NewzIntel.com

Category: Technology

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: African Development Bank to provide $184.1 million for Africa’s largest solar energy and battery storage project


    Download logo

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a financing package of up to $184.1 million to support the development of the Obelisk 1-gigawatt solar photovoltaic project and 200MWh battery energy storage system in Egypt, which will be Africa’s largest solar power plant.

    Located in Qena Governorate in southern Egypt, the project entails the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a photovoltaic power plant with an integrated battery energy storage system. The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company will be the sole off-taker under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.

    The project’s total cost is estimated at more than $590 million. The Bank Group’s financing package includes $125.5 million of ordinary resources, as well as concessional funding from Bank Group-managed Special Funds the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa  (SEFA) worth $20 million, and the Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund ($18.6 million), a partnership of the Bank Group and the Government of Canada. A further $20 million will come from the Climate Investment Funds’ Clean Technology Fund, with additional financing to be mobilized from a consortium of development finance institutions.

    Under Egypt’s Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy (NWFE) platform, Obelisk has been granted a Golden License by the government, which recognizes it as a strategic initiative that will contribute to addressing Egypt’s energy constraints and advancing its energy transition.

    Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, said “the Obelisk solar project is another important milestone for Egypt under the energy pillar of the NWFE program which has since its launch in November 2022 at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh delivered 4.2 GW of privately financed renewable energy investments, worth about $4 billion, with the support of partners such as the Africa Development Bank.  The goal of NWFE’s energy pillar is to add 10 GW of renewable energy capacity with investments of approximately $10 billion, and phase out 5 GW of fossil fuel power generation by 2030.”

    The project, expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2026, will generate an estimated 2,772 gigawatt-hours of clean, reliable, and affordable energy annually to the national grid. The battery energy storage system will help meet peak evening demand with renewable power while also mitigating the variability of solar power generation. The project is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately one million tons and create about 4,000 jobs during construction and 50 permanent jobs during operation, with a special focus on women and youth employment.

    “Obelisk is another landmark development under NWFE that leverages on Egypt’s and the African Development Bank’s leadership as well as commitment to harnessing the country’s renewable energy to enhance the resilience of the country’s energy supply to meet its fast-growing energy demand sustainably,” said Kevin Kariuki, African Development Bank Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth.  “This project also contributes to Egypt’s ambition of producing 42 percent of its power generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030 while spurring economic growth and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,”

     Ambassador of Canada to the Arab Republic of Egypt Ulric Shannon said: “Canada is proud to support solar energy development in Egypt. This initiative is a meaningful step toward enhancing energy security and stability, with direct benefits for the Egyptian people. We are pleased to collaborate with the African Development Bank and other partners in supporting Egypt’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”

    The Obelisk Solar Project aligns with the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, its New Deal on Energy for Africa, and its Country Strategy Paper for Egypt as well as SEFA’s strategic framework which aims to accelerate African countries energy transition by increasing the share of renewables and catalyzing commercial capital mobilization in the power sector. The project also advances Egypt’s commitment to achieve 42 percent generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030.

    “This project exploits the abundant renewable energy potential in Africa and demonstrates how strong partnerships and innovative solutions contribute to balancing three core objectives in the energy sector, namely energy security, affordability, and sustainable economic development,” said Wale Shonibare, Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulation at the African Development Bank. “It has high potential for replicability across the continent.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contact:
    Olufemi Terry
    Communication and External Relations Department
    o.terry@afdb.org

    Technical Contact:
    James Otto
    Senior Investment Officer
    Energy Financial Solution and Policy Regulations Department
    j.otto@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Canada’s $80 Billion Defence Modernization Package Signals Strategic Shift—Draganfly Positioned for Rapid Growth with Integration of DND-Specified Radio Systems

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Toronto, ON , June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a decisive move to fortify Canada’s national security capabilities, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced an $80 billion long-term defence investment package focused on technological modernization, domestic industrial capacity, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This landmark announcement, inclusive of robust support for drone development and Canadian manufacturing, marks a generational shift in federal defence procurement strategy.

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer. Draganfly is positioned to contribute to objectives within the Our North Strong and Free (ONSAF) defence policy expansion. Draganfly’s interoperable and multi-mission family of UAS platforms is strategically aligned with stated DND priorities such as “Expanding and Enhancing Existing and Emerging Military Capabilities” related to border security and Arctic sovereignty. Demonstrating this adaptability, Draganfly confirms the successful integration and demonstration of a Department of National Defence (DND)-specified radio communications system into its flagship drone platforms, in addition to several other communication system integrations to support interoperability with existing assets. These integrations help prime the company for eligibility in upcoming federal UAS procurements that emphasize secure, interoperable, and sovereign systems.

    Draganfly, with multiple R&D and Manufacturing sites in Canada, is one of the world’s longest standing commercial UAS manufacturers. The capacity for expansion of domestic production, in combination with long standing strategic relationships that Draganfly holds with various related technologies providers across various Five Eyes regions uniquely positions Draganfly as a technology integrator and solutions provider.

    This week’s developments signal a major policy realignment by Ottawa, anchoring defence spending to strategic domestic priorities such as resilient supply chains, sovereign manufacturing, and interoperability with NATO and Five Eyes partners. The emphasis on drone capabilities and homeland industrial content is particularly relevant in an era marked by asymmetric threats and hybrid warfare.

    Prime Minister Carney’s announcement effectively maps a multi-year demand curve for Canadian aerospace, cybersecure communications, and autonomous systems providers. Analysts anticipate that a minimum of 20% of the $80B envelope will be earmarked for next-generation battlefield technologies, with drones expected to account for a significant share of this investment.

    Draganfly’s ability to support existing architecture and protocols while providing the ability to rapidly test and adopt emerging technologies with domestic manufacturing and engineering expertise is poised to support these pillars of the Defence Modernization package. Adoption of Draganfly product for testing and use by Canadian and US Military Customers and Prime Contractors through 2024 and 2025, validates its platforms for critical applications such as reconnaissance, force protection, and logistics resupply. This positions Draganfly as one of the few Canadian OEMs and Supply Chain Managers capable of delivering mission-ready systems that meet both tactical requirements and industrial policy criteria.

    Strategic Implications for Capital Markets and Domestic Industry

    • Domestic Preference: The federal focus on Canadian manufacturing aligns with the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, making domestically-integrated platforms poised to win procurement bids.
    • Supply Chain Security: In an age of escalating global tensions, Canada is reducing reliance on foreign critical components. Draganfly’s control over its own airframe and avionics IP gives it a defensible advantage.
    • Dual-Use Upside: Beyond military contracts, the integrated communication system enhances the company’s value proposition in emergency response, disaster relief, and public safety markets.
    • Revenue Catalysts: Analysts expect RFIs and RFPs for defence-grade drones to accelerate in the second half of 2025, with contract awards potentially materializing as early as Q1 2026. Draganfly’s early compliance could provide a first-mover advantage.

    About Draganfly

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8) is the creator of quality, cutting-edge drone solutions, software, and AI systems that revolutionize how organizations can do business and serve their stakeholders. Recognized as being at the forefront of technology for over 25 years, Draganfly is an award-winning industry leader serving the public safety, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, mapping, and surveying markets. Draganfly is a company driven by passion, ingenuity, and the need to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to its customers around the world with the goal of saving time, money, and lives.

    NASDAQ (DPRO)
    CSE (DPRO)
    FSE (3U8)

    Media Contact:
    Erika Racicot
    Email: media@draganfly.com

    Company Contact:
    Email: info@draganfly.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking ‎‎‎‎information” as ‎‎‎‎defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information can ‎‎‎‎generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‎‎‎‎‎“may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, ‎‎‎‎‎“estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar ‎‎‎‎terminology. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information are based on forecasts of future ‎‎‎‎results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and ‎‎‎‎assumptions that, while believed by ‎‎‎‎management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant ‎‎‎‎business, economic and ‎‎‎‎competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎include, but are not ‎‎‎‎limited to, statements with respect to Draganfly’s interoperable and multi-mission family of UAS platforms being strategically aligned with stated DND priorities such as “Expanding and Enhancing Existing and Emerging Military Capabilities” related to border security and Arctic sovereignty as well as the statement regarding analysts’ anticipation that a minimum of 20% of the $80B envelope will be earmarked for next-generation battlefield technologies, with drones expected to account for a significant share of this investment. Forward-‎‎‎‎looking statements and information are subject to various ‎known ‎‎and unknown risks and ‎‎‎‎‎uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to ‎control or ‎‎predict, that ‎‎‎‎may cause ‎the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be ‎materially ‎‎different ‎‎‎‎from those ‎expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions ‎about ‎‎such ‎‎‎‎risks, uncertainties ‎and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎impact of epidemics, ‎pandemics or other public health crises, including the ‎COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s business, operations and financial ‎‎‎‎condition; the ‎‎‎successful integration of ‎technology; the inherent risks involved in the general ‎‎‎‎securities markets; ‎‎‎uncertainties relating to the ‎availability and costs of financing needed in the ‎‎‎‎future; the inherent ‎‎‎uncertainty of cost estimates; the ‎potential for unexpected costs and ‎‎‎‎expenses, currency ‎‎‎fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, ‎competition, loss of key ‎‎‎‎employees and other related risks ‎‎‎and uncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in the Company’s most recent filings filed ‎‎‎with securities regulators in Canada on ‎the SEDAR ‎‎‎‎website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes ‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking information represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking ‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to ‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or ‎‎‎information.‎

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SINTX Technologies Announces Strategic Vision Focused on Expansion Across Key Sectors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New leadership and recapitalization to accelerate commercialization of proprietary silicon nitride technologies in medical and high-growth markets

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SINT) (“SINTX” or the “Company”), the only FDA-registered producer of implantable silicon nitride and a global leader in advanced ceramics, today announced a renewed corporate vision and strategic plan to accelerate commercialization and unlock the full value of its intellectual property portfolio. This follows the company’s successful recapitalization in February 2025 and the restructure of its leadership team and Board of Directors.

    A Legacy of Innovation in Silicon Nitride

    In 2008 SINTX Technologies made history with the first FDA-cleared implant material that is neither metal nor plastic—but medical-grade silicon nitride. The initial clearance covered a family of interbody devices and marked a pivotal moment in spinal surgery. These implants offered a unique trifecta of benefits: antimicrobial activity, osteogenic potential, and radiographic translucency. With over 50,000 spinal implants successfully placed worldwide, SINTX has demonstrated the clinical viability and long-term advantages of this revolutionary biomaterial.

    Today, SINTX remains the industry leader in silicon nitride technology, with 18 issued U.S. patents and 84 pending applications. Known for its strength, biocompatibility, and infection-resistant properties, the company’s proprietary ceramic platform has applications across multiple markets—including the $62 billion global orthopedic implant sector, as well as emerging fields like agribiotech and performance textiles.

    Renewed Vision and Mission

    SINTX is now taking this one step further by developing next-generation hybrid biomaterials that combine the biological performance of silicon nitride and merging the flexibility, and manufacturability of polymers like PEEK and PEKK. These new composites are being optimized for applications in spine, oral/maxillofacial (OMF), cranio-maxillofacial (CMF), and oncologic reconstruction.

    “Our mission is clear: to drive sustainable growth and value creation by collaborating with market leaders who recognize the transformative potential of silicon nitride,” said Mr. Eric Olson, CEO of SINTX Technologies. “With a strengthened balance sheet and a robust intellectual property portfolio, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate commercialization and deliver superior outcomes for patients, customers, and shareholders alike.”

    Strategic Initiatives and Market Expansion

    SINTX is actively pursuing strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities to expand the reach of its technology. The company’s near-term focus includes:

    • Joint Ventures: Collaborating with established manufacturers in orthopedics, wound care, agribiotech, and other potential sectors to integrate silicon nitride into next-generation products.
    • IP Monetization: Unlocking value from its extensive patent portfolio through licensing agreements and technology transfer initiatives.
    • Operational Excellence: Enhancing AI supported 3D manufacturing capabilities at its FDA cleared and ISO certified headquarters to support anticipated growth and ensure the highest quality standards.

    Commitment to Stakeholders

    As SINTX enters this new era, the Company reaffirms its commitment to transparency, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

    “We are grateful for the continued support of our shareholders and partners,” said Mr. Olson. “Together, we will realize the full potential of silicon nitride and secure SINTX’s position as a leader in advanced ceramics.

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

    About SINTX Technologies, Inc.

    Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, SINTX Technologies is an advanced ceramics company that develops and commercializes materials, components, and technologies for medical and agribiotech applications. SINTX is a global leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of silicon nitride, and its products have been implanted in humans since 2008. Over the past several years, SINTX has utilized strategic acquisitions and alliances to enter new markets. For more information on SINTX Technologies or its materials platform, visit www.sintx.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”) that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and reflect management’s current estimates, projections, expectations and beliefs. Forward looking statements include our efforts to develop next-generation hybrid biomaterials, our expectation that will drive sustainable growth and value creation, and that we will expand the reach of our technology pursuing strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, difficulty in developing and commercializing medical device technologies. A discussion of other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements can be found in SINTX’s Risk Factors disclosure in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2025, and in SINTX’s other filings with the SEC. SINTX undertakes no obligation to publicly revise or update the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this report, except as required by law.

    Business and Media Inquiries for SINTX:
    SINTX Technologies, Inc.
    801.839.3502
    IR@sintx.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Celebrate Freedom, Celebrate America! American Rebel Light Beer—Free Shipping Through June 30th to Honor the Fourth of July and America’s Birthday!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Stock up on “Rebel Light” prior to the Fourth of July—Free Shipping Ends June 30th!
    • America’s Fastest Growing Beer – American Rebel Light now shipping to more than 40 states across the U.S.A.

    Nashville, TN, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB), through its American Rebel Beverages subsidiary and America’s Patriotic Beer – American Rebel Light Beer (www.americanrebelbeer.com) proudly announces, just in time for summer celebrations, a limited-time Free Shipping offer now through June 30th. Customers can order directly from http://shop.americanrebelbeer.com/.

    Raise a Cold One to the Red, White, and Blue!

    Independence Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate freedom than with America’s Patriotic Beer—American Rebel Light Beer! Whether you’re grilling, launching fireworks, or simply raising a toast to liberty, make sure you’ve got American Rebel Light Beer on hand. Time to stock up on American Rebel Light Beer—a better-for-you, all-natural light lager made for freedom-loving Americans.

    “There’s no better way to celebrate America’s birthday than with a cold can of American Rebel Light Beer,” said Andy Ross, CEO of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. “This is more than just a beer—it’s a salute to our country, our Constitution, and those who protect our freedom. Raise a “Tall Boy” and toast to the red, white, and blue!”

    Order Now!

    Freedom Delivered to Your Door—Online Sales Are Soaring!

    Patriotic Americans nationwide are stocking up as online sales rapidly increase. This better-for-you, all-natural light lager represents everything we stand for—and now, it’s easier than ever to get your beer of freedom delivered straight to your doorstep!

    Limited-Time Free Shipping—Order Now Before June 30th!

    This exclusive free shipping offer is available through June 30th, making it effortless to prepare for Fourth of July celebrations. Join the movement and drink to independence—because every sip is a salute to the land of the free!

    Stock up now at shop.americanrebelbeer.com and toast to freedom this Fourth of July!

    With delivery now available to over 40 states, American Rebel Light Beer is making it easy to celebrate America anywhere this summer. With strong consumer engagement and nationwide accessibility, American Rebel Light Beer continues to build momentum. Order your American Rebel Light Beer now at shop.americanrebelbeer.com

    States we ship to:

    AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NC, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    American Rebel Light Beer is America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is more than just a beer—it’s a celebration of freedom, passion, and quality. Brewed with care and precision, our light beer delivers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for every occasion.

    Since its launch in September 2024, American Rebel Light Beer has rolled out in Tennessee, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Indiana and is adding new distributors and territories regularly. For more information about the launch events and the availability of American Rebel Beer follow us on our social media platforms.

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    For more information about American Rebel Light Beer follow us on social media @AmericanRebelBeer

    For more information, visit americanrebelbeer.com

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories.

    To learn more, visit www.americanrebel.com and www.americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit www.americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    Watch the American Rebel Story as told by our CEO Andy Ross visit The American Rebel Story

    Media Inquiries:
    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@Precisionpr.co
    917-280-7329

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com
    ir@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of our continued sponsorship of high profile events, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Zoom unveils Virtual Agent 2.0 to power smarter, autonomous customer support via next-gen agentic AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) today introduced Zoom Virtual Agent 2.0, the next evolution of the company’s self-service virtual agent. Now powered by agentic AI, Zoom Virtual Agent delivers smarter, autonomous self-service experiences across chat and voice channels.

    “With the next generation of Zoom Virtual Agent, we’re ushering in a new era of intelligent, proactive customer support, taking customers from frustration to building true connections with brands,” said Chris Morrissey, General Manager of Zoom CX. “Through the agentic AI skills built into its core, Zoom Virtual Agent doesn’t just respond — it takes action on behalf of customers, managing complex inquiries with HD-quality neural voices, significantly minimizing the need for agent escalation. These advanced capabilities transform routine support interactions into exceptional customer experiences.”

    Unlike traditional chatbots, the upgraded Zoom Virtual Agent can now autonomously complete complex tasks like processing returns, updating accounts, or booking appointments. With advanced reasoning, memory, and context-aware conversations, it delivers seamless, brand-aligned interactions without requiring human intervention.

    The upgraded Zoom Virtual Agent is built to meet the rising demand for fast, accurate, and seamless self-service across channels. In 2025, 85% of customer service leaders plan to explore or pilot customer-facing conversational generative AI solutions, driving the acceleration of intelligent automation adoption.

    Self-service benefits both customers and businesses

    The new Zoom Virtual Agent can help deliver premium customer service experiences while driving efficiency in CX organizations by combining natural, fluid, and highly scalable automation with proactive reasoning to autonomously solve complex, end-to-end customer scenarios.

    • Reduce costs and drive revenue: Increase self-service containment with autonomous resolution of complex end-to-end tasks; reduce abandonment with a virtual agent that can understand context across interactions to deliver accurate, personalized support; and repurpose agent staffing to focus on growth.
    • Improve CX efficiencies: Drive self-service efficiency with customers by delivering accurate resolutions, even for complex requests, and increase the customer lifetime value.
    • Deliver exceptional customer experiences: Improve ESAT and CSAT scores with reduced resolution times and reduced escalations; boost brand voice with customized tone and language capabilities; and free human agents to focus on deeper engagement and higher-value customer interactions.

    Built to meet rising customer expectations and the demand for scalable, intelligent automation, Zoom Virtual Agent integrates natively with Zoom Contact Center and leading platforms like Salesforce, ServiceNow, Zendesk, Microsoft Dynamics, and Genesys Cloud.

    The next gen Zoom Virtual Agent with agentic AI is now available. For more details on how Zoom Virtual Agent can unlock more meaningful customer engagement with agentic AI self-service, read the Zoom blog and visit the Zoom website to learn more.

    About Zoom

    Zoom’s mission is to provide an AI-first work platform for human connection. Reimagine teamwork with Zoom Workplace — Zoom’s open collaboration platform with AI Companion that empowers teams to be more productive. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer experience teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more information at zoom.com.

    Contact:
    Lacretia Nichols
    press@zoom.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DIMO Japan Launches To Strengthen Car Connectivity with Regional Automakers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DIMO to assist automakers in accelerating connected experiences ranging from AI and diagnostics to gamification

    Japan offers one of the world’s most advanced automotive markets, producing about 10% of all vehicles, and is a critical geography for enterprise adoption of car connectivity

    NEW YORK and TOKYO, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DIMO, in partnership with HAKUHODO KEY3, today announced the establishment of the joint venture DIMO Japan. The initiative aims to expedite partnerships with key automakers in the region, helping them to deliver cutting-edge connected vehicle experiences to meet consumer demands and revenue potential.

    DIMO Japan is being launched in response to a clear need to scale and improve connectivity interfacing and infrastructure for drivers, automakers, and service providers. Automakers have invested heavily in connected vehicles in recent years; however, data infrastructure stands out as one of the critical challenges facing the sector, particularly regarding how data is connected, stored, and shared. In addition, as data privacy regulation is tightening across key markets, developing such infrastructure in-house is growing increasingly unpredictable and costly.

    With DIMO’s solution, regional automakers can manage data storage, user privacy policies, consent management, and data APIs on their own infrastructure – solving key pain points around privacy concerns and high development costs. These DIMO differentiators will lower the barrier to entry for enterprises and developers seeking to deploy advanced features such as real-time diagnostics, usage-based insurance, and location-based digital experiences, which consumers are increasingly demanding to enhance their driving experience.

    Through this joint venture, DIMO is expanding its industry-leading platform to one of the world’s top automotive markets, as Japan currently produces close to 10% of all vehicles worldwide, including from top automaker Toyota. In addition, the connected and software-defined vehicles (SDV) market is projected to grow from over $200 billion in 2024 to over $1 trillion by 2030, making it imperative for Japanese automotive brands to put in place advanced connectivity infrastructure that is secure, private, and hospitable to both in-house and third-party development. DIMO Japan is committed to supporting automakers to realize the revenue potential tied to connectivity.

    DIMO Japan is led by CEO Ryo Hayashi, who began his career in the telecommunications industry and has since gained extensive experience launching new businesses across a variety of sectors, including the internet and automotive industries. He has held executive positions at both domestic and international companies, including IDOM, viagogo, and Nextag.

    “Japan remains an integral part of the global market, with key automakers, Tier 1 suppliers and mobility innovators all concentrated in the country. However, progress still needs to be made in scaling connectivity for locally-produced vehicles and offering next-generation software services to drivers of those vehicles,” remarked Mr. Hayashi. “Our immediate focus is to expand the DIMO platform and allow local companies to integrate with it, as well as lowering the infrastructure hurdles for automakers, service partners and third-party developers to build and innovate through DIMO.”

    DIMO’s expansion into the Japanese market is the next step in the company’s growth trajectory and mission to build a global platform facilitating the use of connected-car features and applications. Over 180,000 vehicles are currently connected to DIMO.

    “We hear from automakers about the demand for their data, we hear from users about their desire for new connected products and services, and we hear from enterprises about their interest in building new experiences like smart city projects, AI agents, and gamification,” said Alex Rawitz, Co-Founder of DIMO. “DIMO Japan will provide the infrastructure necessary to make these experiences possible.”

    To facilitate the establishment of DIMO Japan, the DIMO Foundation is holding a community vote on June 16th, 2025 to approve a contribution of $500,000 USDT and 4,000,000 DIMO tokens, subject to milestone-based disbursements and lockup schedules, in exchange for up to 33% equity ownership in the entity.

    To learn more about DIMO Japan, please visit: https://dimojapan.com/

    About DIMO

    DIMO is transforming vehicle ownership by putting drivers in control of their data. Its privacy-first, AI-integrated platform connects drivers, automakers, and developers to accelerate connected vehicle innovation while ensuring drivers retain full ownership of their information. Through the DIMO Mobile app, drivers gain real-time insights to improve vehicle performance, maximize savings on maintenance, and access a growing suite of marketplace applications while earning rewards in DIMO tokens. It was founded in 2021 by automotive and fintech veterans from ConsenSys, Vroom, GM, Volkswagen, Aeris, and Chainalysis. Please visit us on X and LinkedIn.

    About HAKUHODO KEY3

    HAKUHODO KEY3 is a web3 business production company founded in December 2022 by Hakuhodo Inc. and Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Labs Japan. With a focus on “consumer-driven thinking” and “creativity,” they aim to create world-first web3 services. By collaborating with their partner companies, they are committed to building a society where more people can seamlessly participate in the web3 ecosystem.

    Media Contacts:
    Diana Bost/Ryan Dicovitsky
    Dukas Linden Public Relations
    DIMO@DLPR.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79a3edb2-6dd8-48cf-92d6-e88d2095b8b3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Scrum Alliance and Northwestern University Join Forces to Empower the Next Generation with Essential Scrum and Agile Skills

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Through a unique collaboration, Scrum Alliance® a global leader in agile certifications, and Northwestern University School of Professional Studies (SPS), renowned for its prestigious academic programs and dedicated approach to professional development, have joined forces to offer a suite of on-demand courses designed to equip professionals with essential agile skills.

    No matter where an organization is in its agile transformation, these on-demand courses offer ways to understand agile adoption success factors, management approaches and change management development.

    All three courses offer the ultimate flexibility, letting those who desire to stay ahead of the curve learn anytime, anywhere and at their own pace. But it’s not just about convenience — these courses will provide the tools to seize opportunities and deliver real, impactful results in any industry. Whether it’s advancing a career or transforming an organization, these courses provide the expertise you need to thrive in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving business world.

    “Agility is no longer just a buzzword; it’s the key to thriving in today’s volatile, fast-moving business world,” said Tristan Boutros, CEO of Scrum Alliance. “This partnership with Northwestern University allows us to deliver actionable skills that go beyond theory — these are concrete skills that help professionals mobilize strategy, drive measurable bottom-line results and mitigate risk. Whether it’s managing projects more effectively, leveraging AI advancements or responding to shifts in the market, agility is essential for today’s leaders who need to act fast, think ahead and lead with impact.”

    Professionals will have access to three on-demand microcredential courses offered by Scrum Alliance with each course launching this summer.

    1. Agile Stakeholder Engagement will launch in early July. Effective stakeholder communication is crucial for product owners and scrum masters to ensure project alignment, build relationships and maintain engagement throughout the agile process. This course will explain best practices for communication between agile and traditional projects while identifying and prioritizing stakeholder’s communication needs.
    2. Agile Change Management will launch in August. Whether your organization is just beginning its agile transformation or is further along, it’s crucial to help your team quickly adapt. This course addresses common obstacles teams face during agile transitions and offers change management strategies to overcome resistance.
    3. Mastering Hybrid Agile is scheduled to launch in September. This course helps teams—remote, hybrid and in-person—optimize collaboration and tackle the challenges of distributed work. Participants will explore agile practices to enhance communication, streamline teamwork and overcome common hurdles in hybrid environments, ensuring success on any project.

    Each course is between three and five hours long and covers several modules and examples. Interactive and practical exercises are integrated throughout each microcredential to apply what was learned. Together, Northwestern University and Scrum Alliance encourage those already in the workforce to take advantage of these offerings and advance their professional skills.

    “SPS is committed to offering high-quality, flexible, and accessible educational programs that advance the careers of working professionals,” said Erica Wilke Bova, Ed.D., Assistant Dean, Professional Education Programs. “This partnership enables us to create contemporary curricula in an innovative format that meets the workforce needs of Scrum Alliance’s network.”

    About Scrum Alliance®
    As the first not-for-profit focused on agile education and professional credentialing, Scrum Alliance continues to advance its position of Agile for Anyone™ by equipping professionals and their organizations with the education, skills, and community needed to succeed in today’s ever-evolving workplaces.

    Learn more at www.scrumalliance.org.

    About Northwestern University
    Northwestern University is a leading private research institution with campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois. Known for its academic excellence and commitment to innovation, Northwestern offers a wide range of professional development programs through its School of Professional Studies, preparing individuals for success in an ever-evolving global economy.

    For more information or to enroll in the new agile courses, please visit www.scrumalliance.org or www.sps.northwestern.edu.

    Media Contact
    Bethany Rhodes
    Uproar by Moburst for Scrum Alliance
    bethany@moburst.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PFM CRYPTO Launched the World’s First “XRP Lightning Mining” Package, Locking in XRP Ecological Dividends within 24 Hours

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As a cross-border payment giant Ripple announced a strategic cooperation with MoneyGram, Saudi Arabia’s Alrajhi Bank and other institutions to promote the expansion of XRP payment channels by 300%. After the news was released, the number of active addresses on the XRP chain soared by 18% in a single week, and short-term speculative funds poured in more than US$800 million. Faced with the historic opportunity of the payment ecosystem explosion, PFM CRYPTO launched the world’s first 24-hour XRP ultra-short-term cloud mining contract, and the computing power subscription volume on the first day of launch exceeded US$12 million.

    What Is PFMCrypto XRP Lightning Mining?

    PFMCrypto XRP Lightning mining is a remote cryptocurrency mining solution that supports a range of digital assets, including XRP. Users leverage the mining company’s computational power to earn profits without investing in hardware or handling technical maintenance. Through access to high-powered mining farms, PFMCrypto enables users to benefit from ongoing crypto mining rewards as complex blockchain problems are solved in real time.

    PFM CRYPTO’s three core advantages of “XRP Lightning Mining”

    • Instant participation in the trend

    The implementation of Ripple payment scenarios will quickly detonate the transaction volume on the XRP chain. PFM CRYPTO cloud computing power can be used after registration, without the need for a waiting period for mining machine debugging, professional knowledge and expensive equipment.

    • Hedge against potential XRP price fluctuations

    When the market fluctuates violently due to Ripple, PFM CRYPTO’s AI cloud mining system supports multi-currency profit optimization and automatically switches to high-potential currencies, effectively avoiding potential Dogecoin market volatility risks.

    • Intelligent real-time settlement of income

    PFM CRYPTO uses a self-developed income calculation engine to monitor XRP computing power changes and price fluctuations in real time, automatically adjust income distribution strategies, and daily settlement of income without any hidden fees.

    Sample Investment Plans

    Trial Contract: Investment: $100 | Net Profit: $106.6

    Classic Contract: Investment: $500 | Net Profit: $530.75

    Classic Contract: Investment: $3,000 | Net Profit: $3,888

    Prepaid Contract: Investment: $5,000 | Net Profit: $7,370

    Advanced Contract: Investment: $10,000 | Net Profit: $17,240

    In order to meet the potential surge in demand, PFM CRYPTO has completed three XRP mining service upgrades:

    1. Launch a $10 novice reward, which can be received after registration;

    2. Provide 7/24-hour manual customer service online service to ensure that it can connect with all users anytime, anywhere.

    3. Launch 1-day, 2-day, and 5-day short-term cloud mining contracts, suitable for short-term investment testing and quick arbitrage.

    About PFM CRYPTO
    As a leading crypto asset management platform, PFM CRYPTO provides revolutionary cloud mining solutions, covering 11 mainstream currencies such as BTC, ETH, XRP, etc. Through patented computing power leasing technology, users can obtain stable digital asset income without mining machines. Visit [ https://pfmcrypto.net ] now to receive a $10 welcome bonus.

    Media Contact:

    Amelia Elspeth
    PFMcrypto
    info@pfmcrypto.net

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/099b61d5-a9f4-4049-b771-34e287758b62

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9985a9a-8d30-4f15-b719-91c0340b7d57

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UNICOM Engineering Recognized with Dell Technologies 2025 Partner of the Year Award for OEM Solution Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CANTON, Mass., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UNICOM Engineering, a trusted leader in purpose-built application platforms and global deployment services, is proud to announce it has been named the Dell Technologies 2025 OEM Solutions Services Sales Partner of the Year. This award recognizes the company’s outstanding achievements in delivering innovative, high-quality OEM solutions that help customers accelerate time to market and optimize operational efficiency.

    The recognition comes as part of Dell Technologies’ annual partner awards program, which spotlights organizations that demonstrate excellence in driving customer success and advancing digital transformation. UNICOM Engineering was recognized for its deep technical expertise, seamless integration capabilities, and commitment to service excellence.

    “This award is a testament to the incredible work our teams do every day to support our customers and strengthen our collaboration with Dell Technologies,” said Rusty Cone, General Manager of UNICOM Engineering. “We’re honored to be recognized for our OEM services, which are all about helping our customers scale smarter, deploy faster, and operate more efficiently. It’s a privilege to work alongside Dell to deliver solutions that truly make a difference.”

    As a Titanium OEM partner, UNICOM Engineering collaborates with Dell Technologies to design, build, and support high-performance, purpose-built platforms tailored to meet the needs of software developers and OEMs. To address the increasing demands of data centers, enterprises, MSPs, and CSPs, UNICOM Engineering integrates advanced liquid cooling technologies ensuring efficient thermal management and reduced power consumption. With expertise in engineering design, regulatory compliance, integration, installation, and life cycle support, UNICOM Engineering simplifies complexity, allowing customers to focus on innovation and accelerate time to market.

    This award marks another milestone in a long-standing relationship built on trust, performance, and a shared vision for the future of technology.

    About UNICOM Engineering
    UNICOM Engineering is a leading provider of purpose-built application platforms, appliances, and life cycle deployment services for solution providers and OEMs in data center, storage, security, and video markets. Recognized for its solution design technologies, integration expertise, and deployment capabilities, UNICOM Engineering helps customers accelerate time to market, optimize business efficiencies, and reduce total cost of ownership.

    To support the increasing demands of AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, UNICOM Engineering integrates advanced liquid cooling technologies, including Direct-to-Chip and immersion cooling. Through strategic partnerships, the company delivers high-density, energy-efficient infrastructure that enhances performance, scalability, and sustainability.

    Media Contact:

    Lisa Ryan
    lisa.ryan@unicomengineering.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Extension of subsidiary Management Board Chairman terms of office

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On June 11, 2025, the Supervisory Board of AS Elenger Grupp, a subsidiary of Aktsiaselts Infortar, approved the extension of the term of office of Margus Kaasik, Chairman of the Management Board of Elenger Grupp, for an additional three years, until June 26, 2028.

    Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,296 people.

    Additional information:

    Kadri Laanvee
    Investor Relations Manager
    Phone: +372 5156662
    e-mail: kadri.laanvee@infortar.ee 
    www.infortar.ee/en/investor

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bullish on Drone Stocks as Recent Executive Orders Focuses on Strengthening U.S. Leadership for Drone Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – On Friday, June 6, the White House issued two sweeping executive orders focused on strengthening U.S. leadership in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS, or drones). These actions aim to streamline rulemaking for enabling regulations, fortify domestic supply chains and promote manufacturing, advance security measures, and align federal operations with emerging aviation technologies. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) applauds the Administration’s commitment to advancing drone integration through timely, coordinated federal action. These Executive Orders mark a significant step toward reducing regulatory uncertainty, accelerating innovation and manufacturing, and reinforcing U.S. competitiveness in the global autonomy race. AUVSI envisions a future where uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomous technologies are seamlessly integrated to solve critical challenges resulting in lasting safety and societal benefits, economic growth, and enhanced national security. AUVSI represents leaders from more than 60 countries across industry, government, and academia in the defense, civil and commercial sectors. Our strength is in our community, which gathers in-person and online to share new ideas, promote effective policy, advocate for the value of autonomous technology, and spark new partnerships. Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS).

    The AUVSI article added: “Today is a historic day for the drone industry in the United States. The White House Executive Orders issued today showcase that drones are critical to American economic strength, national security, and global leadership” said Michael Robbins, AUVSI’s President & CEO. “AUVSI commends the Trump Administration for advancing policies that will ensure U.S. leadership in drone innovation, security, operations, and manufacturing. As we have long advocated, innovation and security must advance in lockstep, and President Trump got that right with these Executive Orders. By prioritizing long-overdue drone enabling rules and much needed security reforms, the Administration is accelerating the safe and responsible growth of the drone industry at a pivotal moment.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone to File Patent and Accelerate Deployment of Counter-UAS Technology on the ZenaDrone 1000 in Response to US Executive Order – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces its subsidiary ZenaDrone’s intent to file a patent and accelerate the deployment of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Counter-UAS) technology, to be mounted on the company’s flagship ZenaDrone 1000 drone platform in response to a new executive order policy directive. Counter-UAS technology refers to tools or systems that can detect, track, or mitigate unauthorized or dangerous drones to protect people, property, and airspace.

    ZenaDrone’s technology for this was originally designed last year but was placed on hold as the company prioritized other commercial and defense applications. However, the recent policy directive on Counter-UAS contained in the June 6th, 2025, White House Executive Order, ‘Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty’, has clarified the urgency and importance of bringing effective drone defense solutions to market. In response, ZenaDrone is accelerating development and commercialization efforts to meet growing domestic and international demand.

    “We developed our Counter-UAS system with future threats in mind, and the Executive Order has made it clear that the time to act is now,” said Dr. Shaun Passley, CEO of ZenaTech. “Integrating this technology into the ZenaDrone 1000 positions us to meet urgent security needs with a smart, autonomous aerial defense platform and be seen as a provider of safe, trusted, and mission-ready solutions.”

    The company will immediately expand its engineering and defense teams to fast-track R&D, testing, and deployment. The enhanced ZenaDrone 1000 will feature real-time threat detection and neutralization capabilities, making it a viable solution for military, homeland security, and critical infrastructure protection operations.

    The recent executive order, one of two historic policy directives announced on June 6th, 2025, provides a boost to US drone companies by driving demand for counter-UAS technologies, setting needed federal standards for secure airspace integration, and prioritizing US-made systems over foreign alternatives.

    The ZenaDrone 1000 is an AI multifunction autonomous drone that is a 12X7-foot rotary-wing octocopter design—built for commercial applications including surveillance, inspection and precision agriculture, as well as for defense. It features a patented foldable-wing design, can carry up to a 40 kg or 88 lbs of payload, and can fly for up to an hour before recharging on its docking station. It can be equipped with a variety of thermal imaging, LiDAR, or multispectral sensors to enable real-time ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), border patrol, and other defense applications. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions through its Ondas Networks and Ondas Autonomous Systems business units, recently announced the closing of its underwritten public offering of (i) 27,200,000 shares of its common stock, which includes 4,800,000 shares of common stock sold pursuant to the exercise in full by the underwriter of their over-allotment option, and (ii) in lieu of common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 9,600,000 shares of its common stock, at an exercise price of $0.0001 per share. Ondas estimates net proceeds from the offering to be approximately $42.8 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, and excluding any proceeds that may be received from the exercise of the pre-funded warrants.

    Ondas intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes, including funding capital expenditures and providing working capital. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. acted as the sole underwriter for the offering. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., Lake Street Capital Markets, LLC and Northland Capital Markets served as financial advisors to Ondas. Akerman LLP served as legal counsel to Ondas and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. served as legal counsel to the underwriter.

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO), a drone solutions, and systems developer, recently announced the pricing of its public offering (the “Offering”) of 5,500,000 units, with each unit consisting of one common share and one warrant to purchase one common share. Each unit is to be sold at a public offering price of US$2.50, for gross proceeds of approximately US$13.75 million, before deducting placement agent discounts and offering expenses. The warrants will have an exercise price of CA$5.0768 (or US$3.71) per share, are exercisable immediately and will expire five years following the date of issuance.

    Maxim Group LLC is acting as sole placement agent for the Offering. Draganfly currently intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes, including to fund its capabilities to meet demand for its new products including growth initiatives and/or for working capital requirements including the continuing development and marketing of the Company’s core products, potential acquisitions and research and development. The Offering is expected to close on or about June 12, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors, and software solutions for commercial and government use, recently announced the Company participated in a second high-level, invitation only policy discussion with the White House, hosted by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). This most recent engagement was centered on the proposed FAA Rule Part 108, which will define the regulatory framework for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations across the United States. AgEagle CEO Bill Irby joined industry peers from uAvionix, BRINC, Kelly Hills, and Pierce Aerospace in presenting key insights on how enactment of Part 108 will remove significant operational barriers, drive capital investment, and unlock next-generation drone technologies that enhance both commercial and public sector applications.

    “This follow-up invitation by OIRA reaffirms the strategic importance of expanding BVLOS operations for the domestic drone industry,” commented Irby. “We were honored to continue our engagement with the White House and contribute our perspective on how thoughtful and timely rulemaking can accelerate innovation, improve safety and compliance, and strengthen the U.S. position as a global leader in drone technology. Of particular value was the discussion of how streamlined regulation will allow broader deployment of autonomous data solutions and open the door for increased economic activity.”

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently issued a statement of support for a series of executive orders from the White House that advance U.S. leadership in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and reinforce the resilience of America’s domestic industrial base.

    The executive actions are expected to remove regulatory barriers and modernize federal approval processes to prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones. Additional provisions include expanded detection and mitigation authority, and streamlined regulations to accelerate the deployment of UAS across federal and commercial sectors.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup

    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/financialnewsmedia/

    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Acceleware Launches Transformative Strategic Plan to Support Growth Objectives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acceleware® Ltd. (“Acceleware” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: AXE), a leading innovator of cutting-edge radio frequency (RF) power-to-heat technologies targeting process heat for critical minerals, amine regeneration for carbon capture and other applications, and enhanced oil production, is pleased to announce its proposed new and transformative strategic plan (the “Plan”).

    The Plan has been developed by management of Acceleware (“Management”) with approval from the Company’s board of directors, (the “Board”). Management and the Board expect the Plan to rapidly establish the Company as a revenue-generating, cash flowing enterprise – with the potential to drive profitability, shareholder value, and long-term stability. Key components of the Plan include:

    1. 2025 Financing Strategy: Acceleware intends to secure funding for high potential applications that are expected to support near term revenue and long-term growth, while potentially strengthening the Company’s balance sheet and enabling continued development. At this time, the terms of any financing have not yet been finally determined and are expected to be negotiated with applicable parties in the context of the market.
    2. Focused Investment Strategy: To drive shareholder value, the Company is currently considering certain strategic restructuring options in order to maximize its ability to attract capital investment for surface applications where initial focus will include amine regeneration and critical minerals heating/drying. Investment capital that is raised is expected to be used to speed development and commercialization to achieve revenue generation from those surface applications as quickly as possible.
    3. RF XL Commercialization: The Company is actively looking to acquire additional production rights to heavy oil assets in western Canada and deploy RF XL as an enhanced oil recovery method. This initiative provides an opportunity to deploy RF XL in a well-suited reservoir and earn oil production revenues, while offering the potential for multi-well expansion. The deployment will use a new, fully sealed, continuous tubing based sub-surface design (“RF XL V2.0”) developed by Acceleware. RF XL V2.0 eliminates the possibility of water ingress, dramatically simplifies deployment, and reduces per well capital costs by an estimated 30% compared to RF XL V1.0.
    4. Growth and Culture: The Plan includes aggressive initiatives to be implemented by Management, which are expected to rapidly shift the Company’s focus from research and development to cash flow generation, tactically aligning teams with business growth objectives across all lines of business.

    Said Acceleware Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Clark, “Acceleware’s revised strategy aims to strengthen revenue-generation, improving economic performance and sustainable value for both shareholders and customers. This sharpened focus is specifically designed to deliver new market and client commitments and is an exciting new phase of Company development.”

    “Acceleware has a lot of work ahead, but the team is engaged and committed,” said new Board Chair Mr. Pete Sametz. “The renewed Board is working closely with Management and looks forward to the success of Acceleware’s near-term strategic plan. We anticipate great strides in the coming months.”

    Added new Board member, Merle Johnson, “I’m especially pleased to see that the new strategy capitalizes on surface heating applications to significantly improve amine regeneration and critical minerals processing efficiency – we believe that both markets hold great value potential.”

    Additional details regarding the Plan and execution thereof will be released in coming weeks. In particular, details of any financing, restructuring, or material acquisition or disposition of assets, will be disclosed in future press releases of the Company, when determined, in accordance with applicable securities laws and will be subject to applicable approvals (including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”), shareholder, and other regulatory approvals, where applicable).

    About Acceleware:

    Acceleware is an advanced electromagnetic (EM) heating company with cutting-edge radio frequency (RF) power-to-heat solutions for large industrial applications. The Company’s technologies provide an opportunity to electrify and decarbonize industrial process heat applications while reducing costs.

    The Company is working to use its patented and field proven Clean Tech Inverter (CTI) to materially improve the efficiency of amine regeneration, and has partnered with a consortium of world-class potash partners seeking to decarbonize drying of potash ore and other critical minerals. Acceleware is actively developing other process heat applications and partnerships for RF heating.

    Acceleware’s RF XL is a patented low-cost, low-carbon RF thermal enhanced oil production technology for heavy oil that is materially different from any enhanced recovery technique used today.

    Acceleware is a public company listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol “AXE”.

    Cautionary Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking statements and/or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. When used in this release, such words as “will”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “expects” and similar expressions, as they relate to Acceleware, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Acceleware with respect to future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause Acceleware’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance or achievement that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Certain information and statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, which reflects Acceleware’s current expectations regarding future events, including, but not limited to: the development and execution of a the Plan; the Company’s ability to successfully execute the Plan; the expected benefits of the Plan; the ability of the Company to raise sufficient capital to execute the Plan; potential restructuring efforts of the Company’s business lines; the potential acquisition by the Company of certain assets, deployment of RF XL V2.0, and related potential for multi-well expansion; the initiatives to be implemented by Management to shift the Company’s focus from research and development to cash flow generation; the receipt of applicable approvals (including Board, shareholder, and approvals of the TSXV) to implement key components of the Plan; the timing to complete certain increments of the Plan; and the impact of the Plan on Acceleware’s business and shareholder value.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the availability of potential heavy oil production rights in western Canada, the availability of investment capital and other funding, the high degree of uncertainties inherent to feasibility and economic studies which are based to a significant extent on various assumptions; variations in commodity prices and exchange rate fluctuations; variations in cost of supplies and labour; lack of availability of qualified personnel; receipt of necessary approvals; availability of financing for technology and project development; uncertainties and risks with respect to developing and adopting new technologies; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; change in demand for technologies to be offered by the Company; obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities and/or shareholders, as applicable; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. For a more fulsome list of risk factors please see the Company’s December 31, 2024, year-end Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Management of the Company has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking statements provided in this release to provide shareholders with a more complete perspective on the Company’s current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    This press release is intended for distribution in Canada only and is not intended for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    For more information:

    Geoff Clark
    Tel: +1 (403) 249-9099
    geoff.clark@acceleware.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sky Quarry Applies for Recycling Permit to Launch Integrated Energy Facility in Utah

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WOODS CROSS, Utah, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYQ) (“Sky Quarry” or “the Company”), an integrated energy solutions company committed to revolutionizing the waste asphalt shingle recycling industry, today announced that it has filed a Waste Management Recycling Permit application to Utah regulators. If approved, the permit would allow the Company to operate a combined oil sands extraction and waste asphalt shingle recycling facility at its PR Spring site, unlocking new commercial pathways and expanding revenue-generating operations.

    The application is accompanied by a request to the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), the Utah state agency responsible for managing trust lands on behalf of public education, for approval of a combined permit structure. This would allow Sky Quarry and its wholly owned subsidiary, 2020 Resources, to consolidate shingle processing, heavy oil extraction, and asphaltic sand production under a unified sustainable waste energy development plan.

    If approved, the permit would open the door to several operational initiatives at the PR Spring site, including:

    • Commercialization of approximately $1 million in asphaltic sand inventory.
    • Deployment of the Company’s ECOSolv process to support on-site heavy oil extraction.
    • Continued advancement of recycled product development through R&D.
    • Demonstration of scalable remediation methods applicable across U.S. markets.

    Sky Quarry projects a combined recovery of approximately 10 million barrels over a 15-year period from oil sands and recycled shingles, based on the PR Spring facility’s operating capacity of 2,000 barrels per day.

    “This is a critical step in scaling our waste-to-energy platform and creating multiple revenue streams from a single operational footprint,” said David Sealock, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Sky Quarry. “It will allow us to showcase how our blended recycling and extraction model functions at a commercial level.”

    The permit application also represents a meaningful step forward in Sky Quarry’s commercial roadmap, aligning with the Company’s long-term vision to integrate recycling and resource recovery. It is expected to:

    • Enable early-stage cash flow from asphaltic sand and oil sales.
    • Strengthen the Company’s ESG and sustainability profile.
    • Enhance the long-term strategic value of its oil sands assets.

    Mr. Sealock continued, “This application and lease proposal reflects our continued progress toward developing scalable, commercially viable solutions that we believe align with Utah’s economic and environmental priorities. We look forward to working closely with SITLA and state regulators to move this vision forward.”

    About Sky Quarry Inc.

    Sky Quarry Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYQ) and its subsidiaries are, collectively, an oil production, refining, and a development-stage environmental remediation company formed to deploy technologies to facilitate the recycling of waste asphalt shingles and remediation of oil-saturated sands and soils. Our waste-to-energy mission is to repurpose and upcycle millions of tons of asphalt shingle waste, diverting them from landfills. By doing so, we can contribute to improved waste management, promote resource efficiency, conserve natural resources, and reduce environmental impact. For more information, please visit skyquarry.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may include ”forward-looking statements.” All statements pertaining to our future financial and/or operating results, future events, or future developments may constitute forward-looking statements. The statements may be identified by words such as “expect,” “look forward to,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “will,” “project,” or words of similar meaning. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of our management, of which many are beyond our control. These are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and factors, including but not limited to those described in our disclosures. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying expectations not occur or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or our achievements may (negatively or positively) vary materially from those described explicitly or implicitly in the relevant forward-looking statement. We neither intend, nor assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and the Company’s other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, as well as the Company’s Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained.

    Investor Relations
    Jennifer Standley
    Director of Investor Relations
    Ir@skyquarry.com

    Company Website
    www.skyquarry.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Welcomes Runyan Capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisor Jeff Runyan has joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms. He reported serving approximately $330 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from Wedbush Securities.

    Based in Beverly Hills, Calif., Runyan grew up in Missouri, where his passion for financial discipline took root early and deepened over time. After beginning his career in wealth management in 2001, he set out to fulfill a lifelong dream of building his own firm. In 2010, he founded Runyan Capital, an independent firm dedicated to delivering an elevated wealth management experience. With over two decades of experience in investment management, Runyan remains grounded in the midwestern values that shaped him, earning a reputation as a trusted advisor known for thoughtful guidance and a deep commitment to helping clients make confident, informed financial decisions.

    “Our guiding principle is: ‘Discipline Makes the Difference,’” Runyan said. “The Runyan Capital process of building portfolios for each client incorporates behavioral economics research, taking a disciplined and proactive approach that helps prevent reactionary changes, aligns with each client’s individual goals, and contributes to their long-term success.”

    Looking for improved technology offerings, more autonomy and the opportunity to amplify the elevated client experience, the Runyan Capital team, which includes Connor Brumfield, Sam Aamot and Jenni Runyan, Jeff’s wife, turned to LPL.

    “We chose to partner with LPL because of its size, scale and reputation, as well as their impressive integrated and streamlined technology,” Runyan said. “Making the move to LPL will allow us to take our business to the next level and provide our clients with an enhanced level of service.”

    Outside of work, Runyan enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and is an avid endurance athlete, having run marathons around the world. He has served on several boards, including the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills, PIMCO’s Investment Management Member Advisory Board for Financial Advisors and The Friends of Greystone in Beverly Hills. A proud alumnus of the University of Missouri, he remains an active supporter of its faculty and programs and is a lifetime member of the university’s Chancellor’s Fund for Excellence.

    Scott Posner, LPL Managing Director, Business Development, said, “We welcome Jeff, Connor, Sam and Jenni to the LPL community and congratulate them on this milestone in the evolution of their practice. Just as the Runyan Capital team offers their unwavering dedication to their client’s financial success, we are committed to helping our advisors differentiate themselves and enhance the client experience. We look forward to supporting Runyan Capital in this next chapter of their business.”

    Related
    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports over 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Runyan Capital and LPL Financial are separate entities.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 

    Tracking #752320

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ICC arbitration tops global survey

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC arbitration tops global survey

    Conducted by Queen Mary University in partnership with White & Case, the 2025 International Arbitration Survey results state: 

    “The ICC Arbitration Rules are highly regarded, with many interviewees highlighting their established reputation and ease of use for arbitrators and counsel, as well as the support of the Secretariat.” 

    The survey revealed a strong preference among arbitration communities on every continent for the ICC Arbitration Rules, from a choice of more than 60 sets of rules. The ICC Rules took top position in Africa (53%), the Caribbean and Latin America (74%), Europe (60%), the Middle East (59%) and North America (55%), underlining the global character and adaptability of the regulations.  

    In 2024, 831 new cases were filed under the ICC Arbitration Rules, with a total of 2,392 parties from 136 jurisdictions.  

    Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, said: 

    “We’re delighted that the ICC Court again tops the list of the Queen Mary Study as the most-preferred arbitral institution globally. Our services are built on over 100 years of experience, combined with our continued focus on meeting the evolving needs of the parties. We take this opportunity to thank those who entrust the resolution of their disputes to ICC. Our ranking would not be possible without the exemplary leadership and dedication of the ICC Court members and the Secretariat”. 

    The 2025 International Arbitration Survey investigates current trends in user preferences and perceptions, as well as opportunities to shape the future of international arbitration practice. The 2025 edition is the result of 2,402 questionnaire responses and 117 interviews with a diverse pool of participants. 

    Full survey findings are available on the Queen Mary University London website

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The complex reality of college student mental health: Data reveals both challenges and positive trends

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeffrey A. Hayes, Professor of Education and Psychology, Penn State

    College students are facing mental health challenges, but not all is lost. Bevan Goldswain/Getty Images

    The word “crisis” is used frequently and, I would argue, inaccurately, to depict the psychological well-being of today’s college students.

    It is true that college students’ mental health has deteriorated in many regards during the past two decades.

    The Healthy Minds Study, which gathers national survey data on tens of thousands of students annually, has found that the percentage who considered suicide in the prior year rose from 6% in 2007 to 13% in 2024. The percentage of students who made a specific suicide plan tripled during that period.

    While some news reports portray the current state of student mental health as an unprecedented crisis, the full picture is more nuanced. As a psychologist who has been researching college student mental health for more than 20 years, as summarized in my recent book, “College Student Mental Health and Wellness: Coping on Campus,” I believe recent data suggests a turning of the tide.

    The 2024 Health Minds Study found a slight decrease over the previous two years in the percentage of students contemplating suicide.

    Data also reveals a similar decline in the percentage of students dealing with severe anxiety from 2022 to 2024.

    The study marks the first time since data collection began on suicide or severe anxiety that there has been a two-year decrease in either area.

    Reason for concern

    The demand for psychological services at college and university counseling centers has outpaced growth in undergraduate enrollment.
    Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

    To be clear, there is reason for concern about the psychological well-being of college students.

    Healthy Minds Study researchers found that in 2007, 9% of college students were taking psychotropic medication such as antidepressants. In 2024, that number had grown to 26%.

    A 2024 national survey conducted by the American College Health Association found that more than a third of students received mental health care in the previous year.

    The demand for psychological services at college and university counseling centers has outpaced growth in undergraduate enrollment more than fourfold.

    From 2013 to 2021, suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety worsened, particularly among Native American and Alaskan Native students and other students of color.

    During that same time, there was a 13% increase in students who were at risk for developing an eating disorder.

    Findings from another national dataset gathered by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, an international network of more than 800 college and university counseling centers, indicate that from 2010 to 2024, depression symptoms increased 18% among students receiving psychological services, general anxiety symptoms rose more than 25%, and social anxiety symptoms climbed more than 30%.

    In addition, students’ family-related distress steadily increased during the past decade.

    The sky is not falling

    Despite disturbing trends in student mental health, recent data suggests that fewer students are contemplating suicide and dealing with anxiety.
    Ariel Skelley/Getty Images

    Despite these challenges, there is good news regarding decreases in the share of students considering self-injury and reporting depression symptoms.

    Data from the Healthy Minds Study reveals that the percentage of students considering self-injury has not increased the past two years, after more than doubling from 14% in 2007 to 29% in 2022.

    A similar pattern can be found in Center for Collegiate Mental Health data about depression. Depression symptoms have decreased each of the past two academic years.

    The network has been collecting depression data since 2010, and never before have scores dropped in consecutive years.

    Other researchers have noted a similar recent decrease in depression among college students.

    The Center for Collegiate Mental Health data also indicates that students’ academic distress peaked following the onset of COVID-19 and declined each of the past three years, returning to pre-pandemic levels. Students’ frustration has also shown a gradual, 7% decline from 2010 to 2024.

    Furthermore, for the first time since 2012, there has been a two-year uptick in college students who are flourishing, according to data from the Healthy Minds Study. Other researchers have found a similar recent trend, accompanied by a decrease in student loneliness.

    More good news, based on data, about what students put in their bodies: Symptoms related to eating disorders have not increased in any of the past four years, according to the Center for Collegiate Mental Health. Data from the network indicates that current alcohol use is at its lowest level since 2010, declining 29% over that period.

    Binge drinking has also decreased 18% since 2012, according to the Healthy Minds Study.

    We need data, not dread

    Mental health professionals need accurate data to support the psychological well-being of college students.
    SeventyFour/Getty Images

    Valid data can help in discerning the truth about college student mental health.

    Data that captures national trends in college student psychological well-being is needed to support mental health professionals. For example, as data reveals emerging trends, such as an increase in college students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, training can be provided to clinicians in treating students with these concerns.

    Campus mental health professionals and administrators can also use data to advocate for resources they need to support students. For instance, our research has found that students of color are more likely to seek psychological help when there are therapists on staff from the same ethnic or racial background. This data can inform hiring practices at college and university counseling centers.

    Finally, continuous data collection can help determine how college student mental health is impacted by specific events, such as pandemics, campus shootings and laws that eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social anxiety decreased, while general anxiety spiked.

    These events may not affect students equally.

    International students, a group that already experiences heightened suicidal thoughts, may be particularly impacted by recent news of visa cancellations and deportations.

    Jeffrey A. Hayes has received a research grant from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to study college student suicide.

    – ref. The complex reality of college student mental health: Data reveals both challenges and positive trends – https://theconversation.com/the-complex-reality-of-college-student-mental-health-data-reveals-both-challenges-and-positive-trends-257086

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Energy Star, on the Trump administration’s target list, has a long history of helping consumers’ wallets and the planet

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Magali A. Delmas, Professor of Management, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, Anderson School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles

    The blue Energy Star label is widely recognized across the U.S. Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    Since the early 1990s, the small blue Energy Star label has appeared on millions of household appliances, electronics and even buildings across the United States. But as the Trump administration considers terminating some or all of the program, it is worth a look at what exactly this government-backed label means, and why it has become one of the most recognizable environmental certifications in the country.

    Energy Star was launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 and later expanded in partnership with the Department of Energy with a simple goal: making it easier for consumers and businesses to choose energy-efficient products, helping them reduce energy use and save money, without sacrificing quality or performance.

    As a scholar of energy conservation, I have studied the Energy Star program’s development and public impact, including how it has shaped consumer behavior and environmental outcomes.

    According to the EPA, it has saved consumers an average of US$15 billion a year on energy costs since its inception, a massive return on a program that costs taxpayers an estimated $32 million a year.

    How Energy Star works

    When you see an Energy Star label on a product, it means that product has met strict energy efficiency standards set by the EPA in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, which tests how much energy appliances use. The federal agencies also consult with product manufacturers, utilities and others to figure out how best to improve products and determine how cost-effective changes might be.

    Products that earn the Energy Star certification typically use significantly less energy than standard models, often between 10% and 50% less. The energy – and financial – savings can add up quickly, especially when homes or buildings have multiple Energy Star appliances and systems.

    Energy Star itself does not manufacture or sell products. Instead, it acts as a trusted third-party certifier, providing consumers and businesses with reliable information and clear labeling. It also offers information to help people estimate energy savings and compare long-term costs, making it easier to identify high-performing, cost-effective options. Manufacturers participating in Energy Star seek to improve their environmental reputation and increase their market share, giving them a strong incentive to meet the program’s efficiency criteria.

    Today, the label appears on refrigerators, dishwashers, laptops, commercial buildings and even newly built homes. The government says people in more than 90% of American households recognize the label.

    Energy Star-certified appliances include upright freezers, clothes washers and many other types of home equipment, which use between 10% and 50% less energy than uncertified items.
    AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel

    People don’t always choose efficient products

    Energy Star seeks to tackle a wide range of problems that can result in people deciding not to buy energy-efficient products.

    One problem is that efficient models often come with higher up-front costs. While efficient models save money over time, that higher purchase price can discourage buyers. Energy Star helps counter this problem by clearly showing how much money can be saved on energy costs over the lifetime of the product – as compared with noncertified products – and by offering rebates that reduce the initial expense.

    Another problem involves what economists call “split incentives.” A landlord might not want to pay a higher price up front for energy-efficient appliances if the tenants are the ones who will save money on the utility bills. And renters may not want to spend a lot of money on appliances or equipment in a place they do not own. Energy Star tries to bridge this divide by promoting whole-building certifications, which encourage landlords to invest in their buildings’ energy efficiency with the goal of making their properties more attractive to tenants.

    The countless varieties of refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners and other items on the market can also create confusion. Consumers who just look at manufacturers’ promotional material may find it very hard to determine which appliances truly deliver better energy efficiency. The Energy Star label makes this comparison easier: If the label is there, it is among the most efficient choices available.

    And consumers are often skeptical of manufacturers’ claims – especially when it comes to new technologies or environmental promises. Energy Star’s status as a program backed by the government, rather than a private company, gives it a level of independence and credibility that many other labels lack. People know the certification is based on science, not sales tactics.

    Lastly, Energy Star helps overcome the problem that many people are not aware of how much energy their appliances consume, or how those choices contribute to climate change. By connecting everyday products to larger environmental outcomes, Energy Star helps consumers understand the effects of their decisions, without needing to become energy experts.

    The program delivers real results

    Since its inception, more than 800,000 appliance models have earned Energy Star certification based on the criteria for their type of product.

    The same principles that make the label valuable for consumer appliances – independent certification, clear metrics and a focus on results – have proved equally effective in real estate. Nearly 45,000 commercial buildings and industrial plants have earned certification. And there have been more than 2.5 million Energy Star-certified homes and apartments built in the U.S.

    In 2023 alone, over 190,000 new homes and apartments were certified, representing more than 12% of all new residential construction nationwide.

    Energy Star-certified homes are designed to be at least 10% more energy efficient than those built to standard building codes, with more insulation and windows and lights that are energy-efficient, as well as appliances. These enhancements can translate to better quality, comfort and long-term cost savings for homeowners.

    Commercial buildings, which account for about 18% of total U.S. energy use, have also benefited substantially. Research I was involved in found that certified commercial buildings use an average of 19% less energy than their noncertified counterparts.

    Computers can sleep, too – not just cats. Both types conserve energy.
    Markus Scholz/picture alliance via Getty Images

    Why government leadership matters

    Energy Star’s status as a government-led label contributes to its credibility as a more neutral and science-based source of information than commercial labels.

    Energy Star’s government connections also bring scale: By requiring federal purchases to have Energy Star certifications, the federal government can influence manufacturers. For example, a federal executive order in 1993 required government agencies to purchase only computers that had been Energy Star-certified, which required them to have energy-saving sleep functions.

    In response, manufacturers began including the feature so they could sell their products to the government. Consumers soon came to expect the sleep feature on all computers.

    A quiet success story in energy and climate

    Energy Star does not grab headlines. It does not rely on regulation or mandates. Yet it has quietly become one of the most effective tools the U.S. has for improving energy efficiency across homes, offices and public buildings.

    That said, the program is not without its limitations. Some critics have pointed out that not all certified products consistently perform at the highest efficiency levels. Other critics note that the benefits of Energy Star are more accessible to wealthier consumers who can afford up-front investments, even with available rebates. And the EPA itself has, at times, struggled to manage the certification process and update standards in line with the latest technological advances.

    At a time when energy costs and climate concerns are rising, Energy Star stands out as a rare example of a practical, nonpartisan program that delivers real benefits. It helps individuals, businesses and communities save money, lower emissions and take part in a more sustainable future – one smart decision at a time.

    Magali Delmas received funding from the US EPA in 2002 for research on Environmental Management Strategies and Corporate Performance.

    – ref. Energy Star, on the Trump administration’s target list, has a long history of helping consumers’ wallets and the planet – https://theconversation.com/energy-star-on-the-trump-administrations-target-list-has-a-long-history-of-helping-consumers-wallets-and-the-planet-258152

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wraps coming off new Wolverhampton City Learning Quarter college campus

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The majority of the building’s exterior is now exposed for all to see as contractor McLaughlin & Harvey continue to remove the protective covering and scaffolding to unveil the distinctive terracotta coloured cladding.

    Construction works are ongoing on the state of the art facility, which forms part of phase 2 of Wolverhampton Council’s masterplan to boost skills and employment.

    Situated around the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area, incorporating a site on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street where the former Faces nightclub building once stood, the development is also utilising the existing Metro One building – it will open to City of Wolverhampton College students in the autumn.

    Alongside improvements to the neighbouring Adult Education Wolverhampton and Central Library facilities, the £61 million scheme – supported by Government funding – will establish new educational provision that will enhance skills and employment outcomes for residents across the city and wider region.

    It will offer A Levels in a range of subjects and vocational qualifications in art, design and photography, business and management, catering and hospitality, computing and digital, creative media, games design and e-sports, hair and beauty, health and social care, music technology, performing arts, and science.

    Prospective students can find out more about what will be on offer at the new campus at the college’s Open Day this Saturday (14 June), at its existing Wellington Road and Paget Road campuses, between 10am and 2pm. Book your place at Open Events | 14 June 2025 | City of Wolverhampton College.

    Construction on phase 1 of the City Learning Quarter masterplan – a new £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus – has been completed and opened to students in September 2024.

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “As we get the first look at the exterior finish of the new City Learning Quarter there is no doubt it is going to provide an inspirational setting for students and staff.

    “It will also act as a focal point in the city centre, increasing footfall to support neighbouring businesses, especially with its excellent connectivity to rail, bus, tram and cycle routes.

    “The City Learning Quarter has been a long held ambition of the council to drive education and skills in the city and it will unlock opportunities for the people of Wolverhampton and beyond.”

    Warinder Juss MP, Wolverhampton West, said: “The development of the City Learning Quarter provides exciting opportunities to not only the students of the college, but also to help with the regeneration of the city centre.”

    Paul Davies, Director of Finance at the college, said: “The unveiling of the new City Learning Quarter campus is a major milestone for the college and for education in Wolverhampton. It’s the result of years of planning and investment, and it’s exciting to see the vision becoming a reality.

    “Relocating from our long standing Paget Road site to this purpose built, centrally located campus will allow us to deliver a modern, high quality learning experience that has greater accessibility through public transport links. The new facilities will not only benefit our staff, students and apprentices, but also play a key role in supporting skills development and economic growth across the wider region.”

    The exciting City Learning Quarter proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with a further £49 million coming through UK Government funding, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.

    It will pave the way for City of Wolverhampton College to move from its 1960s Paget Road site, which has been identified as land to build much needed housing.

    The college forecasts that over a 10 year period approximately 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter and around 7,500 apprenticeships will be started.

    Its central location and close proximity to the new £150 million transport interchange will make it easily accessible. It will also boast environmental benefits in line with council’s climate emergency agenda.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ​The EBA issues revised list of validation rules on supervisory reporting

    Source: European Banking Authority

    ​The European Banking Authority (EBA) issued today a revised list of validation rules in its Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) on supervisory reporting, highlighting those which have been deactivated either for incorrectness or for triggering IT problems. Competent Authorities throughout the EU are informed that data submitted in accordance with these ITS should not be formally validated against the set of deactivated rules. The EBA also released today a small validation package including a micro taxonomy package and DPM VR deactivation updates scripts, which are needed from release 4.0, for each deactivation exercises, to deactivate rules in taxonomy and in DPM in a consistent manner. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sagtec Projects 92% Revenue Growth for FY2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sagtec Global Limited (NASDAQ: SAGT) (“Sagtec” or the “Company”), a next-generation provider of customizable AI, robotics, and automation platforms, today issued financial guidance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The Company is forecasting FY2025 revenue of approximately US$22.3 million, a 92% year-over-year increase compared to US$11.6 million in FY2024.

    This sharp growth trajectory is being driven by robust commercial adoption of Sagtec’s proprietary AI-powered Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and software platforms, which are being deployed across multiple high-growth sectors, including hospitality, logistics, and smart retail. Expansion into underserved markets in Southeast Asia and the Gulf region is also contributing significantly to the Company’s pipeline.

    FY2025 Financial Highlights & Strategic Growth Catalysts

         
      FY2024 Results   FY2025 Financial Guidance   Change  
      USD   USD   %  
    Revenue 11,631,930     22,333,305     92 %
    Cost of Service (8,912,274 )   (17,468,057 )   96 %
    Gross Profit 2,719,656     4,865,248     79 %
    Operating Expenses (655,713 )   (1,219,626 )   86 %
    EBIDTA 2,340,791     3,932,528     68 %
    Net Profit 1,602,879     2,564,606     60 %

    Key Investor Highlights:

    • Rapid deployment of AI robotics across Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the UAE
    • Recurring revenue growth via SaaS + RaaS subscription models
    • Expansion of proprietary platform stack into logistics automation and smart retail
    • Strategic investment in AI intellectual property, software licensing, and backend infrastructure
    • Increasing operating leverage through modular platform standardization

    Platform Momentum and Sectoral Expansion

    Sagtec’s AI-powered service robotics platform, launched in Q2 2025, is already being adopted by leading hospitality and F&B groups. The platform combines hardware leasing, computer vision, and predictive analytics into a modular, revenue-generating stack. Management expects a strong acceleration in annual recurring revenue (ARR) through high-margin upselling of AI features, smart workflow automation, and cross-sector integrations.

    “This forecast reflects our conviction in Sagtec’s platform scalability, market readiness, and execution discipline. We are building a high-margin, high-velocity business model with AI at its core,” said Kevin Ng, Chairman, Executive Director, and CEO of Sagtec. “With a growing client base, expanding IP, and intensifying regional demand, 2025 is shaping up to be an inflection point for Sagtec’s long-term value creation.”

    Strategic Focus: Emerging Markets and Smart Automation

    Sagtec is strategically targeting digitally underserved economies in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where rising labor costs and digital transformation tailwinds create an urgent demand for automation. In tandem, the Company is doubling down on platform R&D to extend its AI applications from hospitality to logistics, retail operations, and smart city automation.

    To support scalable growth, Sagtec is actively investing in:

    • Core AI algorithm optimization
    • Hardware-agnostic automation interfaces
    • Seamless RaaS and SaaS monetization across verticals
    • Regional support infrastructure and partner enablement programs

    Upcoming Earnings Call

    Sagtec will announce its first half 2025 financial results and host earnings call in July 2025, providing investors with further visibility into:

    • Revenue composition and ARR momentum
    • Client acquisition and market entry performance
    • Operational and margin expansion initiatives

    About Sagtec Global Limited

    Sagtec Global Limited (NASDAQ: SAGT) is a leading provider of customizable AI and automation platforms. Focused initially on the F&B sector, the Company now serves cross-sector industries with its proprietary Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and AI software stack. Sagtec also operates a nationwide network of mobile charging stations through its subsidiary, CL Technology (International) Sdn Bhd.

    For more information on the Company, please log on to https://www.sagtec-global.com/.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws. These statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on the current expectations, assumptions, and projections of Sagtec Global Limited (the “Company”) regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “potential,” or similar expressions, including the negative thereof.

    These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the Company’s ability to expand its regional presence, scale its Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings, strengthen its AI software and automation infrastructure platforms, and commercialize its AI-powered service robotics; as well as broader risks relating to macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical developments, global health crises, competitive dynamics, and evolving data privacy and cybersecurity regulations.

    The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.

    Further information on these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Contact Information:

    Sagtec Global Limited Contact:
    Ng Chen Lok
    Chairman, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: +6011-6217 3661
    Email: info@sagtec-global.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Micron and Trump Administration Announce Expanded U.S. Investments in Leading-Edge DRAM Manufacturing and R&D

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Micron Plans to Invest Approximately $200 Billion in Semiconductor Manufacturing and R&D in Idaho, New York and Virginia, Enhancing Domestic Memory Supply and Technology Leadership

    Micron to Build Second Leading-Edge Memory Manufacturing Fab in Idaho, Modernize and Expand Virginia Fab and Bring End-to-End High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) Manufacturing Capabilities to U.S. to Meet Anticipated AI-Driven Demand

    BOISE, Idaho, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU) and the Trump Administration today announced Micron’s plans to expand its U.S. investments to approximately $150 billion in domestic memory manufacturing and $50 billion in R&D, creating an estimated 90,000 direct and indirect jobs. As part of today’s announcement, Micron plans to invest an additional $30 billion beyond prior plans which includes building a second leading-edge memory fab in Boise, Idaho; expanding and modernizing its existing manufacturing facility in Manassas, Virginia; and bringing advanced packaging capabilities to the U.S. to enable long-term growth in High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), which is essential to the AI market. Additionally, Micron is announcing a planned $50 billion domestic R&D investment, reaffirming its long-term position as the global memory technology leader. As previously announced, Micron’s investment includes its ongoing plans for a megafab in New York.

    Micron’s approximately $200 billion broader U.S. expansion vision includes two leading-edge high-volume fabs in Idaho, up to four leading-edge high-volume fabs in New York, the expansion and modernization of its existing manufacturing fab in Virginia, advanced HBM packaging capabilities and R&D to drive American innovation and technology leadership. These investments are designed to allow Micron to meet expected market demand, maintain share and support Micron’s goal of producing 40% of its DRAM in the U.S. The co-location of these two Idaho fabs with Micron’s Idaho R&D operations will drive economies of scale and faster time to market for leading-edge products, including HBM.

    Micron has already achieved key construction milestones on its first Idaho fab with DRAM output scheduled to begin in 2027. The second Idaho fab will increase Micron’s production of DRAM in the U.S., serving growing market demand fueled by AI, while the company expects to begin ground preparation in New York later this year following completion of state and federal environmental review processes. Micron expects its second Idaho fab to come online before the first New York fab. Micron will continue to manage its supply growth consistent with market conditions.

    Following the completion of the second Idaho fab, Micron plans to bring advanced HBM packaging capabilities to the U.S. Additionally, Micron has finalized a $275 million CHIPS Act direct funding award supporting its investment to expand and modernize its Manassas, Virginia facility, which will begin this year. This investment will onshore Micron’s 1-alpha DRAM node, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to key sectors including industrial, automotive, defense and aerospace, and medical devices.

    “Micron’s U.S. memory manufacturing and R&D plans underscore our commitment to driving innovation and strengthening the domestic semiconductor industry,” said Micron Chairman, President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra. “This approximately $200 billion investment will reinforce America’s technological leadership, create tens of thousands of American jobs across the semiconductor ecosystem and secure a domestic supply of semiconductors—critical to economic and national security. We are grateful for the support from President Trump, Secretary Lutnick and our federal, state and local partners who have been instrumental in advancing domestic semiconductor manufacturing.”

    “President Trump has made it clear that the time to build in America is now,” said Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “In partnership with the Department of Commerce, Micron is announcing a $200 billion semiconductor manufacturing and R&D investment to bring the full spectrum of memory chip production back to the United States. Micron’s planned investment will ensure the U.S. advances its lead across critical industries like AI, automotive, and aerospace & defense.”

    Micron anticipates that all of its U.S. investments will be eligible for the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC), and the company has already secured support at the local, state and federal level. This includes up to $6.4 billion in CHIPS Act direct funding to support the construction of two Idaho fabs and two New York fabs, as well as the expansion and modernization of its Virginia fab. Micron applauds Rep. Tenney (R-NY) for introducing the Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit Act, which would increase AMIC to 35% and extend it by four years. Strengthening AMIC will help ensure investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing over the next four years and support long-term growth, reestablishing America’s leadership in this critical industry.

    Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft
    “Strengthening semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. will drive new innovation, create high-skilled jobs, and further American competitiveness. We applaud Micron Technology and the Trump Administration on this critical initiative to advance the country’s leadership in this vital industry.”

    Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO, NVIDIA
    “Micron’s investment in advanced memory manufacturing and HBM capabilities in the U.S., with support from Trump Administration, is an important step forward for the AI ecosystem. Micron’s leadership in high-performance memory is invaluable to enabling the next generation of AI breakthroughs that NVIDIA is driving. We’re excited to collaborate with Micron as we push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI and high-performance computing.”

    Tim Cook, CEO, Apple
    “At Apple, we’re proud to work with suppliers in all 50 states — including Micron, whose technology helps power the products our users rely on every day. This new commitment is another great example of American manufacturing leadership, and we look forward to building on our work together.”

    Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO, Dell Technologies
    “Micron’s commitment to expanding U.S. memory production marks a pivotal moment for the technology industry. As a long-time strategic partner, we collaborate with Micron to develop infrastructure solutions that power AI and general-purpose computing. This investment strengthens the availability of secure, scalable and sustainable memory solutions critical to driving innovation and progress across industries.”

    Matt Garman, CEO, AWS
    “Micron’s investment in expanding memory manufacturing and advanced packaging in the U.S. is a significant milestone for the semiconductor industry. At AWS, we are building the infrastructure that is powering the next generation of generative AI and high-performance computing, and memory is a critical enabler of that mission. Micron’s expansion further strengthens the domestic supply chain for key semiconductor technologies as we continue to deliver products with the performance, scale, security, sustainability, and quality that our customers demand.”

    Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO, AMD
    “Micron’s investment to expand its U.S. presence is both timely and strategically important. Strengthening the domestic semiconductor supply chain is critical as we accelerate innovation in AI and high-performance computing. At AMD, we value our long-standing partnership with Micron and their continued leadership in memory technology, which plays a vital role in enabling our high-performance, energy-efficient computing solutions.”

    Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated
    “Micron’s investment in U.S.-based memory manufacturing is a significant milestone for the semiconductor industry. As a key technology player and longstanding partner, we value Micron’s commitment to strengthening the domestic semiconductor supply chain, which is crucial for our supply chain resilience and diversification. This vital investment not only supports American innovation across a wide range of industries including automotive, and beyond, but also, ensures that critical technologies are securely and reliably available. We are proud to support this initiative, which enables the growth and sustainability of U.S. manufacturing.”

    To support the growth of the U.S. semiconductor industry, Micron has committed over $325 million to develop the next-generation workforce and strengthen communities across Idaho, New York and Virginia. This investment includes semiconductor curriculum development, community college partnerships for apprenticeships, university partnerships and other programs aimed at expanding access to semiconductor careers. These ongoing efforts will be critical to building a robust talent pipeline that will support Micron’s long-term and U.S. technology leadership.

    About Micron Technology, Inc. 
    Micron Technology, Inc. is an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions, transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. With a relentless focus on our customers, technology leadership, and manufacturing and operational excellence, Micron delivers a rich portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND, and NOR memory and storage products through our Micron® and Crucial® brands. Every day, the innovations that our people create fuel the data economy, enabling advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and compute-intensive applications that unleash opportunities — from the data center to the intelligent edge and across the client and mobile user experience. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), visit micron.com.

    © 2025 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Micron, the Micron logo, and all other Micron trademarks are the property of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the investments in and development of manufacturing facilities, expected tax credits and incentives, fab opening and output timing expectations, expected market share and bit demand growth, and job creation and community impact. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Please refer to the documents Micron files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically its most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause Micron’s actual results to differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements. These certain factors can be found at https://investors.micron.com/risk-factor. Although Micron believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, Micron cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Micron is under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results.

    Micron Media Relations Contact
    Mark Plungy 
    Micron Technology, Inc.
    +1 (408) 203-2910
    corpcomms@micron.com

    Micron Investor Relations Contact
    Satya Kumar
    Micron Technology, Inc.
    +1 (408) 450-6199
    satyakumar@micron.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Partners with $13 Billion Renewable Energy Investor Hudson Sustainable Group to Accelerate U.S. Energy Infrastructure Buildout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy solutions revolutionizing production, management, and delivery with the Next Utility Operating System®, smart microgrids, wireless EV charging, and on-demand mobile fuel, today announced a strategic partnership with Hudson Sustainable Group LLC, one of the most experienced investment firms in global renewable energy and climate infrastructure.

    The agreement establishes a framework for NextNRG and Hudson to jointly develop, finance, and deploy a national portfolio of energy assets — including utility-scale solar, battery storage, distributed smart microgrids, wireless EV charging infrastructure, and NextNRG’s proprietary Next Utility Operating System®.

    Under the Master Framework Agreement, Hudson will receive priority consideration to fund select projects in NextNRG’s expanding national pipeline. The collaboration also provides NextNRG access to Hudson-led development opportunities in high growth sectors such as fleet electrification, data center power, and municipal energy resiliency.

    Hudson Sustainable Group has mobilized and deployed over $13 billion in capital across renewable power, energy efficiency, and clean transport infrastructure and is recognized for its support of scalable, long-term energy transition projects worldwide. Led by CEO Neil Auerbach, a former Goldman Sachs partner, Hudson brings an innovative approach to clean energy finance, having backed global players such as Recurrent Energy, Sunlight Financial, Powermat and Landis + Gyr.

    “This partnership with Hudson enhances our ability to scale AI-optimized, distributed energy infrastructure at a time when demand for smarter, more resilient power solutions is accelerating,” said Michael D. Farkas, Founder and CEO of NextNRG. “By aligning innovation with growth capital, we believe we’re well positioned to drive project execution, strengthen our commercial pipeline and advance the deployment of next-generation systems that can reduce cost, improve reliability, and support the evolving energy needs of both today and tomorrow.”

    “We are excited to partner with NextNRG,” said Neil Auerbach, Founder and CEO of Hudson Sustainable Group. “Michael is a pioneer in EV charging, and a seasoned entrepreneur. The technology under the hood at NextNRG is breathtaking in its scope and potential. We look forward to assisting the company in monetizing both its IP and downstream portfolios.”

    Execution of individual project financings and terms will be subject to final due diligence, mutual agreement, and completion of definitive documentation.

    About Hudson Sustainable Group
    Hudson Sustainable Group LLC is a private equity firm dedicated to investing in sustainable investments in the energy transition and the built environment. Founded in 2007, Hudson has a long-standing focus on investing in the dynamic sectors of the sustainable economy, including renewable power, energy efficiency, energy storage, sustainable transportation, and sustainable real estate. For more information, visit www.hudsonsustainable.com.

    About NextNRG, Inc.
    NextNRG Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Next Utility Operating System®, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible; and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, healthcare campuses, universities, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities, and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, providing fuel delivery while advancing efficient energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.

    To find out more visit: www.nextnrg.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    NextNRG, Inc.
    Sharon Cohen
    SCohen@nextnrg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Odysight.ai to Participate in the 15th Annual ROTH London Conference on June 25 and 26

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Omer, Israel, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Odysight.ai Inc. (Nasdaq: ODYS), a leading provider of visual based predictive maintenance (PdM) and condition-based monitoring (CBM) solutions, today announced it will participate in the 15th Annual ROTH London Conference taking place June 25–26, 2025, in London, U.K.

    Einav Brenner, Chief Financial Officer, will be available for one-on-one investor meetings on site both days. To schedule a meeting, please contact your ROTH representative.

    About the ROTH London Conference

    The ROTH London Conference provides a unique platform for institutional investors to connect with executive leadership from approximately 70 growth-oriented companies across a range of sectors. Hosted in the heart of one of the world’s leading financial hubs, the event features a highly focused format designed to encourage insightful dialogue through one-on-one and small group meetings. Investors will have the opportunity to gain deeper insight into business strategies, explore sector trends, and evaluate potential investment opportunities.

    ROTH is a relationship-driven investment bank dedicated to supporting growth companies and their investors. Its full-service platform offers capital raising, in-depth equity research, macroeconomic insights, sales and trading, technical analysis, derivatives strategies, M&A advisory, and comprehensive corporate access. ROTH aims to deliver innovative, actionable, and proprietary content while supporting clients throughout every stage of their growth journey.

    About Odysight.ai

    Odysight.ai is pioneering the Predictive Maintenance (PdM) and Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) markets with its visualization and AI platform. Providing video sensor-based solutions for critical systems in the aviation, transportation, and energy industries, Odysight.ai leverages proven visual technologies and products from the medical industry. Odysight.ai’s unique video-based sensors, embedded software, and AI algorithms are being deployed in hard-to-reach locations and harsh environments across a variety of PdM and CBM use cases.Odysight.ai’s platform allows maintenance and operations teams visibility into areas which are inaccessible under normal operation, or where the operating ambience is not suitable for continuous real-time monitoring.

    We routinely post information that may be important to investors in the Investors section of our website. For more information, please visit: https://www.odysight.ai or follow us on X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Miri Segal
    MS-IR LLC
    msegal@ms-ir.com

    Company Contact:
    Einav Brenner, CFO
    info@odysight.ai

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Turbo Energy Granted Patent for Innovative System Enabling Seamless Storage Integration and Expansion of Photovoltaic Installations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VALENCIA, Spain, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Turbo Energy S.A. (Nasdaq: TURB) (“Turbo Energy” or the “Company”), a global provider of leading-edge, AI-optimized solar energy storage technologies and solutions, today announced that it has been granted a new patent for its innovative system designed to integrate energy storage and expand photovoltaic generation in upstream installations. The patented system provides a unique method for enhancing energy efficiency and flexibility in self-consumption solar power systems—particularly those configured to prevent surplus energy from being injected into the electrical grid.

    The patent, (#iP202430282) issued by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, covers Turbo Energy’s proprietary system and procedure that enable the addition of energy storage (retrofit) and/or new photovoltaic panels (repowering) to existing installations without requiring complex retrofitting or integration with legacy components. This breakthrough technology ensures that excess photovoltaic energy can be stored and utilized at times of reduced solar generation, significantly optimizing energy usage and minimizing reliance on the external power grid. 

    Unlike conventional systems that regulate or limit generation to prevent grid discharge, Turbo Energy’s patented solution introduces a novel “compensation value” concept. This maintains a predefined minimum grid consumption level, effectively bypassing the limitations of zero-injection configurations. As a result, the system maximizes surplus energy capture and storage during peak production hours and enables seamless scalability of solar infrastructure.

    “This patent represents a major leap forward in distributed energy innovation,” stated Mariano Soria, CEO of Turbo Energy. “Our novel solution empowers solar energy users to take full control of their energy production and storage capabilities, overcoming a critical technical barrier that has long restricted the growth and efficiency of self-consumption systems. We are very proud to continue leading through technological and engineering innovation, underpinned by our goal of powering a more sustainable and intelligent energy future for our customers across the globe.”

    The newly patented technology is already incorporated into Turbo Energy’s next generation of energy management solutions, marketed as SUNBOX Home for residential applications, SUNBOX Industry for commercial and industrial applications and SUNBOX Utility for utility-scale projects.

    About Turbo Energy, S.A.

    Founded in 2013, Turbo Energy is a globally recognized pioneer of proprietary solar energy storage technologies and solutions managed through Artificial Intelligence. Turbo Energy’s elegant all-in-one and scalable, modular energy storage systems empower residential, commercial and industrial users expanding across Europe, North America and South America to materially reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, helping to lower electricity costs, provide peak shaving and uninterruptible power supply and realize a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. A testament to the Company’s commitment to innovation and industry disruption, Turbo Energy’s introduction of its flagship SUNBOX represents one of the world’s first high performance, competitively priced, all-in-one home solar energy storage systems, which also incorporates patented EV charging capability and powerful AI processes to optimize solar energy management.  Turbo Energy is a proud subsidiary of publicly traded Umbrella Global Energy, S.A., a vertically integrated, global collective of solar energy-focused companies.  For more information, please visit www.turbo-e.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business of the Company, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control, including the risks described in our registration statements and annual report under the heading “Risk Factors” as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Turbo Energy, S.A. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    For more information, please contact:
    At Turbo Energy, S.A.                                                         
    Dodi Handy, Director of Communications                 
    Phone: 407-960-4636                                                
    Email: dodihandy@turbo-e.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Opens Doors for Syrian Users Enabling Full-Service Suite of Products

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has now enabled onboarding of Syrian citizens on the platform. This comes following the recent suspension of OFAC sanctions. Syrian citizens and residents can now register on the platform, complete identity verification, and access the full suite of services—ranging from P2P and spot trading to futures and yield-generating products.

    This update holds particular significance for a country that has faced prolonged conflict, economic isolation, and limited access to reliable financial systems. In the absence of stable banking infrastructure, crypto has strong real-life use cases, as a tool for survival, growth, and connectivity to the broader world. The adoption of crypto in Syria shows a deeper truth about the role of crypto in places where traditional systems have failed or aren’t accessible either.

    With this, Syrian users now have access to all major Bitget features, including peer-to-peer (P2P) trading with local currency support, spot and futures markets, copy trading, and Bitget Earn products that enable passive income on crypto holdings. The mobile app and web platform also offer multi-language support and 24/7 security monitoring to ensure safe transactions. Educational content, trading tools, and customer assistance are readily available to guide new users at every step.

    Bitget’s decision to welcome Syrian users stems from a focused strategy to support real use cases in regions where crypto is vital. The inclusion of Syria signals intent to enable access where it is most urgently needed.

     “At Bitget, the priority is clear—reach those who need crypto the most. Our platform is built to serve individuals navigating unstable economies, restricted banking, or political uncertainty. Extending access to Syrian users is part of a larger effort to deliver impactful financial tools where they make the greatest difference,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

    Bitget remains focused on expanding access in regions where crypto plays a critical role in everyday life. For Syrian users, Bitget will play an important role in actively maintaining safe, efficient, and user-friendly channels for participation in crypto. Resources will be allocated to support regional engagement, improve accessibility, and ensure users in Syria are equipped to navigate the cryptospace with industry-leading products and best-in-class tools.

    Effective immediately, Syrian users can now begin their journey with full platform functionality.

    To sign up, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform. Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/16978e0d-1c0f-49bc-83eb-007e71f08762

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: AI tools collect and store data about you from all your devices – here’s how to be aware of what you’re revealing

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christopher Ramezan, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity, West Virginia University

    AI tools gather information about you from many types of devices, including smartphones. Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

    Like it or not, artificial intelligence has become part of daily life. Many devices – including electric razors and toothbrushes – have become “AI-powered,” using machine learning algorithms to track how a person uses the device, how the device is working in real time, and provide feedback. From asking questions to an AI assistant like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot to monitoring a daily fitness routine with a smartwatch, many people use an AI system or tool every day.

    While AI tools and technologies can make life easier, they also raise important questions about data privacy. These systems often collect large amounts of data, sometimes without people even realizing their data is being collected. The information can then be used to identify personal habits and preferences, and even predict future behaviors by drawing inferences from the aggregated data.

    As an assistant professor of cybersecurity at West Virginia University, I study how emerging technologies and various types of AI systems manage personal data and how we can build more secure, privacy-preserving systems for the future.

    Generative AI software uses large amounts of training data to create new content such as text or images. Predictive AI uses data to forecast outcomes based on past behavior, such as how likely you are to hit your daily step goal, or what movies you may want to watch. Both types can be used to gather information about you.

    How AI tools collect data

    Generative AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini collect all the information users type into a chat box. Every question, response and prompt that users enter is recorded, stored and analyzed to improve the AI model.

    OpenAI’s privacy policy informs users that “we may use content you provide us to improve our Services, for example to train the models that power ChatGPT.” Even though OpenAI allows you to opt out of content use for model training, it still collects and retains your personal data. Although some companies promise that they anonymize this data, meaning they store it without naming the person who provided it, there is always a risk of data being reidentified.

    ChatGPT stores and analyzes everything you type into a prompt screen.
    Screenshot by Christopher Ramezan, CC BY-ND

    Predictive AI

    Beyond generative AI assistants, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok continuously gather data on their users to train predictive AI models. Every post, photo, video, like, share and comment, including the amount of time people spend looking at each of these, is collected as data points that are used to build digital data profiles for each person who uses the service.

    The profiles can be used to refine the social media platform’s AI recommender systems. They can also be sold to data brokers, who sell a person’s data to other companies to, for instance, help develop targeted advertisements that align with that person’s interests.

    Many social media companies also track users across websites and applications by putting cookies and embedded tracking pixels on their computers. Cookies are small files that store information about who you are and what you clicked on while browsing a website.

    One of the most common uses of cookies is in digital shopping carts: When you place an item in your cart, leave the website and return later, the item will still be in your cart because the cookie stored that information. Tracking pixels are invisible images or snippets of code embedded in websites that notify companies of your activity when you visit their page. This helps them track your behavior across the internet.

    This is why users often see or hear advertisements that are related to their browsing and shopping habits on many of the unrelated websites they browse, and even when they are using different devices, including computers, phones and smart speakers. One study found that some websites can store over 300 tracking cookies on your computer or mobile phone.

    Here’s how websites you browse can track you using cookies or tracking pixels.

    Data privacy controls – and limitations

    Like generative AI platforms, social media platforms offer privacy settings and opt-outs, but these give people limited control over how their personal data is aggregated and monetized. As media theorist Douglas Rushkoff argued in 2011, if the service is free, you are the product.

    Many tools that include AI don’t require a person to take any direct action for the tool to collect data about that person. Smart devices such as home speakers, fitness trackers and watches continually gather information through biometric sensors, voice recognition and location tracking. Smart home speakers continually listen for the command to activate or “wake up” the device. As the device is listening for this word, it picks up all the conversations happening around it, even though it does not seem to be active.

    Some companies claim that voice data is only stored when the wake word – what you say to wake up the device – is detected. However, people have raised concerns about accidental recordings, especially because these devices are often connected to cloud services, which allow voice data to be stored, synced and shared across multiple devices such as your phone, smart speaker and tablet.

    If the company allows, it’s also possible for this data to be accessed by third parties, such as advertisers, data analytics firms or a law enforcement agency with a warrant.

    Privacy rollbacks

    This potential for third-party access also applies to smartwatches and fitness trackers, which monitor health metrics and user activity patterns. Companies that produce wearable fitness devices are not considered “covered entities” and so are not bound by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act. This means that they are legally allowed to sell health- and location-related data collected from their users.

    Concerns about HIPAA data arose in 2018, when Strava, a fitness company released a global heat map of user’s exercise routes. In doing so, it accidentally revealed sensitive military locations across the globe through highlighting the exercise routes of military personnel.

    Smart speakers can collect information even when they’re sleeping.
    recep-bg/Getty Images

    The Trump administration has tapped Palantir, a company that specializes in using AI for data analytics, to collate and analyze data about Americans. Meanwhile, Palantir has announced a partnership with a company that runs self-checkout systems.

    Such partnerships can expand corporate and government reach into everyday consumer behavior. This one could be used to create detailed personal profiles on Americans by linking their consumer habits with other personal data. This raises concerns about increased surveillance and loss of anonymity. It could allow citizens to be tracked and analyzed across multiple aspects of their lives without their knowledge or consent.

    Some smart device companies are also rolling back privacy protections instead of strengthening them. Amazon recently announced that starting on March 28, 2025, all voice recordings from Amazon Echo devices would be sent to Amazon’s cloud by default, and users will no longer have the option to turn this function off. This is different from previous settings, which allowed users to limit private data collection.

    Changes like these raise concerns about how much control consumers have over their own data when using smart devices. Many privacy experts consider cloud storage of voice recordings a form of data collection, especially when used to improve algorithms or build user profiles, which has implications for data privacy laws designed to protect online privacy.

    Implications for data privacy

    All of this brings up serious privacy concerns for people and governments on how AI tools collect, store, use and transmit data. The biggest concern is transparency. People don’t know what data is being collected, how the data is being used, and who has access to that data.

    Companies tend to use complicated privacy policies filled with technical jargon to make it difficult for people to understand the terms of a service that they agree to. People also tend not to read terms of service documents. One study found that people averaged 73 seconds reading a terms of service document that had an average read time of 29-32 minutes.

    Data collected by AI tools may initially reside with a company that you trust, but can easily be sold and given to a company that you don’t trust.

    AI tools, the companies in charge of them and the companies that have access to the data they collect can also be subject to cyberattacks and data breaches that can reveal sensitive personal information. These attacks can by carried out by cybercriminals who are in it for the money, or by so-called advanced persistent threats, which are typically nation/state- sponsored attackers who gain access to networks and systems and remain there undetected, collecting information and personal data to eventually cause disruption or harm.

    While laws and regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union and the California Consumer Privacy Act aim to safeguard user data, AI development and use have often outpaced the legislative process. The laws are still catching up on AI and data privacy. For now, you should assume any AI-powered device or platform is collecting data on your inputs, behaviors and patterns.

    Using AI tools

    Although AI tools collect people’s data, and the way this accumulation of data affects people’s data privacy is concerning, the tools can also be useful. AI-powered applications can streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks and provide valuable insights.

    But it’s crucial to approach these tools with awareness and caution.

    When using a generative AI platform that gives you answers to questions you type in a prompt, don’t include any personally identifiable information, including names, birth dates, Social Security numbers or home addresses. At the workplace, don’t include trade secrets or classified information. In general, don’t put anything into a prompt that you wouldn’t feel comfortable revealing to the public or seeing on a billboard. Remember, once you hit enter on the prompt, you’ve lost control of that information.

    Remember that devices which are turned on are always listening – even if they’re asleep. If you use smart home or embedded devices, turn them off when you need to have a private conversation. A device that’s asleep looks inactive, but it is still powered on and listening for a wake word or signal. Unplugging a device or removing its batteries is a good way of making sure the device is truly off.

    Finally, be aware of the terms of service and data collection policies of the devices and platforms that you are using. You might be surprised by what you’ve already agreed to.

    This article is part of a series on data privacy that explores who collects your data, what and how they collect, who sells and buys your data, what they all do with it, and what you can do about it.

    Previous articles in the series:

    How illicit markets fueled by data breaches sell your personal information to criminals

    Christopher Ramezan receives funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

    – ref. AI tools collect and store data about you from all your devices – here’s how to be aware of what you’re revealing – https://theconversation.com/ai-tools-collect-and-store-data-about-you-from-all-your-devices-heres-how-to-be-aware-of-what-youre-revealing-251693

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: AI literacy: What it is, what it isn’t, who needs it and why it’s hard to define

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel S. Schiff, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Purdue University

    AI literacy is a lot more than simply knowing how to prompt an AI chatbot. DNY59/E+ via Getty Images

    It is “the policy of the United States to promote AI literacy and proficiency among Americans,” reads an executive order President Donald Trump issued on April 23, 2025. The executive order, titled Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, signals that advancing AI literacy is now an official national priority.

    This raises a series of important questions: What exactly is AI literacy, who needs it, and how do you go about building it thoughtfully and responsibly?

    The implications of AI literacy, or lack thereof, are far-reaching. They extend beyond national ambitions to remain “a global leader in this technological revolution” or even prepare an “AI-skilled workforce,” as the executive order states. Without basic literacy, citizens and consumers are not well equipped to understand the algorithmic platforms and decisions that affect so many domains of their lives: government services, privacy, lending, health care, news recommendations and more. And the lack of AI literacy risks ceding important aspects of society’s future to a handful of multinational companies.

    How, then, can institutions help people understand and use – or resist – AI as individuals, workers, parents, innovators, job seekers, students, employers and citizens? We are a policy scientist and two educational researchers who study AI literacy, and we explore these issues in our research.

    What AI literacy is and isn’t

    At its foundation, AI literacy includes a mix of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are technical, social and ethical in nature. According to one prominent definition, AI literacy refers to “a set of competencies that enables individuals to critically evaluate AI technologies; communicate and collaborate effectively with AI; and use AI as a tool online, at home, and in the workplace.”

    AI literacy is not simply programming or the mechanics of neural networks, and it is certainly not just prompt engineering – that is, the act of carefully writing prompts for chatbots. Vibe coding, or using AI to write software code, might be fun and important, but restricting the definition of literacy to the newest trend or the latest need of employers won’t cover the bases in the long term. And while a single master definition may not be needed, or even desirable, too much variation makes it tricky to decide on organizational, educational or policy strategies.

    Who needs AI literacy? Everyone, including the employees and students using it, and the citizens grappling with its growing impacts. Every sector and sphere of society is now involved with AI, even if this isn’t always easy for people to see.

    Exactly how much literacy everyone needs and how to get there is a much tougher question. Are a few quick HR training sessions enough, or do we need to embed AI across K-12 curricula and deliver university micro credentials and hands-on workshops? There is much that researchers don’t know, which leads to the need to measure AI literacy and the effectiveness of different training approaches.

    Ethics is an important aspect of AI literacy.

    Measuring AI literacy

    While there is a growing and bipartisan consensus that AI literacy matters, there’s much less consensus on how to actually understand people’s AI literacy levels. Researchers have focused on different aspects, such as technical or ethical skills, or on different populations – for example, business managers and students – or even on subdomains like generative AI.

    A recent review study identified more than a dozen questionnaires designed to measure AI literacy, the vast majority of which rely on self-reported responses to questions and statements such as “I feel confident about using AI.” There’s also a lack of testing to see whether these questionnaires work well for people from different cultural backgrounds.

    Moreover, the rise of generative AI has exposed gaps and challenges: Is it possible to create a stable way to measure AI literacy when AI is itself so dynamic?

    In our research collaboration, we’ve tried to help address some of these problems. In particular, we’ve focused on creating objective knowledge assessments, such as multiple-choice surveys tested with thorough statistical analyses to ensure that they accurately measure AI literacy. We’ve so far tested a multiple-choice survey in the U.S., U.K. and Germany and found that it works consistently and fairly across these three countries.

    There’s a lot more work to do to create reliable and feasible testing approaches. But going forward, just asking people to self-report their AI literacy probably isn’t enough to understand where different groups of people are and what supports they need.

    Approaches to building AI literacy

    Governments, universities and industry are trying to advance AI literacy.

    Finland launched the Elements of AI series in 2018 with the hope of educating its general public on AI. Estonia’s AI Leap initiative partners with Anthropic and OpenAI to provide access to AI tools for tens of thousands of students and thousands of teachers. And China is now requiring at least eight hours of AI education annually as early as elementary school, which goes a step beyond the new U.S. executive order. On the university level, Purdue University and the University of Pennsylvania have launched new master’s in AI programs, targeting future AI leaders.

    Despite these efforts, these initiatives face an unclear and evolving understanding of AI literacy. They also face challenges to measuring effectiveness and minimal knowledge on what teaching approaches actually work. And there are long-standing issues with respect to equity − for example, reaching schools, communities, segments of the population and businesses that are stretched or under-resourced.

    Next moves on AI literacy

    Based on our research, experience as educators and collaboration with policymakers and technology companies, we think a few steps might be prudent.

    Building AI literacy starts with recognizing it’s not just about tech: People also need to grasp the social and ethical sides of the technology. To see whether we’re getting there, we researchers and educators should use clear, reliable tests that track progress for different age groups and communities. Universities and companies can try out new teaching ideas first, then share what works through an independent hub. Educators, meanwhile, need proper training and resources, not just additional curricula, to bring AI into the classroom. And because opportunity isn’t spread evenly, partnerships that reach under-resourced schools and neighborhoods are essential so everyone can benefit.

    Critically, achieving widespread AI literacy may be even harder than building digital and media literacy, so getting there will require serious investment – not cuts – to education and research.

    There is widespread consensus that AI literacy is important, whether to boost AI trust and adoption or to empower citizens to challenge AI or shape its future. As with AI itself, we believe it’s important to approach AI literacy carefully, avoiding hype or an overly technical focus. The right approach can prepare students to become “active and responsible participants in the workforce of the future” and empower Americans to “thrive in an increasingly digital society,” as the AI literacy executive order calls for.

    Funding from Google Research helped to support part of the authors’ research on AI literacy.

    Funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research under the funding code 16DHBKI051 helped to support part of the authors’ research on AI literacy.

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

    – ref. AI literacy: What it is, what it isn’t, who needs it and why it’s hard to define – https://theconversation.com/ai-literacy-what-it-is-what-it-isnt-who-needs-it-and-why-its-hard-to-define-256061

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Groundbreaking of Sullivan County Broadband Project

    Source: US State of New York

    ir=”ltr”>Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking of a $29.9 million broadband infrastructure project in Sullivan County that will bring high-speed internet access to more than 22,000 homes and businesses across the region’s rural and mountainous terrain. The project, funded through New York State’s Municipal Infrastructure Program under the ConnectALL initiative, represents the largest single broadband investment in Sullivan County’s history and advances the Governor’s commitment to ensuring every New Yorker has access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. The groundbreaking will mark the beginning of construction on 253 miles of fiber optic cable and an expansion on an existing tower that will work in conjunction with Sullivan County’s 11 existing towers to deliver broadband service to previously unserved and underserved locations.

    “Today marks a historic turning point for Sullivan County — we’re finally bridging the gap that has held back too many communities for far too long,” Governor Hochul said. “This publicly-owned infrastructure isn’t just about faster internet — it’s about opening doors to better healthcare, education, and economic opportunities that access to high speed internet brings to the table. No New Yorker should be left behind simply because of where they live, and this project ensures that rural communities have the same access to opportunity as anywhere else in our state.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Municipal Infrastructure Program highlights New York State’s commitment to innovative, equitable broadband solutions. By prioritizing public ownership, we ensure broadband connectivity is universally accessible, affordable, and sustainable. This investment will make a tangible difference in the daily lives of Sullivan County residents — helping students succeed in school, supporting small businesses, and expanding access to telehealth and other vital services.”

    Senator Chuck Schumer said, “Access to high-speed internet is not luxury, but a necessity, a utility as vital as electricity for everyday life. Today, Sullivan County takes a major step towards closing the digital divide. I was proud to deliver a whopping $30 million in federal funding to boost affordable, high-quality internet access for more than 22,000 homes throughout Sullivan County. These federal resources will help families stay connected to education, to healthcare, economic opportunity, and each other. When I led the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, I made sure there was funding for long term investments like this that would create good paying jobs helping build the 21st century infrastructure needed to make high-speed internet reach every corner of New York State.”

    Assemblymember Paula Kay said, “High-speed internet is not a luxury — it’s a lifeline. I’m proud to stand with Governor Hochul as we break ground on this record investment. By leveraging public-private partnership, we’re making sure families can learn, work, and thrive right here in Sullivan County.”

    Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s visionary support of upstate New York and the historic funding provided by the State’s ConnectALL program, Sullivan County is about to experience an incredible transformation that simply could not have happened otherwise. Together with our partner Archtop Fiber, we will be bringing high-speed Internet access to every corner of Sullivan, providing an essential service where it is needed most.”

    Sullivan County faces unique broadband deployment challenges due to its rural and mountainous terrains. Under the innovative public-private partnership model, Sullivan County will own the infrastructure while Archtop Fiber LLC will serve as internet service provider, ensuring competitive pricing and service options for residents and businesses. Construction on the fiber network will begin following the groundbreaking ceremony, with the first connections anticipated within 18 months. The project will be completed in phases, prioritizing areas with the greatest need while ensuring minimal disruption to local communities.

    The Sullivan County broadband project is part of Governor Hochul’s broader ConnectALL initiative, which has committed over $1 billion to expanding broadband access across New York State as essential infrastructure for economic recovery and long-term prosperity. Funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund, the Municipal Infrastructure Program utilizes a public ownership model that serves the public interest while creating an open-access network for multiple internet service providers, promoting competition and keeping costs affordable for consumers. To date, ConnectALL has awarded over $240 million through the program, funding construction of nearly 2,400 miles of broadband infrastructure that will reach 98,000 locations across New York State. ConnectALL has expanded the program to nearly $300 million and is currently reviewing additional applications. Visit the ConnectALL Projects Dashboard for more information on Municipal Infrastructure Program projects.

    Governor Hochul’s ConnectALL Initiative

    Governor Hochul has made expanding broadband access a cornerstone of her administration’s efforts to create a more equitable New York. Through the ConnectALL initiative, New York State is investing $1 billion to transform the state’s digital infrastructure, enhance competition among providers, and ensure that every New Yorker has access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. For more information on the ConnectALL initiative visit broadband.ny.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa explores regionalisation of chicken imports from Brazil

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 12, 2025

    The Department of Agriculture is currently assessing the possibility of implementing regionalisation for chicken imports from Brazil to ensure local demand is met without compromising biosecurity.

    This follows South Africa’s suspension of imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Brazil reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) in chickens, in a breeding establishment (parents), located in the municipality of Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul, on 15 May 2025.

    This necessitated South Africa to suspend trade of live poultry, eggs and fresh poultry meat, and revised its import permit process.

    Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, noted that while South Africa’s poultry industry has sufficient domestic slaughter chickens, concerns remain over the impact the suspension import of Brazilian poultry on the country’s food supply chain, particularly the affordability and accessibility of processed meats and pet foods.

    He said the department is in constant engagement with the Brazilian authorities to determine if the outbreak has not spread to other States and a confirmation that there are no additional affected farms in other regions.

    “This is a necessary procedure of ensuring that we don’t introduce the virus to South Africans and infect the poultry industry. We need to balance food security realities with biosecurity imperatives,” Steenhuisen explained.

    The Minister added that the department has established that the reason for the delay in Brazil responding to South Africa’s enquiries is due to the number of similar enquiries Brazil is receiving and responding to, since Brazil exports poultry products to many other countries. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Gatwick Airport confirms plane that crashed in India was heading to London

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    LONDON, June 12 (Xinhua) — London’s Gatwick Airport has confirmed that flight AI171, which crashed while taking off from Ahmedabad, India on Thursday, was scheduled to land at Gatwick at 18:25 local time.

    “Additional information will be released later,” the airport said on social media X.

    An Air India plane with more than 200 people on board crashed on Thursday shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, local media reported.

    The plane was heading to Britain. Indian TV footage showed thick black smoke rising near the airport. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –