Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
There’s no wrong way to stay fit for life. Veterans from 48 states and D.C. are proving that movement looks different for everyone and that’s the point.
There’s a sport for every Veteran whether you’re competing, trying something new, or just showing up for yourself.
#GoldenAgeGames #FeelTheVictory #FitnessForLife #Sports4Vets
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Julian Alvarez scored a first-half winner as Argentina clinched a 1-0 away victory over Chile in their FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
The visitors took the lead in the 16th-minute at Estadio Nacional in Santiago when Alvarez ran onto Thiago Almada’s through ball and lifted a shot over goalkeeper Brayan Cortes.
Argentina controlled more than two thirds of possession against a Chile side that could only manage three shots on target.
With World Cup qualification already secured, Argentina started without captain Lionel Messi, as manager Lionel Scaloni fielded a largely inexperienced side.
Messi replaced Nico Paz in the 57th minute and the 37-year-old came close to scoring shortly after with a dangerous free-kick that was saved by Cortes.
Scaloni paid tribute to his players’ commitment after the match, adding that Chile had provided a stern test.
“It’s the players’ job to always give their all when they wear the national team shirt,” he told a post-match news conference. “These are tough matches because the players are having to get through a lot of games, but everyone wanted to be here and contribute – that’s the important thing.”
While Argentina can already start preparing for football’s showpiece tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year, Chile’s chances of qualifying are distant.
Ricardo Gareca’s side is currently last in the 10-team South American zone standings and even three wins from its three remaining qualifiers might not be enough to secure a playoff spot.
In other CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, Ecuador and Brazil drew 0-0 in Guayaquil and Paraguay beat Uruguay 2-0 in Asuncion.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Fixed Income Investor Meetings
06 June 2025
BW Energy has engaged Pareto Securities as Global Coordinator together with Arctic Securities as Joint Bookrunners to arrange a series of fixed income investor meetings. Fearnley Securities and Sparebank1 Markets are acting as Co-Managers. Subject to inter alia market conditions and acceptable terms, a new senior unsecured bond issue of USD 300 million with a tenor of five years may follow. The purpose of the bond issue is for general corporate purposes. Holders of BWE01 bonds will be offered to roll-over their bonds into the new contemplated bond issue.
BW Group (76.5% shareholder and primary insider through Mr. Andreas Sohmen-Pao) has the intention to subscribe and be allocated USD 100 million in the new bond including roll-over of USD 38.5 million of their existing BWE01 bonds. CEO Carl Arnet will also subscribe and be allocated USD 2.5 million in the new bond including roll-over of USD 2 million of his existing BWE01 bonds.
For further information, please contact:
Brice Morlot, CFO BW Energy
+33.7.81.11.41.16
ir@bwenergy.no
About BW Energy:
BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025.
This information is considered inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange release was published by Regine Andersen, 06 June 2025
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The India-England Test series will now be known as the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, rechristened in honour of two legends of the game, Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson.
The new identity was jointly announced on Thursday by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the trophy will be officially unveiled by Tendulkar and Anderson on the first day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa, on June 11 at Lord’s.
Notably, India and England are set to begin the new WTC cycle with a five-Test series starting 20 June at Headingley, Leeds.
Anderson, the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket with 188 appearances, retired in July 2024. Over a career spanning more than two decades, the English seamer took over 700 Test wickets and became the first fast bowler in history to reach that milestone. Known for his relentless accuracy, late swing, and ability to adapt across conditions, Anderson was a mainstay of England’s attack and remains one of the most respected figures in the game.
Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history, retired in 2013 after becoming the first — and so far only — player to feature in 200 Test matches. He scored 15,921 runs in the format, including 51 centuries, and carried the weight of a cricket-obsessed nation for much of his 24-year international career. His technique, temperament, and unmatched consistency made him a global icon and a symbol of Indian cricket’s golden generation.
Previously, the India-England series was played for different trophies depending on the host country. In England, it was the Pataudi Trophy, named after former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. In India, it was the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after one of the early architects of Indian cricket administration.
The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy replaces both to establish a uniform identity across series, while celebrating the legacy of two modern greats who defined the era they played in.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspired his country to a thrilling 5-4 win over France on Thursday to send the holders through to their third successive Nations League final where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal.
The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semi-final at the MHP Arena and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes.
Spain’s 17-year-old starlet Yamal then got in on the act to coolly add a third from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half before his Barcelona teammate Pedri clipped a sublime fourth into the net less than a minute later.
The goals continued to flow as France striker Kylian Mbappe also slotted home from the penalty spot near the hour mark before Yamal added Spain’s fifth after 67 minutes to cap an exhilarating individual performance.
France then mounted an extraordinary comeback as a stunning strike from Rayan Cherki, Dani Vivian’s own goal and a Randal Kolo Muani finish caused Spain some late jitters but they held on to book a clash with their Portuguese rivals on Sunday.
“I always say it to my mother, I try to give it all,” Yamal told Teledeporte. “It is what motivates me to play football, why I wake up in the mornings.
“France have world class players. The scoreline after 60 minutes was very big, but they have players who make you suffer.
“We (Spain and Portugal) are two very good teams with world-class players. The best will win. I hope to bring the cup to Spain.”
Spain have been nearly imperious under coach Luis de la Fuente, losing just once in over two years, a run that helped them take home the European Championship title last year with victory over England in the final.
Key to De la Fuente’s system is his lively wide men Nico Williams and Yamal, and after Mbappe had wasted a golden early chance in Stuttgart and Theo Hernandez crashed an effort against the crossbar, Williams’ emphatic finish edged Spain in front.
Another fine, flowing move three minutes later resulted in Merino slotting home the second having been picked out by a pinpoint Mikel Oyarzabal pass. It was only the second time France had conceded twice inside the opening half hour of a match during coach Didier Deschamps’ 13-year tenure.
France continued to create openings but could not make their moments count, with their profligacy proving costly as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or award, Yamal, fired in from the penalty spot after the teenager had been fouled.
Yamal, who already has over 100 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions before he has even turned 18, was equally calm for his second, after Pedro’s fine fourth and Mbappe’s penalty, poking the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The strike from Olympique Lyonnais’ Cherki deserved to be more meaningful, before Vivian’s intervention gave Spanish supporters some cause for concern.
Substitute Kolo Muani’s goal made extra time look a possibility, but it was too little, too late.
The striker, however, ensured the enthralling semi-final became the first-ever Nations League match to feature nine goals. It was also the first time France had conceded five times in a match since 1969.
“We had some bursts of play we haven’t had for a long time,” France skipper Mbappe said. “But in just 10 minutes of the first half, we conceded two goals — and the same thing happened in the second half.
“We weren’t consistent throughout the 90 minutes, but we did improve. When you don’t win, there are always negative points that come out. But it’s not all negative.”
(Reuters)
Source: New South Wales – News
Police are seeking assistance from the public following an incident in the southern suburbs earlier this week.
Crime Gangs Task Force Detectives are investigating a serious assault that occurred about 6.30pm on Tuesday 3 June. It will be alleged a man was taken by force from a retail shop on Honeypot Road at Huntfield Heights and driven around the area.
Police will allege the victim, a 24-year-old man from Parafield Gardens, was assaulted by the occupants of a silver 2017 Mitsubishi Triton with a canopy (see picture), at Sports Park Drive, Morphett Vale.
The man was taken by SAAS members to hospital, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Following an investigation, Detectives arrested a 29-year-old man from Port Noarlunga, he was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated theft. He was granted police bail to appear in court at a later date.
A 27-year-old man from Hackham was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and aggravated theft. He was refused police bail and appeared in Christies Beach Magistrate Court on Wednesday 4 June where he was remanded in custody.
A 20-year-old man from Moana was arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and aggravated theft. The man is alleged to be a member of the Comanchero MC and he will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates court later today (Friday 6 June).
Police believe this was not a random incident and there is no risk to the community.
Investigators are seeking witnesses, CCTV and dash cam footage of the incident on Sports Park Drive, Huntfield Heights. Anyone who may have seen a silver 2017 Mitsubishi Triton being driven erratically and at a high speed on the Southern Expressway between 5.45pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday 3 June to contact Crime Stoppers. You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Luis Montenegro addresses an inauguration ceremony of the new government in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Luis Montenegro, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and head of the Democratic Alliance (AD), was officially sworn in as Portugal’s new prime minister on Thursday. The 16 ministers of the new cabinet also took their oaths of office.
At the inauguration ceremony, Montenegro pledged to “continue serving the country,” vowed to “declare war on bureaucracy,” and committed to advancing state reforms, maintaining political stability, and boosting social productivity. He also emphasized the government’s intention to engage with the opposition and promote dialogue and cooperation.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the election result reflected increased political confidence in Montenegro, but stressed that the public had not granted the government “absolute trust.” He noted that the influence of traditional parties is waning while new political forces are emerging — a shift that, although arriving late in Portugal, has not bypassed the country.
Compared to the previous administration, the vast majority of key ministers have retained their posts. The number of ministries has been reduced from 17 to 16, with the Ministry of Economy merged with the Ministry of Territorial Cohesion, and the Ministry of Culture combined with the former Ministry of Youth and Modernization to form the new Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
The most notable change is the creation of a new Ministry for State Reform. Goncalo Matias has been appointed as both minister adjunct to the prime minister and minister for state reform.
At the PSD’s national council meeting last week, Montenegro described the “modernization of public administration” as the “cornerstone” of the next government’s policy agenda.
The new cabinet was sworn in just 18 days after the election, marking the fastest cabinet formation under President Rebelo de Sousa.
The parliament will debate and vote on the new government’s program on June 17 and 18. According to the Portuguese Constitution, the government can only fully assume its duties after the program is approved by the Assembly of the Republic.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University
For many years now, Australian political scientists have pointed out that that established partisan allegiance is in decline. In 1967, 36% of Coalition supporters and 32% of Labor voters reported lifetime voting for their side. At the 2022 election, the Australian Election Study found the figures to be 16% and 12%.
These changes help to explain the rising support for independents and minor parties at federal elections; they now take about a third of the primary vote.
So much for voters. What about for politicians? Of course, there have always been plenty of parliamentarians who had an earlier stint as a member of some other party before landing in the one that sent them into parliament. Brendan Nelson was in the Labor Party before he was Liberal. John Gorton was Country Party before he was Liberal. Adam Bandt was Labor before he was Green. And so on. We are all entitled to change our minds, even if switching political parties was once closer to changing football teams – a habit that immediately arouses suspicion in a sports-loving nation.
Senator Dorinda Cox’s switch from the Greens to the Labor Party was apparently a homecoming, according to Cox. She was once a Labor Party member, she said. Last week, she was criticising the party over its approval of Woodside’s Northwest Shelf gas project. This week, she finds Labor’s values aligned with her own.
Of course, her defection has been accompanied by a steady leaking of little details of her Greens career, such as an excoriation of the Labor Party, in her application to run for the Greens, when she said the ALP patronised “women and people of colour” and cared more about its donors than members.
That’s politics, but it’s a democratic deficit that senators elected as part of a Senate team, in a system that has facilitated above-the-line voting since 1984, can sit for years afterwards in the parliament as a member of another party.
But good luck in getting up a constitutional change, via referendum, to change that.
Still, it is easy to understand how such nimbleness breeds cynicism about political parties. Another perspective might be that the fluidity of allegiance out in the electorate has come to inhabit the political class itself.
All the same, defections from one party to another are quite rare these days in federal politics, at least after one is sitting in parliament. But defections from a party to sit as an independent are not and some, such as Bob Katter, have managed to build successful political careers outside the parties.
One who did not was was Julia Banks, the Liberal member for Chisholm, who announced she would not be seeking re-election and then left the party for the crossbench in the wake of Scott Morrison’s ascension to the leadership in 2018. Banks complained of bullying and intimidation within the Liberal Party and the wider parliament, and wrote a book on her experiences. She subsequently failed to gain election as an independent in another seat.
There were several defectors in the last parliament. A House of Representatives crossbench that began at 16 had reached 19 by the end, with the defections of two Liberals (Russell Broadbent and Ian Goodenough, both after losing preselection) and one National, Andrew Gee, the latter over his party’s opposition to the Voice. Only Gee has lived politically to tell the tale, winning Calare as an Independent, as Peter Andren did before him.
Defections from minor and microparties are especially common, based as they often are on a high-profile leader and lacking traditions of party discipline or solid structures of organisational governance. Jacqui Lambie began as a Palmer United Party senator. Tammy Tyrrell began as a Jacqui Lambie Network senator.
The biggest “defection” in modern Australian politics was that of Cheryl Kernot from the Australian Democrats to the Labor Party in 1997. It is easy, over a quarter of a century on, and with the Australian Democrats no longer in the Australian parliament, to underestimate what a big deal this was at the time.
Kernot was a rock star of a politician, leader of the Australian Democrats, and a national celebrity. But there are significant differences with Cox beyond Kernot’s greater eminence. She resigned her Senate seat immediately and would win the marginal Brisbane seat of Dickson in the following year’s election. Then, in 2001, she would lose it to a young and ambitious former policeman named Peter Dutton.
The experience was ultimately an unhappy one for Kernot: she believed that having recruited her into the ranks, the Labor Party – and its leader, Kim Beazley, did not know how to make the best use of her. She was also on the receiving end of some relentlessly negative and sometimes intrusive media coverage. And by her own admission, she made mistakes. The story of her career’s unravelling is not straightforward. The role that gender played in it remains contentious.
Perhaps Kernot’s experience would alone be sufficient to prompt second thoughts in anyone seeking to jump ship. There are, of course, older prohibitions. In the Labor Party, a defector was known as a “rat”. Billy Hughes, the prime minister whose effort to introduce conscription in the first world war split the party, is the most famous of them.
“Rat” is not a word much heard these days, but it was thrown around a bit when Senator Fatima Payman defected in 2024, and applied more seriously in 1996 to Labor Senator Mal Colston when he resigned from the Labor Party in exchange for the deputy presidency of the Senate.
The best historical example of a defection being good for your career is that of Joe Lyons, who ratted on Labor in 1931 to lead a new party called the United Australia Party, a switch engineered by a small group of influential businessmen.
The circumstances – the Great Depression, real fear of civil violence, and the disintegration of a federal Labor government – were highly unusual.
More commonly, defection is a bad career move. Most of the Labor politicians who went over to the breakaway anti-communist Democratic Labor Party (DLP) in the mid-1950s found themselves out of parliament and looking for a new job. Stan Keon, one of those flying high ahead of the split, even occasionally mentioned – unrealistically – as a possible future prime minister, would run a Melbourne wine shop. Others, such as Vince Gair, Queensland Labor premier, lived to fight another day as a DLP senator (and ambassador to Ireland).
Cox has three years left of her senate term. After that, she will be at the mercy of the Labor Party. Labor won three Senate seats at the 2022 half-Senate election in Western Australia and perhaps it could do so again. On that occasion, in a surprise victory, the third place went to the young up-and-coming union organiser, Fatima Payman.
Frank Bongiorno does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Defections are fairly common in Australian politics. But history shows they are rarely a good career move – https://theconversation.com/defections-are-fairly-common-in-australian-politics-but-history-shows-they-are-rarely-a-good-career-move-258177
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Argentina captain Lionel Messi could start on the bench in his team’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chile, Albiceleste head coach Lionel Scaloni said on Wednesday.
Thursday’s clash in Santiago will have little consequence for Scaloni’s men, who have already secured a spot in football’s showpiece tournament next year.
Lionel Messi (center) of Argentina vies with Jackson Irvine of Australia during their Round of 16 match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Dec 3, 2022. (LI GA / XINHUA)
Chile, meanwhile, is last in the 10-team South American group and must win to have an outside chance of qualifying.
“We haven’t decided yet whether he’ll play from the start or not,” Scaloni said of 37 year-old Messi, who has been in impressive form for his club Inter Miami.
“It would be good to know how he’s feeling physically. It’s clear that today we’re in a position to try other things. In principle, he’s available to play, and we’ll decide later.”
Scaloni will already be without several key players for the duel at Estadio Nacional, including injured Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and suspended duo Enzo Fernandez and Nico Gonzalez.
Also missing will be Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, who will be rested after the Italian club’s 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.
“We’re going to have a lot of players out,” Scaloni said. “If some of the guys we call up are fit and ready to play, they’ll get their chance.”
“I don’t have the starting eleven confirmed yet, but we will give some playing time to players who haven’t played much and who we believe are ready to play.”
“Although the result is always important, we don’t think it’s crucial today. We’ll probably try to help these players settle in and give them the chance to get some playing time with the team.”
Despite sitting top of the South American group with 31 points, eight clear of second-placed Ecuador with four qualifiers remaining, Scaloni said he was focused on obtaining “positive results” against Chile and also Colombia in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
“We want to play, it’s good for us to see other players, even those who are playing well. A match is never inopportune,” he said.
“It’s not that we national teams play so much that we would say we don’t want to play this match. On the contrary. We think it’s a nice match to play, with its difficulties. We are in a good position.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China suffered its first loss at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Beijing leg on Thursday, falling to Poland 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-19, 25-21) in a tightly contested match at the National Indoor Stadium.
Poland opposite Magdalena Stysiak and outside hitter Martyna Czyrnianska each scored 20 points to fire their team to victory. Captain and middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk added 17, while fellow middle blocker Aleksandra Gryka had 12.
Magdalena Stysiak (L) of Poland spikes the ball during the Pool 3 match between China and Poland at the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
After dropping a closely fought opening set, China responded with a spirited performance in the second, making lineup adjustments and gaining momentum through effective blocking and fast-paced attacks. Outside hitters Tang Xin and Wu Mengjie played key roles as the team leveled the scores at one set apiece.
Zhuang Yushan scored a team-high 17 points, Wu earned 13 points, while Tang contributed 12 points overall, including seven in the second set alone.
“At the beginning, I felt I performed even better than I did in training,” said Tang, 21. “But later on, I got a bit too excited and started to lose focus. Poland adjusted quickly, especially in the third set – their blockers began targeting me more directly, and I had trouble adapting.”
The third set saw both teams battling point-for-point early on, but Poland pulled ahead midway with solid defense and consistent execution, eventually taking it 25-19. In the fourth, China made a strong start, racing into a 3-0 lead, but Poland quickly turned the tide with a 14-10 advantage and maintained a narrow lead down the stretch. Despite China’s late push to save a match point, Poland closed out the set 25-21 to seal their second straight win in Beijing.
“We’re very happy with this win. Coming into the match, we knew it would be difficult, even though we only had a few recent matches to study this ‘new’ Chinese team. Still, we could tell that their players have incredible quality. The younger players may lack experience, but they’ve already shown great technique, talent, and character,” said Poland head coach Stefano Lavarini.
Lavarini noted that the second set slipped away due to a drop in serving quality and missed opportunities in attack, especially against single blocks. However, he added that in the third set, his team regained its rhythm by stabilizing service and playing with more consistency.
“We tried to get back to the level we had in the first set. In the fourth set, China changed many players, so we made some tactical adjustments as well – especially in how we adapted to their different middle blockers and attackers,” the 46-year-old Italian explained.
With the result, Poland improve to 2-0 in the current leg, while China drops to 1-1. Both teams will have a rest day on Friday before returning to action over the weekend.
Earlier in the day, Belgium earned its first win of the Beijing leg with a 3-1 victory over Thailand (25-22, 25-23, 24-26, 25-22).
Belgium captain Britt Herbots led the scorers with 31 points, while opposite Pauline Martin added 19. Middle blocker Nathalie Lemmens contributed 14 points, including five blocks, as Belgium’s offensive trio proved decisive.
“It was a very tough and long match from every perspective,” said Herbots. “Thailand has a unique style of play. There were a lot of fast combinations and long rallies – very tiring on defense. But I’m really happy we got the win. Everyone fulfilled their role, and that’s really important for a team.”
Belgium will next play against France on Friday, while Thailand will face Türkiye.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) and Senator Joni Ernst (IA) re-introduced legislation to protect gun store owners from onerous Biden-era gun control policies, which instigated the ATF to unfairly target small firearms businesses and the legal products they sell to customers.
The Fighting Irrational Regulatory Enforcement to Avert Retailers’ Misfortune (FIREARM) Act, provides a safe harbor for law-abiding Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders – granting them the ability to correct minor clerical mistakes and insulating them from ATF retribution. The bill also increases due process protections for these businesses and establishes a retroactive reapplication process for those whose FFLs were unduly revoked. Senator Ernst earlier this week introduced the Senate companion of the FIREARM Act.
“The Biden Administration repeatedly undermined Second Amendment rights and weaponized federal agencies against law-abiding citizens and family-owned small businesses because they were part of the lawful firearms industry. This delivered a transparently unfair assault on the fundamental rights of Americans, and that’s why my friend Senator Ernst and I introduced the FIREARM Act. This bill prevents a repeat of that kind of government weaponization and puts in permanent safeguards for the future,” said Rep. Issa.
“The Biden administration’s zero-tolerance policy empowered gun grabbers in Washington to infringe on the Second Amendment and shutter small businesses,” said Senator Ernst. “Iowans spoke loud and clear in November that they were tired of bureaucratic overreach. My FIREARM Act disarms the out-of-control ATF and ensures that the rights of law-abiding gun owners are protected.”
“The firearms industry is a core enabler of our constitutional rights under the Second Amendment, as well as acritical component of our National Defense apparatus. As such, ensuring fair and transparent adjudication of licensing matters — to include a mechanism for voluntary disclosures and self-corrections — for federal firearms licensees is of paramount importance. FRAC applauds Representative Issa for his leadership on this issue and for spearheading this bold legislation, which aims to create accountability, transparency, and fairness in such adjudication process.” Travis R. White, President & CEO, Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition
“Congressman Issa’s ‘FIREARM’ Act will ensure that future administrations cannot weaponize the ATF as a political gun control tool for special interests,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “Under the Biden administration, the firearm and ammunition industry witnessed the ATF being weaponized to carry out that administration’s extreme antigun policies. That damaged the cooperative relationships between firearm retailers, who are on the frontline preventing illegal straw purchases of firearms, and the ATF, which enforces laws to safeguard our communities. NSSF is thankful for Congressman Issa’s leadership to provide remedies that repair this necessary public trust in our federal agencies.”
Specifically, the FIREARM Act:
Cosponsors: Reps. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Randy Weber (TX-14), Derrick Van Orden (WI-3), Mike Collins (GA-10), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Lauren Boebert (CO-4), Troy Downing (MT-2), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2), Brett Guthrie (KY-2), Scott DesJarlais (TN-4), Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), Tim Burchett (TN-2), Cory Mills (FL-7), Michael Guest (MS-3), Pete Sessions (TX-17), David Kustoff (TN-8), Gabe Evans (CO-8), Scott Franklin (FL-18), Mary Miller (IL-15), Don Bacon (NE-2), Chuck Edwards (NC-11),Andy Biggs (AZ-5), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Diana Harshbarger (TN-1), Ashley Hinson (IA-2), Clay Higgins (LA-3), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13).
Industry support includes the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC).
The bill text can be found here.
###
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Investing in safer roads will encourage more women to cycle, build healthier, stronger communities and help ease pressure on the NHS.
Cyclists in the North East and Yorkshire will get around safely and easily as the government invests an extra £32 million to tackle potholes and build new cycle lanes in the region.
Today (6 June 2025), the Minister for the Future of Roads will be in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, to speak to local schools, cycling clubs and female cycling champions during Stage 2 of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women – the UK’s biggest women’s road cycling race.
The minister will show how the government is taking action to resurface roads and emphasise the need to make them safer and more accessible for all road users, including female cyclists. Her visit follows the £15.6 billion boost announced earlier this week to empower local leaders to invest in local transport projects that will make a real difference across England’s city regions – including South Yorkshire, the north east and Tees Valley.
Pothole-ridden roads put everyone off cycling, with this impact felt the most by women. According to research from Cycling UK, more than half of women (58%) said their cycle journeys were limited by safety concerns and a lack of suitable infrastructure, with 36% of women pointing to poor roads as a main factor.
The government is investing an extra £20 million to resurface roads across the north east and Yorkshire so that cyclists and all road users can get around more safely, more easily and with confidence.
On top of this uplift, local cyclists are also benefiting from an almost £13 million boost to build new cycle lanes and pavements in the north east.
Better roads and new cycle lanes will make it easier and safer for people to cycle. This will lead to 43,000 fewer sick days a year across the country and add £1.4 billion to the UK economy, putting money in the pockets of hardworking families to help deliver the government’s Plan for Change.
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:
Safer roads mean safer spaces to cycle. The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is a fantastic way to show women and girls the power of cycling and the difference it can make to their lives.
By investing in better roads, we’re delivering our Plan for Change – encouraging more women and girls to hop on a bike, easing pressure on the NHS and building healthier, stronger communities.
Across the country, the government is investing a total of £1.6 billion to resurface roads – enough to fill 7 million extra potholes – which includes an extra £500 million boost to go above and beyond the government’s manifesto commitment.
Lizzie Deignan MBE, Olympic silver medallist and world champion, said:
I am incredibly passionate about getting more women and girls on bikes, whatever their background or ability. The benefits of cycling are vast, from improving your health, meeting new people and developing new skills and confidence.
Having better cycling infrastructure across the UK will definitely break down barriers, which currently prevent women and girls from participating in cycling.
Programmes like British Cycling’s Breeze and Go-Ride clubs are reaching out to local communities and creating opportunities to make it easier for women and girls to access cycling, so we can enable safe and fun environments to make sure that everyone can enjoy the freedom of riding a bike.
With more investment in our roads and cycle lanes, programmes like this can go further as we bring the joy of cycling to more people across the country.
The £13 million for new cycle lanes and pavements in the north east comes from a £291 million package to build new active travel infrastructure across the whole country and encourage more people to walk, wheel, scoot and cycle.
The improvements will help people across the country make 30 million more journeys by bike or foot every year, including more than 20 million new walk-to-school journeys by children and their parents.
Caroline Julian, Director of Brand and Engagement at British Cycling, said:
Significant barriers still exist that prevent many people from accessing the health, economic and social benefits that cycling brings. We know from our research that road safety is the biggest reason that holds people back from getting on a bike. This is, unfortunately, particularly the case for women.
We are encouraged to see the significant government investment in road and cycle lane infrastructure in the north-east and Yorkshire regions. Investing in infrastructure and places to ride, alongside strengthened promotion and enforcement of the Highway Code, is of critical importance to make cycling accessible to all.
RAC Senior Policy Officer, Rod Dennis, said:
Whether on two wheels or four, the quality of the nation’s roads must be improved to make journeys smoother and safer. It’s crucial now that councils use this cash as effectively as possible.
While dangerous potholes must be filled quickly, councils need to do more surface dressing work to ensure decent roads stay in a better state for longer and resurface those that are beyond repair.
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards, Nicholas Lyes, said:
Poorly maintained roads are not just a nuisance, they are a road safety hazard, particularly for those on two wheels. We welcome this additional funding that focuses not just on smoother surfaces but safer infrastructure, which will improve journey choice for people.
Roads media enquiries
Media enquiries 0300 7777 878
Switchboard 0300 330 3000
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Las Vegas, NV, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Among several new entrants, Winna reflects a growing trend in crypto gambling: fast crypto payouts, privacy-centric onboarding, and a focus on esports betting. Its instant withdrawal time and privacy-first approach have earned it top rankings as the best crypto casino for players seeking speed and discretion.
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Winna is a lean, high-performance gambling platform tailored for cryptocurrency users. From its clean UI to its turbo-fast transactions, everything is built to match the expectations of today’s crypto-native players.
Platform Highlights:
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Why Winna Is the Crypto Casino for Privacy and Payout Speed
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Game Library: Why Winna Delivers One of the Best Crypto Casino Experiences
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Crypto Support and Security: Foundation of the Winna Crypto Casino
Accepted Coins:
Fiat-to-Crypto Integration (coming soon):
Security Systems:
Together, these systems reinforce Winna’s role as one of the safest crypto casinos in 2025.
Pros and Cons: Why Winna is Among the Best Crypto Casinos
| Pros | Cons |
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Responsible Gambling Measures
As expected from any best crypto casino, Winna offers built-in player protection tools:
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Winna isn’t just another crypto casino—it’s a purpose-built ecosystem designed for speed, fairness, and real player value. Its withdrawal speed, no-KYC onboarding, competitive esports betting, and rakeback structure all align with what today’s crypto users want.
Unlike platforms that rely heavily on marketing spin, Winna delivers consistent, measurable value where it matters most. While Jackbit was once considered a strong option, its recent wave of negative press, delayed payouts, and inconsistent bonus policies have significantly tarnished its reputation. Many experienced players now consider it unreliable and no longer representative of the crypto-first gambling model.
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Disclaimer:
Gambling entails risks and should be approached with caution. Users must be of legal gambling age in their jurisdiction. This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Always gamble responsibly and within your means. The publisher, affiliates, and authors are not liable for losses arising from use of this content. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stuart Murray, Associate Professor, International Relations and Diplomacy, Bond University
Since coming to power in 2022, the Albanese government has focused strongly on the Indo-Pacific.
The prime minister’s recent trip to Indonesia was the latest high-level bilateral summit as Australia seeks to recalibrate relationships, enhance security and, where possible, win the battle for hearts and minds in the region.
Read more:
There’s no country more important to Australia than Indonesia. Trouble is, the feeling isn’t mutual
In a world slipping further into “strategic atrophy,” art, music, food, culture, sport and other forms of soft power are no longer peripheral.
In the foreword to the recently launched Australian Sports Diplomacy 2032+ strategy, for example, Labor MP Tim Watts stated:
Sport is an important tool for Australia’s diplomatic engagement at a time when Australia needs to use every dimension of our national power to advance our interests.
The First Nations of Australia are mentioned in this strategy but it fails to reflect the depth, power and influence Indigenous sports diplomats could bring.
Arguably, our sports diplomacy would be more authentic, unique and effective (especially in the Pacific) if First Nations people, perspectives and programs were genuinely integrated from the outset – baked in, not bolted on.
Indigenous Australians were the first people to play sport on this land.
Before colonisation, Australia’s population was around 750,000, divided into about 500 nations.
Though sometimes hostile, these communities shared a common language: sport.
Physical pursuits served, and still serve, many purposes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: fostering communication, preserving lore, teaching youth to be effective providers and most importantly, practising survival skills.
Sport was also a civilising force used for social, cultural and diplomatic ends. Games and carnivals increased contact between clans, easing tension, division, xenophobia and misunderstandings that could spark violence.
Battendi (spear-throwing), Marngrook (football), Koolchee (ball games), and Prun (mock war) are examples of diplomatic games that predate the ancient Greek Olympics by tens of thousands of years.
Sport became central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, identity and diplomacy.
“Deadly” – a term meaning excellent – sports diplomacy is a more fitting way to describe this unique form of diplomacy. Done well, it offers a more accurate, authentic brand of Australia to the region and beyond.
The “Blue Pacific” – a term describing a shared Pacific culture, identity and collective diplomatic strategy – offers an opportunity to harness the power of deadly sports diplomacy.
If Australia hopes to win Pacific hearts and minds, it should send more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sports diplomats and teams to countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and New Zealand, because the nations of the Blue Pacific deeply respect the old, wise First Peoples of Australia.
These relationships are built on shared values: culture, family, spirituality and sport.
The Black Swans – Australia’s First Nations netball team, which debuted at the PacificAus Sports netball series in 2024 – are included as a case study in Sports Diplomacy 2032+. However, it’s the government’s A$600 million NRL project in PNG that has dominated headlines.
Read more:
Sports diplomacy: why the Australian government is spending $600 million on a new NRL team in PNG
The Albanese government’s backing of this initiative has sparked criticism among supporters of other codes in Australia with strong ties to Pacific nations – especially rugby union, which until recently was the code of choice in Fiji and throughout Polynesia.
However, rugby league may be a more effective sports diplomacy tool. It enjoys growing popularity in those locations and has undisputed national sport status in PNG, the most populous Pacific nation by far.
It’s also arguably more “deadly,” with its Indigenous All Stars team and an Indigenous Round.
In the NRL, 48% of players have Pasifika heritage, and 12% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, compared to 3% across the Australian population.
Should rugby union receive similar support? Perhaps, but first, it must address the absence of Indigenous players.
Since Rugby Australia’s founding in 1949, only 15 Aboriginal men have played Test rugby for Australia.
What about similar funding for soccer, the national obsession of strategically important near neighbours Solomon Islands and Vanuatu?
It too has had a relative absence of Indigenous players at Australia’s highest levels, notwithstanding the pioneering careers of Charlie Perkins, John Moriarty, Archie Thompson and recent Matildas Lydia Williams and Mackenzie Arnold.
Integrating the world’s oldest living culture in Australia’s sports diplomacy program can only enhance our relationships, diplomacy and national brand.
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)’s Share a Yarn initiative is helping lead the way.
Established in 2020, it connects elite First Nations athletes with respected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentors.
Throughout the year, athletes and mentors meet online, attend monthly storytelling sessions and attend an annual cultural connection camp at the AIS campus.
As Marissa Williamson Pohlman, the first Aboriginal woman to compete in boxing at the Olympics in 2024, noted:
Mainstream sport can be challenging but having the unwavering support of mob keeps me grounded and focused on my goals.
The fact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have practised sports diplomacy for more than 60,000 years is a powerful story. It is one that should be celebrated at every international sporting event we attend, bid for, or host.
Including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, programs and perspectives would strengthen and innovate our strategies, add vital cultural iconography, inspire like-minded nations and help win hearts and minds from Honiara to Hawaii.
The authors would like to thank Kombumerri woman Emily Pugin (DFAT) and Butchulla/Goreng Goreng Paul Martin for their contribution, teaching and help in commissioning and drafting the report that informs this article.
Stuart Murray receives funding from The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Narelle Bedford does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. ‘Deadly’ sports diplomacy: why Australia’s Indigenous people must be a part of our sports strategy – https://theconversation.com/deadly-sports-diplomacy-why-australias-indigenous-people-must-be-a-part-of-our-sports-strategy-257542
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
ANDOVER, Mass., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byrna Technologies Inc. (“Byrna” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BYRN), a technology company, specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions, today announced select preliminary financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended May 31, 2025.
Preliminary Second Quarter Results
Based on preliminary unaudited results, Byrna expects total revenue for the fiscal second quarter of 2025 to be $28.5 million, representing a 41% increase from $20.3 million in the fiscal second quarter of 2024. The record Q2 performance was driven by strong early demand for the new Byrna Compact Launcher (CL), which launched on May 1, along with meaningful channel expansion.
E-commerce sales grew 15% year-over-year, supported by growing brand recognition and an increasingly balanced channel mix.
Dealer sales rose 106% year-over-year to $7.5 million, driven by early success in the Company’s partnership with Sportsman’s Warehouse, which soft-launched Byrna products in select stores during the second quarter. As of quarter-end, the program had rolled out an initial group of stores featuring shop-in-shop formats, with in-store ‘Byrna Genius’ installations expected to begin in July to support continued growth and deepen in-store engagement. Growth in the dealer channel also reflected continued momentum from Byrna’s traditional distributor network.
International sales rose 86%, including approximately $800,000 in royalty revenue from Byrna LATAM, which is up from a negligible base in the prior year period.
To ensure sufficient supply for the CL launch and build inventory across product lines, Byrna produced 38,237 Compact Launchers in the quarter, contributing to a total of 63,835 launchers manufactured.
Management Commentary
“We are continuing to raise the bar at Byrna and are encouraged with our ability to generate a record $28.5 million in revenue for the second quarter,” said Byrna CEO Bryan Ganz. “While we saw softness in overall consumer spending throughout the quarter, the launch of the CL and sustained expansion of our total addressable market helped drive a 41% year-over-year increase in revenue. This success is a testament to the growing strength of our brand and the innovation behind the CL.
“Over the past six months, we’ve steadily ramped production to support a successful launch of the CL. With the rollout now underway and a healthy inventory of SD and LE launchers in place, we are transitioning to a steady-state production cadence of 15,000 launchers per month. Combined with the ramping Sportsman’s Warehouse partnership and an expanded influencer roster—including the recent addition of Tucker Carlson—we’re well positioned to maintain momentum through the second half of 2025 and beyond.”
Preliminary Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Sales Breakdown:
| Sales Channel ($ in millions) | Q2 2025 |
Q2 2024 |
% Change | ||
| Web | 16.6 | 14.4 | 15% | ||
| Byrna Dedicated Dealers | 7.5 | 3.6 | 106% | ||
| Law Enforcement / Schools / Pvt Security | 0.1 | 0.0 | 120% | ||
| Retail Stores | 0.8 | 0.2 | 223% | ||
| International | 3.6 | 1.9 | 86% | ||
| Total Sales | 28.5 | 20.3 | 41% | ||
Conference Call
Byrna plans to report its full financial results for the fiscal second quarter in July, which will be accompanied by a conference call to discuss the results and address questions from investors and analysts. The conference call details will be announced prior to the event.
About Byrna Technologies Inc.
Byrna is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative non-lethal personal security solutions. For more information on the Company, please visit the corporate website here or the Company’s investor relations site here. The Company is the manufacturer of the Byrna® SD personal security device, a state-of-the-art handheld CO2 powered launcher designed to provide a non-lethal alternative to a firearm for the consumer, private security, and law enforcement markets. To purchase Byrna products, visit the Company’s e-commerce store.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws. All statements contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, are forward-looking. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” and “believes” and statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might,” “occur,” “be achieved,” or “will be taken.” Forward-looking statements include descriptions of currently occurring matters which may continue in the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, our statements related to preliminary revenue results for the second fiscal quarter 2025, the timing of the release of full financial results for the quarter, expectations for future sales growth and demand trends, the impact of marketing strategies, the anticipated performance of new products and retail store expansion, and the Company’s ability to sustain momentum throughout 2025. Forward-looking statements are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates, and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied.
Any number of risk factors could affect our actual results and cause them to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this news release, including, but not limited to, disappointing market responses to current or future products or services; prolonged, new, or exacerbated disruption of the Company’s supply chain; the further or prolonged disruption of new product development; production or distribution or delays in entry or penetration of sales channels due to inventory constraints, competitive factors, increased shipping costs or freight interruptions; prototype, parts and material shortages, particularly of parts sourced from limited or sole source providers; determinations by third party controlled distribution channels not to carry or reduce inventory of the Company’s products; determinations by advertisers to prohibit marketing of some or all Byrna products; the loss of marketing partners or endorsers; potential cancellations of existing or future orders including as a result of any fulfillment delays, introduction of competing products, negative publicity, or other factors; product design defects or recalls; litigation, enforcement proceedings or other regulatory or legal developments; changes in consumer or political sentiment affecting product demand; regulatory factors including the impact of commerce and trade laws and regulations; import-export related matters or tariffs, sanctions or embargos that could affect the Company’s supply chain or markets; delays in planned operations related to licensing, registration or permit requirements; and future restrictions on the Company’s cash resources, increased costs and other events that could potentially reduce demand for the Company’s products or result in order cancellations. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority. We caution that these factors may not be exhaustive; accordingly, any forward-looking statements contained herein should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Investors should carefully consider these and other relevant factors, including those risk factors in Part I, Item 1A, (“Risk Factors”) in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K, should understand it is impossible to predict or identify all such factors or risks, should not consider the foregoing list, or the risks identified in the Company’s SEC filings, to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties, and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.
Investor Contact:
Tom Colton and Alec Wilson
Gateway Group, Inc.
949-574-3860
BYRN@gateway-grp.com
Source: US Department of Homeland Security
The Quiet Skies Program is a redundant, corrupted program that costs US taxpayers $200 million a year
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced it is ending the Quiet Skies Program, which since its existence has failed to stop a single terrorist attack while costing US taxpayers $200 million a year. The program, under the guise of “national security,” was used to target political opponents and benefit political allies. TSA will continue performing important vetting functions tied to legitimate commercial aviation security threats to both ensure the safety of the American traveler and uphold its statutory obligations. REAL ID, implemented on May 7 of this year, will further help bolster TSA security.
DHS and TSA have uncovered documents, correspondence, and timelines that clearly highlight the inconsistent application of Quiet Skies and watchlisting programs, circumventing security policies to benefit politically aligned friends and family at the expense of the American people. In addition to its own internal investigation, DHS’s Secretary Kristi Noem is calling for a Congressional investigation to uncover further corruption through this program.
“It is clear that the Quiet Skies program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administration—weaponized against its political foes and exploited to benefit their well-heeled friends. I am calling for a Congressional investigation to unearth further corruption at the expense of the American people and the undermining of US national security,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “TSA’s critical aviation and security vetting functions will be maintained, and the Trump Administration will return TSA to its true mission of being laser-focused on the safety and security of the traveling public. This includes restoring the integrity, privacy, and equal application of the law for all Americans.”
DHS revealed earlier this week evidence detailing the politicization of TSA’s watchlisting program under the previous administration.
This includes William “Billy” Shaheen, spouse of fellow Democrat and sitting U.S. New Hampshire Senator, Jeanne Shaheen, being given blanket exemptions from review, while non-politically aligned members like then-Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard received additional screening and monitoring by Federal Air Marshalls.
Despite William Shaheen traveling with a known or suspected terrorist three times, then TSA Administrator Pekoske gave explicit direction to exclude Shaheen from the Silent Partner Quiet Skies list. After Senator Shaheen directly lobbied then former Administrator Pekoske, on her husband’s behalf, Pekoske granted Billy Shaheen a blanket Quiet Skies exemption.
Shaheen was not the only high-profile individual that was placed on this exclusion list: this list also included members of foreign royal families, political elites, professional athletes, and favored journalists.
For more information on TSA security screening protocols, click here.
###
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor
You can generally tell when Vladimir Putin appears rattled by an adverse event in his war on Ukraine. He (or one of his proxies) ramps up the bloodcurdling rhetoric. And so it is with Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” drone attack on four airbases inside Russia, which reportedly destroyed or damaged as many as 40 warplanes, a good chunk of Russia’s fleet of strategic nuclear-capable bombers.
These aircraft have been used during the war to deliver cruise missiles at targets within Ukraine and have been kept on airbases far enough from Ukraine to be well out of range of anything Kyiv could fire at them. So Ukraine’s secret intelligence service, the SBU, hatched a plot to send truckloads of home-grown drones in vans to locations close to airbases as far away as Irkutsk in Siberia and Murmansk close to the top of Finland.
Technological savvy aside, perhaps the most remarkable thing about the plan was that it was 18 months in the making and yet the SBU managed to keep it a secret shared by only a few, including Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Significantly, the plan was reportedly kept from the US government.
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An angry Putin is reported to have accused Ukraine of “organising terrorist attacks”, saying to aides: “How can we have meetings like this under these conditions? What is there to talk about? Who has negotiations with … terrorists?”
Nothing much has been revealed as to what was actually said about the drone attack when delegates for the two sides met on Monday, apparently for barely an hour, to continue their peace talks. But as Stefan Wolff and Tetyana Malyarenko suggest, the fact that both sides have continued to land blows against each other is hardly a sign of a sincere commitment to serious negotiations.
As it is, both sides restated their maximalist positions. For Kyiv this means that any concessions over territory or sovereignty are out of the question. For Moscow this means Ukrainian and international recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea as well as four provinces it has partially occupied since 2014, no Ukrainian membership of Nato and limits to Ukraine’s armed forces.
Wolff and Malyarenko, experts in international security and politics at the University of Birmingham and National University Odesa Law Academy, respectively, believe that little will change on the battlefield in the foreseeable future. A lot will now depend on Washington. And it should be noted that the US president had a lengthy chat with Putin on June 4, after which Trump delivered the Kremlin’s message that: “President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.”
We’ve already seen a blitz on the southern city of Kherson, where Russia launched glide bombs and attacked with drones and artillery this morning. But Trump’s envoy to Russia, Keith Kellog, among other senior officials have talked about the drone strike being an attack on part of Russia’s [nuclear] triad, impying the threat level is actually far greater.
Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in 1994 in return for an undertaking, signed by Russia, the US, UK and France, to guarantee the inviolability of Ukraine’s borders. So as Matthew Sussex of the Australian National University in Canberra writes, the drone attack was very much a case of a David striking a clever blow against a Goliath.
Sussex says this and other missions, such as the targeting of the Kerch bridge – Putin’s pride and joy – and the relentless attacks on Russia’s power infrastructure, are an effective counter to Russia’s attritional style of warfare. This involves throwing as many men as possible at its objectives, something Ukraine cannot hope to compete directly with. The truth is, writes Sussex, that Kyiv “has focused on winning the war they are in, rather than those of the past”.
“This isn’t just asymmetric warfare, it’s a different kind of offensive capability,” concludes Michael A Lewis, an expert in autonomous vehicles at the University of Bath. Lewis notes that both sides have been using drones almost continuously on the frontlines of the war and each has developed their own strategy for countering the threat.
But this operation combined the use of drones with smart intelligence planning. The key was getting the drones to where they could exploit vulnerabilities in Russia’s air defence systems. “In low-level airspace, visibility drops, responsibility fragments, and detection tools lose their edge,” he writes. “Drones arrive unannounced, response times lag, coordination breaks.”
The attack will have defence planners around the world scratching their heads as to how to cope with this emerging threat. Lewis believes the operation exposed the problems with centralised airspace management which will require new and better detection systems and faster responses to counter. “Operation Spiderweb didn’t just reveal how Ukraine could strike deep into Russian territory,” he writes. “It showed how little margin for error there is in a world where cheap systems can be used quietly and precisely.”
Read more:
Ukraine drone strikes on Russian airbase reveal any country is vulnerable to the same kind of attack
Not that Russia has exactly been standing still when it comes to drone warfare. As Marcel Plichta of the University of St Andrews writes, having initially relied on Iran for the supply of its Shahed drones, Russia has been quick to establish its own sizeable drone manufacturing industry. Plichta, a drone specialist and former US government intelligence analyst, walks us through some of the innovations that Russian-made drones are now employing, including Sim cards which can transmit data back to Russia via mobile networks, carbon coating to avoid radar detection, and enhanced incendiary and fragmentation warheads that can start fires or spread large volumes of shrapnel to make them more deadly.
But also notable is the sheer volume of drones that Russia is deploying – 472 against Ukrainian cities on June 1, as well as large numbers of decoys – with the aim of simply exhausting Ukrainian air defences. Even if Ukraine manages to shoot down 80% as it claims, that still leaves enough to wreak utter havoc for the defenders.
The latest controversial measure announced by the White House is the planned travel ban on people from 12 countries thought by the Trump administration to pose a threat. The ban is scheduled to come into effect on June 9.
Less than a week later, the US will host – jointly with Mexico and Canada – the Fifa Club World Cup, which will feature players from some of these countries. Next year the US hosts the Men’s World Cup and in 2028 the Olympics are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles.
The announcement of the ban said that “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives travelling for the World Cup, the Olympics, or other major sporting events as defined by the Secretary of State” will be exempted.
But, as Eric Storm from Leiden University points out, this does not include fans who might have been planning to travel to these major sporting carnivals. Storm, a historian who has researched the intersection of politics and tourism, says that the way geopolitical tensions manifested themselves at big sporting events was a feature of the cold war, but that these sorts of tensions largely dissipated after 1991. Now we may see politics being played out on the pitch, once again.
Voters in South Korea backed the liberal candidate, Lee Jae-myung for the Democratic Party, by nearly 50% in the June 3 election. This gave the man who led the campaign to topple former president Yoon Suk Yeol a clear mandate in what is reported to have been the election with the highest turnout since 1997.
But while women had been very prominent in the campaign to oust Yoon, there were no female presidential candidates and very little discussion of some of the massive gender issues besetting Korea, including structural inequality, harassment and domestic violence, write Ming Gao of Lund University and Joanna Elfving-Hwang of Curtin University, both experts in South Korean politics and society. In fact, some candidates actively campaigned in a manner they clearly hoped would engage with disenchanted young men who feel their position may be under threat from women.
Read more:
South Korea election: Lee Jae-myung takes over a country split by gender politics
The new South Korean president will bring with him what he calls a “pragmatic” approach to foreign affairs. He has restated his commitment to the longstanding alliance with the US, but has also stressed the need for his country to improve relations with China and North Korea, believing that South Korea should not be wholly dependent on Washington.
This, writes Christoph Bluth, could become a point of tension between Seoul and Washington. “The Trump administration has taken a hawkish approach towards China and wants its allies to do the same,” he says.
Lee has made it quite clear that while Seoul’s relationship with Washington is the “basic axis of [South Korea’s] diplomacy,” the country “should not put all [its] eggs in one basket”. He has already signalled that he would resist any attempts by the US to draw South Korea into a conflict with China over Taiwan.
Read more:
Why South Korea’s new leader may be on a collision course with Trump
There was yet more tragedy in Gaza this week as the new aid distribution scheme backed by Israel and the US got underway and quickly descended into chaos, with Israeli troops shooting at people it claimed were Hamas militants, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people.
The new plan handed control of aid distribution to a private company called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which established four depots, three in the very south of the Strip and one in the centre, close to Israeli checkpoints. As a result many people had to travel considerable distances to get desperately needed supplies.
As Irit Katz of the University of Cambridge writes here, the GHF plan is similar in character to a scheme put forward last December by an Israeli veterans group that prioritises control over humanitarianism. She says the resulting chaos and violence should come as no surprise.
Read more:
Lethal humanitarianism: why violence at Gaza aid centres should not come as a surprise
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– ref. Inside Ukraine’s remarkable drone attack – https://theconversation.com/inside-ukraines-remarkable-drone-attack-258326
Source: US State of Nebraska
. The Stand With Women Act, introduced on his behalf by Sen. Kathleen Kauth, requires that students in K-12 and postsecondary school participate on sports teams that correspond to their biological sex, as defined in law. Gov. Pillen and Sen. Kauth were joined in today’s bill signing event by Husker athletes Jordy Bahl and Rebekah Allick, who attended the bill’s introduction back in January, as well as nationally known advocate-athletes Riley Gaines and Payton McNabb.
“We cannot ignore that girls and women have the right to a level playing field when it comes to sports,” said Gov. Pillen. “Otherwise, we are denying them opportunities to compete and win, earn scholarships and develop their own athletic abilities. LB89 ensures they are protected. It codifies my executive order of August 2023 – establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights — and it also aligns with President Trump’s executive order issued in February.”
Sen. Kauth expressed gratitude for the support the bill received from Nebraskans, fellow senators, and advocates from across the political spectrum.
“I am pleased we were able to get the athletic portion of the bill passed and thank all the senators, individuals and groups who helped get us here. The work is not done. I will continue to work hard with my fellow senators to protect women in their locker rooms and bathrooms in the upcoming session.”
Standout University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who is now host of Outkick’s Gaines for Girls podcast, talked about meeting Gov. Pillen two years ago and discussing the need for legislation then.
“At the time only three states had codified such language. Days later, Governor Pillen signed sex-based definitions into law through executive action,” said Gaines. “Two years later, and after countless hours spent advocating for the importance of defining ‘woman’ and protecting women’s sports and spaces, Sen. Kauth and her colleagues have achieved a remarkable victory for Nebraskans. Today, the Women’s Bill of Rights has evolved into an even more powerful legislative package and the Stand with Women Act of 2025 is being signed into law. I am so proud to have been a part of this multi-year fight for women’s rights and be here in Lincoln to watch Nebraska become the 28th state to protect women’s sports.”
Payton McNabb, who has also been outspoken on the issue of protecting women’s sports, shared her story of being injured during a volleyball match in high school. She is now a sports ambassador for the Independent Women’s Forum, which testified in support of LB89.
“Thank you, Governor Pillen and Sen. Kauth for prioritizing women and girls. By signing the Stand with Women Act into law today, Nebraska is codifying Governor Pillen’s early action to reclaim language and protect women’s sports,” said McNabb. “I am so proud to be here today and witness this historic moment. Thank you, Nebraska, for standing with women.”
Calling the signing of LB89 as an “incredible accomplishment,” Husker softball pitcher Jordy Bahl indicated that advocating for this issue was, for her, bigger than playing softball, and echoed Sen. Kauth’s message that more was needed to provide appropriate protections to girls and women in sports.
“In standing up for this, it was never out of my own personal interests. I have one year left of playing. I was always thinking about the younger athletes — the athletes who haven’t even started their careers yet. So, that’s where this is at in my heart.”
Husker volleyball player Rebekah Allick added, “I’m just really grateful to be surrounded by independent and individual thinkers. Again, this is not a political matter. This is common sense. We are trying to defend reality.”
In addition to signing LB89 into law, Gov. Pillen signed ceremonial copies of the legislation presented to each of the speakers at today’s news conference.
Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent
Published: Thursday, 5th June 2025
Ten outstanding individuals and organisations have received one of Stoke-on-Trent’s highest civic honours in recognition of their exceptional service to the city.
The Honorary Freeman of the City titles were awarded as the city council held a special Civic Council meeting to mark 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was granted city status.
The award is a prestigious honour, often considered the highest civic accolade, is presented only to those who have made an extraordinary impact.
They celebrate the contributions made by going above and beyond to support local communities, represent the city on a national or international stage, or deliver lasting positive change.
Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “It is an absolute privilege to bestow the Freedom of the City on these individuals and organisations whose efforts have made a real and lasting difference.
“Each one of them represents the very best of Stoke-on-Trent – in spirit, dedication and achievement. As we mark our Centenary year, this honour is a fitting way to celebrate those who have helped shape our story.”
The recipients – leading business people Denise and Peter Coates, Mo Iqbal and John Goodwin, along with The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Sir Ian Dudson, local historian Fred Hughes, music promoter Mike Lloyd, Port Vale Football Club and club chair Carol Shanahan and former Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley – reflect the strength and resilience of Stoke-on-Trent.
Carol Shanahan OBE, businesswoman and chair of Port Vale Football Club, said: “I’m genuinely touched and a little bit overwhelmed to be receiving this honour, both for myself and on behalf of everyone at the football club.
“Stoke-on-Trent means the world to me; it’s a city full of heart, potential and – most importantly – remarkable people. It’s where I’ve built my life and found a community that I care deeply about.
“Everything we do at Port Vale is rooted in our commitment to this community; I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and even more excited for what’s still to come.”
Joan Walley, former Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North, said: “It’s a great honour for me to be awarded this special status in the city’s centenary year. Thank you! This is a city like no other where people genuinely care about each other. When we all work together we can achieve so much. I’m looking forward to helping, where I can, to shape the next 100 years.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir Ian Dudson, said: “I am delighted and extremely honoured to be conferred with the Honorary Freedom of the City of Stoke-on-Trent. It is extra special that this comes on the Centenary of this City, which has been both my home and place of work for my whole life.
I am very grateful and proud to be recognised by the city in this way.”
For more on the Centenary and what’s happening across the city, visit sot100.org.uk.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sarah Mills, Professor of Human Geography, Loughborough University
The UK government recently endorsed proposals in its strategic defence review to consider the creation of military gap years for young people in the UK.
It would potentially be similar to a scheme offered by the Australian Defence Force. Young Australian citizens can spend 12 months doing paid work in a variety of roles in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
In Australia in 2023, 664 young people enlisted in the gap year programme, and 374 of these transferred on to a role in the permanent Australian Defence Force. Like in Australia, the gap year model in the UK would be optional and for over 18s to get a “taste” of military life.
These gap years would be a part of recruitment strategy. The proposal comes at a time of global geopolitical crisis, national youth unemployment and a shortage of soldiers (a global problem).
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Another key reason for the introduction of these gap years, highlighted in defence secretary John Healey’s oral statement on the review, is to “reconnect the nation with those who defend us”. Keir Starmer, in his speech, spoke of “a new spirit of service, flowing from every part of society … everyone benefiting, everyone playing their role”.
Young people are seen as a key part of building these connections. Another avenue raised in the review is to increase the number of cadet forces, a voluntary uniformed national youth organisation for teenagers that can also be linked to schools.
An evaluation of cadet forces in the UK has outlined significant positive outcomes for young people, including for their employment and career prospects.
The strategic defence review also proposed “working with the Department for Education to develop understanding of the armed forces among young people in schools”, but details of this are still unclear.
These suggestions form part of a trend towards increasing military presence in children and young people’s lives. My research has found that, over the last decade, successive UK governments have encouraged programmes with a military ethos within schools and character education to foster grit and gumption.
My research shows that calls to reintroduce some form of military service appear at times of political, social or economic crisis. It’s not surprising then, that in the last few years we have seen several proposals in this area. Most notable is previous prime minister Rishi Sunak’s election pledge in 2024 that school leavers would have to do a year of compulsory military or voluntary service.
A voluntary gap year – national service “lite” – would be a more palatable approach compared to formal conscription, which is still active in several countries.
Starmer has been keen to distance himself from the language of national service, especially as he has also committed to introducing votes at 16: compulsory national service doesn’t poll well with young people.
The UK has also recently scrapped its voluntary National Citizen Service, a non-military, short-term youth programme centred on local community action that has cost over £1.5 billion since 2010.
But the fact that two successive prime ministers in the space of one year have pitched some form of military experience for school leavers tells us that this is not necessarily about benefits for youth, but about the concerning geopolitical landscape and the urgent need to boost recruits.
In 2025 compared to the last few decades, the state’s concern is less about youth crime, apathy or patriotism, but rather growing international security threats and the nation’s preparedness.
It is important to remember that the debate about national service in the UK is fuelled by generational nostalgia. In the UK, formal national service ran from the late 1940s to early 1960s for men aged between 17 and 21. Ever since those final troops were discharged in 1963, there has been a debate about “returning” to national service.
Research shows that those who were actually part of compulsory national service after the second world war generally don’t think we should bring it back. This debate is cyclical, and each time it happens, it reveals what the state and adults think about young people more generally, usually shaped by moral panics.
Given the current economic climate, it could be that a paid short-term year of military service is more attractive to UK teenagers and their CVs than ever before. However, we must reflect on why it might be so attractive in the present moment and understand the wider, structural issues shaping the lives of children and young people today.
The costs of austerity and inequality in the UK run deep for children and young people. These issues cannot be solved by a defence focused gap year and there are other pressing demands to support young people in this country. For example, youth sector representatives are urging the UK government to reverse the long-term decline in funding on youth services.
The impetus for a military gap year in the report is strategic defence, not unemployment. But there is no guarantee the defence sector itself will be keen to embrace this idea.
When Sunak proposed national service last year, defence experts and ministers raised concerns about the British Army and Navy’s current capacity and resources to deliver such a programme. They also highlighted the potential impact of such a scheme on the morale of professional, dedicated and highly-skilled force personnel.
The actual feasibility of any new programme is uncertain, especially with the current fiscal situation. One thing my research suggests is certain though, is that this national debate will circle back around again and again.
Sarah Mills has received research funding from UKRI (ESRC), the British Academy and the Royal Geographical Society. She is currently an unpaid member of the advisory ‘College of Experts’ group of researchers for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (UK Government) https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/dcms-college-of-experts
– ref. UK looks to military gap years to boost recruitment in the face of growing geopolitical tension – https://theconversation.com/uk-looks-to-military-gap-years-to-boost-recruitment-in-the-face-of-growing-geopolitical-tension-258207
Source: City of Birmingham
Birmingham City Council is set to invest £76m into a range of projects aimed at boosting the city’s economy
This will enhance prospects for residents and businesses and underpinning Birmingham’s status as a city of choice for investors, after plans were unveiled in a meeting of the Cabinet.
The funding comes from the integrated settlement, negotiated through the trailblazer devolution deal agreed with the Government and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). It covers five areas: local growth and place, adult skills and employment, retrofit, housing and regeneration, and transport, and helps to deliver the Council’s Economy and Place Strategy (EPS), which was also agreed at the Cabinet.
Specific investment includes funding to assist local businesses and social enterprises to grow, boosting the skills and opportunities of residents, and supporting the diverse, creative, art and cultural scene including film, music and tourism. It funds sports and participation, helping community anchor organisations to support their local area and bring underutilised spaces back into use. The funding package also includes upgrading of homes through retrofit works and enabling active travel schemes.
The EPS will help drive investment in specific places to support the expansion of key economic sectors for jobs growth, the local business environment, transport improvements and employment opportunities for residents.
In particular, the EPS outlines a set of major opportunities of the East Birmingham North Solihull growth area, which will receive an additional boost following this week’s announcement that a share of £2.4billion of transport funding from the Government will be used to extend services from Birmingham city centre to the new sports quarter. The extensive opportunities in the EPS in the East include:
The EPS also highlights significant housing sites including Langley, Ladywood and Druids Heath for large scale housing delivery alongside priorities for housing retrofit.
The strategy aims to grow the local economy in an inclusive way so people and places across the city benefit, and to promote sustainable, bottom-up opportunities for economic, social and cultural projects across Birmingham, including social enterprises and partnerships with organisations that offer knowledge of local needs and opportunities to develop local solutions.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, welcomed the agreement of the funding and strategy, saying: “The new funding can help us move forward in growing the success of our city and expanding benefits beyond the City Centre, securing more jobs and investment and providing support for businesses and residents, such as skills training to move into the jobs.
“This additional funding helps underpin Birmingham’s status as a great place to live, work and invest. Key to our Economy and Place Strategy is developing stronger local capacity to enhance local centres and high streets, anchored in co-delivery with communities.”
For media enquiries, please email press.office@birmingham.gov.uk
You can find out more about the proposed EPS funding by downloading the report that was presented to Cabinet on June 3rd 2024.
Source: City of Sunderland
There’s still time to have your photo taken with the brand new Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy when it puts in a special appearance in Sunderland’s Keel Square this Friday 6 June.
The trophy the world’s top women’s rugby teams will be competing for this summer will be in Keel Square between 10 am and 4pm on the first day of the three-day Sunderland Food and Drink Festival.
World Rugby unveiled the new trophy last month to tie in with the start of the 100-day countdown to the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Sunderland on Friday 22 August. This will see England’s Red Roses take on the USA at the Stadium of Light.
The trophy’s visit marks the culmination of a nationwide tour of all eight host cities and towns as excitement continues to build for the record-breaking tournament.
Ahead of its visit to Keel Square on Friday, youngsters from local schools got their chance to put their rugby skills to the test and have their photos taken with rugby’s newest icon when it stopped off at Hylton Castle on Wednesday.
Councillor Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to have the trophy visiting Sunderland as we count down to hosting the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup on 22 August.
“Having the opening game here is a brilliant opportunity to showcase our city on the international stage.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming England’s Red Roses and the USA teams to Sunderland, as well as rugby fans from this country and across the world when the tournament kicks off in Sunderland in August.
“It was also great to see our own young players, who could well be the next generation of top rugby stars, demonstrating their own rugby skills during the trophy’s stop off at Hylton Castle on Wednesday.”
The 2025 tournament is the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history after selling more than 300,000 tickets – more than twice the total attendance at the last tournament in New Zealand in 2021.
People visiting Keel Square on Friday will be able to see the new Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy and the bespoke RWC 2025 Defender Trophy Tour Vehicle and have the opportunity to have their photo taken with them both.
Councillor Beth Jones is Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism: “With excitement continuing to build now that we’re less than 100 days away from the tournament kicking off in Sunderland, this is a brilliant opportunity to have your photo taken with the trophy that the top women’s rugby teams in the world are going to be competing for this summer,” she said.
“It’s also a great chance to find out more about the sport so I’d encourage everyone to come down, have your photo taken with the trophy and enjoy a fantastic time at the Food and Drink Festival while you’re here.”
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director, Sarah Massey, said: “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be a landmark tournament for the sport and the trophy tour to our host locations provides a brilliant opportunity to ignite excitement across England.
“We look forward to celebrating with fans and encouraging even more people to be a part of this unforgettable tournament.”
Sunderland Food & Drink Festival is set to take place across Keel Square, High Street West and Market Square from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 June.
Featuring food from across the world including street food and artisan produce, visitors will also be able to enjoy the live stage programme in Keel Square from 11am to 7pm every day.
For more information on the food and drink festival visit https://sunderlandfooddrinkfest.co.uk/live-entertainment/
To find out more about the Women’s Rugby World Cup, how to get tickets and how to get involved in free rugby activities in Sunderland visit:Rugby World Cup 2025 – MySunderland
To find out more about free rugby activities provided by Newcastle Rugby Foundation as community engagement programme partner for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and how to get involved visit: WRWC Countdown – Newcastle Rugby Foundation
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced a new parliamentary secretary team focused on building Canada strong.
Canadians elected this new government with a mandate to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build a stronger economy, to bring down costs, and to keep our communities safe. Parliamentary secretaries will support their respective cabinet ministers and secretaries of state to deliver on this mandate.
The new parliamentary secretary team is appointed as follows:
Prime Minister Carney also announced that Élisabeth Brière will serve as Deputy Chief Government Whip, and Arielle Kayabaga will serve as Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.
“Canada’s new parliamentary secretary team will deliver on the government’s mandate for change, working collaboratively with all parties in Parliament to build the strongest economy in the G7, advance a new security and economic partnership with the United States, and help Canadians get ahead.”
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Eric Storm, Senior Lecturer in General History, Leiden University
Donald Trump’s controversial announcement of a travel ban on people from 12 countries visiting the US, immediately sparked questions about the implications for the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup and next year’s men’s football World Cup, both hosted in the US, as well as the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The Fifa Club World Cup starts on June 15 and is hosted at venues across the US including at stadiums in Miami, Los Angeles and New York. Teams will travel from across the world to the US for the tournament.
The travel ban will start on June 9, just before the major tournament, which features some of the biggest football clubs in the world, will start.
While the announcement says athletes competing will be exempt from the ban, it is not obvious that this will extend to fans. And further restrictions on who can enter the country may add to the fear many travellers are feeling of being stopped at the US border.
The announcement states that “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives travelling for the World Cup, the Olympics, or other major sporting events as defined by the Secretary of State” will be exempted from the ban. There’s not yet a list of which sporting events will be included in the exemption, or clarification of how the phrase “support role” may be interpreted.
Some teams that have qualified for the Club World Cup have players from countries listed in the travel ban, and Iran, which is listed, has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The countries listed in the travel ban are: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela may also face some restrictions.
The US relationship with both of its co-hosts (Mexico and Canada) for the world cup in 2026 is already rather tense, because of the current geopolitics, rhetoric and US tariffs. There’s already been a significant downturn in Canadian travel to the US, and a boycott of US products, after Trump’s assertions that he could take over his northern neighbour. This has also resulted in some tension at sports matches.
The rivalry against US teams is likely to be more intense than normal. And it’s possible that many foreign fans could take out their frustration with Trump on US sportspeople. The president, who chairs the taskforce for the 2026 footballing event, could take that personally. And hostilities between rival groups of fans might escalate during the event.
In the current polarised atmosphere some artists may not want to participate in the opening ceremony, unless they are aligned with Trump’s politics.
Historically, political tension has had some impact on international sporting events, and affected how they were carried out. During the cold war, 60 countries, including the US, boycotted the Moscow Olympic Games of 1980 in protest against the recent Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Four years later, 15 countries from the Soviet orbit responded by boycotting the Los Angeles games in 1984.
After the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 brought an end to the cold war, international relations generally became more relaxed and this was also reflected in major sport events. Fifa sought to reconcile Japan and South Korea, who had a difficult shared history of colonisation and war-time exploitation, by pressuring them to host the 2002 World Cup together.
The tournament became a great success, patching up relations between the two countries. Both national teams performed better than anticipated, leading to outbursts of feelgood patriotism. This was unprecedented for Japan, burdened by the memory of the second world war.
Four years later, the world cup was held in a recently reunited Germany. Fans from around the world, dressed up in their national colours, were welcomed in the host cities. The German public threw off its generally restrained attitude – and celebrated by waving the national flag with enthusiasm. It was felt to be a symbol of a new positive phase of a reunified Germany.
Since the reelection of Trump, the United States has signalled it is reviewing its support for many international organisations, and is largely disregarding traditional avenues for soft power, (influence through cultural means such as film, art or foreign aid). Trump has also shocked Nato partners by suggesting that the US may not be willing to defend them.
In the shadow of these international events and the growing geopolitical tensions, the upcoming football world cups may find their atmosphere somewhat dampened.
Eric Storm does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Trump’s travel ban casts shadow over the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup and other US-hosted sporting events – https://theconversation.com/trumps-travel-ban-casts-shadow-over-the-upcoming-fifa-club-world-cup-and-other-us-hosted-sporting-events-253496
Source: City of Norwich
Published on Thursday, 5th June 2025
A major new solar installation at Riverside Leisure Centre is now live, delivering renewable energy to one of the city’s busiest public facilities and marking a huge step towards a greener Norwich.
More than 700 solar panels have been fitted across the centre’s roof and car park, cutting carbon emissions and expected to reduce electricity bills by around a third. The project also included a new roof and a modernised building management system to boost overall energy efficiency.
Crucially, the initiative secures the future of the city’s public leisure centre and swimming pool, which received more than 350,000 visits last year. Its estimated social value is at least £2.5million per year, providing a range of swimming lessons, supporting the Go4Less scheme and offering exercise referrals including cancer rehabiliation, Age UK and Special Educational Needs.
Funded by Norwich City Council, the UK Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund and lottery funding made available by Sport England, the work reflects a shared commitment to the sustainability of public swimming pools and long-term energy savings.
Local firms RenEnergy and ECS Power & Control carried out the installations, supporting jobs and delivering added social value for the community.
Councillor Emma Hampton, portfolio holder for climate change and environment, said:
“This project is a shining example of how we’re investing in a Net Zero Norwich. By harnessing solar power, we’re not only cutting emissions—we’re making vital public facilities more resilient and cost-effective.”
The Riverside upgrade builds on similar improvements at other council-owned sites and supports the city’s ambition to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045.
Background information
Funding of £520,000 has been secured from the government and Sport England’s £60m Swimming Pool Support Fund, while the remaining £300,000 is being paid for by the city council.
Riverside Leisure Centre is owned by Norwich City Council and managed by Places Leisure.
Source: South Africa News Agency
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport says it is deeply saddened by the passing of Rashid Lombard at the age of 74.
Born on 10 April 1951 in Gqeberha, Lombard moved to Cape Town in 1962.
The provincial department described the late Lombard as the heart, soul, and mind behind the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and one of the country’s most remarkable photographers.
“Rashid made a huge impact in the cultural and music spaces, and his presence will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy will live on for many generations to come,” a statement read.
According to the family spokesperson, Benny Gool, Lombard was originally an architectural draftsman who began his career at Murray & Roberts.
He married Colleen Rayson in 1970 and they had three children – Chevan, Shadley and Yana.
“His childhood experiences during apartheid, along with the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement, fuelled his political activism,” Gool said.
Working as a freelance photographer during the anti-apartheid struggle, Lombard documented pivotal moments for international media.
With the advent of democracy, he embraced his passion for jazz, becoming station manager at Fine Music Radio and later programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio.
He founded the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2000, directing it until 2014.
As tributes pour in for the legendary figure, the Artscape Theatre Centre has paused to salute the stalwart.
It said he was an unwavering activist and a promoter of the arts in ways that some can only dream of doing.
Marlene le Roux, CEO of Artscape Theatre Centre said: “The beauty of Rashid and his years of ploughing back to the communities in and around Cape Town as well as internationally is this: he was one of the most unassuming, humble, modest advocates for the arts…whether it was through his photography, his involvement in music, jazz in particular, or whether it was through his development and creation of work opportunities.”
Le Roux said the arts world was poorer now that he is gone.
“But his legacy lives on in people whose lives he touched, the work he created, and in the immaculate images only he could see through his lenses.”
The theatre centre said it would be burning a candle for him at the stage door in remembrance of this truly great soul.
The President Cyril Ramaphosa has also paid tribute to Lomboard, calling him a cultural icon.
“Rashid Lombard’s fearless depiction of apartheid’s endemic inhumanity and violence and his compassionate focus on the lives of oppressed communities and disadvantaged individuals is a powerful record of our struggle for basic human rights and dignity,” he said in a statement.
President Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to the Lombard family and his extensive network of friends, comrades, and creatives nationally and internationally. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Scotland – City of Dundee
Dundee S6 pupils who have proved to be truly community-spirited though their efforts at home and school have been recognised at a special ceremony.
The annual presentation of the Lord Provost McManus Citizenship Award was made in the City Chambers.
The scheme is designed to encourage and celebrate young people’s hard work and contribution to their school and the wider community. It was named after Maurice McManus who served as Lord Provost of Dundee between 1960 and 1968.
Current Lord Provost Bill Campbell hosted the ceremony attended by nominated pupils, along with their families and school staff.
The winner of the Lord Provost McManus Citizenship award is Alyssa Tait from Cragie High School.
Alyssa is a dedicated volunteer, supporting various initiatives including the school of sport first year classes throughout the academic year. She has earned her Sport Leader Award and has also contributed to primary and breakfast sports clubs.
Beyond school, Alyssa volunteers at Douglas Community Centre as part of the East Youth Team, supporting range of groups including Positive Minds, P7 Drop In, Healthy Transitions and an S1 Health and Wellbeing girls’ group.
Second place was awarded to Mia McKell from Morgan Academy. Mia has been instrumental in organising events to raise money from charity. This year she organised a Macmillan coffee morning which raised over £1,500. Through the Career Ready Programme, Mia has been giving her time to volunteer as a sports coach four days a week.
Third place went to Eva Day from Harris Academy. Through her work on the Children, Families and Communities Committee Eva advocates for all young people in the city. Within school Eva is a Prefect, House Captain, leads the pupil voice initiative and has taken lead in pupil voice and launched the school’s journey towards achieving their Silver Rights Respecting School Award.
Lord Provost Bill Campbell said: “It was a pleasure to gather to celebrate the outstanding individuals who have shown their impressive commitment to the spirit of citizenship and have made a significant contribution to their school and their community.
“All of the nominees would, no doubt, be first to say that the support they get from their parents/carers and staff within their schools has given them the opportunity to participate in the activities which have led them here today.
“Our city is well known for having a strong sense of community and we are lucky to have many people who look out for one another. All of today’s nominees have followed in these proud footsteps.”
“Dundee thrives because of the efforts of its citizens—those who volunteer, support their neighbours and those in their community, and work tirelessly to create a more inclusive society.”
Full list of finalists: Cole Anderson-McGuiness, Baldragon Academy, Eva Dey, Harris Academy, Mia McKell, Morgan Academy, Elsie Mills, Harris Academy, Nabeeha Saber, St John’s RC High School, Casey Stewart, Braeview Academy, Alyssa Tait, Craigie High School.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
BEIJING, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yuanbao Inc. (“Yuanbao” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: YB), a leading technology-driven online insurance distributor in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.
First Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Highlights
Recent Developments
“Achieving our Nasdaq listing marks the most significant strategic milestone in Yuanbao’s growth since our founding in 2019,” said Mr. Rui Fang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yuanbao. “In the first quarter of 2025, we reported a substantial increase in revenue and net income, with all core operational metrics demonstrating double-digit year-over-year growth. Notably, the number of new policies increased by 21.3% compared with the prior year period. In technology, we continued to upgrade our full consumer service cycle engine and expand large language model applications across the entire business process. These advancements have remarkably enhanced both the efficiency and user experience of post-sale services, particularly in claim processing. As of the end of March, we had developed over 4,700 models capable of analysis across more than 5,100 labels, an increase of 600 models and 1,000 labels from a year ago. These developments have led to more accurate predictions and significantly improved operational efficiency. Looking ahead, we are committed to increasing investment in R&D to better serve evolving consumer needs. We will also focus on optimizing the full consumer service cycle, deepening strategic collaborations with insurance partners, and creating long-term value for shareholders.”
Mr. Ray Wan, Chief Financial Officer of Yuanbao, commented, “We are pleased to report a strong start to 2025, fueled by stellar financial and operational performance in the first quarter. Our total revenues reached a record RMB970.1 million, marking a 43.8% year-over-year increase, underpinned by the strength and efficiency of our engine. Additionally, we continued to improve our profitability, with net income growing 122.1% and net income margin expanding by 10.7 percentage points to 30.4%, compared with the prior year period. These solid results underscore Yuanbao’s leadership in China’s fast-growing online health insurance industry, where we leverage our core technological strengths to pursue growth while maintaining profitability. We remain confident that our healthy financial position and robust cash reserves will support our strategic initiatives, enhance our competitive advantage, and enable us to explore new opportunities for sustainable future growth.”
1 The number of new policies for a given period represents the total number of both short-term and long-term insurance policies purchased by the Company’s insurance consumers during that period.
First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Total Revenues. Total revenues in the first quarter of 2025 were RMB970.1 million (US$133.7 million), representing a 43.8% increase from RMB674.5 million in the same period of 2024. This growth was primarily driven by significant increases in revenues from both insurance distribution services and system services.
Insurance Distribution Services. Revenues from insurance distribution services in the first quarter of 2025 were RMB321.8 million (US$44.3 million), representing a 45.0% increase from RMB221.9 million in the same period of 2024. This growth was mainly due to an increase in the number of policies purchased by insurance consumers on Yuanbao’s platform, partly driven by the Company’s enhanced targeted marketing efforts.
System Services. Revenues from system services in the first quarter of 2025 were RMB647.0 million (US$89.2 million), representing a 43.2% increase from RMB451.7 million in the same period of 2024. This growth was primarily driven by the Company’s enhanced ability to provide partnered insurance carriers more effective marketing services and accurate analytics services, enabled by the Company’s continuously improving full consumer service cycle engine. Additionally, the increase was attributable to an expanded provision of system services to both existing and newly acquired partnered insurance carriers.
Others. Revenues from other services in the first quarter of 2025 were RMB1.3 million (US$0.2 million), representing a 27.8% increase from RMB1.0 million in the same period of 2024.
Total Operating Costs and Expenses. Total operating costs and expenses in the first quarter of 2025 were RMB680.6 million (US$93.8 million), representing a 24.1% increase from RMB548.6 million in the same period of 2024.
Operations and Support Expenses. Operations and support expenses in the first quarter of 2025 were RMB44.8 million (US$6.2 million), representing a 16.8% increase from RMB38.3 million in the same period of 2024. This increase was primarily driven by business growth.
Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses in the first quarter of 2025 were RMB493.2 million (US$68.0 million), representing a 15.0% increase from RMB428.9 million in the same period of 2024. This increase was primarily due to enhanced efforts to attract new consumers and retain existing consumers.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses in the first quarter of 2025 were RMB66.6 million (US$9.2 million), representing a 50.7% increase from RMB44.2 million in the same period of 2024. This increase was primarily due to higher salary and benefits expenses.
Research and Development Expenses. Research and development expenses in the first quarter of 2025 were RMB76.1 million (US$10.5 million), representing a 104.5% increase from RMB37.2 million in the same period of 2024. This increase was primarily due to intensified research and development efforts and an expansion in R&D personnel, aimed at reinforcing the Company’s leadership position as a technology-driven online insurance distributor.
Investment Income. Investment income in the first quarter of 2025 was RMB6.9 million (US$0.9 million), compared with RMB0.1 million in the same period of 2024. This growth was primarily due to higher gains from short-term investments.
Net Income and Net Income Margin. Net income in the first quarter of 2025 was RMB295.1 million (US$40.7 million), representing a 122.1% increase from RMB132.9 million in the same period of 2024. Net income margin in the first quarter of 2025 was 30.4%, compared with 19.7% in the same period of 2024.
Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income2and Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income Margin. Non-GAAP adjusted net income in the first quarter of 2025 was RMB312.2 million (US$43.0 million), representing a 103.2% increase from RMB153.6 million in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP adjusted net income margin in the first quarter of 2025 was 32.2%, compared with 22.8% in the same period of 2024.
Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS.3 Basic net income per ADS in the first quarter of 2025 was RMB17.87 (US$2.46), compared with RMB4.97 in the same period of 2024. Diluted net income per ADS in the first quarter of 2025 was RMB6.46 (US$0.89), compared with RMB2.95 in the same period of 2024.
Cash Position and Cash Flow
As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, time deposits, restricted cash and short-term investments of RMB2.77 billion (US$381.3 million), compared with RMB2.34 billion as of December 31, 2024.
In the first quarter of 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was RMB425.1 million (US$58.6 million).
2 Non-GAAP adjusted net income is defined as net income excluding share-based compensation expenses. See “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure” and “Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” at the end of this press release.
3 Each ADS represents six of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share.
Exchange Rate
This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi (“RMB”) amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at a rate of RMB7.2567 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of March 31, 2025, as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company makes no representation that any RMB or US$ amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.
Conference Call
The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on June 5, 2025 or 8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss its financial results and operating performance for the first quarter of 2025.
Participant Online Registration:
https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIa888df307303472fb71951c383b5a7ba
Participants should complete online registration using the link provided above at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Upon registration, participants will receive the conference call access information, including dial-in numbers, a personal PIN and an e-mail with detailed instructions to join the conference call.
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at ir.yb-inc.com.
About Yuanbao Inc.
Yuanbao Inc. is a leading technology-driven online insurance distributor in China, committed to protecting health and well-being through innovative technology. Leveraging its proprietary consumer service cycle engine and advanced technologies, Yuanbao delivers customized insurance solutions from its partnered insurance carriers to over ten million insurance consumers throughout the entire insurance lifecycle, ranging from personalized recommendations to post-sales services. Through deep collaboration with insurance carriers and the use of data-driven insights, Yuanbao empowers carriers to tailor flagship products, enhances consumer engagement, and drives scalable and efficient distribution.
For more information, please visit: ir.yb-inc.com.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial information is prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted net income and adjusted net income margin, in evaluating the Company’s operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. Adjusted net income represents net income excluding share-based compensation expense, and adjusted net income margin represents adjusted net income as a percentage of revenue. Such adjustments have no impact on income tax.
The non-GAAP financial measures are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP methods of accounting and reporting used by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool and when assessing the Company’s operating performance, investors should not consider it in isolation. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. Adjusted net income presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as a comparative measure to the Company’s data.
For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Among other things, quotations in this announcement contain forward-looking statements. Yuanbao may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Yuanbao’s beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Yuanbao’s mission, goals and strategies; Yuanbao’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the insurance industry in China; Yuanbao’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; Yuanbao’s expectations regarding its relationships with consumers, insurance carriers and other partners; competition in the industry and relevant government policies and regulations relating to insurance industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Yuanbao’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Yuanbao does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Yuanbao Inc.
E-mail: ir@yb-inc.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Hui Fan
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
E-mail: yb@thepiacentegroup.com
In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1-212-481-2050
E-mail: yb@thepiacentegroup.com
| YUANBAO INC. UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) |
|||||
| As of December 31, 2024 |
As of March 31, 2025 | ||||
| RMB | RMB | USD | |||
| ASSETS | |||||
| Current assets: | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,904,674 | 2,236,013 | 308,131 | ||
| Time deposits | 80,000 | 80,000 | 11,024 | ||
| Restricted cash | 15,000 | 15,000 | 2,067 | ||
| Short-term investments | 336,217 | 435,708 | 60,042 | ||
| Accounts receivable, net | 260,958 | 332,586 | 45,832 | ||
| Prepayments and other current assets, net | 75,964 | 44,991 | 6,200 | ||
| Total current assets | 2,672,813 | 3,144,298 | 433,296 | ||
| Non-current assets: | |||||
| Property and equipment, net | 4,896 | 5,087 | 701 | ||
| Intangible assets, net | 58,049 | 58,026 | 7,996 | ||
| Right-of-use assets | 19,335 | 16,171 | 2,228 | ||
| Deferred tax assets, net | 6,936 | 7,045 | 971 | ||
| Other non-current assets, net | 17,611 | 17,611 | 2,427 | ||
| Total non-current assets | 106,827 | 103,940 | 14,323 | ||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 2,779,640 | 3,248,238 | 447,619 | ||
| LIABILITIES | |||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||
| Accounts payable | 10,676 | 20,730 | 2,857 | ||
| Contract liabilities | 117,649 | 95,405 | 13,147 | ||
| Salary and welfare payable | 160,690 | 159,426 | 21,969 | ||
| Taxes payable | 51,359 | 51,173 | 7,052 | ||
| Current lease liabilities | 13,447 | 13,548 | 1,867 | ||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 586,990 | 758,236 | 104,487 | ||
| Total current liabilities | 940,811 | 1,098,518 | 151,379 | ||
| Non-current liabilities: | |||||
| Non-current lease liabilities | 5,714 | 2,297 | 317 | ||
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | 46,030 | 48,473 | 6,680 | ||
| Total non-current liabilities | 51,744 | 50,770 | 6,997 | ||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 992,555 | 1,149,288 | 158,376 | ||
| YUANBAO INC. UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED) (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) |
||||||||
| As of December 31, 2024 |
As of March 31, 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | USD | ||||||
| MEZZANINE EQUITY: | ||||||||
| Series Seed convertible redeemable preferred shares (US$0.0001 par value; 30,769,231 and 30,769,231 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively) |
692,051 | 695,316 | 95,817 | |||||
| Series Angel convertible redeemable preferred shares (US$0.0001 par value; 21,978,022 and 21,978,022 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively) |
495,921 | 497,729 | 68,589 | |||||
| Series B convertible redeemable preferred shares (US$0.0001 par value; 45,315,510 and 45,315,510 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively) |
1,028,888 | 1,027,703 | 141,621 | |||||
| Series C-1 convertible redeemable preferred shares (US$0.0001 par value; 37,373,616 and 37,373,616 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively) |
851,362 | 833,372 | 114,842 | |||||
| Series C-2 convertible redeemable preferred shares (US$0.0001 par value; 15,650,202 and 15,650,202 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively) |
352,660 | 345,176 | 47,567 | |||||
| TOTAL MEZZANINE EQUITY | 3,420,882 | 3,399,296 | 468,436 | |||||
| SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT: | ||||||||
| Ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value, 348,913,419 and 348,913,419 shares authorized, 106,994,625 and 106,994,625 shares issued, 106,994,625 and 106,994,625 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, respectively) |
71 | 71 | 10 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 198,664 | 215,743 | 29,730 | |||||
| Statutory reserves | 80,975 | 80,975 | 11,159 | |||||
| Accumulated deficit | (1,932,128 | ) | (1,615,440 | ) | (222,614 | ) | ||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 18,621 | 18,305 | 2,522 | |||||
| TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | (1,633,797 | ) | (1,300,346 | ) | (179,193 | ) | ||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | 2,779,640 | 3,248,238 | 447,619 | |||||
| YUANBAO INC. UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data) |
|||||||
| For the three months ended, |
|||||||
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2025 |
||||||
| RMB | RMB | USD | |||||
| Revenues | 674,536 | 970,056 | 133,677 | ||||
| Operating costs and expenses*: | |||||||
| Operations and support | (38,332 | ) | (44,756 | ) | (6,168 | ) | |
| Selling and marketing expenses | (428,867 | ) | (493,150 | ) | (67,958 | ) | |
| General and administrative expenses | (44,211 | ) | (66,640 | ) | (9,183 | ) | |
| Research and development expenses | (37,212 | ) | (76,098 | ) | (10,487 | ) | |
| Total operating costs and expenses | (548,622 | ) | (680,644 | ) | (93,796 | ) | |
| Other income: | |||||||
| Interest income | 6,017 | 5,228 | 720 | ||||
| Exchange gains/(loss) | 34 | (138 | ) | (19 | ) | ||
| Investment income | 142 | 6,879 | 948 | ||||
| Others, net | 791 | 439 | 60 | ||||
| Income before income taxes | 132,898 | 301,820 | 41,590 | ||||
| Income tax expenses | (47 | ) | (6,718 | ) | (926 | ) | |
| Net income | 132,851 | 295,102 | 40,664 | ||||
| Accretion to preferred shares redemption value | (64,607 | ) | 21,586 | 2,975 | |||
| Net income attributable to Yuanbao Inc.’s ordinary shareholders | 68,244 | 316,688 | 43,639 | ||||
| Net income | 132,851 | 295,102 | 40,664 | ||||
| Other comprehensive income/(loss): | |||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 396 | (316 | ) | (44 | ) | ||
| Total comprehensive income | 133,247 | 294,786 | 40,620 | ||||
| Accretion to preferred shares redemption value | (64,607 | ) | 21,586 | 2,975 | |||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Yuanbao Inc.’s ordinary shareholders | 68,640 | 316,372 | 43,595 | ||||
| Net income per share attributable to Yuanbao Inc.’s ordinary shareholders | |||||||
| Basic | 0.83 | 2.98 | 0.41 | ||||
| Diluted | 0.49 | 1.08 | 0.15 | ||||
| Net income per ADS attributable to Yuanbao Inc.’s ordinary shareholders | |||||||
| Basic | 4.97 | 17.87 | 2.46 | ||||
| Diluted | 2.95 | 6.46 | 0.89 | ||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net income per share | |||||||
| Basic | 82,325,900 | 106,358,492 | 106,358,492 | ||||
| Diluted | 270,332,095 | 273,915,113 | 273,915,113 | ||||
*Share-based compensation expenses are included in the operating costs and expenses as follows：
| For the Three Months Ended | ||||||
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2025 | |||||
| RMB | RMB | USD | ||||
| Operations and support | – | (11 | ) | (2 | ) | |
| Selling and marketing expenses | (4,626 | ) | (3,730 | ) | (514 | ) |
| General and administrative expenses | (12,105 | ) | (8,437 | ) | (1,163 | ) |
| Research and development expenses | (4,067 | ) | (4,901 | ) | (675 | ) |
| Total | (20,798 | ) | (17,079 | ) | (2,354 | ) |
**Each ADS represents six ordinary shares.
| YUANBAO INC. RECONCILIATIONS OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (All amounts in thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
|||
| For the Three Months Ended | |||
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2025 | ||
| RMB | RMB | USD | |
| Net income | 132,851 | 295,102 | 40,664 |
| Add: | |||
| Share-based compensation expenses | 20,798 | 17,079 | 2,354 |
| Non-GAAP adjusted net income | 153,649 | 312,181 | 43,018 |
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
“Karate Kid: Legends,” starring Jackie Chan, one of China’s most renowned kung fu stars, will open in Chinese theaters on June 7, aiming to revive one of Hollywood’s most beloved martial arts franchises.
A still from “Karate Kid: Legends.” [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, “Karate Kid: Legends” follows Ben Wang as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy who moves to New York City with his mother. There, he finds comfort in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. That is until he attracts the unwanted attention of a formidable local karate champion. To defend himself, Li trains under kung fu master Mr. Han and the legendary Daniel LaRusso, merging their distinct styles to prepare for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
At the premiere in New York on May 27, 71-year-old Jackie Chan told reporters he still performs his own stunts, though with less intensity than in his earlier days. Chan emphasized the audiences’ demand for authenticity and reflected on his career-long mission to prove himself as an actor rather than just a fighter.
The sixth installment in “The Karate Kid” franchise reunites Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, reprising their iconic roles – Daniel LaRusso from the original trilogy (1984-1989) and Mr. Han from the 2010 remake. Together, they mentor Li Fong, combining traditional karate with Chinese kung fu in the new adventure.
“Bringing these two legends together is beyond a producer’s dream,” producer Karen Rosenfelt said of uniting Chan and Macchio. “What’s fresh and unique about this movie is that both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso are training a Chinese, Mandarin-speaking boy. It is a story about family and recovering what’s important. It works as a standalone if you have never seen a ‘Karate Kid’ film, and it’s also a love letter to those who were there for ‘The Karate Kid’ in 1984.”
Macchio noted, “I’ve been careful over the years with protecting this franchise, protecting this character. The evolution of these characters, the themes in the original movie, they still stand the test of time and win over each generation.”
The film explores how Chinese kung fu and Japanese karate interact through technical fusion and a dynamic exchange of philosophies. Chan said his return to the “Karate Kid” series is driven by his hope to use cinema to promote Chinese culture globally.
He noted that karate actually evolved from Chinese kung fu, emphasizing that despite their different names, martial arts are deeply connected. By combining kung fu and karate, he said the film not only celebrates cultural heritages but also spreads a message of unity and compassion – something the world urgently needs.
Chan observes that more young people are discovering kung fu in new ways. He continues to experiment with blending different styles – from boxing to Wing Chun to acrobatics – to keep the art form dynamic. “I often tell my disciples and fellow martial artists in China that our kung fu must evolve, ” he said.
With its explosive fight choreography and heartfelt homage to Karate Kid icon Mr. Miyagi, the new film delivers a fresh yet nostalgic experience. It captivates both new audiences and longtime fans, with strong earnings. As of June 2, the film earned $47.67 million globally since it hit theaters on May 30, all before the official release in China on June 7.
A still from “Karate Kid: Legends.” [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]
After an extensive global search, Ben Wang was cast as the new Karate Kid. Wang first discovered the franchise through the 2010 film, a story that mirrored his own move from Beijing to New York. This personal connection drew him to the role and he did most of his own stunts, demonstrating his potential as a rising star.
“It gets me emotional,” Wang said. “This idea of going somewhere completely new and having to start over and finding people who help you along the way. And that’s what these movies are really about. Behind kung fu and karate and all that cool stuff, it’s about finding your way, learning to fit in, and finding good teachers.”
The film’s fresh narrative approach allows the cast and crew to balance innovative storytelling with respect for the franchise’s 40-year legacy. “What we’ve made is definitely a movie with heart, humor and action,” Entwistle said. “It’s about fighting for your family, or learning what to fight for, and I think that’s the most important message. But it’s wrapped up in a real martial arts film, a real action-adventure film, with lots of heart and lots of big scenes of people learning what it means to grow up.”
Source: South Africa News Agency
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has described the late Rashid Lombard as a storyteller who was unafraid to document South African history.
The acclaimed photographer, cultural activist, and jazz promoter passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones.
“Rashid Lombard was more than a photographer. He was a storyteller and freedom fighter who used his camera as a weapon for justice. He captured truth when others looked away, showing the world our pain, pride, struggle, and strength. Rashid gave us history and memories that speak louder than words. Today, we honour a true artist who told our story with heart, honesty, and deep respect. South Africa has lost a giant,” the Minister said in his tribute to Lombard.
This as he joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in conveying his condolences. President Ramaphosa said the country had lost a cultural icon who not only documented the history of the struggle for freedom but made history in his own right.
Rashid who will be laid to rest according to Muslim rites on Thursday morning, was born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha.
He relocated with his family to Cape Town in 1962. He initially trained as an architectural draftsman and later pursued a career in industrial photography, beginning his professional path at the construction firm Murray & Roberts.
“As a young boy in the Eastern Cape, he lived in a community where people of all races coexisted. Black, White, Coloured, Indian and Chinese families shared neighbourhoods, exchanged stories and formed bonds that apartheid later sought to destroy. It was a glimpse of what a united South Africa could be.
“The arrival of apartheid brought violence and forced removals. Families were relocated based solely on the colour of their skin, and many of Lombard’s childhood friends disappeared, never to be seen again.
“This trauma deeply affected him and heightened his awareness of injustice. These early experiences, along with the Black Consciousness Movement, inspired his lifelong commitment to justice and equality,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said.
He chose to fight not with weapons but with his camera. During South Africa’s struggle for liberation, he worked as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist.
His lens witnessed history, capturing the pain, courage and hope of a people longing for freedom.
He documented key moments such as the growing democracy movement in the 1980s, Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990, and the first democratic election in 1994. His images reached global audiences through major outlets like Agence France-Presse, the BBC and NBC, offering the world a powerful view of South Africa’s journey.
“As democracy took hold, Lombard turned his energy to jazz, another lifelong passion. He held leadership roles at Fine Music Radio and P4 Smooth Jazz Radio before founding espAfrika in 1997. Through this company, he launched the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2000, directing it until 2014.
“The festival grew into one of Africa’s largest and most respected cultural events, showcasing local talent alongside international stars and putting Cape Town firmly on the global jazz map.
“Even after retiring, he remained committed to preserving South Africa’s cultural heritage. He undertook the important task of digitising his extensive photographic archive, a project begun by his late wife, Colleen. Working with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, he ensured the collection would be accessible as a national treasure. His family continues this vital work today,” the Ministry said.
In 2010, he published “Jazz Rocks”, a photographic tribute curated by the late George Hallett. The book captures the spirit, energy and connection of jazz through Rashid’s distinctive lens.
In 2014, Lombard was honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. This prestigious award recognised his exceptional impact on the arts, cultural preservation and the global celebration of South African jazz. –SAnews.gov.za