Category: Transport

MIL-OSI: NowVertical to Attend the 37th Annual ROTH Conference

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NowVertical Group Inc. (TSXV: NOW) (“NowVertical” or the “Company”), a leading data and AI solutions provider, today announced they will be attending the invite-only 37th Annual ROTH Conference.

The 37th Annual ROTH Conference will take place on March 16-18, 2025, in Dana Point, CA, bringing together leading institutional investors and high-growth companies across multiple sectors. As a prestigious, invite-only event, the conference provides a valuable platform for innovative companies like NowVertical to engage directly with investors, industry leaders, and analysts. NowVertical’s inclusion in this exclusive event reflects its strong market position and continued growth in AI and data-driven solutions and services.

The event will consist of 1-on-1 / small group meetings, analyst-selected fireside chats, industry keynotes and panels with executive management attending from approximately 450 private and public companies in a variety of growth sectors including: Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Insurance, Resources, Sustainability and Technology, Media & Entertainment.

To learn more and submit a registration request, visit https://ibn.fm/Roth2025Registration

About NowVertical Group Inc.

The Company is a global data and analytics company which helps clients transform data into tangible business value with AI, fast. Offering a comprehensive suite of solutions and services the Company enables clients to quickly harness the full potential of their data, driving measurable outcomes and accelerating potential return on investment. Enterprises optimize decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and unlock long-term value from their data using the Company’s AI-Infused first party and third-party technologies. NowVertical is growing organically and through strategic acquisitions. For further details about NowVertical, please visit www.nowvertical.com.

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

For more information, visit www.nowvertical.com.

For further information, please contact:

Andre Garber, CDO
IR@nowvertical.com
T: +1(647)947-0223

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (together “forward-looking statements“), including, the alignment of the Company’s leadership and shareholders, and the associated results of the transactions contemplated in this press release on NowVertical’s business, finances and operations. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, certain of which are unknown. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including: adverse market conditions; risks inherent in the data analytics and artificial intelligence sectors in general; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; inability to obtain any requisite future financing on suitable terms; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies of acquisitions or dispositions; that market competition may affect the business, results and financial condition of the Company and other risk factors identified in documents filed by the Company under its profile at www.sedarplus.com, including the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The MIL Network –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: HERE Technologies Holds Top Ranking in Counterpoint’s 2024 Location Platform Effectiveness Index
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Industry analyst firm ranks HERE as the top location platform for the eighth consecutive year, citing AI-powered mapping innovations, strategic partnerships and customer-centric solutions
- Location data identified as crucial for global automotive industry’s development of Software-Defined Vehicles, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Automated Driving functions
Amsterdam – HERE Technologies has been recognized as the industry leader in Counterpoint’s 2024 Location Platform Effectiveness Index, ranking first among 27 evaluated vendors, including Google, TomTom and Mapbox. The annual report underscores HERE’s continued leadership in map data quality, AI-powered location intelligence and customer-centric solutions.

Driving the Future of AI-Powered Mapping for Enterprises
Counterpoint’s analysis highlights HERE’s continued leadership in digital mapping, with the company leading across eight out of ten categories, including Customers, Partnerships, AI Capabilities and Data Platform.

The 2024 report also highlighted HERE’s open-platform strategy and privacy-first approach. The company’s collaboration with AWS was noted as a key factor in enabling scalable, flexible data integrations for enterprises. HERE automates the processing of data from vehicle cameras, sensors, LiDAR, satellite, aerial imagery, and IoT sources, significantly reducing manual processing time while ensuring fresh, high-fidelity map data.

“HERE continues to lead the location platform industry by combining AI-powered automation with high-quality map data,” said Mohit Sharma, Senior Research Analyst for Automotive at Counterpoint. “The company’s investments in AI, particularly its integration with AWS and the launch of HERE AI Assistant, demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that sets it apart.” Sharma added, “HERE’s real-time mapping capabilities, privacy-centric platform, and ability to scale AI-powered solutions across industries solidified its position as the top-ranked location platform in 2024.”

Mapping as the Foundation for Software-Defined Vehicles
The company earned top scores for continuous innovations and utilization of AI to power its mapmaking and sensor fusion capabilities for the era of software-defined vehicles (SDV). The unified mapping architecture delivered by HERE enables rapid AI-powered map updates, ensuring that vehicles receive fresh and reliable data. The automotive industry’s shift toward SDVs has further underscored the importance of real-time mapping. Dynamic maps are no longer just about navigation; they are about safety and enabling ADAS, EV routing and automated driving technologies.

In 2024, the HERE HD Live Map reinforced its market position by helping to power leading SAE Level 3 automated driving systems deployed by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Currently, more than 53 million vehicles, from numerous car brands, depend on HERE map data for ADAS and automated driving applications.

“As the automotive industry accelerates toward SDVs and real-time, AI-powered capabilities, HERE continues to provide the most advanced and scalable mapping solutions in the market,” said Mike Nefkens, CEO of HERE Technologies. “We are proud to be recognized by Counterpoint for the eighth consecutive year, underscoring our commitment to innovation and delivering to customers the highest quality, up-to-date, and intelligent location data available.”

Beyond automotive, Counterpoint highlights the continued growth of HERE in enterprise location services, transportation, logistics and mobility.

For detailed information on the Counterpoint 2024 Location Platform Effectiveness Index, visit: https://www.here.com/platform/counterpoint-report-2025.

Media contacts
HERE Technologies
Jordan Stark
+1 312 316 4537
jordan.stark@here.com

Dr. Sebastian Kurme
+49 173 515 3549
sebastian.kurme@here.com

About HERE Technologies
HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for 40 years. Today, HERE’s location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at https://www.here.com/

Attachment
- HERE Technologies Holds Top Ranking in Counterpoint’s 2024 Location Platform Effectiveness Index
The MIL Network –
March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Electrify Expo Orlando to Include First-Ever Public Can-Am Electric Motorcycle Demos

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ORLANDO, Fla., March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electrify Expo, North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, today announced that Can-Am will join its first stop in Orlando on March 22 and 23. Attendees will get an exclusive chance to experience the highly-anticipated Can-Am Pulse and Origin electric motorcycles, which are designed to be simple and fun, regardless of riding experience. These demos, along with all other brands at Electrify Expo, are included in the price of the entry ticket, which can be purchased online or in person.

“Can-Am bringing its all-new Pulse and Origin motorcycles to Electrify Expo Orlando—and offering attendees the world’s first public demo rides on the motorcycle—is a major moment for the industry,” said BJ Birtwell, CEO and Founder of Electrify Expo. “This is exactly the kind of hands-on experience that shifts perceptions and drives adoption towards going electric on two-wheels.”

Can-Am will showcase its entire lineup of electric motorcycles to the Orange County Convention Center, where attendees with a valid motorcycle license will have the unique opportunity to feel the thrill of instant acceleration, nimble handling, and a silent ride. In addition to demos, Can-Am will also have experts on site to interact with attendees and discuss the brand’s focus on innovation and ushering in the next generation of electric vehicle riders.

“Electrify Expo is the perfect platform to give attendees the chance to experience Can-Am electric motorcycles,” said Elsa Vilarinho, Director of Global Brand Strategy at Can-Am. “Our bikes are built from the ground up to offer an incredible urban riding experience, merging pulsating performance with style and sophistication. These demos will show riders firsthand how Can-Am is positioning itself to be a global leader in the electric motorcycle industry.”

Can-Am joins a star-studded list of manufacturers including Tesla, Ford, Toyota, Kawasaki and many others leveraging a one-of-a-kind, pressure-free experience to try out the hottest EV technology on the market.

For more information and to purchase tickets to Electrify Expo, visit www.electrifyexpo.com.
Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@skyya.com.

About Electrify Expo
Electrify Expo is North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, where consumers come to shop and experience all things electric. The festival showcases the industry’s leading brands and exciting startups through hands-on activations, demos and experiences spanning EVs, micromobility, solar energy, charging solutions, powersports, automotive aftermarket, and connected home technology, providing attendees with immersive learning opportunities and memorable interactions. From high-powered demo courses to engaging education zones, Electrify Expo offers a unique festival vibe for consumers to reshape what they think they know about EVs. In 2025, Electrify Expo’s nationwide tour will visit Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit www.electrifyexpo.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2b4884a2-a002-438c-a4ea-4d83df144159

The MIL Network –

March 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: MARA Announces Bitcoin Production and Mining Operation Updates for February 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BTC Production Per Day Increased 4% M/M
206 Blocks Won in February, 6% Decrease M/M
Increased BTC Holdings* to 46,374 BTC

Fort Lauderdale, FL, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) (“MARA” or the “Company”), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, today published unaudited bitcoin (“bitcoin” or “BTC”) production updates for February 2025.

Management Commentary

“In February, our bitcoin production per day increased 4% over January,” said Fred Thiel, MARA’s chairman and CEO. “Blocks won and bitcoin production decreased by 6% month-over-month, primarily due to a higher network difficulty level and three fewer operational days. Our energized hashrate was slightly above the prior month, and we are close to finishing construction of a 40-megawatt data center in Ohio where we plan to install over ten thousand S21 Pro immersion miners.

“We established the Company’s leadership in bitcoin mining through an asset-light model, transformed it into a vertically integrated energy and infrastructure company in 2024, and in 2025, we will continue to focus on being the dominant player in bitcoin mining while expanding our footprint in energy generation.

“In conjunction with our emerging technology business, we are taking steps today, including investing in research and development, to establish our presence in AI and adjacent markets, which we expect will create additional revenue opportunities over the long term. We expect our costs to decline as we realize savings from owning our sites and generating our own power, and we will be laser-focused on efficiency as we drive towards our goal of low-cost energy.”

Operational Highlights and Updates

Figure 1: Operational Highlights

	Prior Month Comparison
Metric	2/28/2025		1/31/2025		% Δ
Number of Blocks Won ¹	206		218		(6)	%
BTC Produced	706		750		(6)	%
Average BTC Produced per Day	25.2		24.2		4	%
Share of available miner rewards ²	5.4	%	5.1	%	NM
Transaction Fees as % of Total ¹	1.4	%	1.6	%	NM
Energized Hashrate (EH/s) ¹	53.7		53.2		1	%

These metrics are MARAPool only and do not include blocks won from joint ventures.
Defined as the total amount of block rewards including transaction fees that MARA earned during the period divided by the total amount of block rewards and transaction fees awarded by the Bitcoin network during the period.

NM – Not Meaningful

As of February 28, 2025, the Company held a total of 46,374 BTC*. MARA opted not to sell any BTC in February.

*Includes loaned and collateralized bitcoin

Investor Notice

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any other periodic reports that we may file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. See “Forward-Looking Statements” below.

The operational highlights and updates presented in this press release pertain solely to our BTC mining operations. Detailed information regarding our other operations can be found in our periodic reports filed with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “continue,” “target” and similar expressions or variations or negatives of these words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements related to the construction and energization of our data center in Ohio and expansion into energy generation, AI and adjacent markets. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations about future events as of the date hereof and involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Subsequent events and developments, including actual results or changes in our assumptions, may cause our views to change. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements except to the extent required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Our actual results and outcomes could differ materially from those included in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, and any other periodic reports that we may file with the SEC.

About MARA

MARA (NASDAQ:MARA) is a global leader in digital asset compute that develops and deploys innovative technologies to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. MARA secures the world’s preeminent blockchain ledger and supports the energy transformation by converting clean, stranded, or otherwise underutilized energy into economic value.

For more information, visit www.mara.com, or follow us on:

Twitter: @MARAHoldings
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/maraholdings
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MARAHoldings
Instagram: @maraholdingsinc

MARA Company Contact:
Telephone: 800-804-1690
Email: ir@mara.com

MARA Media Contact:

Email: marathon@wachsman.com

The MIL Network –

March 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro celebrates two years of through service on the Big Circle Line, having served over 740 million passengers

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro is celebrating the second anniversary of the launch of through service on the Big Circle Line (BCL), a monumental achievement in the city’s transport infrastructure. Since its full launch two years ago, the BCL has served more than 740 million passengers, changing the way Muscovites travel around the city.

The Big Circle Line is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Russia and the world, implemented on behalf of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Thanks to the BCL, all residents of the capital now have alternative routes and the opportunity to save up to 45 minutes a day on travel. This line is one of the most popular, since its full launch more than 740 million trips have been made, said Maxim Liksutov.

Key facts about the Big Circle Line:

– High passenger flow: on a typical weekday, more than 1.4 million trips are made on the BKL.

– Improved accessibility: BKL has improved transport accessibility for 34 districts, for many of them the metro has become accessible for the first time.

– Reliable rolling stock: the rolling stock of the line is served by three electric depots.

– Reduced congestion: the launch of the Big Circle Line has reduced congestion on the Circle Line by 23% and on radial lines by 12%.

– Time savings: Thanks to BCL, passengers save about 45 minutes per day.

– Job creation: BCL has created 6,000 new jobs in the subway system, including train drivers, station attendants and other blue-collar jobs.

– The longest circle line in the world: BKL is the longest circle line in the world.

A transformative project for Moscow:

The launch of through traffic on the BCL two years ago was a historic day for Moscow and was one of the largest projects in the history of metro construction, completed in just 10 years. It immediately relieved other metro lines, providing residents and visitors of Moscow with dozens of new and convenient routes.

The large ring line has given impetus to the development of the entire city: new housing and social infrastructure are being built near the stations, and enterprises are developing at an accelerated pace. The line is served by about 100 modern domestically produced trains “Moscow-2020”.

The BKL is a testament to Moscow’s commitment to providing its citizens with a world-class transport system.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Port Saunders — Port Saunders RCMP responds to fatal snowmobile crash

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Port Saunders RCMP is investigating a fatal snowmobile incident that occurred over this past weekend. A 66-year-old man, who was traveling alone, was located deceased.

Shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, Port Saunders RCMP responded to a report of a snowmobile crash in a remote area of the back country, near Eddies Cove West. Two snowmobilers came upon an overturned snowmobile and discovered the body of an unresponsive individual underneath the machine.

Only accessible by snowmobile, police attended the area with those who reported the incident. The man’s body was transported out of the wooded area and was further transported to Western Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook as part of the investigation.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged and the investigation is continuing.

MIL Security OSI –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Homely’ short breaks service rated Good by inspectors

Source: City of Wolverhampton

Social care inspector Chanel Bryant visited Upper Pendeford Farm, which provides short breaks for up to 6 young people at a time, earlier this year and found it to be ‘warmly decorated and homely’.

Leaders and staff are ‘committed to children having the best educational outcomes’. They ensure that children coming to stay at Upper Pendeford Farm are suitably matched, while staff have a good understanding of children’s health needs which ensures they are ‘well met’.

Leaders have a good understanding of children’s progress in the home, while staff speak highly of support from managers. Staff are well trained and enthusiastic about learning key areas relevant to their role to deliver a good level of care.

Staff support children in understanding how to keep themselves safe and help them develop their independence skills, for instance supporting children to cook meals in preparation for adulthood or providing step by step plans for travelling on public transport. As a result, parents praise staff for developing their children’s independence skills.

Staff form good relationships with children and ‘create positive experiences’, providing them trips, including bowling and cinema visits. They also ‘advocate well’ for children with other professionals and support them to voice their own opinions, which has ‘led to their views being listened to and positive changes taking place for children’.

Ofsted concluded that the overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well children and young people are helped and protected, and the effectiveness of leaders and managers, are all Good.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This is a very positive report which demonstrates the good quality service provided by our short breaks service.

“Upper Pendeford Farm offers a home away from home for children and young people who may have experienced childhood adversity that has led to emotional and behavioural difficulties. I am pleased that not only Ofsted, but also the children and young people and their families, speak so highly of the important support it provides.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York free school meal pilots extended to a third primary school

Source: City of York

Pupils at Fishergate Primary School are now able to get a free breakfast at school each morning as part of the citywide campaign to deliver free meals to primary school pupils.

The campaign is part of the council’s wider commitment to ensure that residents start good health and wellbeing as early as possible in their lives – part of the council’s four year plan – One City for all.

York Hungry Minds was set up in a bid to address disadvantage and the impact of the cost of living crisis, in response to national evidence suggesting that providing children with healthy, nourishing food can make a significant difference to school attendance, concentration and their physical and mental wellbeing.

Fishergate Primary School joins existing schools offering free lunches for children in years 3-6* at Westfield Community Primary School and free breakfasts for to all pupils at Burton Green Primary School, which have been running since early 2024.

The pilots have been made possible thanks to funding from City of York Council and donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal.

Initial research carried out by researchers from the Universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield into the impact of the York pilots last autumn showed that pupils taking in part in the schemes showed improved attendance and punctuality compared to their peers.

Schools also saw evidence of improved behaviour as a result of children feeling less hungry, with staff noting improvements in the pupils’ focus and energy levels after receiving a free breakfast.

Tina Clarke, headteacher at Fishergate Primary School, said:

I am delighted that my children are benefiting from this opportunity. It is lovely to see them tucking into pancakes with bananas and honey, cereal, toast or crumpets with their friends in the morning.

“It means that they can start the school day in a calm and settled way and that they are well- fuelled for their learning”.

Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

I’m delighted that we’ve been able to make free school breakfasts available to pupils at another primary school in the city as part of York Hungry Minds.

“Local and national evidence shows the positive impact universal free school meals have on pupils’ attendance and behaviour. We hope that our work and peoples’ generous donations will help to support our long term aim to ensure all children in the city have a great start to their health and wellbeing, as well as supporting all families through the cost of living crisis.”

More details on the research findings are available on the council website.

You can find out more about how to make donations to support York’s free school meals pilots at Two Ridings Community Foundation.

*Children in Reception, year 1 and year 2 are eligible for free school lunches under the government’s national free school meals scheme.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: As good as Gold – Council is first in UK to earn environmental awareness accolade

Source: City of Manchester

Manchester City Council has become the first local authority in the UK to be awarded ‘Gold’ status for its staff’s understanding of climate change.

More than half of the people working for the Council and associated bodies such as MCR Active – and more than 90 per cent of senior officers and councillors – have completed Carbon Literacy® training which gives an insight into the implications of climate change, how harmful carbon emissions cause the problem and how they might be reduced.

Being Carbon Literate enables people to take informed decisions in both their personal and work lives which will support Manchester’s commitment to become zero carbon by 2038 or earlier.

In total, Manchester City Council and its associates have almost 4,000 employees who have completed Carbon Literacy training – the most of any council in the country.

Being named a Gold Carbon Literate Organisation by the Carbon Literacy Project is a further marker of progress for the Council, which had previously become the first local authority to gain Silver status in February 2021.

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment, said: “We’re pleased that Manchester City Council is leading the way nationally in empowering our staff with an understanding of environmental issues and giving them a foundation to take actions which will support our mission to cut harmful carbon emissions, in both their professional and personal lives.

“Getting to Gold status has been a long journey but what’s important is not the accolade itself but the understanding which now runs through the organisation. It’s something that our staff have really embraced.

“We have also launched and are actively supporting the Manchester Carbon Literate City initiative which aims to be another UK first for Manchester, the first city where 15 per cent of people who live, work and study here will have been certified as Carbon Literate.”

Dave Coleman, Co-founder and Managing Director of The Carbon Literacy Project, said: “As the city in which Carbon Literacy was created, it probably shouldn’t be any surprise that Manchester is the first local authority anywhere to achieve Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) Gold level accreditation.

“Gold CLO required not just that more than half of the Council’s workforce be Carbon Literate, and delivering action on climate in their jobs, it also required the Council to demonstrate evidence that it is culturally Carbon Literate and has embedded the values of Carbon Literacy in its delivery, its working practices and its policy.

“We applaud Manchester City Council as the UK’s very first local authority to achieve Gold CLO status.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro – Moscow Metro Celebrates Two Years of Through Traffic on the Big Circle Line, Serving Over 740 Million Passengers

Source: Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro is celebrating the second anniversary of the launch of through traffic on the Big Circle Line (BCL), a monumental achievement in the city’s transportation infrastructure. Since its full launch two years ago, the BCL has served over 740 million passengers, transforming the way Muscovites travel throughout the city.

The Big Circle Line is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Russia and the world, implemented at the direction of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin. Thanks to the BCL, all residents of the capital have alternative routes and the ability to save up to 45 minutes per day on their commutes. This line is one of the most popular, with over 740 million trips taken since its complete launch, — stated Maksim Liksutov.

Key facts about the Big Circle Line:

• High Ridership: the BCL sees over 1.4 million trips on a typical weekday.

• Improved Accessibility: the BCL has enhanced transport accessibility for 34 districts, bringing the metro to many for the first time.

• Robust Rolling Stock: the line’s rolling stock is maintained by three electric depots.

• Reduced Congestion: the launch of the BCL has eased congestion on the Circle Line by 23% and radial lines by up to 12%.

• Time Savings: passengers save approximately 45 minutes per day in travel time thanks to the BCL.

• Job Creation: the BCL has created 6,000 new jobs within the metro system, including train operators, station attendants, and other operational roles.

• World’s Longest Circle Line: the BCL is the longest circle line in the world.

A Transformative Project for Moscow:

The launch of through traffic on the BCL two years ago marked a historic day for Moscow and represented one of the largest projects in the history of metro construction, completed in just 10 years. It immediately relieved pressure on other metro lines, offering residents and visitors of Moscow dozens of new and convenient routes.

The Big Circle Line has spurred development throughout the city, with new housing and social infrastructure being built near its stations and businesses developing at a faster pace. The line is served by approximately 100 modern, domestically produced “Moskva-2020” trains.

The BCL is a testament to Moscow’s commitment to providing its citizens with a world-class transportation system.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Computational Astrophysicist Daniel Anglés-Alcázar Awarded Sloan Research Fellowship

Source: US State of Connecticut

Daniel Anglés-Alcázar, assistant professor of physics, has been awarded a 2025 Sloan Research Fellowship, one of the most competitive honors for early-career researchers in the United States and Canada.

Anglés-Alcázar was one of 126 scientists selected by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for the fellowship, which recognizes researchers for their exceptional creativity and potential to lead in their fields. The fellowship provides a two-year, $75,000 grant to support research at the recipient’s discretion.

Daniel Anglés-Alcázar, assistant professor of physics and 2025 Sloan Research Fellow. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Anglés-Alcázar).

“It’s a great honor to be selected as a Sloan Fellow,” says Anglés-Alcázar. “This is a significant recognition for our research program, and I am very grateful to the long-term collaborators and mentors that have supported me throughout my career.”

“The Sloan Research Fellows represent the very best of early-career science, embodying the creativity, ambition, and rigor that drive discovery forward,” says Adam F. Falk, president of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. “These extraordinary scholars are already making significant contributions, and we are confident they will shape the future of their fields in remarkable ways.”

A computational astrophysicist, Anglés-Alcázar’s research focuses on developing simulations on supercomputers to understand how galaxies form and evolve. He uses theoretical models to interpret observations of galaxies, including how supermassive black holes impact galaxy evolution.

Observations suggest that when supermassive black holes grow, they release a huge amount of energy in the form of powerful winds or large-scale jets. However, the details of this process remain a mystery, according to Anglés-Alcázar.

“It’s still a big enigma,” he says. “In our models, we can make predictions of what happens when supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies power these large-scale winds or jets. Based on those models, we can infer that supermassive black holes indeed play a key role in how massive galaxies evolve, as well as the larger scale structures in the universe.”

Simulation modeling the evolution of a group of galaxies (left) and zooming in down to the nuclear region of the main galaxy (right), where the central supermassive black hole grows and affects its environment. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Anglés-Alcázar and the FIRE collaboration).

Prior to joining UConn in 2019, Anglés-Alcázar was a research fellow with the Flatiron Institute from 2017 to 2019. In 2014, he was selected as a postdoctoral fellow with the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA) at Northwestern University. Most recently, he was one of 25 recipients of the 2023 Cottrell Scholar Awards from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.

Anglés-Alcázar plans to use the funding to support student researchers, fund conference travel, and enhance computational resources for his work.

“Receiving this fellowship is really a great honor,” says Anglés-Alcázar. “I’m also very grateful to the students and postdocs in my group for the amazing work they do, and just excited that this award will enable us to continue pushing the frontiers of computational galaxy formation in new directions.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UConn School of Business to Induct Five Distinguished Business Executives into ‘Hall of Fame’

Source: US State of Connecticut

The School of Business will induct five alumni business leaders into its ‘Hall of Fame’ during a dinner and ceremony on Friday, April 11 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

The School’s signature event typically draws hundreds for a night of celebration.

“This year, we proudly induct five exceptional alumni into the UConn School of Business Hall of Fame. Their remarkable achievements, leadership, and dedication to service place them among the most distinguished executives in their fields,’’ says Professor Greg Reilly, interim dean of the School of Business.

“A highlight of the evening is hearing their reflections on their time at UConn and the invaluable advice they offer to students and young alumni,’’ he says. “The Hall of Fame celebration stands as one of the most inspiring and anticipated events of the year.”

Tickets to the event, which is black-tie optional, are $175 each. There is still time to become an event sponsor as well. For reservations or additional information, please visit: alumni.business.uconn.edu.

This year’s inductees include:

Entrepreneur Trisha Bailey Believes in Exceptional Service

Trisha Bailey, ’99 (CLAS) ’23 (HON) is an entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Bailey’s Pharmacy & Medical Equipment & Supplies, a company built on a culture of exceptional service. She oversees her flagship company, as well as other successful enterprises, employing more than 500 people and generating revenue in the hundreds of millions annually. She is also the mother of five.

Tricia Bailey (contributed photo)

Bailey graduated with a bachelor’s degree from UConn in 1999, majoring in human development and family relations, and received an honorary degree from the School of Pharmacy in 2023.

A track standout at Weaver High School in Hartford, Bailey has been a generous donor to UConn Athletics and became the first woman to have a building named in her honor on campus. She is also involved in real estate development and housing; is a minority owner of NBA teams; and is the owner of the largest equestrian farm in Florida.

A native of Jamaica, she is deeply committed to community impact, supporting underserved communities in her native land and in the U.S., supporting nursing programs, and food and toy drives.

Her autobiography “UNBROKEN’’ addresses her complex life journey and shares her deeply held values of compassion, excellence, and empowerment.

Laurie Havanec Led 300,000 Employees at CVS Health

Laurie Havanec ’82 (BUS), ’94 JD recently retired from CVS Health, where she served as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. In that role, she was responsible for 300,000 employees. Prior to joining CVS, Havanec served as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Otis Worldwide Corporation, including during its transition from United Technologies Corporation to an independent, publicly traded company.

Laurie Havanec (contributed photo)

Havanec earned her bachelor’s degree, with a marketing major, from the School of Business in 1982. Six weeks after the birth of her second child, she returned to UConn to fill her longtime desire to study law at the UConn Law School. She completed her degree with honors.

In 2019, Havanec endowed a need-based scholarship, through UConn Women and Philanthropy, to help women in their path to law school. She has served on the Board of Directors of American Water, as a member of the Board of Trustees for both the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame and the Connecticut Governor’s Committee on Workforce and Education. A two-time cancer survivor, Havanec has told her story many times to help educate women about the importance of breast-cancer detection and prevention.

Inclusivity Always Important to John Hodson

John Hodson ’85 (BUS), is the Founder and President of True Benefit, a division of AmWINS, a company that goes beyond traditional employee benefits to foster a culture of inclusivity, ethical practices, and community engagement. The company’s mission is to serve both business and the broader community and he has championed diversity, equity, and belonging throughout his career.

John Hodson (contributed photo)

Hodson earned his bachelor’s degree, with a marketing major, in 1985 and worked at The Travelers and ConnectiCare. He then became an insurance broker and eventually founded True Benefit. Since its inception, the company has grown to become the exclusive program and risk manager for ADP Total Source, the largest professional employer organization in the nation. True Benefit now serves more than 750,000 employees nationwide, overseeing more than $4 billion in healthcare premiums and delivering healthcare savings and solutions for small- to mid- sized businesses.

A dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity, Hodson has worked to improve insurance policies for the transgender community, addressing gaps in coverage and access to mental health care. He is also a proud supporter of UConn’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives, with a focus on promoting mental health and the wellbeing of students. He is actively involved with several professional organizations and serves on the Board of Trustees at Sarah Lawrence College, which two of his children attended.

Greg Lewis Served as SVP and CFO of Honeywell

Greg Lewis ’91 (BUS) is the former Senior Vice President and CFO of Honeywell, a Fortune 100 company. This month, he will be stepping down from those roles and is serving as a special advisor to the CEO of the company, where he has worked since 2006.

Greg Lewis (contributed photo)

During his time at Honeywell, he served as a catalyst for digital transformation, launched the company’s Enterprise Information Management Strategy and made significant changes for greater operational excellence. He built a culture with data at the forefront of strategic decision making and provided critical leadership in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamic economic and geopolitical environment during the last five years.

Lewis earned his bachelor’s degree from the School of Business in 1991, with a major in finance, and four years later earned an MBA from Fordham University.

Over the last three years, Lewis has been involved with the School of Business, engaging with faculty and students, and mentoring teams. Lewis is a champion of diversity and inclusion and is the executive sponsor of the All-Abilities Employee Network at Honeywell with over 2,500 associates. He chairs the Charlotte (NC) Small Business Innovation Fund and is a board member for Roof Above, a Charlotte-based organization fighting homelessness. He is also an independent director on the board of Medtronic.

Lewis’ wife, Barbara, is a 1989 graduate of the School of Business. They have established a scholarship here, providing opportunities based on academic achievement and need.

Rob Skinner Named a Top Financial Advisor

Rob Skinner ’93 (CLAS) is a Founder and Managing Partner of IEQ Capital, an independent wealth management advisory firm which integrates investing and intellectual and emotional decisions.

Robert Skinner (contributed photo)

Skinner began his career at Fidelity Investments in 1995 and later joined Merrill Lynch as First Vice President of Investments. In 2008, he co-founded Luminous Capital, where he served as Chief Investment Officer, Co-Head of Investment Research, and Co-Manager of Portfolio Construction. Luminous Capital managed $5.5 billion of assets when it was acquired by First Republic Bank in 2012. At First Republic, Skinner served as Senior Managing Director and Wealth Manager.

Skinner has been lauded for his expertise, including being named as one of America’s Top Wealth Advisors by Forbes and as one of America’s Top 100 Financial Advisors by Barron’s.

Skinner earned a bachelor’s degree from UConn in 1993, with a major in political science. He is active in a host of community programs, serving on the board of directors for The First Tee of Monterey County and also the Pebble Beach Company Foundation. He is a trustee of PGA REACH, the charitable arm of the PGA of America, as well as the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation, and serves on multiple investment advisory boards.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: APAM Announces Jason Gottlieb as Chief Executive Officer and Eric Colson as Executive Chair

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MILWAUKEE, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. (NYSE: APAM, the “Company”) announced today the appointment of Jason Gottlieb, current President of the Company, to succeed Eric Colson as Chief Executive Officer, and the appointment of Mr. Colson as Executive Chair of the Company, each effective following the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders on June 4, 2025. At that time, it is expected that Mr. Gottlieb will be elected to the Company’s Board of Directors, and Mr. Colson will become Chair of the Board, assuming the role from Stephanie DiMarco who will transition to Lead Independent Director.

Mr. Gottlieb joined Artisan Partners in October 2016 as a Managing Director of Investment Operations. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Investments and Executive Vice President in February 2017 and President in January 2021. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Gottlieb was a partner and managing director at Goldman Sachs where he was a leader in Goldman Sachs’ Alternative Investment & Manager Selection Group and a portfolio manager on the Goldman Sachs Multi-Manager Alternatives Fund.

Mr. Colson said, “Appointing Jason as CEO is the culmination of our long-term leadership succession plan and the natural evolution of his current responsibilities. Given his proven track record of leadership and management along with his strategic contributions to the Company over time, our Board of Directors and I have tremendous confidence in Jason’s ability to lead Artisan. I look forward to my continued partnership with Jason and the senior management team in my new role as an active and engaged Executive Chair.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this world-class investment organization, further expand our multi-asset investment platform and drive the growth of our business,” added Mr. Gottlieb. “We believe we are well positioned to seize the right opportunities to grow our business and continue to deliver successful outcomes for our clients, employees and shareholders.”

About Artisan Partners
Artisan Partners is a global investment management firm that provides a broad range of high value-added investment strategies in growing asset classes to sophisticated clients around the world. Since 1994, the firm has been committed to attracting experienced, disciplined investment professionals to manage client assets. Artisan Partners’ autonomous investment teams oversee a diverse range of investment strategies across multiple asset classes. Strategies are offered through various investment vehicles to accommodate a broad range of client mandates.

Press Inquiries
Eileen Kwei
800.399.1770
eileen.kwei@artisanpartners.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Statements regarding future events and our future performance, as well as management’s current expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of these laws. These forward-looking statements are only predictions based on current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance, actions or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance, actions or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include: the loss of key investment professionals or senior management, adverse market or economic conditions for whatever reason, poor performance of our investment strategies, change in the legislative and regulatory environment in which we operate, operational or technical errors or other matters that cause damage to our reputation, and other factors disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors listed under the caption entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time. Our periodic and current reports are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

© 2025 Artisan Partners. All rights reserved.

The MIL Network –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Beamr Issues Annual CEO Letter to Shareholders: Highlighting 2024 Achievements and 2025 Strategy – Capitalizing on Market Validation
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

In 2025, Beamr plans to leverage the strong market validation it has gained in numerous meetings with prospective customers across key target markets, as well as participation in major events with industry leaders

Herzliya, Israel, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beamr Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: BMR), a leader in video optimization technology and solutions, today issued a Letter to Shareholders from Sharon Carmel, Chief Executive Officer.

Dear Shareholders:

As we look toward a promising and exciting year ahead, I am proud to reflect on Beamr’s achievements throughout 2024, including our financial results and strong cash position for 2024, our recent accomplishments so far in Q1 2025, and look forward to our plans for Q2 2025. We believe that during 2025, Beamr will capitalize on the significant validation it has created in 2024 and convert prospects in the sales funnel into significant revenue growth in the next quarters.

2024 Highlights

Beamr Cloud and AI workflows

On February 20, 2024, we launched the Beamr Cloud SaaS solution, which enables high-efficiency, high-quality and scalable video processing at attractive pricing. Our new video cloud service, accelerated by GPUs, offers more capabilities than we initially expected, which include easy and cost-effective video standards modernization from AVC to HEVC and AV1.

Following the launch of Beamr Cloud, throughout the year, we continued to strengthen our relationships with industry leaders, such as NVIDIA, to highlight the benefits and features of using our technology in real time with AI video workflows.

In Q2 2024, we successfully executed on our product development plan, and the first AI video capabilities were integrated into Beamr Cloud. The AI video enhancements allow automatic caption and transcription generation for videos in multiple languages. Incorporating these AI features was a first step in augmenting Beamr Cloud with cutting-edge services.

We incorporated customer feedback by enhancing Beamr Cloud’s core functionality, making it ready for adoption at scale, which includes:
- Giving users more control over the compression process using custom presets; and
- Adding packaging for streaming.
Furthermore, we plan to continue introducing improvements to Beamr Cloud, making it easier to use and allow customers higher configurability and flexibly using the service.

Collaborations with Industry Giants

In 2024, Beamr highlighted its market presence by participating in eight leading trade shows and conferences, including ACM Mile High Video, GTC, NAB, SIGGRAPH, Oracle CloudWorld, IBC ,Demuxed and AWS re:Invent.

In IBC, Beamr showcased a demo of live video optimization at 4K and up to 60 frames per second (4Kp60). In SIGGRAPH, we presented with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) an optimized production of large, high-quality, high-resolution videos rendered from 3D design.

During these events, Beamr executives delivered high-impact presentations to hundreds of industry professionals, showcasing our innovative technology and expanding SaaS solutions. Furthermore, we held over 100 face-to-face meetings with existing and prospective customers. These efforts focused on differentiating Beamr in the video market and highlighting the value of our high-quality, high-efficiency, GPU-accelerated SaaS offerings to key and prospective customers in emerging markets, such as Media & Entertainment, User-Generated content and Internet-of-Things.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)

Beamr Cloud was launched on OCI in June 2024. OCI is the second cloud service that provides to its customers Beamr’s GPU-based video optimization services, following AWS.

David Hicks, Oracle’s group vice president, Worldwide ISV Cloud Business Development commented: “Beamr’s commitment to innovation with the Oracle Cloud and quality execution helps our mutual customers receive cloud-enabled, automated, and scalable video processing solutions ready to meet critical business needs.”.

The collaboration with OCI has opened up access to customers of both companies to the newest generation of GPUs, and preliminary testing showed the potential for increased video processing speed by up to 30%. Alongside the enhanced service on a second cloud platform, Beamr has achieved “Powered by Oracle Cloud Expertise” status and was chosen as one of OCI’s AI innovators.

Fundraising Activities

Following our initial public offering on Nasdaq in March 2023, in February 2024, we raised gross proceeds of $13.8 million in an underwritten offering. At the end of 2024, we had $16.4 million in cash and cash equivalents.

2025: Capitalizing on Market Validation and Materializing the Sales Funnel into Significant Revenues

Market Validation: Amazon Web Services – ISV Accelerate

In Q1 2025, Beamr joined the AWS ISV Accelerate program, a global co-sell initiative for Amazon Web Services (AWS) partners. As an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) in the program, Beamr demonstrates strong alignment with AWS’s go-to-market strategies and initiatives. Beamr had progressed from listing on AWS Marketplace to becoming an ISV Accelerate Member in just three months.

In order to achieve the high bar to ISV Accelerate program, Beamr was required to have 10 opportunities with AWS and go through a Foundational Technology Review (FTR), which validates that our solution is well-architected and using best practices specific to our SaaS.

The AWS ISV program offers key benefits to drive visibility and co-selling opportunities. By joining, Beamr can expand sales operations through the AWS sales organization and the AWS Marketplace, driving increased growth for Beamr Cloud – the video optimization service that is seamlessly connected with AWS S3 cloud storage service. For example, AWS Account Managers are eligible for incentives when selling Beamr Cloud through AWS Marketplace. They also gain exposure to ISVs through solution partner recommendation engines.

AI Video Webinar

In January 2025, Beamr hosted a webinar titled: “The Future of AI Video – From Infrastructure to Experience”. The webinar featured Richard Kerris, VP of Media & Entertainment at NVIDIA, Jeffrey Schick, VP Strategic Client Engagement Media & Entertainment at Oracle and myself. The webinar discussed the platforms and technologies that drive the AI video revolution, and explored the opportunities and challenges of AI -powered media content.

Webinar hosted by Beamr about AI video

Keynote to Industry Leaders

In February 2025, Beamr participated in the ACM Mile-High-Video, and I presented a keynote titled: “Is the Future of Video Processing Destined for GPU?”. The ACM Mile-High-Video conference is a flagship video formats and streaming event, held annually in Denver, and organized by engineers and researchers from both industry and academia.

This month, Beamr will participate in NVIDIA GTC 2025, with my session discussing the evolution of video compression and the ability to efficiently enhance videos with AI-driven capabilities in real-time during video transcoding, utilizing GPU acceleration.

CEO Sharon Carmel presenting keynote at ACM Mile-High Video 2025

SaaS planning for 2025 – from Capabilities to Solutions

In 2025, we plan to introduce more solutions, as part of our evolving strategy – to further develop our technology, enhance Beamr Cloud’s video workflows and introduce more AI-driven capabilities. This is all based on the numerous meetings we have conducted with prospective customers, as well as on the events we held and attended by industry leaders providing valuable feedback.

The key target markets we are focused on include:
- Media & entertainment
- User-generated content
- Internet of things – autonomous vehicles, and other machine learning-driven industries; and
All identified markets that rely on video as a core component of their business operations can benefit from our offering of GPU-accelerated, high-quality and AI-driven video pipelines, whether deployed via cloud platforms, such as AWS and OCI, private cloud environments for enterprises, or on-premises infrastructure.

In addition, we plan to continue to advancing our core capabilities and maintain leadership in AI video. Some of the planned core capabilities include:
- Increasing subjective and objective video quality, and
- Turning lower resolution videos to high resolution videos using super resolution.
We anticipate a strong year ahead, with expanded participation in top industry events, increased customer and partner collaborations, and a deeper commitment to strategic partnerships.

In just the first two months of 2025, Beamr has taken its partnership with AWS to the next level, to a co-sale level, has hosted industry leading companies in its own event and has been chosen to present its technology and achievements at leading industry conferences. We believe this validation shows the recognition that Beamr has achieved in the market.

The plan for the upcoming quarters and the rest of 2025 is to capitalize on the strong industry recognition and sales pipeline that we have been developing, and we are expecting significant growth in our revenues in 2025 from our existing sales funnel.

2024 Financial Results

Regarding our financial results for 2024:
- Revenues increased by $0.15 million or 5% to $3.06 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to transactions with new customers versus other transactions that were terminated.
- Cost of revenues increased by $0.14 million to $0.24 million the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the amortization of internal-used software costs.
- Research and development expenses increased by $1.06 million, or 58% to $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $0.4 million in salaries, due to increased personnel and an increase of $0.48 million in professional fees due to additional sub-contractors and cloud costs.
- Selling and marketing expenses increased by $0.31 million, or 88% to $0.67 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $0.36 million in 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in personnel and an increase in conference costs.
- General and administrative expenses increased by $0.96 million, or 64% to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $1.5 million in 2023. The increase was primarily due to increased personnel, increase in professional fees related to public company requirements and increased travel expenses to conferences.
- Financing expenses, net decreased by $0.3 million, or 141% to ($0.09) million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $(0.2) million in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to changes in fair value of liabilities offset by interest income on bank deposits.
- Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $3.3 million or $0.22 basic net loss per ordinary share, compared to a net loss of $0.7 million, or $0.06 basic net loss per ordinary share, in the year ended December 31, 2023.
- Beamr ended 2024 with $16.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $6.1 million as of December 31, 2023.
In closing, 2024 represented a year of significant progress for Beamr as we executed on our plan by releasing and upgrading Beamr Cloud with AI video processes and workflows, participating in top industry events and increasing our customer and partner collaborations. Importantly, with our cash position at the end of 2024, we continue to have the financial flexibility to both accelerate the growth of our existing business and pursue compelling business development opportunities, a process we are actively engaged in.

Respectfully,

Sharon Carmel
Chief Executive Officer, Beamr Imaging Ltd.

A copy of Beamr’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at https://www.sec.gov/ and posted on Beamr’s investor relations website at https://www.investors.beamr.com/. Beamr will deliver a hard copy of its annual report, including its complete audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request at investorrelations@beamr.com.

About Beamr

Beamr (Nasdaq: BMR) is a world leader in content-adaptive video optimization and modernization. The company serves top media companies like Netflix and Paramount. Beamr’s inventive perceptual optimization technology (CABR) is backed by 53 patents and won the Emmy® award for Technology and Engineering. The innovative technology reduces video file size by up to 50% while guaranteeing quality.

Beamr Cloud is a high-performance, GPU-based video optimization and modernization service designed for businesses and video professionals across diverse industries. It is conveniently available to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) customers. Beamr Cloud enables video modernization to advanced formats such as AV1 and HEVC, and is ready for video AI workflows. For more details, please visit www.beamr.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this communication may include, among other things, statements about Beamr’s strategic and business plans, technology, relationships, objectives and expectations for its business, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results, operations and financial performance and condition, including its expectations for significant revenue growth in 2025. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, reference is made to the Company’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, but not limited to, the risks detailed in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC on March 4, 2025 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. investorrelations@beamr.com

Investor Contact:

investorrelations@beamr.com

The MIL Network –
March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s video message to the Tokyo Conference

Source: United Nations – English

strong>Download the vídeo: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+07+Feb+25/3336951_MSG+SG+TOKYO+CONFERENCE+2025+07+FEB+25.mp4

Excellencies, Dear Friends,

I am pleased to send warm greetings to the Tokyo Conference.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations.

This milestone is a crucial opportunity to reaffirm enduring principles that emerged from one of humanity’s darkest hours:

Peace through dialogue. Respect for human rights and international law. The promotion of social progress and sustainable development.

Japan is a leader in advancing these values and a pillar of multilateralism.

Your commitment to international cooperation stands as a powerful example of how nations can transform historical legacies into positive change.

As we look to our world today, we are confronted with myriad challenges – from multiplying conflicts to the raging climate crisis, from rampant inequalities to Artificial Intelligence without sufficient guardrails.

Your conference’s theme this year reminds us that global challenges demand global solutions.

In September, Member States of the United Nations adopted the Pact for the Future.

The Pact charts a bold course for reforming multilateral institutions for the 21st century;

It calls for reforming the Security Council and the international financial architecture – so every nation, large and small, has a voice in shaping our collective future.

It seeks to prioritize prevention, mediation and peacebuilding;

Enhance coordination with regional organizations;

And develop innovative approaches to emerging security challenges.

The Pact includes new strategies to end the use of chemical and biological weapons, the first global agreement on the international regulation of AI, and the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade.

As we prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we will continue to be guided by the inspiring example and vision of the hibakusha for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Excellencies,

By bringing together government leaders and diverse voices from around the world, the Tokyo Conference offers an important platform to advance the Pact’s objectives and drive multilateralism into the future.

Let us seize this moment to strengthen the foundations of trust, solidarity and cooperation and write a new chapter in our shared journey towards lasting peace, dignity and progress.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £1.5 billion to restore pride in Britain’s neighbourhoods
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

£1.5 billion to restore pride in Britain’s neighbourhoods

The government has announced £1.5 billion funding for 75 selected communities through the Plan for Neighbourhoods.
Turning the tide on a decade of decline, £1.5bn funding will foster stronger, better connected and healthier communities across the UK.

High streets, local parks, youth clubs, cultural venues, libraries and health and wellbeing services in scope of regeneration, creating local growth and opportunities through new Plan for Neighbourhoods.  

New neighbourhood boards across the 75 selected communities will bring together residents and businesses to decide how to spend the money in their area. 

The latest step in the government’s ambitious Plan for Change, kickstarting national renewal, taking back control of our streets and putting more money in local people’s pockets

Local people to see their high streets revived, community hubs saved and public services transformed and strengthened through the Plan for Neighbourhoods, announced today.

£1.5 billion to be handed to towns across the UK to tackle deprivation and turbocharge growth as every area joins the decade of national renewal committed to in our Plan for Change.

A total of 75 areas will each receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade through the plan, with ministers vowing it will help transform “left behind” areas by unleashing their full potential by investing in delivering improved vital community services from education, health and employment, to tackling local issues like crime. Transformation will be holistic, long-term, and sustainable to deliver meaningful change in the day-to-day lives of local people.

Communities across the four nations from Scunthorpe in England, Irvine in Scotland, Wrexham in Wales, and Coleraine and Derry~Londonderry in Northern Ireland are among the areas set to benefit.  

This is the latest step in the government’s ambitious Plan for Change missions to grow the UK economy, deliver safer streets and create opportunities for everyone.

The Plan for Neighbourhoods doubles the scope of the types of projects that can benefit and is now fully aligned with the government’s long-term Plan for Change missions: breaking down barriers to opportunity and kickstarting economic growth.

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner said:

“For years, too many neighbourhoods have been starved of investment, despite their potential to thrive and grow. Communities across the UK have so much to offer – rich cultural capital, unique heritage but most of all, an understanding of their own neighbourhood.

“We will do things differently, our fully funded Plan for Neighbourhoods puts local people in the driving seat of their potential, having control of where the Whitehall cash goes – what issues they want to tackle, where they want to regenerate and what growth they want turbocharge.”

Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, Alex Norris said:

“When our local neighbourhoods thrive, the rest of the country thrives too. That’s why we are empowering communities to take control of their futures and create the regeneration and growth they want to see.

“Our Plan for Neighbourhoods we will deliver long-term funding that will bolster that inner community spirit in us all and relight the fires in corners of the UK that have for too long been left fighting for survival.

“This, along with our ambitious reforms to streamline the planning system, devolve powers and strengthen workers’ rights, will help get places and people thriving once again.”

In each area, the government will help set up a new ‘Neighbourhood Board’, bringing together residents, local businesses, and grassroots campaigners to draw up and implement a new vision for their neighbourhood.  Mayors will have a formal role in town boards allowing local people to take advantage of the powers devolved from Westminster.

Each board will decide how to spend up to £20 million – they can choose from options ranging from repairs to pavements and high streets, to setting up community grocers providing low-cost alternatives when shopping for essentials, as well as co-operatives or even neighbourhood watches.  

By creating thriving places, strengthening communities, and empowering people to take back control, areas can now drive forward their own priorities.

Through our ambitious devolution plans already underway, creating the greatest shift in power from Whitehall to local areas across England – change and growth for every corner of the country is already being seen. Leaders with skin in the game are finally able to take the lead on decision making, tackling the issues that matter to voters, breaking down barriers to opportunity and boosting economic growth.

Further information

The Plan for Neighbourhoods delivers on the commitments made to these deprived communities from the previous administration’s Long-Term Plan for Towns, which it was confirmed at the 2024 Autumn Budget would be retained and reformed.  

Ministers have also published a list of regeneration powers that communities will be encouraged to use, like the power to save pubs by listing them as community assets, and the use of respect orders to tackle repeat offenders. 

Funding will be released from April 2025 with delivery investment commencing in 2026, and areas included in the Plan for Neighbourhoods were chosen after considering key factors including rates of deprivation and healthy life expectancy.

All 75 areas receiving funding are as follows:

Scotland:

Arbroath

Elgin

Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)

Peterhead

Dumfries

Irvine

Kilmarnock

Clydebank

Coatbridge

Greenock

Wales:

Barry

Wrexham

Rhyl

Cwmbrân

Merthyr Tydfil

Northern Ireland:

Derry~Londonderry

Coleraine

North East:

Blyth

Darlington

Eston

Hartlepool

Jarrow

Spennymoor

Washington

North West:

Accrington

Ashton-Under-Lyne

Burnley

Chadderton

Darwen

Farnworth

Heywood

Kirkby

Leigh

Nelson

Newton-le-Willows

Rawtenstall

Runcorn

Yorkshire and the Humber:

Barnsley

Castleford

Dewsbury

Doncaster

Keighley

Rotherham

Scarborough

Scunthorpe

Grimsby

East Midlands:

Boston

Carlton

Chesterfield

Clifton (Notts)

Kirkby-in-Ashfield

Mansfield

Newark-on-Trent

Spalding

Worksop

Skegness

West Midlands:

Bedworth

Bilston

Darlaston

Dudley

Royal Sutton Coldfield

Smethwick

East of England:

Canvey Island

Clacton-on-Sea

Great Yarmouth

King’s Lynn

Thetford

Wisbech

Harlow

South East:

Bexhill-on-Sea

Eastbourne

Hastings

Ramsgate

Ryde

South West:

Torquay

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Published 4 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health chief meets GZ’s vice mayor

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau met a delegation led by Guangzhou Vice Mayor Lai Zhihong today to discuss the deepening of medical co-operation between Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

At the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on various cross-boundary medical collaboration measures, including the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme, cross-boundary access to electronic health records via the eHealth mobile application, and the strengthening of exchanges between healthcare professionals from the two places.

Prof Lo stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to cross-boundary medical collaboration, and has long been committed to it as way of enhancing healthcare across the Greater Bay Area (GBA) for the benefit of the region’s residents.

He said the Health Bureau is pressing ahead with the pilot scheme’s extension to all of the GBA’s nine Mainland cities, as set out in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, and aims to announce more details in the first half of this year.

He also iterated that that the bureau will fully leverage the eHealth platform to expand the sharing of cross-boundary medical records.

“I have every confidence that under the guidance of key policies such as the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the National 14th Five-Year Plan, as well as the Resolution of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, Hong Kong and Guangzhou will take forward healthcare integration and innovation in the GBA through concerted efforts in accordance with the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits, thereby contributing to the needs of national development.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance Group’s Annual Report for 2024 published
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Municipality Finance Plc
Stock exchange release
4 March 2025 at 2:00 pm (EET)

Municipality Finance Group’s Annual Report for 2024 published

Municipality Finance Group’s Annual Report and Corporate Governance Statement for the year 2024 have been published in English and Finnish.

MuniFin Group’s Annual Report fulfills the reporting requirements of European Single Electronic Format (ESEF). In accordance with these requirements, Report of the Board of Directors and the Consolidated Financial Statements are published not only in the Annual Report file but additionally in a separate zip file in which Report of the Board and the Financial Statements are marked up with XBRL tags. These ESEF Financial Statements have been subject to an independent auditor’s assurance.

MuniFin Group has also published Pillar 3 Disclosure document in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 and Directive 2013/36/EU. The document is available in English. The remuneration aspects of Pillar 3 reporting are also available separately in Finnish in MuniFin Group’s Remuneration Report 2024.

MuniFin Group has also published its Green Impact Report and Social Impact Report for 2024 in English.

All of the above-mentioned reports are available on MuniFin’s website at www.munifin.fi.

MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

Further information:

Esa Kallio
President and CEO
tel. +358 50 337 7953

MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 53 billion.

MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

MuniFin’s customers are domestic, but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

Read more: www.munifin.fi

Important Information

The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Attachments
- MuniFin_Annual_Report_2024
- 529900HEKOENJHPNN480-2024-12-31-en
The MIL Network –
March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Next Hydrogen receives its ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (“Next Hydrogen“ or the “Company”) (TSXV:NXH, OTC:NXHSF) is pleased to announce that it has received official ISO 9001-2015 and ISO 45001-2018 certification notices for its 6610 Edwards Blvd site in Mississauga, Canada. These certifications demonstrate and certify Next Hydrogen’s standardized quality systems, health and safety management systems, supplier selection processes, and continuous improvement processes.

With these certifications Next Hydrogen has demonstrated that we have a robust operating system that can be scaled quickly to effectively support our growing customer base. Team Next Hydrogen is poised to exceed our customers’ expectations and become the supplier of choice for green hydrogen electrolysis systems. In 2024, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) provided a $2 million investment to Next Hydrogen which was critical in allowing Next Hydrogen to further enhance its quality standards and processes to help secure these certifications.

“These important certifications highlight our team’s continued commitment and dedication to build our brand steeped in innovation, quality, safety and reliability”, said Raveel Afzaal, President & CEO. “We are particularly grateful to FedDev Ontario for their financial support to achieve this critical milestone as part of our scale-up activities.”

“Congratulations to Next Hydrogen on this impressive milestone. Investments in clean technology companies, like Next Hydrogen, bolster Canada’s position as a global leader in green manufacturing and support our carbon reduction objectives,” said the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

About Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.
Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of water electrolyzers that use water and electricity as inputs to generate clean hydrogen for use as a green energy source or a green industrial feedstock. Next Hydrogen’s unique cell design architecture supported by 40 patents enables high current density operations and superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on an infrastructure scale. Following successful pilots, Next Hydrogen is scaling up its technology to deliver commercial solutions to decarbonize transportation and industrial sectors. For further information: www.nexthydrogen.com

About FedDev Ontario
For 15 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the hydrogen industry in general; delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure development or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to costs and expenses; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; health, safety and environmental risks; uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure developments or capital expenditures; currency exchange rate fluctuations; as well as general economic conditions, stock market volatility; and the ability to access sufficient capital. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, there will be no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

The MIL Network –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Fusion Fuel Closes $1.3 Million Follow-On Financing

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBLIN, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN – Fusion Fuel Green PLC (Nasdaq: HTOO) (“Fusion Fuel” or the “Company”), a leading provider of full-service energy engineering and advisory solutions, today announced that it has closed a $1.3 million private placement of senior convertible notes with certain institutional investors.

The senior convertible notes were issued at a weighted-average original issue discount of approximately 23% for an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million, mature in August 2026, and carry an 8% annual interest rate. In connection with the financing, the Company also issued warrants to the noteholders, providing additional equity participation.

“This follow-on financing further solidifies our financial position and underscores the ongoing commitment from our investors,” commented John-Paul Backwell, Chief Executive Officer of Fusion Fuel. “Their continued support reinforces the confidence in our long-term strategy and ability to execute. With these investments, we are strengthening our position as a diversified energy services leader, delivering value across the entire energy ecosystem.”

The proceeds from the financing are expected to provide additional working capital.

Additional information regarding the terms of the senior convertible notes and related warrants can be found in the Company’s report on Form 6-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 3, 2025.

About Fusion Fuel Green PLC

Fusion Fuel Green PLC (NASDAQ: HTOO) is an emerging leader in the energy services sector, offering a comprehensive suite of energy engineering and advisory solutions through its Al Shola Gas and BrightHy brands. Al Shola Gas provides full-service industrial gas solutions, including the design, supply, and maintenance of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems, as well as the transport and distribution of LPG to a broad range of customers across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. BrightHy, the Company’s newly launched hydrogen solutions platform, focuses on delivering innovative engineering and advisory services that enable decarbonization across hard-to-abate industries.

Learn more about Fusion Fuel by visiting our website at https://www.fusion-fuel.eu and following us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target”, “may”, “intend”, “predict”, “should”, “would”, “predict”, “potential”, “seem”, “future”, “outlook” or other similar expressions (or negative versions of such words or expressions) that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Fusion Fuel has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations, including but not limited the ability of the investment reported on to be consummated as anticipated. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties (including those set forth in Fusion Fuel’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations Contact

ir@fusion-fuel.eu

Wire Service Contact:
IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

The MIL Network –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Michelle Meehan Joins Vetty as Chief Marketing Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vetty, the one-stop shop hiring acceleration platform, today announced Michelle Meehan as Chief Marketing Officer. Reporting to CEO Jason Putnam, Meehan will be responsible for overseeing Vetty’s marketing and communications efforts and shaping the future of the brand.

“Having had the opportunity to work with Michelle, not once, but twice, I’ve seen her strategic vision, creativity and leadership in action,” said Putnam. “Her expertise will be instrumental in driving the Vetty brand forward and connecting with our customers in new and meaningful ways. Exciting times ahead.”

Recently named one of Chief Marketer’s Top Women in Marketing, Meehan’s 20 years of experience includes founding The Silver Thread, a brand consultancy that serves the HR technology space, amongst others. Meehan’s expertise in HR tech comes from her time as Vice President of Marketing at Plum, Head of Brand Marketing at PandoLogic and Product Marketing Manager at iCIMS. Before this, Meehan spent over a decade in media, where she held strategic marketing and advertising roles at Bloomberg, Rodale and Condé Nast. Over the course of her career, Meehan has been recognized with WIRED’s Marketer of the Year, Media Industry News’ Integrated Marketing Team of the Year and Media Industry News’ Best Marketing Team designations.

Meehan commented, “I’m excited to step into the role of Chief Marketing Officer at Vetty and reunite with Jason, a leader I greatly admire. Our previous collaboration has demonstrated what we’re able to accomplish together, and I’m eager to bring that energy to Vetty, build on the company’s current momentum and drive impactful growth into new markets. The future here is bright, and I can’t wait to get started.”

ABOUT VETTY
Vetty is a one-stop shop hiring acceleration platform where companies can expeditiously complete their screening, credentialing, hiring and onboarding of prospective candidates. Companies count on Vetty to accelerate the time from offer to active and deliver hard ROI. Learn more at https://vetty.co.

Note to editors: Trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein remain the property of their respective owners.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34199e1c-813a-49ae-8835-c521856a8e99

The MIL Network –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Aviva Canada: New data shows staggering rise in fraud across the country as Fraud Prevention Month kicks off
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Aviva Canada data reveals a 76% rise in claim fraud investigations in 2024.
- Auto-related incidents accounted for 67% of all claim fraud investigations during the past year.
- Bad actors are capitalizing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology for their malicious activities and Canadians are urged to keep vigilant.
TORONTO, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — From auto theft to AI-generated documents and beyond, fraud continues to be one of the more pressing issues facing Canadian consumers and businesses in 2025.

As Fraud Prevention Month kicks off, new data from Aviva Canada has revealed a 46% increase in claim fraud detection – and a staggering 76% rise in fraud investigations – in 2024. Auto-related incidents alone accounted for two-thirds (67%) of all claim fraud investigations during the past year. Advancements in AI and its use by individuals to falsify information are expected to be on the rise in 2025.

“People are getting more sophisticated and innovative in their approaches when engaging in potentially fraudulent activity, making it increasingly difficult for the average Canadian to spot,” says Jamie Lee, Head of Financial Crime and Fraud, Aviva Canada. “Insurance fraud costs Canadians $1 billion per year in added premiums. It’s vital for Canadians to stay educated on the rising trends to better protect themselves.”

Five Emerging Fraud Trends to Watch in 2025
The methods used by bad actors are constantly evolving, so it’s important for Canadians to stay current on emerging trends. Aviva Canada’s data shows five types of fraud that are growing in the Canadian market:
- Vehicle Theft and ReVINing – Vehicle thefts remain above pre-pandemic levels, with a 58% increase in investigations in the latter half of 2024. Stolen vehicles are often shipped overseas, or their VIN numbers altered and resold to unsuspecting Canadian buyers with false documentation. With the tightening of Canada-US borders, more stolen vehicles could remain in Canada, increasing the likelihood of Canadians buying a stolen vehicle from online public marketplaces.
- Staged Auto Accidents – Increasing in numbers and complexity, staging false auto accidents is a trend on the rise across Canada. Aviva Canada saw a 47% increase in the number of staged accidents caught in Q4 2024. This type of scam could be linked to organized crime groups operating in Canada.
- AI-Enabled Falsified or Forged Documents – The use of technology AI to edit or falsify documents is increasingly evident in investigations. This technology is frequently seen in both staged claims and opportunistic fraud, where it is used to create false claims or inflate legitimate claims, such as personal and commercial property contents claims, by supporting them with false invoices.
- Ghost Brokers – People posing as licensed insurance brokers to sell fake policies or manipulate information to secure lower premiums is a growing concern in Canada, often leaving unsuspecting consumers without valid coverage. Consumers should be extra vigilant when purchasing insurance. They are encouraged to check their provincial registries to ensure the person they’re dealing with is properly licensed and confirm proof of insurance directly with the insurer.
- Policy Misrepresentation – Individuals may misrepresent or omit key information from their insurance policies such as their true address, the intended use of a vehicle or property, or not disclosing major construction or renovations being done. These incidents can unfortunately lead to honest customers paying disproportionately higher premiums.
“Fraud impacts Canadians not only financially, but also mentally and emotionally,” adds Lee. “Fraud costs everyone and drives up insurance premiums. At Aviva Canada, we are continuing to work with law enforcement and industry stakeholders to better protect Canadians from fraud.”

For tips and more information on how to protect yourself or to report fraud, you can visit Aviva Canada’s Fraud Hub.

Media Contact:
Kelsie Ludlow
Communications Specialist
Tel: 437-331-7209
Email: Kelsie.ludlow@aviva.com

About Aviva Canada

Aviva Canada is one of the leading property and casualty insurance groups in the country, providing home, automobile, lifestyle, and business insurance to 2.5 million customers coast to coast. A subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, we have the financial strength, scale and are a trusted insurance provider globally for more than 325 years.

For more information, visit aviva.ca or Aviva Canada’s blog, LinkedIn and Instagram pages.

The MIL Network –
March 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: Churchill Discovers Vanadium-Titanium-Iron Mineralization at the Taylor Brook Nickel Project, Newfoundland & Labrador

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Churchill Resources Inc. (“Churchill” or the “Company”) (TSXV: CRI) is pleased to provide an update on its Taylor Brook nickel project where 2024 drilling and prospecting have returned anomalous Vanadium-Titanium-Magnetite (“VTM”) results at the TB-01 to TB-04 chargeability targets. These targets only cover a small area explored thus far on the margin of the large South Lobe of the Taylor Brook Gabbro Complex (“TBGC”), but suggest it to be a layered intrusion with critical minerals potential, in addition to the property’s high-grade magmatic Ni-Cu-Co mineralization seen at Layden (See news releases February 13, 2023, October 26, 2023).

Mineralized magnetite-layered units sampled thus far at the South Lobe are generally several metres thick and gently dipping northeasterly, from which numerous 2024 samples returned anomalous values of 540ppm-955ppm V, 3.1%-7.29% Ti and >20% Fe with Ni, Cu and Co enrichment at several sites at the TB-01 Target (Fig. 1 and Table 1). Winter Borehole Induced Polarization (“BHIP”) surveys at TB-01 have generated high chargeability off-hole targets in this same area, which will be drill tested along with a systematic trenching program.

Highlights:

Taylor Brook Gabbro a layered intrusion with economic potential for VTM critical metals
Numerous enriched VTM layers outcrop at the South Lobe allowing systematic surface testing
Ni-Cu-Co sulphides found at/near surface at TB-01, also enriched in VTM mineralization
BHIP defines large, high chargeability targets near holes TB-24-42B and TB-24-43 at TB-01
Spring 2025 work plans include systematic trenching and more drilling at TB-01, and
Further exploration for both Ni-Cu-Co magmatic sulphides and VTM mineralization along strike from TB-01 and the ~10km² magnetic/gravity anomaly at the South Lobe

Paul Sobie, CEO, commented:

“The anomalous VTM results we’re starting to see at TB-01 to 04, along with the associated shallow Ni-Cu-Co trends, are compelling, and systematic follow-up work will commence as soon as the snow cover melts. We prioritized this area based on anomalous Ni-Cu-Co in soils, and have drilled and prospected on surface the probable source layer within the TBGC, which is also anomalous in VTM’s, a good indication of layered intrusion-type mineral deposits. We’ve really only begun to evaluate a small portion of the overall approximately 10km² magnetic / vanadium soil anomaly VTM target on the South Lobe and its margins, so our 2024 results are encouraging.

VTM’s are important strategic metals for the steel, aerospace and battery industries for vanadium, and the pigment, steel and medical industries for titanium. North America has no vanadium production, with China, Russia, South Africa and Brazil the major producers, world-wide, from large layered intrusions such as the Bushveld Complex (South Africa). Layered intrusive mineral deposits typically exhibit layered VTM mineralization in the upper portions, with PGE and chromite deposits somewhat deeper, and Ni-Cu-Co-PGE deposits lowest, in the more ultramafic portion of the intrusion. The VTM mineralization intersected and prospected at surface at the TBGC therefore would appear to be at its upper levels, with exploration just getting started on the South Lobe.

Figure 1 – Vanadium in rocks, soils and drill cores over South Lobe TMI with VTEM anomalies

Systematic prospecting, mapping and trenching at the South Lobe, as well as more drilling at TB-01 are being planned. New exploration permit applications are being prepared for submittal. We’re quite excited by the BHIP method and results, which has located the highest chargeability targets within the TB-01 anomaly, off-hole but not distal from our 2024 drillholes. We’ll drill test these in 2025.”

The South Lobe has been of particular interest to CRI since staking it in 2021 based on its intense magnetic signature and coincident gravity anomaly, more particularly now as it is returning anomalous vanadium and titanium soil survey and prospecting results per Figure 1. The South Lobe magnetic feature is predominantly a topographic high with good exposures of layering along its margins, where the VTM horizons are commonly resistive, outcropping or forming scarps. Presently less that 10% of the South Lobe has been prospected, therefore the Company is planning a comprehensive prospecting, mapping, and trenching/stripping program for the Spring. The TB-01 horizon(s) are laterally extensive based on airborne geophysics and soil sampling and will be followed up along strike in Spring 2025. As well, the Company’s exploration team will comprehensively sample holes TB-24-41, -42B and -43 for VTM mineralization and PGEs in order to test for potential deeper horizons of mineralization.

Petrographic, lithogeochemical, and mineral liberation studies on mineralized samples are pending, which will assist in assessing the economic potential of these VTM units.

Table 1 – Selected 2024 Assay and Lithogeochemical Samples Metal Analytical Results

BHIP surveys at the TB-01 target were successful and have confirmed that off-hole chargeability anomalies correlate well with layers of VTM mineralization including a near-surface horizon also enriched in Ni-Cu-Co (see inset map on Figure 1). Hole TB-24-41 was blocked at 100m depth so the entire hole could not be surveyed, but the BHIP did detect the near-surface Ni-Cu-Co-VTM horizon (the Ni-Cu-Co trend on the figures) observed in the core as well as in numerous nearby angular boulders.

The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Derek H.C Wilton, P.Geo., FGC, who is a “qualified person” as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”). Mr. Wilton is an honourary research professor of Economic Geology at Memorial University in St. John’s and is independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101.

The lithogeochemical samples reported here were whole rock pieces, collected from outcrop and historical drill core by Dr. Wilton during fieldwork in September/October 2024. These samples were sealed in labelled plastic bags in the field. All sample bags were photographed and transported to Thunder Bay, ON, by secure courier. The samples were analysed by ALS Geochemistry Ltd. in Thunder Bay using ME-ICP06 whole rock and ME-MS61L analytical protocols. Samples with over limit Ni contents were re-assayed using OG-46 Aqua-Regia overlimit method. Quality control results, including the laboratory’s own control samples, were evaluated immediately.

The assay drill core and rock samples were placed in labelled, sealed plastic bags and delivered to Eastern Analytical of Springdale, NL, an ISO/IEC 17025 certified facility. The samples were analysed using ICP 34 (inductively coupled plasma) analytical protocols. Samples with over limit Ni and Fe contents were re-assayed using Eastern’s Ore Grade Assay (multi acid digestion) overlimit method. Quality control results, including the laboratory’s control samples, were evaluated immediately. ¹

¹The Company reminds investors that surface rock samples are select samples and may not be representative of all mineralization on the Taylor Brook property.

About Churchill Resources Inc.

Churchill Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on high grade, magmatic nickel sulphides in Canada, principally at its prospective Taylor Brook and Florence Lake properties in Newfoundland & Labrador. The Churchill management team, board and its advisors have decades of combined management experience in mineral exploration and in the establishment of successful publicly listed mining companies, both in Canada and around the world. Churchill’s Taylor Brook and Florence Lake projects have the potential to benefit from the province’s large and diversified minerals industry, which includes world class nickel mines and processing facilities, and a well-developed mineral exploration sector with locally based drilling and geological expertise.

Further Information

For further information regarding Churchill, please contact:

Churchill Resources Inc.
Paul Sobie, Chief Executive Officer
Tel.	+1 416.365.0930 (o)
	+1 647.988.0930 (m)
Email	psobie@churchillresources.com

Alec Rowlands, Corporate Consultant
Tel.	+1 416.721.4732 (m)
Email	arowlands@churchillresources.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “proposed”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, , the Company’s objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company’s properties; interpretation of recent exploration results; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Company’s properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Company’s properties; failure to identify any mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Company’s properties; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; and those factors described in the most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis of the Company. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.

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

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f88f1c38-2fc8-4687-b536-67baa68ec31e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d18ace1-d149-45eb-b87f-bf7a1d931b09

The MIL Network –

March 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: ChampionX’s Aerial Optical Gas Imaging (AOGI) Platform Secures EPA Approval for Regulatory Compliance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ChampionX Corporation (“ChampionX” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CHX), a global leader in oilfield technology, announced today its ChampionX Emissions Technologies’ Aerial Optical Gas Imaging (AOGI) platform has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Methane Alternative Test Method outlined in OOOOb. This approval marks a significant milestone in emissions management, empowering operators to integrate AOGI into their emissions monitoring programs to detect and locate fugitive methane emissions with unmatched efficiency and precision.

ChampionX’s AOGI platform has gained industry-wide recognition for its ability to complement fugitive emissions screening processes. It helps create efficiency with the possibility of surveying over 150 sites per day. By leveraging Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) technology, AOGI offers a scalable solution with the intent of reducing the time and cost required for emissions monitoring for operators of all sizes.

“As the first component-level platform approved by the EPA, AOGI represents a new standard in emissions monitoring,” said Sivasankaran ‘Soma’ Somasundaram, President & CEO of ChampionX. “This advanced method enables operators to monitor emissions to assist operators in taking action to meet regulatory requirements efficiently while seamlessly integrating into their existing workflows.”

This proven method combines high-definition OGI technology with an advanced gimbal system to detect, locate, and visualize methane leaks with pinpoint accuracy. The OGI technology has been refined for a variety of applications, including handheld, fixed, drone, and aerial systems.

“It’s the ultimate use of OGI, a familiar and trusted technology to pinpoint leaks quickly and efficiently from the air,” said Shankar Annamalai, Senior Vice President of Emissions Technologies and Permian Geomarket. “Given the scale of the oil and gas industry, streamlining the leak detection process is a big relief to operators, especially for small businesses.”

“This approval underscores our commitment to innovation and reinforces the United States’ position as a leading producer of efficient and sustainable oil and gas,” said Somasundaram.

Using our 140 years of oilfield expertise, ChampionX has, and will, continue to support the oil and gas sectors with cutting-edge technologies – ike AOGI, the Aura OGI™ camera, Soofie® continuous monitors, drones with HALO OGI® or Open Path Laser Spectrometer (OPLS) technology, and fixed-wing surveys – to address the evolving environmental and operational challenges.

For more information on how AOGI can complement your emissions monitoring program, visit ChampionX Emissions Technologies | AOGI or contact us at contactemissions@championx.com.

About ChampionX Emissions Technologies
ChampionX Emissions Technologies combines deep industry expertise with advanced technology to effectively tackle environmental challenges. By continuously enhancing our solutions, we assist clients in managing the complexities of emissions, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future.

About ChampionX
ChampionX is a global leader in chemistry solutions, artificial lift systems, and highly engineered equipment and technologies that help companies drill for and produce oil and gas safely, efficiently, and sustainably around the world. ChampionX’s expertise, innovative products, and digital technologies provide enhanced oil and gas production, transportation, and real-time emissions monitoring throughout the lifecycle of a well. To learn more about ChampionX, visit our website at www.championx.com.

Investor Contact: Byron Pope, byron.pope@championx.com, 281-602-0094

Media Contact: John Breed, john.breed@championx.com, 281-403-5751

The MIL Network –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Lufthansa Express Rail: Ticket now also valid for local public transportation

Source: Lufthansa Group

By train to the plane: now even easier. Bookings with Lufthansa Express Rail now include the Deutsche Bahn (DB) City-Ticket. This allows customers to also use local public transportation during their trip. Lufthansa boarding passes are also valid for travel by bus, tram, underground and suburban railway to and from the Express Rail station.

All Lufthansa Express Rail destinations except Siegburg and Basel will receive the convenient upgrade. In a total of 26 German cities, customers can use local public transportation before and after their trip. The City-Ticket is valid on the day of validity once in each direction for the trip to the Express Rail station or from there to the destination of the trip.

Demand for Lufthansa Express Rail has risen continuously in recent years. In 2024 alone, around 500,000 passengers used the service for their arrival and departure at Frankfurt Airport. With the integration of the City-Ticket, Lufthansa and DB are further enhancing their intermodal offering.

Lufthansa Express Rail is part of a more than 20-year cooperation between Lufthansa and DB. With just one booking step, customers can purchase a combined ticket for train and flight and thus conveniently use the train as a shuttle to Frankfurt Airport from a total of 28 cities in Germany. This means that Lufthansa Express Rail connects more than twice as many cities in Germany as Lufthansa currently serves by air. Every day, DB and Lufthansa offer more than 240 ICE connections with a Lufthansa flight number (codeshare numbers).

MIL OSI Economics –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI China: White paper stresses rigorous control over fentanyl-related substances

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

An undated file photo shows a customs officer uses a dog to check for illegal substances at an e-commerce industrial park in Hefei, Anhui province, that mainly deals with cross-border businesses. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s State Council Information Office on Tuesday released a white paper, titled “Controlling Fentanyl-Related Substances — China’s Contribution,” highlighting the country’s rigorous control over the chemicals.
China has attached great importance to maintaining control over fentanyl-related substances in recent years, the white paper says.
The country has exercised strict supervision over fentanyl-related medications, rigorously prevented the abuse of fentanyl-related substances, and stricken hard against the smuggling, manufacturing, and trafficking of fentanyl-related substances and related precursor chemicals, it notes.
“These have delivered notable results,” it states.
The document also emphasizes China’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation on drug control through dialogue, joint investigations, and knowledge sharing, while fostering partnerships based on equality and mutual trust.
“China has achieved notable successes in in-depth cooperation with countries concerned, including the United States, in addressing problems with fentanyl-related substances and their precursors,” the white paper states.
According to the document, China has enumerated fentanyl-related medications in the List of Controlled Narcotic Drugs and exercises strict control in terms of their manufacturing, sale, use and export.
Regarding control, China has worked actively to establish a digital tracking system for fentanyl-related medications, the white paper notes.
The comprehensive use of new technologies and methods, such as radio frequency identification tags, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, enables whole-process dynamic monitoring and closed-loop management of the manufacturing, sale, transport, use, import and export of fentanyl-related medications, which further prevents them from becoming lost.
China actively responds to new challenges associated with fentanyl-related substances, states the document.
To prevent the abuse of fentanyl-related substances and to combat and control related crimes to the greatest extent possible, China has adopted integrated measures such as expanding the list of controlled substances, strengthening regular supervision, stepping up inspection and seizure, and implementing innovative controls.
Committed to the vision of a global community of shared future, the white paper says China rigorously meets its international drug control obligations and adheres to the principle of shared responsibility among all countries and a comprehensive and balanced approach to drug control.
“It advocates mutual assistance, joint contribution, and shared benefit among all countries, and opposes finger-pointing and buck-passing,” the document asserts.
The white paper further emphasizes that China honors its own drug control responsibilities, firmly upholds the existing international drug control system, participates fully in making important decisions on international drug control, and contributes Chinese wisdom and solutions to the global governance of drugs.

MIL OSI China News –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Pepfar funding to fight HIV/Aids has saved 26 million lives since 2003: how cutting it will hurt Africa

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Eric Friedman, Researcher, Georgetown University

The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has been a cornerstone of global HIV/Aids prevention, care and treatment for over two decades. Pepfar has enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the US, but its future is now uncertain. Public health scholars Eric A. Friedman, Sarah A. Wetter and Lawrence O. Gostin explain Pepfar’s history and impacts, as well as what may lie ahead.

The early years

Many people today have forgotten the sheer devastation that the Aids pandemic wrought on the African continent, first spreading widely in east Africa in the 1980s. By the end of the 20th century, life expectancy in the region had decreased from 64 to 47 years.

Millions of children were infected and many grew up as orphans, with HIV taking the life of one or both of their parents. Children, especially girls, were taken out of school to nurse sick relatives or because school fees were unaffordable.

Underfunded health systems were near collapse, as were the economies of many African countries.

Infection rates in several countries on the continent topped 30% of their adult populations.

These devastating figures persisted despite the discovery of highly effective antiretroviral therapies in the 1990s. These drugs rapidly became widely available in rich countries, beginning in 1996, leading to an 84% decline in death rates over four years.

But cost kept the drugs out of reach for African countries.

Only about 100,000 of the 20 million people infected with HIV in Africa were accessing drug treatment in 2003.

The turnaround

A major breakthrough came when US president George W Bush proposed a bold global initiative, Pepfar, in his 2003 State of the Union Address. Pepfar would dedicate US$15 billion over five years with the goals of preventing 7 million new infections, treating 2 million people, and caring for another 10 million infected with HIV or orphaned by the disease.

By 2005, more than 800,000 people were being treated for HIV in Africa – an eightfold increase from only two years prior. Under Pepfar, the costs of antiretroviral treatment per person per year in low- and middle-income countries fell from US$1,200 in 2003 to just US$58 in 2023.

Pepfar maintained bipartisan support throughout both Democratic and Republican-led administrations and Congresses. Through 2018, it had been reauthorised three times, each for five years.

The programme has lived up to its promise. The investment of over US$110 billion since being launched has been transformative, with sub-Saharan Africa benefiting the most.

Globally, Pepfar has saved 26 million lives and prevented nearly 8 million babies from being born with HIV. In 2024, more than 20 million people were receiving HIV treatment through Pepfar, which was also supporting well over 6 million orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers, and enabled nearly 84 million people to be tested for HIV that year.

Its importance extends beyond Aids. The programme directly supports more than 340,000 health workers, a tremendous contribution in Africa especially, given severe health worker shortages in much of the continent.

Pepfar-supported health services integrate HIV services with tuberculosis care, treatment and prevention. And since 2019, Pepfar has been part of a partnership for screening and treating women with HIV for cervical cancer, focused on 12 high-burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

But the past two years have been ones of political discord and major disruption.

Troubles begin

The trouble began in May 2023, with Pepfar due for a five-year reauthorisation.

A key member of Congress, along with organisations against abortion, raised concerns that Pepfar was supporting abortions, even though there was no such evidence at the time. In fact, by law Pepfar is prohibited from supporting abortions.

House Republicans sought to include abortion restrictions in the Pepfar reauthorisation. But Congress passed a reauthorisation bill without abortion provisions in March 2024, to last until 25 March 2025.

Ever since then, the threats posed to a five-year Pepfar reauthorisation have grown.

The Trump effect

In January, Pepfar reported to Congress that its own investigators had found that four nurses in Mozambique had used Pepfar funding to perform abortions (which are legal in Mozambique), 21 in all. Pepfar officials froze funds to the four nurses and required staff to attest to understanding that they were prohibited from providing abortion as part of US-funded health services.

Days later Pepfar, along with most other US foreign assistance programmes, suffered a severe blow. President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing all further disbursements and new obligations of foreign assistance funds for 90 days, pending a sweeping review.

Four days later, secretary of state Marco Rubio issued a directive that went even further, also requiring organisations to stop work, even those that had already received funds needed to operate.

By 27 January, virtually all US foreign assistance programmes had come to a halt, including Pepfar programmes.

Following an outcry, Rubio issued a waiver for lifesaving humanitarian assistance on 28 January. With confusion over what was covered, including whether the waiver encompassed HIV medicines, he issued another waiver on 1 February, covering Pepfar treatment and care programmes, including prevention of and treatment for TB and other opportunistic infections, as well as prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes.

But organisations receiving US foreign assistance funds needed to get individual approval to resume, and the administration had put much of USAid’s staff on administrative leave. USAid (along with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has a central role in administering Pepfar. Many others, including contractors embedded in USAid operations, have been furloughed or fired.

Very few people existed to process requests to resume work. Furthermore, USAid’s payment system appeared not to be working.

The decisions of the Trump administration are being challenged in court in the US on the grounds that they are illegal and unconstitutional because they are usurping Congress’s power to determine how the US government spends funds, among other violations of the law.

Nonetheless, as of this writing, despite a court order to resume funding, it remains entirely frozen, and most programmes are still shut down. The day after the court ordered the government to pay nearly US$2 billion it owes organisations for work already done, the administration revealed that it had terminated the vast majority of foreign assistance awards, including some for Pepfar. Details have not been made public. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court put a short-term pause on the lower court’s order to immediately pay the money already owed.

The impact

The impact has been immediate. People on HIV treatment could not pick up additional medicine, leading to treatment interruption. Pepfar-funded health services had to turn away patients. Health workers supported by Pepfar, among them 40,000 in Kenya, could no longer be paid.

Many organisations that relied on Pepfar funds also had to lay off staff. Community groups have been affected and many have suspended their services entirely.

It remains unclear what the future holds – how severe the cuts will be, and to what programmes. In the near term, much depends on the courts and whether the administration implements court orders, as it has yet to do. In the longer term, Congress could seek to resume Pepfar to its former strength, though this would mean acting against the administration’s wishes. Even then, it is not clear whether the administration would spend the money allocated, and the damage already done to Pepfar programmes and trust in the US government will not be repaired quickly.

Pepfar is currently funded at US$7.5 billion annually. It accounts for over 10% of all US foreign assistance and over half of US global health assistance.

The separate Pepfar waiver suggests the deepest support for Pepfar is for HIV treatment programmes, as well as others meant to be protected under the waiver. Barring vast cuts to foreign assistance and Pepfar, these programmes are most likely to be at least spared, though the administration has terminated even some grants that had been covered by the waiver.

Other Pepfar programmes, particularly with respect to HIV prevention, are most vulnerable.

Rethinking priorities

The vulnerability of different African countries to Pepfar cuts varies widely. Some fund most of their own HIV programmes. South Africa’s HIV programmes are 74% domestically funded, with the balance coming from Pepfar (17%) and the Global Fund (7%).

But Pepfar funding accounts for about 90% of all HIV funding in Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire, and more than half of HIV medicines purchased for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Zambia are purchased by the US.

If there are significant Pepfar funding cuts, it is doubtful that other wealthy countries will be able to compensate. And because the US, through Pepfar, is the largest contributor to the Global Fund, it is unlikely that the Global Fund could fill the gap either.

Under these circumstances, unless countries increase their domestic HIV spending, the dramatic progress in combating HIV/Aids in Africa could begin to become undone.
The conversation in Africa must focus on ending reliance on foreign assistance and developing resilient financing mechanisms to continue the fight to end Aids.

– Pepfar funding to fight HIV/Aids has saved 26 million lives since 2003: how cutting it will hurt Africa
– https://theconversation.com/pepfar-funding-to-fight-hiv-aids-has-saved-26-million-lives-since-2003-how-cutting-it-will-hurt-africa-250413

MIL OSI Africa –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Electric cargo-bike delivery partnership extended until end of February 2026
Source: City of Oxford

A partnership that offers electric cargo bike deliveries for businesses is being extended for a further year, following support from Oxford City Council.
In March 2024, Oxford City Council and Velocity Cycle Couriers launched a 12-week trial offering same-day and next-day zero-emission deliveries by electric cargo bike for Oxford businesses to destinations within the ring road.

The trial was extended twice, following successful feedback from businesses participating in the scheme. Now, the Council is extending the partnership for a year until 28 February 2026.

Under the partnership, businesses can book deliveries to be carried out by a Velocity rider using the dedicated Oxford’s Covered Market e-cargo bike, supported by Velocity’s fleet of e-cargo bikes.

Oxford City Council subsidises 50% of each delivery, with participating businesses paying the remaining cost. This subsidy has allowed the partnership to continue for as long as possible, enabling businesses to explore zero emission deliveries for longer.

Funding for the extended partnership has come from an air quality grant, helping to support businesses with zero emission deliveries.

Supporting zero emission deliveries

The road transport sector is the largest contributor of NOX emissions in the city, accounting for 32% of total NOX emissions in Oxford.

This electric cargo bike partnership aims to support businesses as they explore how they can move towards zero-emission deliveries.

Since its launch, the partnership has made around 2236 deliveries within the Oxford ring road covering approximately 6259 miles, and supporting 27 businesses. In total, the initiative is estimated to have saved an estimated 1650 tons of carbon.

Participating businesses includes:

Truck Store

MacSimple

Oxford Mutual Aid

Hamblin Bakery

Iscream

Wicked Chocolate,

Oxford Cheese

Oxford Soap Company

Market Garden

Jemini

Gulp Fiction

Blue Blood

Oxunboxed

Woolhound

Market Cellar Door

Hamblin Kiosk

YOU Underwear

Nothing

Oxford Sandwich Company

Market Tap

David John

Walters

Taylors

Hoyles

Fresh Connection

Objects of Use

Scriptum

Businesses that want to take part in the partnership can contact Velocity at hello@velocitycc.co.uk or by calling Velocity on 01865 249 854.

“I am delighted that we are extending this partnership for another year, allowing us to continue to support local businesses, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. We encourage more businesses to join us in this journey towards a greener, cleaner Oxford!”

Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council

“After delivering Oxford City Council’s pilot for 12 months, we are delighted that so many businesses and traders have reaped the benefits of the council’s subsidised scheme to encourage zero emission deliveries. Our e-cargo bike deliveries have generated more than 1650 KgCo2e of carbon savings; they’ve reduced congestion within the ring road and have contributed to better conditions in the city centre for pedestrians and cyclists. We’re looking to bring more businesses into the scheme to offer them fast, reliable and sustainable deliveries while improving air quality and reducing pollution across our city.”

Jake Swinhoe, Director, Velocity Cycle Couriers
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University postgraduate student Nikita Blagoy: “The internship in China opened up new horizons for me”

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Postgraduate student at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Nikita Blagoy recently returned from China, where he completed an internship at the Dalian University of Technology. He became the winner of the All-Russian open competition for the appointment of scholarships of the President of the Russian Federation for studying abroad. We talked to Nikita about how the trip went, about the difficulties and the experience gained.

— Nikita, what were your first impressions of life in China?

— I immediately realized that this is a completely different world. The level of digitalization here is amazing: cash is almost never used, even fruit sellers on the street have QR codes for payment via WeChat or Alipay. But at the same time, the language barrier creates serious problems. Few people here speak English, so even simple everyday tasks, such as getting a SIM card or opening a bank account, require effort.

— How did you cope with these difficulties?

— I was lucky to meet guys who studied linguistics and already knew Chinese well. They helped me with translation and explained how local services work. Without their support, it would have been much more difficult. I also started learning basic phrases in Chinese to at least minimally communicate with the locals.

— How was studying in China? Are there any differences from Russian education?

— My internship was related to scientific work. I was doing research in the field of digitalization of business processes, studying Chinese scientific works and writing part of my dissertation. I had a scientific supervisor in China who helped with data analysis and consulted on local specifics.

As for differences, discipline is very strict in China. For example, students have mandatory physical training: they have to run 30 times 3 km per semester. They also take exams seriously: cheating is strictly punished, and students are motivated to gain knowledge, not just grades.

— What surprised you most about the Chinese education system?

— I was impressed by how involved Chinese students are in the learning process. From the first year, everyone has a supervising teacher who helps in difficult situations. Foreign students are treated with special attention here, understanding that adaptation takes time. It is also striking how much physical culture and traditions are valued in China. For example, in physical education, students study kung fu and other martial arts.

— What competencies did you acquire during your internship?

— Firstly, I have significantly improved my skills in working with scientific data. I have managed to collect unique material on digitalization in China, which I am using in my dissertation. Secondly, I have learned to adapt to new conditions faster and find a common language with people, even if we speak different languages. And, of course, I have become more independent and self-confident.

— What advice would you give to those planning to go on an internship abroad?

— First, don’t be afraid of difficulties. It’s better to try and face problems than to miss an opportunity. Second, develop communication skills: the ability to communicate, negotiate and find a way out of difficult situations. And believe in yourself. Even if something doesn’t work out, it’s not a reason to give up.

— What are your plans after graduate school?

— For now, I am focused on finishing my dissertation. But the experience I gained in China has opened up new horizons for me. I am considering continuing my research in the field of digitalization, perhaps in an international format. China has shown me how important it is to be part of the global scientific community, and I want to develop in this direction.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message to the Tokyo Conference

Source: United Nations secretary general

Download the vídeo: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+07+Feb+25/3336951_MSG+SG+TOKYO+CONFERENCE+2025+07+FEB+25.mp4

Excellencies, Dear Friends,

I am pleased to send warm greetings to the Tokyo Conference.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations.

This milestone is a crucial opportunity to reaffirm enduring principles that emerged from one of humanity’s darkest hours:

Peace through dialogue. Respect for human rights and international law. The promotion of social progress and sustainable development.

Japan is a leader in advancing these values and a pillar of multilateralism.

Your commitment to international cooperation stands as a powerful example of how nations can transform historical legacies into positive change.

As we look to our world today, we are confronted with myriad challenges – from multiplying conflicts to the raging climate crisis, from rampant inequalities to Artificial Intelligence without sufficient guardrails.

Your conference’s theme this year reminds us that global challenges demand global solutions.

In September, Member States of the United Nations adopted the Pact for the Future.

The Pact charts a bold course for reforming multilateral institutions for the 21st century;

It calls for reforming the Security Council and the international financial architecture – so every nation, large and small, has a voice in shaping our collective future.

It seeks to prioritize prevention, mediation and peacebuilding;

Enhance coordination with regional organizations;

And develop innovative approaches to emerging security challenges.

The Pact includes new strategies to end the use of chemical and biological weapons, the first global agreement on the international regulation of AI, and the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade.

As we prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we will continue to be guided by the inspiring example and vision of the hibakusha for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Excellencies,

By bringing together government leaders and diverse voices from around the world, the Tokyo Conference offers an important platform to advance the Pact’s objectives and drive multilateralism into the future.

Let us seize this moment to strengthen the foundations of trust, solidarity and cooperation and write a new chapter in our shared journey towards lasting peace, dignity and progress.

Thank you.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 5, 2025

Category: Transport

£1.5 billion to restore pride in Britain’s neighbourhoods

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Updates to this page

The early years

The turnaround

Troubles begin

The Trump effect

The impact

Rethinking priorities

Supporting zero emission deliveries