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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/HAITI – The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic: people are not giving up hope for a better future

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    MM

    Pourcine-Pic Makaya (Agenzia Fides) – “Behind every number stands a person whose suffering is immeasurable: children, mothers, the elderly, many of whom have been forced to leave their homes more than once, often with only the clothes they were wearing, and who now live in conditions that are neither safe nor acceptable,” said Amy Pope, Director-General of the United Nations International Organization for Migration, following the release of the Report on June 11, which revealed that nearly 1.3 million people have currently been displaced from their homes due to violence in Haiti, the highest number in the country’s history, equal to 11.5 million.In the first quarter of 2025 alone, another 1,600 people were killed – and 1,000 injured – by criminal gangs, with several massacres claiming dozens of lives each. Port-au-Prince remains the epicenter of the crisis, but gang violence is spreading far beyond the capital, according to the IOM. Recent attacks in the northwestern departments of Centre and Artibonite are said to have forced hundreds of thousands of residents to flee, many of whom are now living in makeshift shelters under extremely precarious conditions. In Artibonite, the largest of the country’s 10 departments, the violence has displaced more than 92,000 people from their homes in the municipality of Petite Rivière alone, which has a population of around 200,000. The situation is even more alarming in the Centre department. In cities with fewer than 200,000 inhabitants, such as Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau, the number of displaced people has more than doubled from around 68,000 to over 147,000 within just two months. Many people now live without access to medical care, clean water, and schools, leaving already vulnerable families struggling to survive, according to the IOM. As more and more people are forced to flee the country, the number of spontaneously created camps for displaced persons continues to grow. Since December, the number of these camps has risen from 142 to 246.In this climate of suffering, pain, crisis, and abandonment, there is many initiatives to help the population. One of these is “Let’s Move for Haiti,” a race/walk in the Gesso-Stura River Park, that will be held on Wednesday, July 2, by a group of friends and supporters of Father Massimo Miraglio. The Italian Camillian missionary from Borgo San Dalmazzo near Cuneo has lived and worked in Haiti, one of the poorest regions in Central America, for almost 20 years. All proceeds from the event will benefit the project “A Network of Paths for Human and Economic Development,” which the missionary has been implementing for several months in the parish of Pourcine/Pic Makaya, where he is parish priest (see Fides, 25/9/2024). Father Massimo had announced the end of the first phase of cleaning and maintaining some paths to allow people to move more safely and quickly and to promote the economic and social development of the area (see Fides, 19/3/2025).”Today,” writes Father Massimo, “we are in the first days of the final exams for the 2024-25 school year at the elementary school of the Pourcine-Pic Makaya parish. Another year is coming to a close with satisfaction, but so much remains to be done.” In addition to the school, other projects initiated by the missionary continue, such as adult literacy classes, the guesthouse, the reintroduction of coffee cultivation, the bean plantations, the aqueduct, and the many community activities.According to the IOM report, it is estimated that almost half of Haiti’s population is in need of humanitarian assistance, primarily in the form of food, shelter, hygiene and healthcare, and access to basic services such as drinking water and electricity. Regarding security, the local police have been reinforced by several hundred soldiers from an international support mission led by the Kenyan military police and composed of troops from Central American and Caribbean countries.”Without immediate funding and access, millions of people will continue to be at risk,” said Amy Pope. The IOM representative believes that humanitarian assistance is essential, but it is not the only thing needed. “We must act now. The strength of the Haitian people is inspiring, but resilience cannot be their only refuge. This crisis must not become the new normal,” the IOM Director General concluded. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 17/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – Protests over the death of Albert Ojwang, despite the arrest of some alleged perpetrators

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 17 June 2025

    Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – Today, June 17, protests erupted in the central business districts of Nairobi and Mombasa, with hundreds of young people taking to the streets to demand justice for Albert Ojwang, the 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died in police custody.Security forces attempted to disperse the crowd by firing tear gas canisters, while gangs of plainclothes motorcyclists attacked the demonstrators.At the center of the protests is Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat. Albert Ojwang was arrested on June 6 at his home in Kakot, Homa Bay district, for posting a social media post allegedly defaming Lagat.He was transported over 350 kilometers to the central police station in Nairobi and charged with publishing false information under cybercrime laws. On June 8, Albert Ojwang was found unconscious in his cell during a routine medical examination. Initially, authorities ruled Ojwang’s death a suicide; then, in the face of protests from his family and civil society, President William Ruto himself admitted that the blogger’s death was the work of the police, thus denying previous statements (see Fides, 12/6/2025).So far, two police officers, Samson Talaam of the Central Police Station and James Mukhwana, have been arrested in connection with the teacher’s death, while the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) continue their investigations. In addition, a technician was arrested for allegedly tampering with the video surveillance system at the Central Police Station in Nairobi on the night of June 7-8, allowing officers to take Ojwang from his cell to Karura Forest, where he was tortured to death.Eliud Lagat himself has since resigned, but this has not calmed the spirits of the population, especially the youth, as Ojwang’s murder has reignited national outrage over police brutality and renewed calls for reforms in the security sector. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 17/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisville Man Sentenced to 2 Years and 7 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and a Machine Gun

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced on June 12, 2025, to 2 years and 7 months in federal prison for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a machine gun.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

    According to court documents, Caleb Pace, 29, was sentenced to 2 years and 7 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Glock, Model 17, 9-millimeter pistol; a Kel-Tec, Model P50, 5.7 x 28-millimeter pistol; a Glock Switch (machine gun conversion device); and ammunition.

    On March 22, 2024, LMPD Detectives were conducting surveillance at 314 N 43rd Street. Pace was observed on a surveillance camera armed with firearms. Detectives conducted a vehicle stop, and a search of the vehicle produced three firearms including the firearms that Pace was observed possessing on the surveillance camera. Pace was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

    On December 17, 2010, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Pace was convicted of burglary in the second degree.

    On February 10, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Pace was convicted of burglary in the third degree, complicity to wanton endangerment in the first degree (seven counts), complicity to criminal mischief in the first degree, and assault under extreme emotional disturbance.

    “This is great work by ATF and LMPD to take another dangerous felon off the streets of Louisville. Equally important, a pistol capable of automatic fire was seized by law enforcement and will no longer be passed around among those wishing to do significant harm to others,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner.

    “Machine gun conversion devices – commonly known as ‘Glock switches’- are illegal to possess under federal law. These devices enable a semi-automatic pistol to fire fully automatic, discharging approximately 30 rounds in just two seconds. Their possession presents a serious threat to public safety and to law enforcement officers. The ATF remains committed to working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and our local partners to prioritize investigations and enforcement actions targeting individuals who possess or use these dangerous devices,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the Louisville Division.

    There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD. 

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.

    This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This case is also a part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Billion Dollar Sports Entertainment Facility Market Witnessing Significantly High Revenue Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Sports facilities are not just earning revenues from sports but are also creating additional revenues from entertainment and other events. A recent report from Market.us said that the Global Sports Facilities Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1,084.0 Billion by 2034, from USD 132.4 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 23.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The report said: “Sports facilities are dedicated spaces for athletic activities, training, and competitions. They include stadiums, arenas, gymnasiums, and community sports complexes. Some focus on professional events, while others serve schools and local leagues. These facilities support various sports, offering equipment, seating, and amenities for players and spectators. The sports facilities market includes businesses that develop, operate, and manage venues for sports activities. It covers public and private stadiums, fitness centers, and training complexes. The market depends on sports popularity, event hosting, and investments in infrastructure. Revenue comes from ticket sales, sponsorships, memberships, and government funding. Sports facilities are evolving to meet rising demand. Governments and private investors are upgrading stadiums, gyms, and training centers to attract more visitors.” Active Entertainment companies active in the markets include: Venu Holding Corporation (NYSE American: VENU), Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV), TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS), DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG).

    “Major sports events significantly impact local economies. According to Wikipedia, every $1 spent on operating costs and venues generates $2 for the host city. Additionally, these events create over 18,000 jobs on average. For this reason, cities continue to bid for global tournaments despite the high cost of construction and maintenance. Growth in this market is driven by increased sports participation and tourism. New multi-purpose venues host concerts, exhibitions, and esports events alongside traditional sports. However, competition is intense, with regions vying for sponsorships and government funding. As a result, operators focus on technology, sustainability, and unique fan experiences to stay competitive. The impact of sports facilities extends beyond entertainment. Locally, they create jobs, boost tourism, and promote community engagement. On a larger scale, they strengthen the global sports economy. Well-maintained venues attract international events, driving revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights. Consequently, sports infrastructure plays a key role in economic growth.”

    Venu Holding Corporation (NYSE: VENU) Closes $10.125 Million Strategic Investment from Institutional Investor, Issues Convertible Preferred Stock – Venu Holding Corp. ($VENU) has closed a $10.125 million equity investment from a leading institutional investor through the issuance of 675 shares of Series B 4% Convertible Preferred Stock, priced at a Stated Value of $15,000 per share.

    Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into 1,000 shares of common stock, reflecting a conversion price of $15.00 per share, with a 4% annual cumulative dividend, payable in cash or registered common stock.

    Proceeds from the investment will support the continued development of the Company’s amphitheater buildout, including high-profile venues underway in McKinney, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

    Key terms of the Series B Preferred Stock include:

    • $15.00/share conversion price
    • Senior priority to common stock
    • Optional redemption rights for the investor if key venues are not operational by August 14, 2027
    • Company call option for conversion if common stock trades above $20.00 for 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days
    • Mandatory redemption if key long-term service agreements are terminated without replacement

    Additionally, the Company has entered into a Registration Rights Agreement and will file a registration statement with the SEC to cover the resale of any common shares issued under the preferred terms. This strategic capital infusion strengthens the Company’s balance sheet and further positions it to capitalize on demand for premium live entertainment infrastructure nationwide.   Read more about Venu Holding at:   https://venu.live/invest/

    In other developments and happenings in the sports/entertainment industry recently include:

    Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV), the global leader in live events, recently announced the election of Richard Grenell to its Board of Directors. Mr. Grenell brings decades of experience in diplomacy and negotiations, having served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Acting Director of National Intelligence, Presidential Envoy for Kosovo-Serbia Negotiations and Presidential Envoy for Special Missions. Mr. Grenell also currently serves as the President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he oversees operations and programming at one of the nation’s premier cultural institutions.

    His career experience will help support Live Nation’s mission to bring more live music to the world, while also advocating for industry reforms that protect both fans and artists. “We are pleased to welcome Ric to our Board,” said Randall Mays, Chairman of the Board of Live Nation Entertainment. “His background will bring a valuable perspective as Live Nation continues to contribute to a growing live music industry around the globe.”

    TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), a premium sports and entertainment company, recently announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend pursuant to which TKO’s Class A common stockholders will receive their pro rata share of an aggregate distribution of approximately $75 million from TKO Operating Company, LLC to its equityholders. The per share dividend to the holders of TKO’s Class A common stockholders will be $0.38 per share. The dividend will be paid on June 30, 2025 to Class A common stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 13, 2025.

    Future declarations of quarterly dividends are subject to the determination and discretion of TKO based on its consideration of various factors, such as its results of operations, financial condition, market conditions, earnings, cash flow requirements, restrictions in its debt agreements and legal requirements and other factors that TKO deems relevant.

    Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) recently reported financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2025. Fiscal 2025 third quarter operating results reflected growth in average per-game revenues, including for tickets, sponsorship and premium hospitality offerings, across a combined two fewer New York Knicks (“Knicks”) and New York Rangers (“Rangers”) games played at the Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”) as compared to the prior year quarter. In addition, fiscal 2025 third quarter operating results reflected the impact of expected reductions in local media rights fees as a result of proposed amendments to the Knicks’ and Rangers’ local media rights agreements with MSG Networks Inc. (“MSG Networks”) (as announced on April 25, 2025 and discussed in further detail in the Other Matters section of this earnings release), as well as the impact of the Knicks’ and Rangers’ rosters for the 2024-25 seasons.

    In March, the Company launched its 2025-26 Knicks and Rangers season ticket renewal initiative, which has seen strong demand to date. Subsequent to the end of the fiscal 2025 third quarter, both teams concluded their regular seasons, with the Knicks currently competing in the NBA playoffs.

    For the fiscal 2025 third quarter, the Company generated revenues of $424.2 million, a decrease of $5.8 million, or 1%, as compared to the prior year period. In addition, the Company reported operating income of $32.3 million, a decrease of $47.4 million, or 59%, and adjusted operating income of $36.9 million, a decrease of $51.8 million, or 58%, both as compared to the prior year period.

    In response to the recent and prior sports wagering tax increases passed by the Illinois state legislature on all mobile and online sports wagers placed with licensed operators, DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG) recently announced that it will implement a 50-cent transaction fee on all mobile and online bets placed in Illinois through DraftKings Sportsbook, effective September 1, 2025.

    “Illinois has been an important part of our growth, and we’re proud to have contributed meaningfully to the state through tax revenue, job creation, and a sustained investment in responsible gaming tools and resources,” said Jason Robins, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of DraftKings. “We are disappointed that Illinois policymakers have chosen to more than triple our tax rate over the past two years, and we are very concerned about what this will do to the legal, regulated industry. Meanwhile, Illinois continues to fuel the rapidly growing illegal industry, which pays no taxes or fees and provides none of the consumer protections that regulated operators offer.”

    DraftKings continues to support collaborative policymaking that works for the state and allows for the long-term sustainability of the industry. Should the legislation be repealed, the company will immediately remove the Illinois-specific per wager transaction fee.

    About FN Media Group:

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

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

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

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

    Contact Information:

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

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC – 16 06 2025] – (CGAML)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 16 JUNE 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.2p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,400,542 3.3106    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,400,542 3.3106    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.2p ORDINARY SALE 2,000 3025p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 17 JUNE 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [MARLOWE PLC – 16 06 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 MARLOWE PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 16 JUNE 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 NO

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 50p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 3,105,841 3.9553    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 3,105,841 3.9553    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    50p ORDINARY SALE 1,375 441.8p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 17 JUNE 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Global travel made simple with Kaspersky eSIM Store

    Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) eSIM Store is a new connectivity solution for international travel. Designed to make it easier for leisure and business travellers to stay online globally, it empowers users with easy Internet access across 150+ countries and regions, with a choice of over 2,000 affordable data plans.

    The production of eSIM-compatible devices has increased tenfold in the last five years according to the GSMA (http://apo-opa.co/4lamZ8D). By 2028, it is expected that half of all mobile connections worldwide will use eSIM technology. This rise in popularity is driven by eSIM’s convenience and ease of use – eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and enabling a hassle-free experience wherever you go.

    To meet this growing trend, Kaspersky eSIM Store provides access to eSIM plans from local telecom operators all over the world – with an easy interface and simple management.

    A new way to always stay connected

    Kaspersky eSIM Store lets users to enjoy affordable and easily accessible Internet connections around the globe without the hassle of physical SIM cards. Users can seamlessly access eSIM plans from local telecom providers in 150+ countries and regions worldwide, providing favourable rates and transparent conditions without any roaming fees.

    While travelling, an eSIM can help users avoid high roaming costs on a primary SIM, remove the need to search for a local SIM kiosk and share personal data with them, as well as avoiding the use of unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Instead, eSIM ensures that leisure travellers can focus on the joyful moments of their trip and instantly share them with friends and relatives, while business travellers have continuous access to important messages, working documents and video calls.

    Seamless connection in a few taps

    Kaspersky eSIM Store features a user-friendly interface for plan selection, purchase, top-ups, and data usage management. Travellers can choose their preferred activation date, allowing them to set up their eSIM in advance and be connected the moment their trip begins — all in just a few taps.

    To match the needs of any traveller, there are many flexible ways to choose and manage data plans.

    Options are available based on destination, including plans for specific countries, global plan 122 destinations, or mini-global plans tailored to specific regions. For trip duration, travellers can select between expiring plans valid for a fixed period or non-expiring plans that remain active until the data is fully used. This ensures convenience whether the trip is short or long.

    Additionally, users have control over when their plan starts. They can either schedule activation for a specific date or begin using the data immediately, providing flexibility to align with their travel schedule.

    To ensure users never run out of GB unexpectedly, Kaspersky eSIM Store provides real-time data usage monitoring and alerts when a balance is near zero. The user profile (on the webpage or in the app) allows quick top-ups and supports multiple countries on a single eSIM – install once and use for a lifetime.

    Kaspersky eSIM Store is launched in partnership with award-winning provider BNESIM Limited, which has been delivering global eSIM services since 2017.

    “At Kaspersky we are constantly keeping up with latest trends shaping our digital habits, and eSIM is definitely one of them. eSIM technology greatly simplifies travelling abroad, allowing people to stay connected and not worry about issues like roaming charges. We know from our own experience how important it is to stay in touch with your family or colleagues when you are on a trip, so we designed Kaspersky eSIM Store for all types of travellers to ensure instant access to eSIM data plans wherever they go, as well as to provide a safe and positive digital experience,” – Mikhail Gerber, Executive Vice President, Consumer Business, Kaspersky.

    Kaspersky eSIM Store is now available on the official website www.Kasperskyesimstore.com, and as a mobile app in App Store and Google Play.

    Kaspersky eSIM Store complements Kaspersky’s wide range of industry-recognised solutions, such as Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection and Kaspersky Premium. Together they cover all modern connectivity needs and enhance digital freedom – ensuring safe, worry-free connectivity across the world.

    *You can check your device’s eSIM-capability on the www.Kasperskyesimstore.com or in the app.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

    For further information please contact:
    Nicole Allman
    nicole@inkandco.co.za

    Social Media:
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4kVoJ5G
    X: https://apo-opa.co/4jX5cAx
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3ZzIlnD
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4e2SCyu
    Blog: https://apo-opa.co/4jZCUpf

    About Kaspersky:
    Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mauritania roundtable raises US$2 billion pledge from the Arab Coordination Group in development funding

    Mauritania’s national development program will see a strong boost with a US$2 billion pledge made by the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (www.TheACG.org) at a high-level roundtable held in Vienna, Austria. The event was chaired by the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, and was hosted by the OPEC Fund for International Development in the framework of the Annual Meeting of the ACG Heads of Institutions.

    OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “We are strongly committed to play an active role in the implementation and success of Mauritania’s ambitious development program. With our pledge we are mobilizing our collective capabilities to translate ambition into action and bring about positive change in the lives of the people of our partner country Mauritania.”

    Speaking on behalf of the Arab Coordination Group, the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), H.E Dr. Muhammed Al Jasser, said: “Our funding will be directed to vital priority sectors, including energy, water, transportation and digital infrastructure, in order to stimulate economic growth and achieve comprehensive and sustainable development in the country.”

    The pledge followed an opening address by President El Ghazouani who reaffirmed Mauritania’s commitment to institutional reform, enhanced transparency and improved governance. He noted that these efforts, combined with macroeconomic stability and modernized public administration, are laying the foundation for long-term, inclusive growth. The President also underscored the country’s ambition to become a competitive investment destination through streamlined investment procedures and strengthened national security.

    During the roundtable, the government of Mauritania presented a portfolio of priority investment projects. Among them was an initiative to hybridize thermal power plants and enhance existing hybrid facilities with advanced energy storage solutions. Two strategic water infrastructure projects were also featured: one at the Taraf Al-Mahroud site and another in the Karakoro Basin. In the transport sector, the rehabilitation of the Nouakchott–Nouadhibou and Rosso–Boghé corridors was highlighted as vital to improving trade and connectivity.

    The ACG pledge will cover the period 2025-2030. Delivery will be “closely coordinated with the government and international partners,” IsDB President Al Jasser announced. The roundtable preceded the OPEC Fund Development Forum on June 17, where Mauritania’s President El Ghazouani will deliver an opening address as guest of honor.

    OPEC Fund President Alkhalifa underscored the institution’s commitment to supporting Mauritania. During a visit to the country in January he signed a Country Partnership Framework Agreement for the period 2025-2027. Under this strategic cooperation, the OPEC Fund will focus on key sectors such as renewable energy, water, food security, transport and clean cooking. The President said: “To be successful, development needs to attract investment. To be sustainable, however, development also needs to generate tangible results for the people. The government’s strategy prudently links both.”

    The Arab Coordination Group is the world’s second-largest development finance group, united around shared values of South-South cooperation and solidarity. Last year, the ACG extended US$19.6 billion collectively to fund nearly 650 operations in more than 90 countries.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

    About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
    The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. Comprising ten development funds, ACG is the second-largest group of development finance institutions in the world and works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact.

    The Group comprises the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Rolls-Royce Expands African Footprint with New Regional Headquarters and Training Facility for its Power Systems division

    • New facility in Johannesburg will meet the growing demand for local service solutions
    • Training up to 150 engineers per year

    Rolls-Royce (www.Rolls-Royce.com) has officially opened a new headquarters and training facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, to support its Power Systems division. The new facility is further evidence of the company’s long-term commitment to Africa and will support the growing fleet of Power Systems’ mtu mobile and stationary power solutions across critical sectors such as energy, technology, mining, transportation, and oil & gas.

    Located in a specially adapted facility spanning approximately 6,000m², the new site consolidates core customer-facing functions into a central hub, including service coordination, spare parts storage, logistics, and technical training. It complements Rolls-Royce’s existing footprint in South Africa, with mtu engine rebuild capability, and finance and logistics functions located in Cape Town.

    The training centre is designed to support between 100 and 150 trainees annually with a wide range of training engines, including mtu 2000 and 4000 series, used for power generation, mining and rail applications. Trainees will benefit from access to advanced tooling and use simulation equipment for electronic training. The centre will deliver certified practical and theoretical training, equipping customers and partners from across Africa with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to support a wide range of applications and industries. 

    The new facility, operated by Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa, features dedicated capacity for the engineering and assembly of repower modules, enabling the replacement of engines in mining haul trucks and excavators with more suitable mtu power solutions. This allows customers to select upgrade options tailored to their specific operational needs. Fitting mtu engines delivers clear commercial benefits, including lower Total Cost of Ownership through improved fuel efficiency, increased equipment availability, and reduced maintenance costs. With a strong focus on system resilience, the regional subsidiary Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa is committed to delivering robust, fit-for-purpose solutions designed to perform in the demanding and often harsh operating environments across the continent.

    Cobus Van Schalkwyk, Director Global Mining and Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Solutions Africa:

    “As we approach our 25th year in South Africa, this new facility is a clear signal of our confidence in Africa’s growth and our commitment to being closer to our customers.

    “By bringing support services, technical training, and parts availability together under one roof, we’re building the capabilities that matter most to our partners across the continent. This investment also supports our strategy to further localise operations, reduce lead times, and strengthen supply chain resilience — critical advantages for customers operating in remote or fast-paced environments.”

    Press photos for download can be found at Media Centre (https://apo-opa.co/3G5yjnr)

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rolls-Royce.

    For further information, contact:
    Media
    Lydia-Claire Halliday
    Corporate Communications Africa
    LCH Consultancy
    Tel +254 708000510
    lydia@lchconsultancy.com

    About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc:
    1.    Rolls-Royce is a force for progress, powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.

    2.  Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 48 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.

    3.  Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition.

    4.  Annual underlying revenue was £17.8 billion in 2024, and underlying operating profit was £2.46 billion.

    5.  Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69)5.     

    6.   Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,350 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition.

    www.Rolls-Royce.com
    www.mtu-Solutions.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS San Diego, USS Rushmore Join USS America in Sydney

    Source: United States Navy

    SYDNEY — Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), and embarked elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Sydney, Australia, for a routine port visit while conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, June 15.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: City services are eliminating the consequences of the bad weather

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Heavy rain falls in some areas of the capital on June 17 during the day. The greatest amount of precipitation fell in the south of the city. According to weather forecasters, thunderstorms with rain are expected by the end of the day, and wind gusts may increase to 15 meters per second.

    Due to bad weather, teams and special equipment of the State Unitary Enterprise “Mosvodostok” are on duty on the city streets. City services promptly respond to incoming requests.

    Residents and visitors to the capital are asked to be careful on the street, not to take shelter under trees and not to park cars near them.

    In an emergency, you must call the emergency services at the single number 112 or the single helpline of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the city of Moscow: 7 495 637-31-01.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155374073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update: Detectives name victim of Hackney murder

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a murder in Hackney are now able to name the victim, as their enquiries continue into the circumstances of her death.

    Annabel Rook, aged 46, died early this morning, Tuesday, 17 June, having been found with stab wounds.

    A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Officers are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

    Police were called at 04:57hrs to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside an address in Dumont Road, Hackney.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Annabel sadly died at the scene.

    Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in the local area, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this very difficult time.

    “Our officers arrested a man on suspicion of murder at the scene and will be conducting interviews as soon as possible, to establish the full circumstances that led to Annabel’s death. While enquiries continue, at this early stage we do believe this to be a domestic-related incident.

    “We understand what happened will cause concern within the Hackney community and residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, along with a crime scene, as we carry out the investigation. We are working closely alongside our partners at Hackney Council to help support those residents locally who have been impacted by this.”

    The man arrested was taken to hospital with slash wounds where he currently remains. His condition is not life-changing or life-threatening.

    Two children, aged nine and seven, were also been taken to hospital as a precaution but are not believed to have been inside the property at the time of the gas explosion.

    Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 926/17June or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: AvePoint Launches New Advanced Security and Optimization Features to Elements Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AvePoint (NASDAQ: AVPT), the global leader in data security, governance and resilience, today announced new capabilities for the AvePoint Elements Platform that enable managed service providers (MSPs) to enhance data security offerings, streamline IT management, and provide optimization services at scale. Through seamless marketplace integration, deep risk user insights, and license and storage optimization, AvePoint is reinforcing its commitment to accelerating profitability and efficiency for MSPs, making their security practices more robust and efficiently organized.

    With nearly a third of small and midsized businesses (SMBs) falling victim to cyberattacks and 81% of SMBs believing AI is increasing the need for additional security controls, MSPs are in the midst of a tremendous market opportunity to take advantage of a rapidly growing market for Managed Security Services. The AvePoint Elements Platform makes it easy to scale deployments and follow through on the desire to standardize their support with one vendor – a goal of nearly three quarters of MSPs today.

    “In today’s market, MSPs must balance robust security measures with resource optimization and operational efficiency,” said Scott Sacket, Senior Vice President of Partner Strategy, AvePoint. “These new features demonstrate the evolution of AvePoint Elements to empower MSPs to navigate challenges with confidence and create sustainable competitive advantage in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.”

    New capabilities generally available today in the AvePoint Elements Platform include:

    • Marketplace Integration: It can be difficult to manage licenses across multiple vendor portals, leading to administrative inefficiencies that can disrupt client services. The platform now integrates with major distributors, allowing partners to purchase, track, and manage all client licenses directly from the Elements dashboard without switching between multiple vendor portals. This unified approach eliminates billing errors, reduces administrative overhead, and ensures MSPs never miss renewal opportunities.
    • Risk User Insight: MSPs face increasing pressure to detect insider threats and suspicious user behavior across their clients’ environments but lack the tools to monitor activities comprehensively without dedicating significant manual resources. This comprehensive feature continuously monitors user activities across network security, configuration security, endpoint security, and identity access management, using customizable rules to identify potential risks before they become breaches. MSPs can now proactively detect suspicious behavior patterns, reduce their liability exposure, and offer clients enhanced security monitoring services that command premium pricing.
    • License Optimization: MSPs can struggle to track license utilization across multiple client environments, resulting in wasted spending on unused or inactive user accounts. This feature analyzes license usage across multiple client tenants, automatically detecting inactive or blocked users and enabling seamless license reassignment without manual intervention. Partners can recover significant wasted license costs for clients while positioning themselves as strategic cost optimization advisors.
    • Storage Optimization: 47% of MSPs report being overwhelmed by the volume of security data they manage, suggesting that compliance and archiving tasks are a major drain on technical resources. This solution allows partners to configure and execute archiving jobs across multiple customers simultaneously, with self-restoration capabilities for end users and industry-specific compliance rules. MSPs can dramatically reduce manual archiving work, ensure clients meet regulatory requirements without constant oversight, and free up technical staff to focus on strategic security services that drive higher margins.

    “These new features align perfectly with our mission for the Elements Platform: streamlining IT management, enhancing data security, and providing optimization services at scale,” said Coby Liang, Head of EMEA, AvePoint. “By helping our partners identify areas to offer value-added services, we’re supporting them in their transition from traditional reselling to comprehensive managed services, ultimately improving their margins and strengthening their client relationships.”

    This release builds upon AvePoint’s strategic investments in its channel business in 2025, including the acquisition of Ydentic, the next-generation Elements platform launch in February and additional security and management capabilities introduced in April.

    For more information on AvePoint Elements, visit the website.        

    About AvePoint:

    Beyond Secure. AvePoint is the global leader in data security, governance, and resilience, going beyond traditional solutions to ensure a robust data foundation and enable organizations everywhere to collaborate with confidence. Over 25,000 customers worldwide rely on the AvePoint Confidence Platform to prepare, secure, and optimize their critical data across Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, and other collaboration environments. AvePoint’s global channel partner program includes approximately 5,000 managed service providers, value-added resellers, and systems integrators, with our solutions available in more than 100 cloud marketplaces. To learn more, visit www.avepoint.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws including statements regarding the future performance of and market opportunities for AvePoint. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which AvePoint operates, variations in operating performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AvePoint’s business and changes in AvePoint’s ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and ability to identify and realize additional opportunities, and the risk of downturns in the market and the technology industry. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of AvePoint’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Copies of these and other documents filed by AvePoint from time to time are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and AvePoint does not assume any obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. AvePoint does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this press release to the terms “AvePoint,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to AvePoint, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

    Disclosure Information

    AvePoint uses the https://www.avepoint.com/ir website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

    Investor Contact
    AvePoint
    Jamie Arestia
    ir@avepoint.com
    (551) 220-5654

    Media Contact
    AvePoint
    Nicole Caci
    pr@avepoint.com  
    (201) 201-8143

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Xsolis’ New Generative AI Solution Cuts Average Time to Complete Medical Necessity Reviews by More Than Half

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FRANKLIN, Tenn., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xsolis, an AI-driven technology company that reduces administrative waste by enabling collaboration between healthcare providers and payers, today announced initial results of its new generative AI (GenAI) solution pilot that streamlines medical necessity reviews. Beacon Health System, a not-for-profit health system in northern Indiana and Michigan, piloted the new Xsolis GenAI solution which resulted in decreased administrative burden, optimizing precious clinical resources and streamlining payer interactions.

    In a three-month pilot experience, Beacon Health System found that Xsolis’ GenAI medical necessity review tool:

    • Decreased the average time to complete initial reviews by 68% — from 15 minutes per review to 4.7 minutes per review. This allows for increased daily reviews, faster onboarding of new nurses, and more resilient staffing models.
    • Increased consistency, thoroughness, and accuracy for medical necessity reviews across case management and utilization management teams — despite different geographical assignments that previously created variance affecting continuity of care. This has improved confidence among nurses and reduced internal peer reviews.
    • Accelerated approval from Beacon Health System’s health plan partners. By quickly generating the most essential patient information required for medical necessity reviews, a typical 4- to 5-day health plan approval has been accelerated to as quick as 2-day approvals — accelerating care decisions and reducing follow-up cycles.
    • Enabled the health system to get paid more quickly. Due to expedited review and approval processes, less additional work and communication is required after patient discharge, leading to faster payment without delays. This also helps reduce unnecessary denials that would have ultimately been overturned and prevents patients from erroneously receiving surprise bills, improving the patient experience.  

    “Health systems struggle to ‘do more with less’ each year, and rising denial rates and staffing shortages continue to present new challenges to ensure we’re optimizing all our available resources,” said Heather Wagner, MBA, BSN, RN, director of utilization review and case management, Beacon Health System. “Not only did Xsolis’ GenAI solution build off our existing time efficiencies and payer collaboration efforts, but it created additional places to use Xsolis’ GenAI models for system-wide improvements.”

    A Deloitte study estimates that 15-28% of nurses’ work comprises low-value tasks, such as digging through the EHR to draft a medical necessity review, that satisfy administrative requirements but do not directly impact patient care. With the proper application of AI and other advanced technologies, however, it is possible to free up to 50% of time for revenue cycle roles and up to 20% for bedside nurses. According to the study, the mid-revenue cycle — where medical necessity decisions take place — is the most time-consuming domain within the healthcare revenue cycle and holds the most promise for tech-enabled time and financial savings.

    Beacon Health System initially implemented Xsolis’ AI platform in May 2019 to better manage a high volume of critically ill patients with chronic illnesses. The partnership led to Wagner’s team supporting 140% more patients a day and operational improvements resulting in more than $95 million in savings, as of early 2025.

    “We’re pleased to offer exciting new enhancements to Xsolis’ Dragonfly platform, such as generative AI, so our customers can stay one step ahead in today’s challenging healthcare landscape,” said Joan Butters, CEO and co-founder of Xsolis. “Congratulations to Beacon Health System and its leaders for highlighting how the right tools can enable more efficiency than ever before in healthcare when they are paired with the right people and processes. We’re delighted to continue enhancing the client user experience, delivering even more value to our customers.”

    Xsolis has been leveraging human-in-the-loop AI practices to develop AI solutions that streamline medical necessity decision-making in healthcare for over a decade. The company’s generative AI solutions are available alongside its existing Dragonfly platform and predictive AI models, which have saved health system and health plan customers more than $1.5 billion.

    For more information about Dragonfly and Xsolis’ portfolio of AI-powered solutions, please visit: https://www.xsolis.com/solutions.

    To experience the Dragonfly platform and new enhancements such as Xsolis’ generative AI tools, attendees at the upcoming Healthcare Financial Management Association Annual Conference June 22-25 in Denver, Colorado, can learn more or request a demo: https://www.xsolis.com/2025-hfma-nat.

    About Xsolis 

    Xsolis is an AI-driven technology company that reduces administrative waste by enabling collaboration between healthcare providers and payers. Dragonfly®, its AI-driven proprietary platform, is the first and only solution to use real-time predictive analytics to continuously assign an objective medical necessity score and assess the anticipated level of care for every patient, enabling more efficiency across the healthcare system. Xsolis is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information, visit www.xsolis.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Northstrive Biosciences Announces Initiation of Phase II of Collaboration to Develop AI Powered Therapies for Obesity and Cardiometabolic Diseases

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Northstrive Biosciences and Yuva Biosciences previously announced a collaboration leveraging MitoNova™, YuvaBio’s proprietary mitochondrial science-focused artificial intelligence platform, to discover and develop novel pharmaceutical treatments for obesity, type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions.
    • Phase II of this collaboration involves compiling a selection of small molecule candidates that promote mitochondrial health in obesity and cardiac diseases.

    NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northstrive Biosciences Inc. (“Northstrive”), a subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ELAB) (the “Company,” “PMGC,” “we,” or “our”), today announced the initiation of Phase II of the AI Development Program with strategic partner Yuva Biosciences, Inc. (“YuvaBio”). As part of the Phase II objective, both companies will collaborate to leverage MitoNova™, YuvaBio’s AI mitochondrial science-focused artificial intelligence platform, to compile a selection of small molecule candidates that promote mitochondrial health in obesity and cardiac diseases.

    YuvaBio will use MitoNova™ to virtually screen a large-scale library of diverse, drug-like small molecules and predict which candidates are most likely to promote mitochondrial health. YuvaBio will then analyze results of this screen, including chemical and bioactivity properties, to highlight opportunities for biological validation. Then, YuvaBio will compile an initial list of synthetic compounds for muscle preservation and metabolic health.

    About Northstrive Biosciences Inc.

    Northstrive Biosciences Inc., a PMGC Holdings Inc. company, is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development and acquisition of cutting-edge aesthetic medicines. Northstrive Biosciences’ lead asset, EL-22, leverages an engineered probiotic approach to address obesity’s pressing issue of preserving muscle while on weight loss treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. For more information, please visit www.northstrivebio.com.

    About PMGC Holdings Inc.

    PMGC Holdings Inc. is a diversified holding company that manages and grows its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, investments, and development across various industries. Currently, our portfolio consists of three wholly owned subsidiaries: Northstrive Biosciences Inc., PMGC Research Inc., and PMGC Capital LLC. We are committed to exploring opportunities in multiple sectors to maximize growth and value. For more information, please visit https://www.pmgcholdings.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “potential,” “would” and “future” or similar expressions such as “look forward” are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, activities of regulators and future regulations and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described more fully in PMGC Holdings’ filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025, and its other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    IR Contact:
    IR@pmgcholdings.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Calls for Negotiations to Reach Diplomatic Resolution to Iranian Nuclear Program-related Issues

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Vienna, June 16, 2025

    The State of Qatar has called for calm, de-escalation, exercising maximum self-restraint, and carrying on with negotiations to reach a diplomatic solution to the issues pertaining to the Iranian nuclear program.

    The State of Qatar added that facts have shown that there is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace and stability and to spare the region and the world further catastrophes.

    This came in a statement delivered by HE Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna Jassim bin Yacoub Al Hammadi at the emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors in Vienna.

    His Excellency urged the Director General of the IAEA to engage with the Iranian side to facilitate technical discussions and diplomatic solutions to the nuclear issues concerning Iran.

    His Excellency also reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation and deep denunciation of the Israeli attack on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, calling on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibility to urgently stop such violations.

    The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna stressed the State of Qatar’s rejection of the use of force outside the framework of the United Nations Charter, pointing out that Israel’s claim that its attack on Iran was a preemptive act of self-defense lacks any legal basis. His Excellency added that respecting state sovereignty and banning the use of force without UN Security Council authorization or in self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter are peremptory norms in international law and the UN Charter.

    He said that the international community and the UN Security Council under its mandate, must firmly uphold these principles and prevent their violation, as doing otherwise creates chaos in international relations and leads to the law of the jungle.

    His Excellency also noted that an armed attack on nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards is a condemned act, potentially causing wide-scale harm to people and the environment, with serious implications for nuclear safety and security.

    HE Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna Jassim bin Yacoub Al Hammadi praised IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s statement before the UN Security Council on June 13, in which he reaffirmed the IAEA General Conference’s resolutions stating: “Any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and the Statute of the Agency,” and stating: “An armed attack on a nuclear installation could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Israeli aggression and Iranian nuclear brinkmanship made this confrontation all but inevitable

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Moran, Professor of International Security, King’s College London

    In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched its largest-ever attack on Iran. Airstrikes involving more than 200 aircraft targeted nuclear and missile facilities, as well as key figures in the Iranian military and nuclear programme leadership. The attack, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion”, appears to have been supported on the ground by Israeli agents operating drones positioned deep within Iranian territory.

    In one sense, this attack has been a long time coming. Over the past 15 years, Israel has repeatedly threatened to attack Iran, arguing that Tehran harbours nuclear weapons aspirations that pose an existential threat to the Israeli state. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said as much in a televised address announcing the same-day military operation in which he placed the nuclear issue front and centre: “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear weaponisation program.” But why has Israel chosen to act now?

    Clearly, we are looking at a dynamic situation from the outside in, but there are some important points worth considering. First, events over the past 12 months or so have undermined Iran’s ability to deter adversaries, which has left the regime exposed. Israel’s response to an Iranian missile attack in October, for example, seriously degraded Iran’s air defences as well as missile production capabilities. This created weaknesses that Israel has since exploited in its renewed military campaign.

    Looking more broadly, the fallout from the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel has decimated the proxies that Iran spent decades cultivating in the Middle East. The brutal war in Gaza has decimated Hamas, while to the north, Hezbollah is severely degraded after its own 14-month war with Israel.

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    Add to this the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and it is clear that Iran’s so called “axis of resistance”, a key pillar of the country’s deterrence posture, is now a dramatically reduced force. Israel has been emboldened by these events. It now clearly sees a unique opportunity to further degrade a major adversary – and potentially bring about regime change.

    What’s more, Iran’s nuclear programme has continued to advance since Donald Trump withdrew the US in 2018 from the joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA). This was the 2015 deal negotiated during Barack Obama’s presidency that rolled back the country’s nuclear capabilities in return for a relaxation of harsh sanctions against Iran.

    In March, the Washington-based – but non-partisan – Institute for Science and International Security reported that Iran could convert its current stock of 60% enriched uranium into enough weapons-grade uranium for seven nuclear weapons at the Fordow fuel enrichment plant. This could be done in as little as three weeks.

    At the same time, the US director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, told the Senate intelligence committee on March 27 that the intelligence community “continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon”.

    So this raises the question of whether the Israeli government had intelligence that the Iranians were moving forward with weaponisation. It is possible that Iran was preparing to make a dash for the bomb, crossing an Israeli red line and triggering action – although there is currently no evidence to support this theory. What is clear, however, is that Iran’s brinkmanship around its effort to hedge its bets on a nuclear option meant it was always operating in a dangerous space.

    Was the Israeli attack inevitable?

    At first sight, the answer to this seems obvious. For years now, Israel has been very clear that it will not accept a nuclear armed Iran. Yet Tehran has insisted on a nuclear programme that appears to go well beyond what is required for civil nuclear purposes. On June 12, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared that Iran was not complying with its nuclear safeguards obligations.

    By most estimates, Iran is not far from the bomb and Israel has finally taken action – ostensibly on this basis.

    Had Iran curbed its nuclear advancement and continued to comply with its IAEA obligations, Israel would have found it more challenging to justify any military action politically. In the same vein, if Iran had made quicker and greater progress in its nuclear talks with the Trump administration on reaching some form of new deal, this would also have made it more difficult for Israel to act.

    The combination of the IAEA declaration and the lack of acceptable progress in talks with the US clearly influenced Israeli decision making. So why did the Iranian regime not take more concrete steps in this direction?

    Iran’s nuclear ‘hedging’

    The answer goes to the heart of Iran’s deterrence posture. Alongside its conventional forces and its infamous axis of resistance, Iran has sought to leverage its nuclear programme for influence.

    Nearly ten years ago, we argued that Iran was engaged in a strategy of “nuclear hedging”. The value of this approach lies in the potential for a state to position itself relatively close to the bomb without incurring all the negative – including potentially military – consequences of a fully-fledged nuclear weapons programme, where the goal is to cross the threshold as quickly as possible.

    Yet hedging is a delicate balancing act that requires plausible deniability of weapons intent. A step too far can undermine any idea that the nuclear development is for civilian use, instead inviting military intervention.

    Conversely, too few steps towards a credible breakout capability and hedging has little value. For any coercive or deterrent benefit to be obtained, a state must be perceived by others as relatively close to having the bomb.

    With the deterioration of Iran’s regional power over the past year, the value to Tehran of its nuclear programme has become much greater. This may help to explain why Iran did not take firm steps to reduce external concerns about its nuclear intentions.

    Tehran is likely to have factored the cost of being seen to give in to external pressure on its nuclear programme. At home there is the risk that the regime’s hold on power could be weakened by capitulation to external pressure from the US, and Israel in particular. Regionally, the power costs would include losing valuable influence over other states across the Middle East.

    At the same time, the US government has changed its stance since the JCPOA deal was struck during Obama’s presidency in 2015, allowing Iran some small degree of enrichment capacity. The first Trump administration pulled the US out of the JCPOA in 2018 depicting it as a flawed agreement.

    In Donald Trump’s second term, his administration has continued to take a hard line, pushing for Iran to give up enrichment. From an Iranian perspective, the benefits of rolling back its capabilities failed to materialise.

    This is a rapidly evolving situation. But even at this early stage, this case demonstrates clearly the risks associated with Iran’s strategy of nuclear hedging.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Israeli aggression and Iranian nuclear brinkmanship made this confrontation all but inevitable – https://theconversation.com/israeli-aggression-and-iranian-nuclear-brinkmanship-made-this-confrontation-all-but-inevitable-259024

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Israel’s air strength is giving it a free hand over Iran

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Powell, Teaching Fellow in Strategic and Air Power Studies, University of Portsmouth

    Israel says it quickly gained air superiority over the Iranian capital, Tehran. Luciano Santandreu / Shutterstock

    Israel’s initial attack on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, alongside its assassination of top military officials and nuclear scientists, on June 13 has been followed by days of escalating strikes. Iran threatened “severe punishment” and quickly launched what were, in relative terms, smaller-scale missile attacks against Israeli territory.

    Israel’s military then expanded its assault on Iran, with the Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, saying “Tehran will burn” if Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front”. Israel hit dozens of targets in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on June 15, and has since issued evacuation orders for significant areas of the city.

    The exchange of attacks has put the varying military and defensive capabilities of Israel and Iran on stark display. In particular, it appears that Israel has been able to exercise a high degree of air superiority over Iran.

    Israel was able to use more than 200 manned aircraft in its initial attack, with its air force reportedly suffering zero casualties. Within 48 hours of starting the conflict, Israel said it had gained control of the skies above Tehran.

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    This superiority has largely been gained through concerted efforts over the past year to destroy or degrade Iran’s air defence systems. In October 2024, for example, Israeli strikes targeted air defences protecting Iranian oil and gas facilities as well as those defending sites linked to Tehran’s nuclear programme and ballistic missile production.

    With a weakened air defence system, the Iranian military has been less able to prevent missile attacks and Israeli aircraft from entering its air space. This has given the Israeli military greater freedom of action in terms of the targets it chooses to attack – and greater freedom of choice when planning operations.

    Israeli aircraft have been dropping bombs from within Iran, instead of relying on long-range missiles. Iran, on the other hand, has been restricted to using its arsenal of missiles to strike Israel from distance.

    Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, made reference to the strategic importance of this aerial superiority on June 16. While confirming evacuation orders for the Iranian capital, he said: “The Israeli air force controls the skies over Tehran. This changes the entire campaign.”

    Netanyahu later did not rule out killing Khamenei, saying it would “end the conflict”. Katz repeated the threat the following day, warning Khamenei of a “fate similar to Saddam Hussein”.

    Iran has been far less effective than Israel in its response – which is no great surprise. Israel says it has destroyed “one-third” of the surface-to-surface missile launchers possessed by Iran. And the majority of the missiles and drones that have been fired by Iran into Israeli territory have been intercepted before striking their targets.

    But the strength of Israel’s so-called iron dome air defence system has, somewhat counter-intuitively, also offered Iran some advantages. In order to maintain the Iranian regime’s own internal security and stability, as well as its wider political aims of being a regional power, Tehran had to respond with a certain level of force.

    However, Iran is also fully aware of the protection the iron dome provides to the Israeli population. The Iranian government will still be able to point to the few missiles and drones that have reached their target, and the destruction they have caused, as evidence that it is able to project its power beyond its own borders and respond in the face of aggressive Israeli action.

    It is able to do so in the knowledge that the level of destruction and deaths of Israeli civilians, which so far stands at around 24 people, will be limited to such a degree that any further escalation by Israel will be seen as unjustified by the wider international community.

    However, as the destruction and death toll rises, it will become harder for either government to follow this path of logic. Iran has already criticised the Israeli military’s claim that it has conducted strikes in a precise manner and only against military targets, reporting that over 200 civilians have been killed in the strikes.

    It is here where mistakes and missteps could see events spiral out of control. This may lead to a wider and larger-scale conflict that neither side wants but is unable to prevent occurring. Iran, for its part, is reportedly signalling that it is seeking an end to hostilities and the resumption of talks over its nuclear programme.

    Wider consequences

    If the conflict does escalate, Israel will probably target Iranian military production facilities. The Israeli military has already issued a warning on social media, telling the Iranian people to stay away from all weapons manufacturing facilities.

    Other targets may include nuclear installations – though at least one, the heavily fortified Fordow nuclear site in central Iran, will not be targeted. Fordow is hidden in a mountain, with centrifuges located possibly as deep as 80 metres underground.

    Only the US military has the hardware capable of reaching this facility, so attacking the site would require US intervention. This is something the current Washington administration has proved reluctant to do, so far.

    But any escalation could have ramifications beyond the Middle East. Iran has supplied Shahed-type drones to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine, with them becoming a key part of Russia’s military strategy. However, Russia is now largely producing its own supplies of Shahed drones internally.

    A much more likely effect is the prolonging of the war in Ukraine as international attention shifts to de-escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The international community has focused on trying to prevent further attacks, with the US president, Donald Trump, advocating for talks rather than more strikes.

    On June 15, Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social: “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make.” Whether Israel and Iran take heed of his request will become clear over the coming days and weeks.

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

    – ref. Israel’s air strength is giving it a free hand over Iran – https://theconversation.com/israels-air-strength-is-giving-it-a-free-hand-over-iran-259073

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Could faecal transplants cause long-term health problems?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Georgios Efthimiou, Lecturer in Microbiology, University of Hull

    Getting ready to make some poo pills. microgen/Shutterstock.com

    Keeping a healthy mix of friendly microbes in the gut – known as eubiosis – is crucial for good health. When that delicate balance is thrown off – often by antibiotics, diet or illness – the result can be a range of issues, from digestive problems to more serious conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and even neurological and metabolic disorders.

    One increasingly popular way to try to restore gut health is through faecal microbiota transplantation. This involves taking stool from a healthy person, isolating the beneficial microbes and putting them in a capsule (jokingly referred to as “crapsules” or “poo pills”). The hope is that the beneficial microbes in the pill will establish themselves in the patient’s gut, thereby improving microbial diversity and function.

    Faecal transplants have been used to treat a wide array of conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

    Although generally viewed as safe and effective, a new international study published in the journal Cell has raised some concerns. The scientists found that when the donor’s microbes do not properly match the recipient’s gut environment – a situation they describe as a “mismatch” – the treatment can disrupt the body’s metabolic and immune systems, possibly with long-lasting consequences.

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    The term “mismatch” comes from the world of organ transplants, where the recipient’s body rejects the donor organ. In this case, the problem is that microbes from the donor’s large intestine may not be suitable for other parts of the recipient’s gut, especially the small intestine, where the microbial makeup is very different.

    To test this, researchers gave antibiotics to mice to disturb their natural gut microbes, then treated them with faecal transplants. They also tried transplanting microbes specifically from different parts of the small intestine. The mice were monitored for one to three months to track changes.

    A diverse microbiome is critical for wellbeing.
    Helena Nechaeva/Shutterstock.com

    Wrong microbes in the wrong place

    They found that faecal transplants often led to regional mismatches – the wrong microbes ending up in the wrong place. This altered the mix and behaviour of the gut microbes in unexpected ways, disrupting energy balance and other functions.

    Biopsies from the gut and liver showed significant, lasting changes in how certain genes – particularly those linked to metabolism and immunity – were being expressed.

    The study did not specify exactly what kind of health issues might result from these genetic shifts. But the researchers are urging doctors to take greater care when using faecal transplants, particularly when it comes to dose, timing and possible side-effects.

    There may, however, be a better way forward. A newer method known as the “omni microbial approach” involves transferring microbes from all parts of the intestine, not just the colon. This could help recreate a more balanced and natural gut environment, avoiding the local mismatches seen in standard faecal transplants.

    There is also growing interest in techniques that aim to “terraform” the gut: deliberately reshaping specific regions with carefully selected microbes to restore normal function.

    This new research has certainly sparked debate around the safety of faecal transplants. But with alternative approaches already being developed, there is real hope that the benefits of gut-based treatments can still be delivered, without the risks.

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

    – ref. Could faecal transplants cause long-term health problems? – https://theconversation.com/could-faecal-transplants-cause-long-term-health-problems-258643

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Declining soil health is a global concern – here’s how AI could help

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nima Shokri, Professor, Applied Engineering, United Nations University

    The arid Loess plateau landscape of northern China. yang1498/Shutterstock

    One-third of the Earth’s land surface is already degraded. The UN estimates that more than 2.6 billion people are harmed by land degradation, with countries losing up to US$10.6 trillion (£7.8 trillion) a year because of damage to “ecosystem services”, including the benefits people get from nature such as water and food.

    Unhealthy soil is a major contributor to land degradation. This can lead to loss of biodiversity, harm plants and animals, cause sand and dust storms and affect crop yields.

    These consequences affect the regulation of the planet’s climate and water cycle, socioeconomic activities, food security and forced migration of people.

    Emerging smart technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite remote sensing and big data analysis offer a chance to protect our soils. These tools can help track soil health in real time. This will support farmers, landowners, government agencies and local communities in making better decisions to care for the soil.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    As a professor of geo-hydroinformatics – a field that combines geoscience, hydrology and information technology – my research focuses on using AI, algorithms and advanced modelling tools to better analyse and predict soil health.

    My team and I have developed the first global map of soil salinisation (accumulation of salt in soil) under various climate scenarios using AI-powered techniques. Soil salinisation is one of the leading contributors to soil degradation and can happen naturally or because of human activities, such as using salty irrigation water or poor drainage systems.

    With increasing climate uncertainty, our models help identify regions most vulnerable to salinisation. Our AI-driven analysis predicts that by the year 2100, dryland regions in South America, southern and western Australia, Mexico, the southwestern US and South Africa will be key hotspots of soil salinisation.

    In another key study, we used satellite data, AI and big data tools to investigate the interaction between soil salinity and soil organic carbon – an important part of healthy soil that stores nutrients, holds water and supports plants.

    Part of this analysis revealed a general negative correlation between salinity levels and soil organic carbon content. As salinity increased, we found that the soil organic carbon content tended to decrease.

    Our two studies underscore the transformative potential of AI technologies and big data analytics in understanding soil degradation. With a deeper understanding, land can be better managed through more effective mitigation policies and sustainable land use planning.

    Restoration at scale

    Large-scale land restoration can transform degraded soils. In the Loess plateau in China, centuries of deforestation and unsustainable farming have led to significant ecological challenges. Loess soils (a type not limited to this location in China, formed essentially by the accumulation of wind-blown dust) are easily eroded because they are made up of fine and loose particles.

    Degradation here has led to more frequent floods, droughts and dust storms because soil degradation is often associated with compaction. This reduces the ability of soil to absorb and hold water.

    In the 1990s, this prompted the Chinese government to invest in reforestation and sustainable agriculture. This led to the landmark Loess plateau watershed rehabilitation project, with the main goal of boosting farming and incomes on 15,600km² of land in the Yellow River’s tributary area. The total project cost of US$150 million, partly funded by the World Bank, was approved in 1994.

    Elsewhere, in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, the EthioTrees project was launched in 2016 to tackle land degradation through community-based reforestation, enclosures to limit grazing, and reinvestment of funds generated through climate finance mechanisms.

    Tree planting and other efforts have transformed the Tigray region of Ethiopia into a more fertile landscape.
    Jon Duncan/Shutterstock

    Despite challenges including drought and limited financial resources, these large-scale restoration projects have transformed the landscape and lives of people living there.

    But the Loess plateau and Tigray projects have been complex and expensive. A lot of coordination between people across huge regions and in different sectors is required to ensure a successful, integrated approach. AI can take these successful but resource-intensive restoration efforts and help scale them up.

    I’m also involved with a European Commission-funded project called AI4SoilHealth, which aims to advance the use of AI to monitor and quantify soil health across Europe. This project shows how data-driven initiatives can support more sustainable land management policies by providing timely, actionable information to governments, farmers and other stakeholders such as landowners, agribusiness companies and local communities.

    By integrating satellite imagery with accurate data about soil properties in different locations, AI can help develop robust, scalable models that cross local boundaries. Knowing where best to invest money, resources and effort in scaling up soil health solutions will help protect people, businesses and ecosystems from extreme events in the future.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Nima Shokri receives funding from European Commission for the AI4SoilHealth project.

    – ref. Declining soil health is a global concern – here’s how AI could help – https://theconversation.com/declining-soil-health-is-a-global-concern-heres-how-ai-could-help-258847

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The Inca string code that reveals Peru’s climate history

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sabine Hyland, Professor of Social Anthropology, University of St Andrews

    The author studying specimens. Author provided, CC BY

    Five centuries ago, the Incas ruled the western half of South America with the help of a unique form of writing based on coloured and knotted cords. These strings, called khipus, recorded major events, tracked economic matters, and even encoded biographies and poetry, according to the Spanish chroniclers who witnessed their use.

    Most khipus have knots that indicate numbers that we can “read”, but we’ve lost the ability to interpret what those numbers mean. Recent discoveries are bringing us closer to deciphering these mysterious strings. In a remote community set high in the Peruvian Andes, my team and I have found khipus that were used by villagers to track climate change.

    Last year, I was invited to study the centuries-old khipus preserved in the village of Santa Leonor de Jucul in the Peruvian Andes. The 97 khipus conserved by villagers include the largest khipu in the world, which is over 68 metres long.

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    An elderly ritual specialist, Don Lenin Margarito, told me that the khipus recorded the annual ritual offerings given at different sacred places in the surrounding landscape. Miniature pink ritual bags stuffed with coca leaves and tobacco hang from the cords, representing the sacred purpose of these ancient strings. Rather than communicating through knots, the Jucul khipus record data with different kinds of tassels.

    For example, a tassel made of fuzzy beige llama tails indicates that an offering was performed at the sacred lake of Paccha-cocha, high in the mountains. The fluffiness of the llama tails is like a rain cloud, Don Lenin explained, representing the fact that offerings given at Paccha-cocha are thought to bring rain.

    Different kinds of tassels indicate offerings made at other ritual sites, each one of which is thought to have its own effect on the local environment. Rituals involving the spirits of the dead, for instance, are thought to halt flooding.

    If you look at one of the Jucul khipus and you see that there were a lot of offerings to Paccha-cocha that year, you know that this was a time of drought since the offerings were given to increase the rain.

    When speaking with community members, we learned that the khipus used to be kept in public so that they could be consulted by the elders. Andean people of the past looked at these khipus as a record of the climate, and they studied them to understand the patterns of what was going on, just as we do today.

    New methods

    New methods for obtaining precise radiocarbon dates for khipus have been pioneered by a team headed by khipu researcher Ivan Ghezzi.

    Efforts are now underway to get accurate radiocarbon dates for the Jucul khipus, which will provide a chronology of these climate-based offerings.

    If we can chart the khipus and then date them, we will have a record of climate data from this region that was created by the local Andean people themselves. In their current state, the Jucul khipus are threatened by insects, mould and rodents. The British Museum recently granted funding to clean, preserve and display the khipus so that these precious objects from the Andean past will persevere into the future.

    There are only five villages in the Peruvian Andes where ancestral khipus are kept. These rare archives offer tantalising clues about how khipus encoded information.

    Research in other villages with living khipu traditions has led to breakthroughs in the significance of khipu colour patterns and phonology. Many Inka khipus possess tassels which we believe may reveal the subject matter of the associated khipu. If we could unlock the significance of the tassels on the Jucul khipus, it might allow us to interpret more precisely the meaning of Inca cords.

    Sabine Hyland receives funding from the British Academy, the British Museum, the National Endowment for the Humanities (USA), the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, the Leverhulme Trust, and the National Geographic Society.

    – ref. The Inca string code that reveals Peru’s climate history – https://theconversation.com/the-inca-string-code-that-reveals-perus-climate-history-258528

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEVB and works departments win nine Martin Barnes Awards in UK (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong’s excellence in delivering public works projects received international recognition. The Development Bureau (DEVB) and works departments shone at the 2025 Martin Barnes Awards Ceremony in London, the United Kingdom, on June 16 (London time), winning nine awards from the 27 awards in eight categories (see Annex), including two prestigious winner awards, among 80 entries worldwide.
     
    A prestigious honour in the industry, the Martin Barnes Awards are presented by the New Engineering Contract (NEC) Users’ Group under the Institution of Civil Engineers of the United Kingdom. The awards recognise construction projects, organisations and individuals worldwide that have demonstrated excellence in project delivery through collaborative partnership.
     
    The two winner awards are as follows:
     
    1. The winner award for the Climate Change Initiative category was received by the Water Supplies Department (WSD) for the implementation of Shek Wu Hui Water Reclamation Plant. In the construction and operation of Hong Kong’s first large-scale regional water reclamation plant, the WSD worked with the contractor through the NEC mechanism to develop an innovative and cost-effective fully automated reclaimed water production solution that saves energy and helps reduce carbon emissions. The facility supplies water for non-potable uses in Northern District and nearby new development areas. With the production process remaining unaffected by extreme weather, it not only conserves precious water resources but also enhances the resilience of Hong Kong’s water resources portfolio, thus further improving the stability of the city’s water resources.
     
    2. The winner award for Distinguished Contribution category was received by Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) Mr Tony Ho, in recognition of his outstanding performance in promoting and deepening the application of the NEC in construction projects over the years, which has nurtured a collaborative culture in the industry. His proactive promotion of the adoption of advanced technologies has also enhanced the overall performance of construction projects.
     
    In addition to the above two winner awards, the DEVB, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Drainage Services Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, and the Highways Department also received various awards for several notable NEC entries.
     
    The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, extended her congratulations to the project teams on their impressive achievements. She said, “The DEVB and works departments have been committed to promoting collaborative partnerships in the delivery of public works projects through the adoption of the NEC form, enhancing mutual trust and co-operation among different industry stakeholders. Such collaborative partnerships help accomplish the primary goals of project management and enhance management efficiency and cost-effectiveness of projects. The awards fully demonstrate that their efforts and accomplishments have been recognised internationally.”
     
    The NEC Users’ Group also held its 2025 Annual Conference on the same day. The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, was invited to attend the plenary session to exchange ideas with a group of international experts on how to lead the industry in applying innovative technologies and integrating the use of the NEC form to enhance the effectiveness of implementing infrastructure projects.
     
    Since the DEVB introduced the NEC form for public works projects in Hong Kong in 2009, it has become a key driver in transforming the construction industry. The NEC embraces a collaborative partnership between clients and contractors, thereby enhancing project performance. While the conventional form of contracts focused more on specifying contractual obligations and responsibilities of both parties, the NEC introduces a comprehensive project management system into its contractual provisions, including an early warning mechanism, a compensation mechanism between contractual parties and action plans. It advocates for contractual parties to work together to resolve contractual problems in a proactive and collaborative manner under this management system, thereby achieving win-win situations. As of today, more than 760 public works contracts, with a total value of over HK$510 billion, have adopted the NEC form.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Groves Point — RCMP arrests impaired driver involved in fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Northeast Traffic Services – Cape Breton (NETS) is investigating a fatal collision in Groves Point involving an impaired driver.

    On June 14, at approximately 7 a.m., RCMP officers, Cape Breton Regional Police Service, fire services, and EHS, responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Hwy. 105. Officers learned that a sedan and a Harley Davidson motorcycle had collided. The sedan then fled the area.

    The lone rider of the motorcycle, a 40-year-old man from Bras D’Or, suffered life-threatening injuries. He was transported by EHS to hospital where he was succumbed to his injuries the following day.

    From the information gathered, officers located the sedan involved in the collision on Brady Dr., in Groves Point, and safely arrested the driver, a 42-year-old man from Sydney mines, who was exhibiting signs of impairment.

    The 42-year-old man was transported to the North Sydney RCMP detachment where he provided breath samples that registered 90mg%. He was later released and will appear in Sydney Provincial Court at a later date.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

    Criminal charges are anticipated.

    The highway was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

    Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Northeast Traffic Services – Cape Breton at 902-794-5800. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 2025-831028

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Groves Point — RCMP arrests impaired driver involved in fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Northeast Traffic Services – Cape Breton (NETS) is investigating a fatal collision in Groves Point involving an impaired driver.

    On June 14, at approximately 7 a.m., RCMP officers, Cape Breton Regional Police Service, fire services, and EHS, responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Hwy. 105. Officers learned that a sedan and a Harley Davidson motorcycle had collided. The sedan then fled the area.

    The lone rider of the motorcycle, a 40-year-old man from Bras D’Or, suffered life-threatening injuries. He was transported by EHS to hospital where he was succumbed to his injuries the following day.

    From the information gathered, officers located the sedan involved in the collision on Brady Dr., in Groves Point, and safely arrested the driver, a 42-year-old man from Sydney mines, who was exhibiting signs of impairment.

    The 42-year-old man was transported to the North Sydney RCMP detachment where he provided breath samples that registered 90mg%. He was later released and will appear in Sydney Provincial Court at a later date.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

    Criminal charges are anticipated.

    The highway was closed for several hours but has since reopened.

    Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Northeast Traffic Services – Cape Breton at 902-794-5800. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 2025-831028

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal for information after man repeatedly stabbed in Newham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are appealing for information after a man was seriously injured after being repeatedly stabbed in east London.

    Police were called at 21:48hrs on Wednesday, 7 May to reports of a stabbing in Park Grove, E15.

    Officers arrived three minutes later and found a man nearby, aged in his 20s, suffering multiple stab injuries. He was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service with serious injuries. He remained in hospital for two weeks.

    Detective Constable Richard Brunning, the investigating officer from the North East Basic Command Unit, said: “This is a complex and serious incident. We keep an open-mind for the motive, however it is believed that the victim and offenders were not known to each other.

    “The violence which was displayed during this attack is shocking and we are doing everything we can to investigate what happened. We are looking to identify the suspects who are described as black, tall and slim.

    “We are appealing to the public who may recall seeing this incident, or have any footage of the suspects or vehicle involved, which we believe to be a white BMW series X1.

    “If you were in the Chadd Green estate at the time, witnessed the incident or have any information or footage please contact us without delay.”

    Anyone with information can call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X quoting CAD 7760/07MAY.

    Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal for information after man repeatedly stabbed in Newham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are appealing for information after a man was seriously injured after being repeatedly stabbed in east London.

    Police were called at 21:48hrs on Wednesday, 7 May to reports of a stabbing in Park Grove, E15.

    Officers arrived three minutes later and found a man nearby, aged in his 20s, suffering multiple stab injuries. He was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service with serious injuries. He remained in hospital for two weeks.

    Detective Constable Richard Brunning, the investigating officer from the North East Basic Command Unit, said: “This is a complex and serious incident. We keep an open-mind for the motive, however it is believed that the victim and offenders were not known to each other.

    “The violence which was displayed during this attack is shocking and we are doing everything we can to investigate what happened. We are looking to identify the suspects who are described as black, tall and slim.

    “We are appealing to the public who may recall seeing this incident, or have any footage of the suspects or vehicle involved, which we believe to be a white BMW series X1.

    “If you were in the Chadd Green estate at the time, witnessed the incident or have any information or footage please contact us without delay.”

    Anyone with information can call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X quoting CAD 7760/07MAY.

    Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Micropolis Joins Webull Corporate Connect Service Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Joining Webull enables Micropolis to build a community and foster relationships with the platform’s 24 million registered users

    Connect with the Company on Webull here

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Micropolis Holding Co. (“Micropolis” or the “Company”) (NYSE: MCRP), a pioneer in unmanned ground vehicles and AI-driven security solutions, today announced it is now participating on the Webull Corporate Connect Service (CCS) platform to increase engagement and transparency with its growing investor base.

    Micropolis’s portal on the Webull CCS provides an additional direct communication channel for shareholders and potential investors, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to providing real-time information to the investment community. Through Webull, Micropolis will share timely updates, including company news, earnings reports, presentations, and other key announcements, further increasing visibility among retail investors as well as broadening shareholder engagement.

    “Open and ongoing dialogue with our shareholders and the broader investment community remains a key focus of our corporate governance framework at Micropolis,” said Fareed Aljawhari, Founder & CEO of Micropolis. “As we advance our strategic objectives and expand our operations, we understand how critical it is to enhance our market presence. Integrating Webull’s digital platform into our investor outreach efforts enables us to connect with retail investors on their preferred channels, delivering immediate access to company updates and interactive engagement opportunities.”

    To stay up to date with Micropolis’s recent developments on the Webull Corporate Connect Service Platform, current Webull users can follow MCRP from the app on their smartphone or tablet device. To download the app and register for your free Webull account, visit www.webull.com/trading-platforms.

    About Micropolis Holding Co.
    Micropolis is a UAE-based company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), AI systems, and smart infrastructure for urban, security, and industrial applications. The Company’s vertically integrated capabilities cover everything from mechatronics and embedded systems to AI software and high-level autonomy.

    For more information please visit www.micropolis.ai.

    About Webull Financial
    Webull Corporation owns and operates Webull, a leading digital investment platform built on next-generation global infrastructure. Through its global network of licensed brokerages, Webull offers investment services in 14 markets across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America. Webull serves more than 24 million registered users globally, providing retail investors with 24/7 access to global financial markets. Users can put investment strategies to work by trading global stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and fractional shares through Webull’s trading platform, which seamlessly integrates market data and information, its user community, and investor education resources. Learn more at www.webullcorp.com. You may also access certain information on Webull and its securities on the website of the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, where Webull will, among others, be filing reports, such as Reports on Form 6-K and its Annual Report on Form 20-F.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements represent Micropolis’ current expectations regarding future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the registration statement filed by the Company with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Investor Contact:
    KCSA Strategic Communications
    Valter Pinto, Managing Director
    PH: (212) 896-1254
    Valter@KCSA.com

    Media Contact:
    Jessica Starman
    media@elev8newmedia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CarGurus Report Finds Consumer Demand for Affordability and Fuel Efficiency Shaping Today’s Auto Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mid-year auto market analysis reveals how tariffs and ongoing demand for affordability have influenced vehicle supply, pricing, and demand so far this year

    BOSTON, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG), the No. 1 visited digital auto platform for shopping, buying, and selling new and used vehicles1, today released its 2025 Mid-Year Auto Market Review. The analysis highlights the impact of tariff uncertainty, shifting inventory dynamics, and evolving consumer preferences on the new and used vehicle market.

    “So far this year, the auto market has been shaped by dramatic shifts in consumer behavior fueled by shifting policies and economic uncertainty,” said Kevin Roberts, Director of Economic and Market Intelligence at CarGurus. “These pressures have amplified what car shoppers demand most: affordability and efficiency. While vehicle prices have mostly held steady despite tariffs, it remains to be seen how long the current balance of pricing and demand can last, especially as value-driven options become harder to find.”

    • Tariff-driven sales surge has reduced affordable new inventory: New vehicle sales spiked 48% year-over-year in the days after the March tariff announcement as buyers raced to beat potential price increases. While sales demand has since normalized to more seasonal patterns, the affordable segment is showing lasting impacts. Listings for new cars under $30,000 have dropped by 15% since late March, with compacts and crossovers like the Honda Civic, Buick Encore GX, Jeep Compass, and Mazda CX-30 seeing the steepest declines.
    • The average new vehicle price is holding steady: While over 60% of new vehicle listings today are post-tariff inventory, the average new car price has remained relatively stable at approximately $49,600. Model-level price changes tell a more nuanced story, with luxury SUVs seeing some of the largest price increases since tariffs went into effect in April and electric vehicles (EVs) posting the biggest price decreases.
    • Aged new car inventory may offer value: Despite the Spring sales surge, 2024 and older model-year vehicles are maintaining a high share of inventory — approaching levels not seen since 2020. At mid-year, over 7% of new car listings were 2024 or older, with Ford trucks and SUVs among the top models with older model year supply, creating a chance for shoppers to find a potential deal on pre-tariff inventory.
    • Used inventory reaches multi-year highs, but value has been redefined: Despite abundant used car supply, 3- to 4-year-old models — the sweet spot for value-conscious buyers — remain scarce and priced at a premium due to lingering effects of pandemic-era production disruptions. For those in the market for a used car under $20,000, options are increasingly older and higher mileage. At both ends of the age spectrum, however, fuel-efficient models (spanning hybrids, EVs, and compacts) lead the pack in demand.
    • Hybrids stand out for pricing and demand: Hybrids continued to lead new vehicle sales growth in 2025, buoyed by strong demand and attractive pricing. Average list prices for new hybrids decreased by about $1,400 year-over-year, helping drive a 43% increase in retail sales compared to 2024. Notably, hybrid and gas models are now the most commonly cross-shopped combinations, as shoppers increasingly prioritize practicality and affordability.

    For a deeper look at these trends and more, the full 2025 Mid-Year Review is available here: https://cargur.us/1dRcr8

    About CarGurus, Inc.

    CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG) is a multinational, online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles that is building upon its industry-leading listings marketplace with both digital retail solutions and the CarOffer online wholesale platform. The CarGurus platform gives consumers the confidence to purchase and/or sell a vehicle either online or in-person, and it gives dealerships the power to accurately price, effectively market, instantly acquire, and quickly sell vehicles, all with a nationwide reach. The company uses proprietary technology, search algorithms, and data analytics to bring trust, transparency, and competitive pricing to the automotive shopping experience. CarGurus is the most visited automotive shopping site in the U.S. 1

    CarGurus also operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in Canada and the U.K. In the U.S. and the U.K., CarGurus also operates the Autolist and PistonHeads online marketplaces, respectively, as independent brands.

    To learn more about CarGurus, visit www.cargurus.com, and for more information about CarOffer, visit www.caroffer.com.

    CarGurus® is a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc., and CarOffer® is a registered trademark of CarOffer, LLC. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    1Similarweb: Traffic Report [Cars.com, Autotrader, TrueCar, CARFAX Listings (defined as CARFAX Total visits minus Vehicle History Reports traffic)], Q1 2025, U.S.

    Media Contact:
    Maggie Meluzio
    Director, Public Relations & External Communications
    pr@cargurus.com

    Investor Contact:
    Kirndeep Singh
    Vice President, Investor Relations
    investors@cargurus.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ibex Crowns the Winners of the 4th Annual CX Leadership Awards at CCW Las Vegas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), the leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered CX solutions, today announced the winners of the 2025 CX Leadership Awards, which honor the top customer experience (CX) innovators, leaders, and contributors around the world.

    This year’s winners, who were chosen from an ultra-competitive list of CX pioneers, were recognized last week at ibex’s Fourth Annual CX Leadership Awards Dinner Customer Contact Week (CCW) in Las Vegas.

    “Congratulations to the 2025 CX Leadership Award winners, whose vision, innovation, and leadership are raising the bar for customer experience and delivering amazing experiences for their respective brands,” said Julie Casteel, Chief Strategic Accounts Officer and CMO at ibex.

    The 2025 CX Leadership Award winners are:

    • Natalie Beckerman, Global Head of Customer Support Operations at IHG Hotels & Resorts: Known as a disruptor in CX and contact center strategy, Natalie’s led high-performing teams across the U.S., U.K., and EMEA—driving operational excellence, growth, and cultural reinvention. A perfect example of her bold energy, global expertise, and a passion for transformation was overhauling a home services company’s operating model in just a year—introducing AI, launching two new platforms, and saving millions while transforming the customer journey. For Natalie, great CX isn’t just about ‘wow’ moments: it’s proactive, emotional, and seamless—across every touchpoint, every time.
    • Jeremy Victor, Chief Customer Officer at Noom: Jeremy is pioneering the future of customer experience by blending AI innovation with emotional intelligence to deliver scalable, human-centered interactions. At Noom, he’s leading the transformation of customer service into Experience Manufacturing™—a new discipline built around emotional equity, brand affinity, and AI-driven personalization. From building one of the first mobile CX tools on a Palm Pilot to launching MoreScore.ai, Jeremy’s career spans decades of redefining how brands build trust, loyalty, and lasting impact. His work challenges the industry to modernize systems, humanize technology, and remember that the strongest connections are always personal.
    • Lionel Holguin, Head of Customer Service and Collections at Bridgecrest: Lionel’s passion for problem-solving and creating value at every customer touchpoint defines his career. His proactive approach to CX combines strategy, empathy, and innovation to remove friction, foster trust, and create lasting emotional connections. One defining achievement was reworking key workflows and training to focus on financial literacy and empathy, centered on truly listening to customers and frontline teams—resulting in a dramatic shift in customer sentiment and team morale.
    • Lisa Wysocky, Senior Director of Partner and Channel Management Operations at Sonos: Lisa’s grit, heart, and deep CX expertise make her an obvious choice for a CX Leadership Award. From her early days as a bank teller to leading large-scale retention at SiriusXM, she has always stayed close to the frontlines, where real customer impact happens. At Sonos, she’s leading a transformation: empowering agents with AI, scaling global partnerships, and building a support system designed to evolve and drive long-term CX excellence.
    • Michael Jones, Senior Director of Customer Care at The Home Depot: With over 30 years at The Home Depot, Michael’s career is defined by servant leadership, transformation, and a true belief in people. Today, he supports a team of 3,000+ associates across The Home Depot’s contact centers and multiple disciplines delivering excellence within the millions of contacts they receive. Michael has reinvented the experience of his associates and customers—while building a culture where people-first values are lived daily.
    • Ryan Moore, Vice President of Customer Support & Global BPO Strategy at DailyPay: In Ryan’s 20+ years of CX leadership, he has always held true to one core principle: do what’s right for the customer, not just what’s best for the bottom line. Ryan has successfully led large-scale CX transformations with clarity and care, including a global expansion of support into a follow-the-sun model that helped CSAT and QA soar. His unwavering focus on the customer—paired with his commitment to operational excellence—has helped Ryan build a truly global, customer-centric CX ecosystem.
    • Vanessa Hardy-Bowen, Director of Guest Care and Contact Centers at Spirit Airlines: Vanessa views every guest interaction as a chance to either deepen trust or weaken it. She is focused on designing customer experiences that are not only functional but deeply human-rooted in empathy, foresight, and accountability. At Spirit, Vanessa spearheaded a full transformation of the guest care model: launching AI and self-service tools, elevating training and QA, and aligning digital innovation with human connection. Despite and challenging time in travel, the results have been impressive: higher customer satisfaction, smarter operations, and a stronger team.

    The ibex CX Leadership Awards spotlight the individuals and organizations whose vision and innovation are transforming the customer experience industry. Honorees excel in enabling seamless customer engagement, creating extraordinary customer experiences, and streamlining the customer journey.

    “ibex is leading the way in reshaping the customer experience by combining the latest AI technology with deep CX expertise gained from helping the world’s most iconic brands deliver differentiated customer experiences. We automate the routine and empower human agents to solve the complex,” added Casteel.

    ibex expertly combines unparalleled CX expertise with cutting-edge AI technology to create groundbreaking AI-powered solutions. ibex Wave iX solutions refine and elevate customer interactions and ensure a seamless customer journey while accelerating growth, enhancing service delivery, and maximizing impact.

    About ibex

    ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of approximately 30 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

    ibex leverages its diverse global team of more than 31,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including its AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Dan Burris
    daniel.burris@ibex.co

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46422d98-00fa-44cb-b1a2-c98322f3dddf

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MKS Named in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Companies to Work For

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MKS Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI) (“MKS”), a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, was again recognized by U.S. News & World Report (“U.S. News”) as one of the 2025-2026 Best Companies to Work For. MKS was rated as a top company in the Manufacturing and Agriculture Industries category based on factors contributing to job seekers’ decision-making when choosing a workplace that best meets their needs.

    “Receiving this prestigious recognition for the third consecutive year is a testament to the innovative work we do and the supportive organizational climate we have cultivated,” said John T.C. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer at MKS. “Our success rests on our ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals who are committed to advancing technology and serving as invaluable partners to our customers. We are grateful for this acknowledgement of our efforts to provide engaging and meaningful careers for our employees.”

    U.S. News’ ratings reflect the evolving sentiments that factor into employee decision-making when choosing the “best” company to work for. The ratings then analyze that sentiment against other factors, including quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, belongingness and esteem, and career opportunities and professional development.

    “Choosing a company to establish yourself or advance your career is a crucial decision for anyone,” said Carly Chase, Vice President of Careers at U.S. News & World Report. “The 2025-2026 list features companies that excelled across various metrics, contributing to a positive work environment and the daily employee experience.”

    To calculate the annual U.S. News Best Companies to Work For list, U.S. News only considered the largest 5,000 publicly traded companies as of January 2025 that had more than 75 Glassdoor reviews written between 2021-2025. Relevant data, including employee sentiment and regulatory enforcement data, was gathered from partners Revelio Labs, Good Jobs First’s Violation Tracker and QUODD to calculate the six metrics used in the list. For further details on how the metric scores were calculated, see the methodology.

    For more information on the Best Companies to Work For, review the FAQs and explore Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) using #BCTWF.

    About MKS Inc.
    MKS Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI) enables technologies that transform our world. We deliver foundational technology solutions to leading edge semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications. We apply our broad science and engineering capabilities to create instruments, subsystems, systems, process control solutions and specialty chemicals technology that improve process performance, optimize productivity and enable unique innovations for many of the world’s leading technology and industrial companies. Our solutions are critical to addressing the challenges of miniaturization and complexity in advanced device manufacturing by enabling increased power, speed, feature enhancement, and optimized connectivity. Our solutions are also critical to addressing ever-increasing performance requirements across a wide array of specialty industrial applications. Additional information can be found at www.mks.com.

    About U.S. News & World Report
    U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

    Contacts:

    Bill Casey
    Vice President, Marketing
    Telephone: +1 (630) 995-6384
    Email: press@mksinst.com

    Kelly Kerry, Partner
    Kekst CNC
    Email: kerry.kelly@kekstcnc.com

    The MIL Network –