an intentional nod to the platform’s unique language and humour. While some lapped it up as clever, others question whether such tactics undermine the seriousness of politics.

    Labor also heavily invested in podcasting, with Albanese appearing on youth-oriented shows with the likes of Abbie Chatfield and Ozzy Man. These long-form interviews were mostly promoted by the podcasters themselves, which was a clever use of their existing audiences. It contributed to a strategy that prioritised personality as much as policy.

    Combined with a coordinated influencer outreach, including briefings with popular creators, Labor’s campaign showed a keen understanding of the algorithmic economy. Whether it was cringey or clever, it was undeniably calculated.

    Trendsetters with turbulence

    The Liberal Party started its TikTok campaigning back in December 2024. These early videos, many AI-generated, saw remarkable traction. The highest-viewed video, an AI voice-change take on a scene from “The Grinch”, has been viewed 2.8 million times.

    Then came “Tim Cheese”, a trending fictional character they used to blur the lines in political storytelling. A “bad guy”, Tim Cheese was used by the Liberals to highlight that the known bad guys aren’t always bad.

    One standout video was the introduction of “Cheesy Albanese”, which merged political satire with platform-native humour that resonated with the audience.

    The Liberals also tapped into trending sounds and aesthetics such as #brainrot and #italianbrainrot. In fairness, they were the first to use it before the official campaign started.

    But with any innovative campaign comes risk.

    A notable misstep was the repurposing of influencer content, including that of Holly MacAlpine.

    Topham Guerin, the strategy company behind the campaign, has a reputation for provocative approaches that can come close to, but don’t actually break, the law. However, this use of content did wear thin for some followers, sparking early signs of disengagement.

    The campaign’s second major stumble came on election day.

    US-based TikTok creator Ray William Johnson, who has more than 18.5 million followers, called out the Liberals for blocking his account when they clearly used his video and animation style.

    Johnson said he had no issue with the mimicry, but the party’s pre-emptive blocking of him fuelled backlash. His response video, now seen more than 12 million times, ends with a blunt directive: “I hope everyone goes out and votes for the other guy.”

    It was a viral moment that undid much of the earlier momentum, and demonstrates the high stakes of campaigning in the age of creator culture.

    Despite a clever response video from the Liberals, it was overshadowed by the sheer scale of the backlash.

    With these lows there was still highs, including a highly effective and trending video game that saw players “Escape Albo”.

    The Liberals were early trendsetters, creating boundary-pushing content for all users, even those without strong political views. They experimented with styles that went on to be mimicked, particularly with Labor’s #brainrot-inspired content.

    Greens go from giant toothbrushes to DJ sets

    In a bid to connect with the gaming community, Tasmanian Senator Nick McKim took to livestreaming sessions of the popular game Fortnite. Donning comfortable clothes and a headset, McKim engaged viewers with gaming lingo and humour, aiming to make politics more relatable to younger audiences.

    These videos were a huge success, with this one being viewed 1.4 million times.

    A central feature of the Greens social media campaign was the deployment of a giant toothbrush prop, symbolising the party’s commitment to integrating dental care into Medicare. It featured across various platforms and was a nice link to events in Brisbane and Melbourne.

    These events featured the support of big-name influencers and prompted spinoff videos launching Greens Leader Adam Bandt’s DJ career.

    But despite the flashy props, influencer cameos and party vibes, the Greens’ campaign often felt more like a collection of stunts than a cohesive digital strategy: memorable in moments, but ultimately lacking impact.

    Did it make any difference?

    While many labelled the 2025 election dull, the TikTok campaign told a different story. It was unpredictable, occasionally “cringe”, but deeply entertaining.

    It’s too soon to know if any of this shifted votes or even opinions. Party officials, campaign strategists and academics will all be watching closely to find out.

    While social media is ubiquitous in our lives, using it to campaign is still relatively new in our political history. There are no best-practice guidelines or proven approaches. Of all this content thrown at the wall, it will be fascinating to see what sticks.

    But to the millions of Australians on TikTok, politics has never looked or sounded quite like it did in 2025.

    Susan Grantham 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. Thought the election campaign was boring? Maybe you’re just not on TikTok – https://theconversation.com/thought-the-election-campaign-was-boring-maybe-youre-just-not-on-tiktok-255847

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –