NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for football match at Hong Kong Stadium

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement special traffic arrangements in So Kon Po and Causeway Bay to facilitate a football match to be held at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30 (Friday).

    A. Traffic arrangements at the commencement of the event——————- Part of the traffic lane of Caroline Hill Road between Eastern Hospital Road and Cotton Path;
    – Westbound Hysan Avenue between Yun Ping Road and Hoi Ping Road;
    – Stadium Path; and
    – Lee Garden Road between Lan Fong Road and Hysan Avenue, except for green minibuses (GMBs).
     
    Traffic diversions
    ———————– Eastern Hospital Road between Stadium Path and Tung Lo Wan Road will be re-routed one way northbound;
    – Two lanes on Caroline Hill Road between its western junction with Leighton Road and Link Road will be designated for traffic entering Caroline Hill Road from Hoi Ping Road;
    – Hysan Avenue between Leighton Road and Hoi Ping Road will be re-routed one way eastbound;
    – Two lanes on eastbound Hysan Avenue will be designated for traffic turning right to Hoi Ping Road;
    – Vehicles leaving the private driveway of Lee Garden One must turn left to eastbound Hysan Avenue;
    – Traffic along Yun Ping Road cannot turn left to westbound Hysan Avenue, and vehicles will be diverted to Lan Fong Road and Pak Sha Road;
    – If necessary, traffic along northbound Link Road downhill to northbound Caroline Hill Road must turn left to westbound Leighton Road; and
    – If necessary, traffic along Lan Fong Road cannot turn left to southbound Lee Garden Road, and vehicles will be diverted to northbound Lee Garden Road, Foo Ming Street and southbound Percival Street, except for GMBs.———————————————- Northern kerbside of Cotton Path; and
    – Southern kerbside (taxi drop-off zone) and northern kerbside (private car drop-off zone) of Eastern Hospital Road near the main entrance of Hong Kong Stadium. 
         Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following special arrangements will be implemented from about 9.30pm:——————- Eastern Hospital Road between Caroline Hill Road and Cotton Path;
    – Hoi Ping Road;
    – Sunning Road, except for vehicles exit from Lee Garden Three Car Park;
    – If necessary, Cotton Path;
    – If necessary, Leighton Road; and
    – If necessary, northbound Link Road (downhill), except for vehicles heading for No. 1, 3, 5 and 7 on Link Road.———————– Before the end of the event, vehicles may be permitted to exit buildings on Eastern Hospital Road by turning right to northbound Eastern Hospital Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Leighton Road cannot enter Caroline Hill Road for Link Road, and vehicles will be diverted via Wong Nai Chung Road and Broadwood Road; and
    – When Leighton Road is closed, traffic along westbound Causeway Road will be diverted via Irving Street; traffic along eastbound Morrison Hill Road will be diverted via Canal Road West; traffic along southbound Percival Street must turn right to westbound Leighton Road; and traffic along southbound Canal Road East cannot turn left to Leighton Road.————————————— 
    – Westbound Leighton Road;
    – Percival Street south of Hennessy Road;
    – Caroline Hill Road;
    – Link Road;
    – Stadium Path;
    – Cotton Path; and
    – Eastern Hospital Road.—————————————
     
         All on-street parking spaces on the following roads will be suspended from 5pm to 11pm:- Northbound Caroline Hill Road between Stadium Path and Cotton Path;
    – Hoi Ping Road;
    – Sunning Road; and
    – Eastern Hospital Road.———————————————————–

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements releases latest information and appeals to public and visitors to plan cross-boundary trips in advance for Tuen Ng Festival long weekend of Mainland

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements releases latest information and appeals to public and visitors to plan cross-boundary trips in advance for Tuen Ng Festival long weekend of Mainland      It is anticipated that the waiting time for public transport services, including the Gold Bus, may be longer. Passengers should make their journeys during non-peak hours, observe order while queuing and heed advice from on-site Police and staff of PTOs concerned. Passengers of cross-boundary coaches are also advised to reserve their coach tickets in advance.

         Motorists are advised that, subject to actual traffic conditions, special traffic arrangements may be implemented at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Port from May 31 to June 2 to allow smooth access of public transport vehicles to the above control points. Cross-boundary private cars may need to queue up for crossing the BCPs. Motorists should pay extra attention to variable message signs and traffic signs along the roads. In case of traffic congestion, they should remain patient and follow the instructions of on-site Police.Issued at HKT 16:22

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements releases latest information on cross-boundary passenger traffic estimation and arrangements for Tuen Ng Festival long weekend of the Mainland

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements releases latest information on cross-boundary passenger traffic estimation and arrangements for Tuen Ng Festival long weekend of the Mainland 
         During the upcoming Tuen Ng Festival long weekend of the Mainland (May 31 to June 2), the Immigration Department (ImmD) estimates that around 3.2 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points. The ImmD, in consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, estimates that around 2.73 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on May 31 (Saturday) and June 1 (Sunday), with around 570 000 passengers and 540 000 passengers respectively.
     
         The ImmD estimates that the passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 230 000, 200 000 and 140 000 passengers respectively.
     
         To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the ImmD has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks.
     
         Furthermore, the ImmD, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. The ImmD will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.
     
         To avoid congestion and longer-than-usual waiting times for immigration clearance, the ImmD advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods, and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. Furthermore, passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land boundary control point at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile Application (ImmD Mobile App). They can then plan their trips effectively and save time queuing at control points. The ImmD Mobile App can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store (supports iOS version 12.0 or above), Google Play (supports Android version 8.0 or above), Huawei AppGallery (supports Android version 8.0 or above) and the APK file available on the ImmD website. Passengers can download the ImmD Mobile App by scanning the QR code (see Annex) or via the ImmD website, www.immd.gov.hk 
         For travellers making journeys to the Mainland, the ImmD reminds them to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.
     
         Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to the reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
     
         About 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. To further enhance the clearance efficiency of control points and allow more Hong Kong residents to use the fast and convenient e-Channel service, starting from March 31, the ImmD has adjusted the applicable age for e-Channel service for holders of smart identity cards. Eligible Hong Kong permanent residents aged 7 to 10 years old, who are at least 1.1 metres tall and hold a smart identity card and a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, can use the e-Channels without prior enrolment for self-service immigration clearance via face recognition technology at all control points. Moreover, the Contactless e-Channel service is available at all control points now. All eligible Hong Kong residents, after enrolment, can generate an encrypted QR code through the Contactless e-Channel mobile application to enter the e-Channel and then verify their identity with the facial verification technology for automated immigration clearance.
     
         In addition, all control points have introduced self-service departures for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure), which provides greater travel convenience for visitors. The service employs facial recognition technology for identity verification, which allows eligible visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without prior enrolment.
     
         Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD Mobile App, send a message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit the Online Assistance Request Form.
     
         The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements is tasked with holistically co-ordinating and steering the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Tuen Ng Festival long weekend of the Mainland, as well as strengthening information dissemination to enable the public and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.
    Issued at HKT 15:10

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Zeo Energy Corp. to Acquire Heliogen, Inc., Expected to Create a Clean Energy Platform for Residential, Commercial, and Utility Markets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Acquisition Seeks to Combine Zeo’s Solar Energy Platform with Heliogen’s Advanced Clean Storage Solutions

    Transaction Represents Culmination of Heliogen’s Comprehensive Strategic Alternatives Review Process

    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. and PASADENA, Calif., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zeo Energy Corp. (Nasdaq: ZEO) (“Zeo Energy,” or “Zeo”), a leading Florida-based provider of residential solar and energy efficiency solutions, and Heliogen, Inc. (OTCQX: HLGN) (“Heliogen”), a provider of on-demand clean energy technology solutions, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger and reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which Zeo will acquire all of Heliogen’s outstanding equity securities in an all-stock transaction. The transaction is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Following the closing of the transaction, Zeo plans to leverage Heliogen’s solutions, brand, intellectual property, capital, and technical talent to establish a division focused on long-duration energy generation and storage for commercial and industrial-scale facilities, including artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing data centers. The transaction is expected to create a robust clean energy platform spanning residential, commercial, and utility-scale markets, supported by internal financing capabilities and domain expertise.

    Management Commentary

    “Heliogen brings a set of practical solutions to customers, particularly data centers, looking for longer duration energy storage with substantially lower costs than alternatives on the market,” said Tim Bridgewater, CEO of Zeo Energy. “Through this acquisition, we believe that Zeo will be able to accelerate our vision of serving energy consumers across the spectrum – from residential rooftops to larger-scale industrial solar and storage applications to build an energy platform at scale.”

    “We believe this combination offers a compelling opportunity for Heliogen stockholders through the opportunity to participate in the substantial growth potential of the combined company,” added Christiana Obiaya, CEO of Heliogen. “We believe that Zeo’s proven track record and network of customers can enhance the value creation opportunities for Heliogen’s solutions and technical capabilities, while enhancing liquidity for stockholders. We’re proud to be joining forces to scale practical, dispatchable clean energy solutions. This transaction is the result of the Heliogen Board’s comprehensive review of strategic alternatives. Our Board is unanimous in its belief that this transaction is the optimal path forward and in the best interest of our stockholders.”

    Strategic Rationale

    • Expanded Market Reach: The transaction unites Zeo’s existing residential solar and storage footprint with Heliogen’s long-duration energy storage expertise. Heliogen’s commercial and utility-scale thermal storage solutions address mission-critical power quality and energy capacity issues faced by AI and cloud computing data centers, while concurrently aiding grid stability.
    • Operational Synergies: The transaction is expected to streamline costs and reduce corporate overhead, while retaining core technical and commercial talent.
    • Strengthened Balance Sheet: At close, Zeo anticipates benefiting from Heliogen’s incremental liquidity, supporting investments for future growth in the solar and energy storage space.
    • Enhanced Financing Capabilities: Zeo’s affiliated financing arm, which has provided over $44 million in clean energy tax equity financing to date, has the ability to be used for future Heliogen utility-scale and long-duration energy storage projects.
    • Accelerated Growth Opportunities: The transaction seeks to position Zeo to capitalize on increasing demand for resilient, cost-effective, low-carbon energy infrastructure, supported by favorable long-term tailwinds and potential tax equity investments.

    Transaction Details and Closing Timeline

    Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, upon the closing of the transaction, Heliogen’s securityholders will receive shares of Zeo’s Class A common stock valued at approximately $10 million in the aggregate, based on a Zeo Class A common stock price of $1.5859 per share, and subject to an adjustment mechanism based on Heliogen’s net cash at the closing.

    The proposed transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approval by Heliogen’s stockholders, as well as Heliogen having a specified minimum amount of net cash at the closing. Certain Heliogen stockholders holding approximately 23% of Heliogen’s outstanding shares of common stock have entered into voting agreements, pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote all of such shares in favor of the proposed transaction. The proposed transaction will not require the approval of Zeo’s stockholders under Nasdaq rules.

    Advisors

    Piper Sandler & Co. is acting as financial advisor and Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP is acting as legal counsel to Zeo.

    Pickering Energy Partners is acting as financial advisor and Cooley LLP is acting as legal counsel to Heliogen.

    About Zeo Energy Corp.

    Zeo Energy Corp. is a Florida-based regional provider of residential solar, distributed energy, and energy efficiency solutions. Zeo Energy focuses on high-growth markets with limited competitive saturation. With its differentiated sales approach and vertically integrated offerings, Zeo serves customers who desire to reduce high energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. For more information on Zeo Energy Corp., please visit www.zeoenergy.com.

    About Heliogen, Inc.

    Heliogen (OTCQX: HLGN) is a renewable energy technology company that provides solutions for delivering cost-effective, low-carbon energy production around the clock. By combining commercially proven solar technologies with thermal systems expertise, Heliogen supports customers in achieving a practical transition to cleaner energy. For more information about Heliogen, please visit www.heliogen.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act“), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to Zeo and/or Heliogen. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, such as statements regarding the structure, timing, and completion of the proposed transaction between Zeo and Heliogen and the vision, goals, and trajectory of Zeo following the proposed transaction. The words “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “will,” and similar references to future periods may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks, and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Zeo’s or Heliogen’s views as of any subsequent date, and neither Zeo nor Heliogen undertakes any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, Zeo’s Heliogen’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of Zeo or Heliogen to terminate the Merger Agreement; the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because the conditions to closing are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all, including the failure to timely obtain stockholder approval for the proposed transaction from Heliogen’s stockholders, if at all; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction are not realized when expected or at all; the possibility that the vision, goals, and trajectory of Zeo following the proposed transaction are not timely achieved or realized, if at all; the possibility that the integration of the two companies may be more difficult, time-consuming, or costly than expected; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive or take longer to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Zeo, Heliogen or others related to the proposed transaction; Zeo’s or Heliogen’s success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, its officers, key employees, or directors; Zeo’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock and warrants on Nasdaq; limited liquidity and trading of Zeo’s or Heliogen’s securities; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Zeo or Heliogen may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; operational risk; litigation and regulatory enforcement risks, including the diversion of management time and attention and the additional costs and demands on Zeo’s or Heliogen’s resources; and other risks and uncertainties, including those included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Zeo’s and Heliogen’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in subsequent periodic reports and other filings with the SEC. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Zeo or Heliogen, or their respective directors, officers or employees or any other person that Zeo or Heliogen will achieve their objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the proposed transaction, Zeo and Heliogen intend to file relevant materials with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”), which will include a proxy statement of Heliogen that will also constitute a prospectus of Zeo with respect to the shares of class A common stock of Zeo to be issued in the proposed transaction (the “proxy statement/prospectus”). After the Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC, a definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of Heliogen. This press release is not a substitute for any registration statement or proxy statement/prospectus, or other documents Zeo and/or Heliogen may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed acquisition. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, STOCKHOLDERS AND INVESTORS OF HELIOGEN AND ZEO ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY HELIOGEN AND/OR ZEO WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The Registration Statement, the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed by Zeo and Heliogen with the SEC, when filed, will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by Heliogen online at investors.heliogen.com, and will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement, proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by Zeo online at investors.zeoenergy.com.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    This press release is not a solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. However, under SEC rules, Heliogen, Zeo and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of their management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the interests of Heliogen’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Heliogen’s stock is set forth in Heliogen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 27, 2025 (the “2024 Heliogen 10-K”). Information regarding the interests of Zeo’s directors and executive officers is set forth in Zeo’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on May 28, 2025 (the “2024 Zeo 10-K”). To the extent that either Zeo’s or Heliogen’s directors and executive officers and their respective affiliates have acquired or disposed of security holdings since the “as of” date indicated in the 2024 Zeo 10-K or 2024 Heliogen 10-K, such transactions have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 or amendments to beneficial ownership reports on Schedule 13D filed with the SEC.

    Additional information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed acquisition when it is filed with the SEC. These documents (when available) may be obtained free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, from Heliogen’s website at https://investors.heliogen.com/ and from Zeo’s website at https://investors.zeoenergy.com/.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or the solicitation of any proxy, vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, or in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    Zeo Energy Corp. Contacts

    For Investors:
    Tom Colton and Greg Bradbury
    Gateway Group
    ZEO@gateway-grp.com

    For Media:
    Zach Kadletz
    Gateway Group
    ZEO@gateway-grp.com

    Heliogen Contacts

    Investors Contact:
    Phelps Morris
    Chief Financial Officer
    Phelps.Morris@heliogen.com

    Heliogen Media Contact:
    Cory Ziskind
    ICR, Inc.
    HeliogenPR@icrinc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is Sudan’s war the reason for South Sudan’s economic crisis? What’s really going on with oil revenue

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jan Pospisil, Associate Professor at the Centre for Peace and Security, Coventry University

    The civil war in Sudan between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has had an impact on its neighbours. One of the most keenly affected countries is South Sudan, which became an independent state in 2011 and went on to endure its own civil war. This ended in 2018 with a tenuous peace agreement.

    The impact of the Sudanese war on South Sudan, however, isn’t a straightforward spillover catastrophe. The picture is more nuanced, and this is most clearly seen in South Sudan’s oil economy. Jan Pospisil, who has studied the dynamics in Sudan and South Sudan, explains.

    What is the current status of oil exports from South Sudan through Sudan?

    Landlocked South Sudan is reliant on its neighbour to the north to transport oil from its fields to the international market. Crude oil is transported via pipeline to Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

    However, recent drone strikes on Port Sudan carried out by the Rapid Support Forces targeted power plants that supply electricity to pumping stations along Sudan’s critical oil pipelines.

    Soon after, the Sudanese army formally notified South Sudan that it would have to halt exports. Following hectic negotiations, the South Sudanese government released a statement that the stoppage could be prevented.

    This back and forth has reopened the pressing question of the impact of Sudan’s war on South Sudan’s economy and, in particular, the role of crude oil.

    Assessments of the impact of Sudan’s war on South Sudan suggest the worst: oil revenues would account for 80% of South Sudan’s budget and 90% of its fiscal revenue.

    This informs the International Monetary Fund’s warnings of looming economic collapse in case of a breakdown of oil exports. The predominant view is that a shutdown of the oil pipeline through Sudan would lead to a collapse of dollar inflows to South Sudan, triggering a severe economic crisis.

    However, South Sudan’s 2024-25 budget suggests a high reliance on non-oil revenue.

    In fact, government oil revenues for 2024-25 are based on a volume of only around 16,000 barrels per day. This is the share of total production of about 130,000 barrels per day controlled by South Sudan. Attempts to increase production to pre-war levels of up to 400,000 barrels failed. The substantial drop in production is explained by a decline in the quality of South Sudan’s oil wells, especially in Paloch in the north-east’s Upper Nile State, and Unity State in the north-central region.

    South Sudan additionally lacks the operational capacity to extract the oil it has in the ground.

    The 2024-25 budget projects a hefty fiscal deficit. The revenues projected will cover only about half of total planned state spending. Oil and non-oil revenues – which mainly include tax income from international NGOs and businesses – each account for about half of the revenue that’s expected to come in.

    Oil income has to account for debt (capital and interest) repayments on loans, as well as pipeline transport fees paid to Sudan. This means that even the optimistically assessed net contributions of oil revenue would only pay for 16% of planned government spending. South Sudan remains with a hefty deficit.

    What are the challenges South Sudan is facing in growing oil revenues?

    First, Petronas, a Malaysian multinational oil and gas company, withdrew from South Sudan in August 2024 after three decades.

    It left behind substantial challenges, including an arbitration process worth more US$1 billion. This followed the government preventing Petronas from selling its shares to the British-Nigerian group Savannah Energy.

    As a short-term solution, South Sudan de facto nationalised Petronas’ shares. It did this by transferring the shares to the state’s oil and gas company, Nile Petroleum Corporation (NilePet). This was perhaps in the hope of increasing revenue in the short term.

    However, NilePet hasn’t been able to replace Petronas’ production logistics. This has resulted in huge challenges in restoring production to levels before the 2024 pipeline disruptions.

    A second factor is the sale of oil forward. The then finance minister said in 2022 that most of the oil production had been sold in advance until 2027. He later retracted the statement, saying instead that some oil advances were merely “spread up to 2027”. While this walk-back attempted to soften the political fallout, it reinforced wider uncertainty about how much control NilePet actually retains over the revenues formally under its authority.

    Given the limited relevance of oil revenues for the official South Sudanese budget, why the major concern about disruptions?

    There are three reasons.

    First, NilePet plays a structural role in South Sudan’s informal and often dubious hard currency circulation, which international observers would call large-scale corruption. NilePet’s accounts rarely appear in any official financial accounts and are often channelled off-budget. NilePet functions as a black box within the public finance system where real money flows can only rarely be traced. Recent intentions by the president to structurally reform the company might implicitly confirm this.

    Second, there are indirect oil revenues that are important to the country’s security apparatus. This includes protection rents which come from protecting South Sudanese oil fields. This revenue never hits the budget. It pays the National Security Service either directly as salaries, or is reinvested in the considerable conglomerate of companies owned by the security service to multiply profits. Losing this revenue could destabilise the country because the funds are used to pay the salaries of the best-trained and best-equipped security service in the country.

    Third, South Sudan’s ability to attract new loans depends on the repayment of existing ones. These repayments largely depend on oil production. As the 2024-24 budget shows, South Sudan desperately needs new loans to keep even core state functions operational. Yet, funding from multilateral agencies has dwindled to small-scale loans from the African Development Bank. The International Monetary Fund has currently ended all its funding programmes.

    This is not a result of the war in Sudan. It is due to persistent concerns over insufficient financial governance in South Sudan and the state’s performance. Negotiations with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates for new loans appear to have stalled, not least because of a default in repayments to Qatar.

    These factors show that the flow of oil to Port Sudan is significant to the availability of hard currency in South Sudan’s economy. But this is in more indirect ways than the outdated claim of an 80% budgetary dependency would suggest.

    The war in Sudan has a significant yet multifaceted impact on South Sudan’s economic health. But Juba’s biggest challenges are internal.

    South Sudan’s economy over the last six years has been mainly dependent on international loans coming in – a flow which has now dried up, resulting in a severe economic crisis unprecedented in the young country’s history.

    Jan Pospisil receives funding from the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceRep), funded by UK International Development from the UK government. However, the views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies. Any use of this work should acknowledge the authors and the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform.

    – ref. Is Sudan’s war the reason for South Sudan’s economic crisis? What’s really going on with oil revenue – https://theconversation.com/is-sudans-war-the-reason-for-south-sudans-economic-crisis-whats-really-going-on-with-oil-revenue-257375

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Middle East Peace at Risk: UN Calls for Bold Action & Two-State Solution | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Sigrid Kaag said, “Since the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, the already horrific existence of civilians has only sunk further into the abyss. This is manmade.”

    During a briefing to the Security Council today (28 May) Kaag confirmed that Israel had approved a limited resumption of aid entry on 18 May. But she stressed that deliveries remain woefully inadequate. “Since then, very limited numbers of goods have entered and have been distributed by the United Nations and its partners. But this is comparable to a lifeboat after the ship has sunk.”

    Emphasizing the need for a political solution, Kaag said, “There can however be no sustainable peace in the Middle East without a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There are no shortcuts. The two-State solution is on life support; reviving it requires collective action.”

    Feroze Sidhwa, a trauma surgeon, shared the anguish of health workers on the ground. “My Palestinian friends, mostly healthcare workers, no longer speak of resilience or even survival,” he said. “Parents memorize their children’s clothing in case they must identify their remains.”

    Sidhwa also said, “We strongly and explicitly reject the weaponization and politicization of aid embodied by the ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,’” he said, citing the resignation of its executive director over alleged failures to uphold humanitarian principles.

    U.S. envoy John Kelley reaffirmed Washington’s support for Israel, “Every day Hamas demonstrates its lack of regard for the Palestinians it claims to represent.” He also said that Hamas is diverting aid and violently suppressing dissent, adding, “The United States fully stands behind Israel and its right to defend itself.”

    Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Palestine said, “Israel wants to appear as allowing aid in, while continuing to make sure life cannot actually be sustained in Gaza.”

    Before the Security Council meeting Israel’s Ambassador Danny Danon spoke to members of press and pushed back against international criticism. “We are not bombing the people of Gaza. We are fighting a terrorist organization,” he said.

    “We have two goals in this war,” Danon added. “We will not finish the war leaving behind 58 people. Their families are waiting for them, and we are committed to finish this war by making sure the hostages are back, and Hamas is out of the game.”

    After the Security Council meeting, Sigrid Kaag said to reporters, “Privatization of aid and the weaponization of aid is a very dangerous precedent. It doesn’t only speak to the situation, potentially in Gaza, but worldwide. And we have to look at the things we allow, don’t allow or speak out against or discourage. It’s not only relevant to the here and the now, it is relevant to so many other conflict situations. So, I would say support the UN.”

    For all official languages, please visit: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1h/k1h6akrxuo

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odLO9KVKVnc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Save Loch Lomond: Rally is a critical moment in blocking Flamingo Land

    Source: Scottish Greens

    29 May 2025 Nature Save Loch Lomond

    We must protect Scotland’s national park from destruction.

    More in Nature

    The Scottish Greens are urging campaigners to make their voice heard outside the Scottish Parliament today at 11am for a major rally opposing Flamingo Land’s destructive mega-resort plan on the banks of Loch Lomond.

    Despite the National Park’s board  unanimously rejecting the development after receiving objections from expert groups including environment watchdog SEPA as well as 155,000 individuals, the Scottish Government has approved an appeal by Flamingo Land, overturning the local decision and green-lighting their project.

    The planned development is set to include 127 woodland lodges, two hotels, over 370 parking spaces, a water park, monorail and much more on a sensitive site by the loch shore at Balloch.

    The campaign against Flamingo Land was spear-headed by Mr Greer, becoming the most objected to planning application in Scottish history, with over 155,000 individual objections, as well as those from groups including the Woodland Trust and National Trust for Scotland.

    Since the Scottish Government’s decision, close to 45,000 people have emailed Scottish Government Ministers, calling on the decision to be recalled and reversed.,

    Mr Greer said:  

    “The Scottish Government have thrown their backing behind Flamingo Land at the expense of the community and Scotland’s world famous natural environment. These plans would be tantamount to environmental and cultural vandalism and it is staggering that Government Ministers appear hell-bent on forcing this through. They are well aware of the flood risks, the massive increase in traffic and congestion, the contaminated land threat and loss of nature including ancient woodland, but don’t seem to care.

    “Opposition to Flamingo Land’s proposal comes from expert organisations including the National Trust for Scotland, Woodland Trust, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the local community council and even the National Park’s own expert planning officers, alongside a record 155,00 of public complaints.

    “The campaign to save Loch Lomond is at a critical stage. This rally at Parliament is an important opportunity to show the SNP the depth of public feeling on this. I urge everyone to come and make a stand against these outrageous plans. Campaigners can also continue to contact the Scottish Government directly using my e-action at greens.scot/LochLomond, which has close to 50,000 supporters already.

    “Ministers have a choice: protect Scotland’s natural heritage or cave to developers looking to exploit it for a quick profit. We’re calling on everyone who loves Loch Lomond to stand with us.”

    Want to support the Save Loch Lomond campaign? Sign this letter to Scottish Ministers here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To the participants and guests of the 42nd plenary session of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dear Mr. Chairman!

    Dear delegates!

    I welcome you to Moscow at the plenary session of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing. Russia currently chairs this authoritative association of states. And one of the significant events will be your session, in which representatives of international organizations are also participating.

    Today, integration in the Eurasian space is growing, which contributes to multifaceted development and progressive economic growth of the countries in the region. The introduction of high technologies helps to automate many processes and reduce costs. At the same time, against the backdrop of rapid digitalization, new challenges arise associated with the emergence of sophisticated forms of terrorist financing, including through the use of crypto assets for illegal purposes.

    The success of the fight against money laundering directly depends on the clear coordination of the actions of the agencies responsible for financial security. In this regard, it is impossible to overestimate the importance of the activities carried out by the Eurasian Group. Over 20 years, an effective model of interstate partnership has been built, allowing for the transparency of financial flows, timely identification and minimization of risks, and prompt response to them.

    It is important that the Group has created conditions for a substantive dialogue on a whole range of issues related to the protection of national and international financial systems. It is necessary to continue to build common approaches to legal regulation. To exchange experience and information, new technologies, best practices. And also to raise the level of knowledge about financial security among citizens.

    I am confident that this meeting will be another step in strengthening cooperation between our countries in such an important area. And the experts’ recommendations will find their practical application.

    I wish all participants constructive work.

    M. Mishustin

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS: ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PL

    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: AXA Investment Managers S.A.
    (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.    		  
    (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:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 28 May 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: 712,276 1.68    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 712,276 1.68    

    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 2,340 GBP 30.11

    (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
             

    (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
                   

    (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)
           

    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: 29 May 2025
    Contact name: Anthony GILSOUL
    Telephone number*: +33 1 44 45 97 54

    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.

    *If the discloser is a natural person, a telephone number does not need to be included, provided contact information has been provided to the Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit.

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Less paperwork, more chargepoints: government cuts red tape to make it easier, quicker and cheaper to switch to EVs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Less paperwork, more chargepoints: government cuts red tape to make it easier, quicker and cheaper to switch to EVs

    Drivers no longer need to submit planning applications to install electric vehicle chargepoints, helping them save up to £1,100 a year.

    • new streamlined process to install public and private electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints, helping more drivers save up to £1,100 a year
    • nearly 80,000 public chargepoints are already available in the UK – with one installed every 29 minutes – ensuring all drivers are always close to a socket
    • government continues to deliver the Plan for Change by investing over £2.3 billion to power the switch to EVs, secure global trade deals to back British carmakers, create jobs and drive investment

    More drivers will be able to save up to £1,100 a year as the government cuts red tape to make it easier than ever to install electric vehicle chargepoints.

    Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, has confirmed that from today (29 May 2025), more drivers and businesses will no longer need to submit a planning application to install public or private EV sockets.

    By cutting down on paperwork, more EV owners with a driveway will find it easier, quicker and cheaper to install a private chargepoint and power up their EVs at home. This will unlock savings of up to £1,100 a year compared to running a petrol or diesel car.

    With planning changes also applying to workplace and public chargepoints, businesses will be able to install new sockets faster and for less, helping increase the number of public chargepoints so that EV owners can charge more easily, wherever they live and drive.

    This comes on top of already significant discounts from government to help drivers install chargepoints outside their house. Government support currently allows people renting or owning a flat and those with on-street parking to receive up to £350 off the cost of installing a home charger.

    Getting this transition right and supporting the growth of the electric vehicle market in the UK will enable Britain to tap into a multibillion-pound industry, create high paid jobs for decades to come and deliver on our Plan for Change by putting more money in the pockets of hardworking families.

    Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

    We’re cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from and less red tape to deal with.

    We continue to make the switch to EVs easier, cheaper and better by investing over £2.3 billion to support drivers and back British carmakers through international trade deals – creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future as part of our Plan for Change.

    The government continues to be on the side of British carmakers. On top of the recent changes to the ZEV Mandate, the crucial trade deals with the US, India and the European Union have given the sector certainty and helped safeguard around 150,000 jobs in the automotive and steel sectors.

    It follows 1,000 jobs created after a £1 billion investment for a new state-of-the-art gigafactory in Sunderland to further accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, bolster Britain’s industrial heartland and boost growth.

    Today’s changes come as the government has now helped install 18,000 sockets in workplace carparks in the last year alone. This is firmly placing the UK on the road to become an EV world-leader, with nearly 80,000 public EV chargepoints now available in the UK.

    The UK public chargepoint network continues to grow. DfT statistics show that a record of nearly 3,000 public charging devices were added in April alone – with one popping up every 29 minutes.

    Lewis Gardiner, Operations Director, Osprey Charging Network said:

    This is a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground.

    Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need. It’s the result of months of collaboration between industry and government and we’re proud to have played a key role in making it happen.

    For drivers, the benefits of EVs are clear:

    • running an EV can cost as little as 2 pence per mile
    • EVs are constantly becoming cheaper, with 2 in 5 used EVs now under £20,000 and 29 brand new models priced under £30,000
    • most new EVs have a range of nearly 300 miles – enough to get from London to Newcastle on one charge

    Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer and MD of Smart Charge, said:

    Everyone at Smart Charge knows how important it is to make EV charging simple, reliable and accessible – both to make transport cleaner and to ensure we’re meeting the everyday needs of drivers throughout the UK.

    We welcome this new streamlined approach to installing charge points, which will help accelerate the nation’s adoption of EVs.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow under attack by Ukrainian drones – mayor

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, May 29 /Xinhua/ — Last night, air defense forces repelled an attack by Ukrainian drones on the Russian capital, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported on his Telegram channel.

    According to him, air defense forces repelled an attack by three drones flying toward Moscow. As RIA Novosti reports, the facade of the house was damaged, and several windows were knocked out. None of the residents were hurt.

    In Odintsovo, Moscow region, several cars were damaged as a result of a UAV crash.

    In the wake of the attack, Vnukovo Airport suspended flights, but after 1 hour and 20 minutes, normal airport operations were resumed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran condemns Israeli airstrikes on Sana’a International Airport

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, May 29 (Xinhua) — Iran strongly condemns Israel’s airstrikes on Sana’a International Airport, the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The ministry’s spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, called the attacks another sign of Israel’s “cruelty and hostility toward the Muslim peoples of Yemen and the West Asian region.”

    According to the Houthi-controlled Al-Masirah TV channel, Israel carried out four strikes on the Sana’a airport runway and a Yemenia Airlines plane on Wednesday morning, destroying the last remaining commercial aircraft of the airline in Yemen.

    E. Bagai said that the Israeli strikes are aimed at “preventing the delivery of Yemeni pilgrims to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the upcoming Hajj, and are a major crime.” He called on the international community, especially the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to immediately pay serious attention to the situation.

    The diplomat also condemned Israel’s “repeated aggressive actions” against Yemen’s economic infrastructure and civilian targets, including ports, airports and food warehouses. He called the attacks “clear examples of war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

    E. Bagai stressed that confronting Israel’s “violations and crimes” in the occupied Palestinian territories and in relation to other countries in the region is the legal and moral responsibility of all West Asian states. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 5.28.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 28, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    LaCandice Ochoa, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Independent Living and Community Access Division at the Department of Rehabilitation. Ochoa has been Dean of Workforce and Economic Development in the Office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges since 2020, where she was previously Operations Manager of Workforce and Economic Development from 2020 to 2022. She was the Operations Manager for the Commission on Disability Access at the Department of General Services from 2018 to 2020. Ochoa was a Program Manager at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services from 2015 to 2018. She was a Program Analyst for the Health Professions Education Foundation at the Department of Healthcare Access and Information from 2014 to 2015. Ochoa was an Associate Governmental Program Analyst at the California Department of Rehabilitation from 2012 to 2014. She was an Executive Assistant at Disability Rights California from 2011 to 2012. Ochoa was an Outreach and Training Advocate at the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers from 2009 to 2011. She was a Support Staff Assistant for Bob Segalman, Ph.D. from 2008 to 2009. Ochoa is a member of the California Community College Association of Occupational Educators, Association of California Community College Administrators, and Association of California State Employees with Disabilities. She earned a Master of Science degree in Assistive Technology and Human Services from California State University, Northridge and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies from University of California, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $137,616. Ochoa is a Democrat.

    Aaron Christian, of Chino, has been appointed Chief of Population Risk, Quality Assurance, and Data Operations at the Department of Developmental Services. Christian has been Deputy Director of the Division of Community Assistance and Resolutions at the California Department of Developmental Services since 2024, where he has held several roles since 2020, including Assistant Deputy Director and Southern Region Manager. He held several roles at the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center from 2010 to 2020, including Director of Client Services, Director of Community Services, Assistant Director of Community Services, Resource Developer, and Service Coordinator. Christian was a Youth Counselor at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from 2007 to 2009. He was a Program Manager at Esperanza Services from 2003 to 2007. Christian earned a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Sector Leadership from California State University, Northridge and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from University of Phoenix. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $187,104. Christian is registered with no party preference. 

    Sherri Miller, of Sacramento, has been appointed Special Assistant to the Secretary at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Miller has been Executive Office Manager at California High-Speed Rail Authority since 2023, where she was previously Staff Services Manager II from 2021 to 2023. She held several roles at the California Department of Motor Vehicles from 2012 to 2019, including Administrative Assistant II to the Department of Motor Vehicles Director and Executive Secretary. Miller is a participant of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program at California High-Speed Rail Authority. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $108,000. Miller is a Democrat.

    Jason Paguio, of Coronado, has been reappointed to the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, where he has served since 2022. Paguio has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Business Association San Diego and the Asian Business Association Foundation since 2019 and a Member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2017. He was Director for North America at Dalman & Narborough from 2006 to 2025. Paguio was Director of Strategic Partnerships and Political Director for the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce from 2020 to 2022. He was a Land Use Advisor for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors from 2017 to 2019. Paguio was Chief of Staff for the Office of the Deputy Mayor of the City of Chula Vista from 2015 to 2017. He is Chair of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Community Housing Corporation, Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of LEAD San Diego, Member of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, NTC Foundation, and San Diego Opera and a member of the California Entrepreneurship and Economic Mobility Task Force in the Office of the Small Business Advocate. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Paguio is a Democrat.

    Rajan Gill, of Yuba City, has been reappointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, where he has served since 2013. Gill has been a Filmmaker at Neena Filmhouse since 2024, Professor of History at Yuba College since 2019, and Managing Partner at Gill Ranches since 2010. He was Professor of History at Las Positas College from 2018 to 2019. Gill was an Adjunct Professor at Yuba College from 2015 to 2018. He earned a Master of Arts degree in History from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Middle Eastern and South Asian studies from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Gill is a Democrat.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement after a federal court ruled today that President Trump exceeded his use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs that hurt states, consumers, and businesses: “Like we said when we filed…

    May 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bill:SB 49 by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) – Tribal gaming: compact and amendment ratification.For full text of the bill, visit: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.  Recent…

    May 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an emergency proclamation for Trinity County to assist in recovery from the December 2024 winter storms that caused significant damage to the local area. The emergency proclamation authorizes the Governor’s Office…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: West Hawaiʻi Island Welcomes Free, Public Preschool Classroom

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    West Hawaiʻi Island Welcomes Free, Public Preschool Classroom

    Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke Visits New Public Pre-K Serving South Kona Families

    Lt. Gov. Luke and Sen. Dru Kanuha visit with pre-K students at Hoʻokena Elementary.

    Link to Hoʻokena Elementary Photos
     Link to Hoʻokena Elementary B-Roll Video


    KONA, HAWAIʻI — This month, some of Big Island’s youngest learners were joined by special guests as Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke visited a new public pre-kindergarten classroom at Hoʻokena Elementary School. Luke, who leads the state’s     Ready Keiki initiative to expand access to preschool statewide, was joined by Senator Dru Kanuha.

    The new classroom at Hoʻokena Elementary is the second public preschool to open on West Hawaiʻi Island since the launch of Ready Keiki in January 2023.

    “Expanding preschool access on the Big Island and in rural communities is about equity and opportunity for both our keiki and their families,” said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. “When parents have reliable, high-quality early learning options close to home, they can stay in the workforce, support their families, and choose the care that best fits their needs. It’s about giving local families real options and making sure every community has the resources to thrive.”

    These new classrooms not only support young learners but also help strengthen local communities and give local families a reason to stay and raise their children in Hawaiʻi.

    “Giving our keiki in West Hawaiʻi the right start means building a strong foundation for learning and growth,” said Senator Dru Kanuha (District 3 – Kona, Ka‘ū, Volcano). “This new preschool classroom at Hoʻokena Elementary is an investment in our children’s future, and I’m grateful to Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke for expanding access to pre-K in rural communities like South Kona. The Ready Keiki initiative is opening doors for local families.”

    EOEL Public Pre-K Program Campuses on Hawaiʻi Island:

    Chiefess Kapi’olani Elementary

    Hilo Union Elementary

    Hōnaunau Elementary

    Honoka’a Elementary

    Hoʻokena Elementary School

    Kahakai Elementary School

    Kea’au Elementary

    Keonepoko Elementary

    Kohala Elementary

    Konawaena Elementary

    Mountain View Elementary

    Nāʻālehu Elementary School

    Pa’auilo Elementary and Intermediate School

    Pāhoa Elementary

    Waimea Elementary School

    The Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year. Children must be 3 or 4 years old on or before July 31 of the school year for which they are applying.

    • March 3–June 30: Priority enrollment period. Preference is given to children who live in the geographic area of the school.

    • July 1–End of school year: Open enrollment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs legislation 5.28.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 28, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bill:

    SB 49 by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) – Tribal gaming: compact and amendment ratification.

    For full text of the bill, visit: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 28, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an emergency proclamation for Trinity County to assist in recovery from the December 2024 winter storms that caused significant damage to the local area. The emergency proclamation authorizes the Governor’s Office…

    May 28, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2025, as “Jewish American Heritage Month.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below PROCLAMATIONThroughout our history, generations of Jewish immigrants…

    May 27, 2025

    News What you need to know: Since Governor Newsom launched the joint law enforcement efforts in Bakersfield, Oakland, and San Bernardino, officers have conducted 6,727 arrests, recovered 4,842 stolen vehicles, and confiscated 313 illicit firearms, reducing crime in…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom issues emergency proclamations for Trinity and San Joaquin counties to support recovery

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 28, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an emergency proclamation for Trinity County to assist in recovery from the December 2024 winter storms that caused significant damage to the local area. 

    The emergency proclamation authorizes the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to provide assistance to Trinity County under the California Disaster Assistance Act, among other provisions.

    Governor Newsom additionally issued an emergency proclamation for San Joaquin County to assist in recovery from the October 2024 Victoria Island Levee failure. 

    The emergency proclamation authorizes the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to provide assistance to San Joaquin under the California Disaster Assistance Act, among other provisions.

    The text of today’s emergency proclamations for Trinity and San Joaquin counties can be found here and here, respectively.

    Recent news

    May 28, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2025, as “Jewish American Heritage Month.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below PROCLAMATIONThroughout our history, generations of Jewish immigrants…

    May 27, 2025

    News What you need to know: Since Governor Newsom launched the joint law enforcement efforts in Bakersfield, Oakland, and San Bernardino, officers have conducted 6,727 arrests, recovered 4,842 stolen vehicles, and confiscated 313 illicit firearms, reducing crime in…

    May 26, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 26, 2025, as “Memorial Day.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONOn Memorial Day, we remember those who laid down their lives in defense of…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Jewish American Heritage Month 2025

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 28, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2025, as “Jewish American Heritage Month.”

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below

    PROCLAMATION

    Throughout our history, generations of Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution have sought the promise of freedom and opportunity to start life anew in America. California is home to the second-largest Jewish population in the U.S., with thriving communities across the state. This month, we recognize the enduring faith, perseverance, and resilience of the Jewish people and celebrate the ways in which Jewish Americans enrich our culture, politics, civil society, and countless other areas.

    California is indelibly intertwined with and improved by the Jewish community, a community that has been part of this state since the very first days of our statehood. Jewish Californians have played pivotal roles in social movements, including the fight for civil rights through organizations like the Los Angeles and Bay Area Jewish Community Relations Councils. Film producer Carl Laemmle helped define the film industry, producing over 400 films, including Dracula and The Phantom of the Opera. California is not the state, nor is it the global force it is today, without the many contributions of the Jewish community.

    As we celebrate these accomplishments, we must also recognize the bigotry and violence that Jewish people have faced throughout history, and that shamefully persist to this day. Amid brazen displays of antisemitic hate, California is taking action to protect our communities and ensure that future generations never forget the lessons of the past.

    This year, the Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education released its report on the status of genocide education in California and its recommendations to better prepare people to recognize and respond to instances of antisemitism and bigotry.

    The report goes hand in hand with state work and investments to address existing antisemitism and keep people safe. We have released California’s first-ever plan to counter antisemitism in all its forms, advanced major investments to increase security at houses of worship and other at-risk cultural centers, funded anti-hate programs that combat intolerance and support victims, and launched the CA vs. Hate Resource Line and Network statewide to provide a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts.

    California will continue to lead the fight to confront all forms of racial, ethnic, and religious hate across our society with education and empathy. This Jewish American Heritage Month, let us pay tribute to the many and varied contributions of the Jewish people to our California story and celebrate our shared commitment to pluralism, cultural diversity, and religious freedom.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 26, 2025 as “Jewish American Heritage Month.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 27th day of May 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Defiance Launches CVNX: The First 2X Long ETF for Carvana Co.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs introduces CVNX, the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long CVNA ETF (CVNX), a 2X leveraged single-stock ETF designed to provide amplified exposure to Carvana Co. (NYSE: CVNA). This ETF offers traders a way to pursue enhanced upside potential in Carvana without the need for a margin account.

    CVNX seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, of two times (200%) the daily percentage change in the share price of Carvana Co., a trailblazer in the digital transformation of used-car retail.

    “The Defiance Daily Target 2X Long CVNA ETF (CVNX) unleashes the full throttle of Carvana’s meteoric rise—up nearly 200% in the last year with Q1 2025 revenue smashing $4.23 billion. This ETF is built for savvy traders ready to amplify their stake in a company that’s rewriting the rules of used-car retail. With CVNA’s relentless growth, we’re giving investors the tools to seize this moment and ride the wave of automotive disruption.”
    — Sylvia Jablonski, CEO and CIO, Defiance ETFs

    For more information, visit DefianceETFs.com.

    The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund pursues a daily leveraged investment objective, which means that the Fund is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Fund magnifies the performance of the Underlying Security. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund will lose money if the Underlying Security’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the Underlying Security’s performance declines over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of their investment within a single day.

    An investment in CVNX is not an investment in Carvana Co.

    About Defiance ETFs

    Founded in 2018, Defiance is at the forefront of ETF innovation. Defiance is a leading ETF issuer specializing in thematic, income, and leveraged ETFs. Our first-mover leveraged single-stock ETFs empower investors to take amplified positions in high-growth companies, providing precise leverage exposure without the need to open a margin account.

    IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

    Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Fund’s investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”).

    The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other important information about the investment company. Please read the prospectus and / or summary prospectus carefully before investing. Hard copies can be requested by calling 833.333.9383.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the funds may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk.

    There is no guarantee that the Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment.

    Total return represents changes to the NAV and accounts for distributions from the fund.

    CVNA Risks: The Fund invests in swap contracts and options that are based on the share price of CVNA. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of CVNA even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. CVNA is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, or the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way and has no obligation to consider your Shares in taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of Shares.

    Trading Risk. The trading price of the Fund may be subject to volatility and could experience wide fluctuations due to various factors. Short sellers may also play a significant role in trading CVNA, potentially affecting the supply and demand dynamics and contributing to market price volatility. Public perception and external factors beyond the company’s control may influence CVNA’s stock price disproportionately.

    Performance Risk. CVNA may fail to meet publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of CVNA to decline.

    Automotive Industry Risk. The automotive retail industry is subject to significant risks that can impact both profitability and competitiveness. The industry is highly dependent on consumer demand, which can be influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, consumer confidence, fuel prices, and preferences for particular vehicle types.

    Additional Risks:

    Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Fund has a daily leveraged investment objective and the Fund’s performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which is very likely to differ from two times (200%) the Underlying Security’s performance, before the Fund’s management fee and other expenses.

    Leverage Risk. The Fund obtains investment exposure in excess of its net assets by utilizing leverage and may lose more money in market conditions that are adverse to its investment objective than a fund that does not utilize leverage. An investment in the Fund is exposed to the risk that a decline in the daily performance of the Underlying Security will be magnified.

    Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risks related to the market, leverage, imperfect daily correlations with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation, and legal restrictions.

    Swap Agreements. The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in derivatives which exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund.

    Fixed Income Securities Risk. When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed-income securities owned by the Fund.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Markets for securities or financial instruments could be disrupted by a number of events, including, but not limited to, an economic crisis, natural disasters, epidemics/pandemics, new legislation, or regulatory changes inside or outside the United States.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Diversification does not ensure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market. Brokerage Commissions may be charged on trades.

    Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC

    Contact Information
    David Hanono
    info@defianceetfs.com
    833.333.9383

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9cbde05-7266-4bc8-9d94-24ec43e4a822

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Heron Power Raises $38M Series A to Accelerate an All-Electric Future

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Today’s electricity infrastructure can’t meet surging energy demand, holding back the electric economy and driving energy bills higher

    Founded by longtime Tesla SVP and backed by leading VCs, Heron Power is developing cheaper, faster and smarter hardware solutions for renewable energy and data centers to connect to the grid 

    SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heron Power, an energy infrastructure company, today announced that it raised $38 million in Series A funding led by Capricorn Investment Group’s Technology Impact Fund, with participation from Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Energy Impact Partners, Gigascale Capital, Powerhouse Ventures, Valor Equity Partners, Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, and former Tesla CFO Zach Kirkhorn. The round brings the total funding raised by Heron Power to $43 million. The company is developing industrial power electronics purpose-built for the 21st-century grid, helping the electricity sector to grow faster with scalable, reliable and software-integrated infrastructure. Heron Power will use the new funding to expand its team and complete engineering of the Heron Link, a solid-state transformer solution displacing legacy transformers and power converters.

    Over the last decade, technologies like solar, batteries, and data centers have scaled faster than anyone imagined—growing from a few gigawatts in 2014 to more than 500 GW in 2024, equivalent to roughly two-thirds of the U.S. peak demand. But while energy technologies have leapt forward, the equipment connecting them to the grid hasn’t changed in a century.

    Today’s outdated medium-voltage transformers (MVTs) are massive, built with 10 tons of grain-oriented electrical steel and copper submerged in oil, and designed for a one-way, analog grid. They offer no real-time control, can’t regulate voltage or frequency, and can’t adapt to dynamic grid conditions. Now, as energy demand surges, transformers have become a critical bottleneck: lead times stretch up to 24 months, U.S. manufacturing meets less than 20% of demand, and prices have spiked 60-80% since 2020.

    “We’re at an inflection point where clean, abundant energy is ready to come online—but grid interconnection challenges hold us back,” said Drew Baglino, Founder and CEO of Heron Power. “Heron Power aims to bridge that gap. With electrification on a path to triple electricity demand and AI’s exponential need for power, we’re moving fast on the opportunity to modernize the grid with more capable hardware.”

    Heron Power’s first product, the Heron Link, deletes the legacy transformer and connects directly to medium voltage. It is a modular megawatt-scale power converter built on the latest advances in wide-bandgap semiconductors. Designed for high power density and ease of maintenance, it offers greater reliability and lower costs for renewable, energy storage, and data center developers. With integrated voltage and frequency regulation, Heron Link also enhances grid stability—helping to prevent cascading outages like the one in Spain in early 2025.

    Heron Power has partnerships with major energy and datacenter developers. The company is targeting an internal pilot in 2026, partner installations in early 2027, and plans to manufacture Heron Link in the US. The team brings deep technical expertise, having collectively designed and deployed over 80 gigawatts of grid-connected power electronics over the past decade. 

    “Power electronics innovation brings the power of ‘Moore’s law’ to energy,” said Dipender Saluja, co-managing partner of Capricorn’s Technology Impact fund. “For two decades, we’ve sought out and invested in transportation, aviation, electronics, materials and energy companies with innovative power electronics at the core of their products. Heron Power’s team is singularly impressive: they have the technical depth, execution experience, and clarity of intention to reinvent utility-scale power electronics.”

    About Heron Power

    Heron Power Electronics Company is developing industrial power electronics purpose-built for the 21st-century grid, helping the electricity sector to grow faster with scalable, reliable and software-integrated infrastructure. Its modular solid state transformer technology enables renewable energy, storage, and datacenter developers to directly connect to medium voltage transmission without the use of a transformer. Led by founder and CEO Drew Baglino, the Scotts Valley, CA-based company combines expertise in power electronics, software, and high-volume manufacturing. For more information, visit www.heronpower.com.

    Media Contact

    press@heronpower.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ce02aff-c8e9-47f7-a919-f99d440e7ea2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Yuanbao Inc. to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, June 5, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yuanbao Inc. (“Yuanbao” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: YB), a leading technology-driven online insurance distributor in China, today announced that it will release its first quarter 2025 unaudited financial results on Thursday, June 5, 2025, before the open of the U.S. markets.

    The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on June 5, 2025 or 8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss the financial results.

    Participants should complete online registration using the link provided below at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Upon registration, participants will receive the conference call access information, including dial-in numbers, a personal PIN and an e-mail with detailed instructions to join the conference call.

    Participant Online Registration:
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIa888df307303472fb71951c383b5a7ba

    Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at ir.yb-inc.com.

    About Yuanbao Inc.

    Yuanbao Inc. is a leading technology-driven online insurance distributor in China, committed to protecting health and well-being through innovative technology. Leveraging its proprietary consumer service cycle engine and advanced technologies, Yuanbao delivers customized insurance solutions from its partnered insurance carriers to over ten million insurance consumers throughout the entire insurance lifecycle, ranging from personalized recommendations to post-sales services. Through deep collaboration with insurance carriers and the use of data-driven insights, Yuanbao empowers carriers to tailor flagship products, enhances consumer engagement, and drives scalable and efficient distribution.

    For more information, please visit ir.yb-inc.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:

    Yuanbao Inc.
    E-mail: ir@yb-inc.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Hui Fan
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    E-mail: yb@thepiacentegroup.com

    In the United States:

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    E-mail: yb@thepiacentegroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s global trade plans are in disarray, after a US court ruling on ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, University of South Australia

    A United States court has blocked the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs that US President Donald Trump imposed on imported goods from around 90 nations. This puts implementation of Trump’s current trade policy in disarray.

    The Court of International Trade ruled the emergency authority Trump used to impose the tariffs could not override the role of Congress, which has the right to regulate commerce with other countries.

    Tariffs imposed via other legislative processes – such as those dealing with cars, steel and aluminium – continue to stand. But the broad-based “reciprocal” tariffs will need to be removed within ten days of the court’s ruling. Trump administration officials have already filed plans to appeal.

    The ruling calls into question trade negotiations underway with more than 18 different nations, which are trying to lower these tariffs. Do these countries continue to negotiate or do they wait for the judicial process to play out?

    The Trump administration still has other mechanisms through which it can impose tariffs, but these have limits on the amount that can be imposed, or entail processes which can take months or years. This undermines Trump’s preferred method of negotiation: throwing out large threats and backing down once a concession is reached.

    Emergency powers were a step too far

    The lawsuits were filed by US importers of foreign products and some US states, challenging Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.

    The lawsuits argued the national emergencies cited in imposing the tariffs – the trade deficit and the fentanyl crisis – were not an emergency and not directly addressed by the tariff remedy. The court agreed, and said by imposing tariffs Trump had overstepped his authority.

    The ruling said the executive orders used were “declared to be invalid as contrary to law”.

    The act states the president is entitled to take economic action in the face of “an unusual and extraordinary threat”. It’s mainly been used to impose sanctions on terrorist groups or freeze assets from Russia. There’s nothing in the act that refers to tariffs.

    The decision means all the reciprocal tariffs – including the 10% tariffs on most countries, the 50% tariffs Trump was talking about putting on the EU, and some of the Chinese tariffs – are ruled by the court to be illegal. They must be removed within 10 days.

    The ruling was based on two separate lawsuits. One was brought by a group of small businesses that argued tariffs materially hurt their business. The other was brought by 12 individual states, arguing the tariffs would materially impact their ability to provide public goods.

    Some industry tariffs will remain in place

    The ruling does not apply to tariffs applied under Section 201, known as safeguard tariffs. They are intended to protect industries from imports allegedly being sold in the US market at unfair prices or through unfair means. Tariffs on solar panels and washing machines were brought under this regulation.

    Also excluded are Section 232 tariffs, which are applied for national security reasons. Those are the steel and aluminium tariffs, the automobile and auto parts tariffs. Trump has declared all those as national security issues, so those tariffs will remain.

    Most of the tariffs against China are also excluded under Section 301. Those are put in place for unfair trade practices, such as intellectual property theft or forced technology transfer. They are meant to pressure countries to change their policies.

    Other trade investigations are still underway

    In addition, there are current investigations related to copper and the pharmaceuticals sector, which will continue. These investigations are part of a more traditional trade process and may lead to future tariffs, including on Australia.

    The Trump administration is still weighing possible sector-specific tariffs on pharmaceuticals.
    Planar/Shutterstock

    Now for the appeals

    The Trump administration has already filed its intention to appeal to the federal appeals court. This process will take some time. In the meantime, there are at least five other legal challenges to tariffs pending in the courts.

    If the appeals court provides a ruling the Trump administration or opponents don’t like, they can appeal to the Supreme Court.

    Alternatively, the White House could direct customs officials to ignore the court and continue to collect tariffs.

    The Trump administration has ignored court orders in the past, particularly on immigration rulings. So it remains to be seen if customs officials will release goods without the tariffs being paid in ten days’ time.

    The administration is unlikely to lie down on this. In addition to its appeal process, officials complained about “unelected judges” and “judicial overreach” and may contest the whole process. The only thing that continues to be a certainty is that uncertainty will drive global markets for the foreseeable future.

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

    – ref. Trump’s global trade plans are in disarray, after a US court ruling on ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – https://theconversation.com/trumps-global-trade-plans-are-in-disarray-after-a-us-court-ruling-on-liberation-day-tariffs-257812

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Influencer Andrew Tate is charged with a raft of sex crimes. His followers will see him as the victim

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Steven Roberts, Professor of Education and Social Justice, Monash University

    British prosecutors have this week charged social media influencer Andrew Tate with a string of serious sexual offences, including rape and human trafficking, alleged to have been committed in the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2015.

    This comes in the wake of an ongoing case in Romania. There, Tate and his brother Tristan face similar charges of coercing and exploiting women through what is sometimes described as the “loverboy method” of manipulation that is used to control and monetise women through webcam performances.

    A self-described misogynist, Tate is a widespread figure of notoriety for his views on women and his role in the internet “manosphere”. He has millions of followers globally, including ten million on X alone.

    This latest round of prosecutions will likely further entrench the loyalty of those followers: boys and young men who will see their leader as the victim of a corrupt system.

    Who is Andrew Tate?

    Tate is a British-American social media influencer and former kickboxer. He gained international notoriety for his violently misogynistic videos and pronouncements.

    He’s built a massive, loyal social media following through a brand that is part provocateur, part self-help guru and part conspiracy theorist.

    His rhetoric emphasises an aspirational masculinity geared towards extreme wealth and a physically fit body, combined with resentment towards women and so-called “feminised” societies. He has, for example, stated that women should “bear responsibility” for sexual assault.

    Tate is a leading ideological figurehead of what is often called the “manosphere” – a loose network of online communities and content creators who promote regressive ideas about masculinity, gender roles and male identity.

    Tate offers a template for many boys and young men to make sense of their place in the world, playing up ideas that boys are disenfranchised by social, economic, or cultural change.

    This is part of an emotional hook that provides belonging and clarity in a world his followers are told is stacked against them.

    Tate’s content involves both overt and, more often, insidious celebration of harmful gender norms and misogynistic ideologies.

    Research has found boys’ exposure to this content has contributed to a resurgence of a sense of male supremacy in classrooms. This then increases sexism and hostility towards women teachers and girl peers.

    Reinforcing the narrative

    Given this context, it is unlikely the new charges will erode his popularity.

    To be clear, he is not universally admired. In fact, the majority of boys reject what he stands for.

    However, for the significant minority who comprise his hardcore followers, these new charges will likely be used to reinforce a persecution narrative.

    In this way, Tate has paved the way for more violent and extreme misogyny to become standard, not rare.

    This was exactly the pattern when the Romanian charges first emerged. His followers flooded platforms with hashtags like #FreeTopG, reframing his arrest as proof that he was “telling the truth” and being punished for it.

    Figures like US President Donald Trump provide a relevant comparison. Trump has faced multiple criminal indictments and was found liable in a civil trial for sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll.

    Yet, his popularity among his base has held firm.

    For many of his supporters, these legal challenges are not signs of wrongdoing, but evidence their champion is being unfairly targeted by corrupt institutions.

    Tate is similar in that his hypermasculine posturing and anti-establishment bravado ensures his audience see him the same way.

    Prompting more loyalty

    Given their previous responses, we can already predict how the Tate brothers will respond this time. They will deny the charges, of course, but more importantly, they will use the moment to deepen their mythos.

    We might expect to see talk of “the matrix” of shadowy elites, and the weaponisation of justice systems to silence truth-telling men.

    They will insist the charges are not about what they did, but about who they are: disruptors of a weak, feminised society. This victim-persecutor framing is central to their appeal and will remain so as this unfolds.

    Their followers will, then, likely respond with greater loyalty. For those already steeped in online misogyny and disillusionment, legal accusations such as these don’t raise doubt, but instead confirm the story they already buy into.

    This makes combating Tate’s influence a complex challenge. Simply “calling it out” is not enough.

    As our research shows, Tate’s brand thrives not in spite of controversy, but because of it.

    This is why we need a more strategic, long-term approach to address the harms Tate and other such figureheads represent.

    We need robust gender education in schools, stronger commitments to critical media literacy, and the elevation of alternative role models who can speak to the same emotional terrain without reinforcing misogyny.

    This can include other content creators, like Will Hitchins, but also youth workers or people of any gender from boy’s existing communities.

    A key lesson here is that, for the manosphere’s key figures, being charged or even found guilty of crimes (should that occur) might not signal their downfall or diminish their relevance.

    Steven Roberts receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, the Australian Research Council and the Australian Government. He is a Board Director at Respect Victoria, but this article is written wholly separate from and does not represent that role.

    Stephanie Wescott receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety.

    – ref. Influencer Andrew Tate is charged with a raft of sex crimes. His followers will see him as the victim – https://theconversation.com/influencer-andrew-tate-is-charged-with-a-raft-of-sex-crimes-his-followers-will-see-him-as-the-victim-257805

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU presented its developments at the VI International Transport Festival “TransportFest”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Development by Ekaterina Shatalova: experience in managing the homogeneity of a gas-air mixture

    Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering took part in the VI International Transport Festival “TransportFest”. As part of the business program on May 23, students and teachers of the Automobile and Road Engineering Faculty made presentations, presented their projects and research papers.

    At the technology session of the Children’s Automobile Forum (DAF-2025), student Mikhail Smetanin presented the development of power frame elements for special vehicles, carried out under the supervision of Associate Professor of the Department of Technical Operation of Vehicles Sergei Vorobyov.

    “The Keystone Auto company, which is a distributor of ALTAI brand trucks, set a technical task: to develop a power frame for a category No. 2 vehicle with a total load capacity of 12 tons, designed for the installation of special garbage collection superstructures. The department team completed the work on designing the power frame. The results have been implemented in the production process, and soon we will see these vehicles on the streets of our city,” said Sergey Vorobyov.

    Students Alena Isaeva, Dmitry Aleksandrov, Anastasia Tikhomirova and Andrey Garin (supervisor – postgraduate student Evgeny Trofimov) presented a report entitled “Safety, durability, storability, and maintainability of a traction battery using the example of a category 2 vehicle.”

    As Anastasia Tikhomirova explained, a traction battery is a battery designed to ensure continuous operation of a vehicle. Unlike starter batteries, it is designed for deep discharges (long-term operation) and multiple charge cycles. A category 2 vehicle is a truck with a gross weight of 3.5 to 12 tons.

    “Motor transport remains the main danger on the roads, many accidents happen every day. Given the growing number of electric vehicles and the active development of infrastructure for electric transport, the relevance of our project lies in the safety and operational reliability of such vehicles, increasing the service life of the battery and the convenience of its maintenance. We are successfully engaged in the conversion of vehicles to electric traction, previously we have already produced “Eletromus” vehicles and an electric tow truck based on MAN TGL 12.250,” said Anastasia Tikhomirova.

    Students Maria Raski and Ekaterina Shatalova presented a report entitled “Increasing the efficiency of using natural gas as a motor fuel in a gas-diesel engine”.

    “Our faculty conducts research related to the use of alternative fuels. We began studying the use of natural gas as a motor fuel in a gas-diesel engine in September 2024. Expanding the use of natural gas as a motor fuel is a hot topic, and according to the energy strategy of the Russian Federation until 2050, the volume of natural gas (methane) consumption should increase 15 times. In Russia, gas buses are becoming more common, as manufacturers strive to reduce emissions and improve the environmental sustainability of public transport. In the process of studying this topic, we identified several problems associated with the use of gas-diesel engines. The main problems include low efficiency and increased fuel consumption,” said Ekaterina Shatalova.

    To improve the efficiency of gas-diesel engines, students proposed the following approaches:

    Increasing mixture homogeneity: Optimizing the process of mixing gas and air can lead to more complete combustion and reduce energy losses; Reducing gas losses during valve overlap: Improving the design of valves and the control system can reduce leaks and improve the overall efficiency of the engine; Switching to a gas-diesel cycle: Studying and implementing a gas-diesel cycle, which combines the advantages of both gas and diesel fuel, can significantly improve efficiency and reduce consumption.

    Young researchers are confident that these measures can improve the performance of gas-diesel engines and will help to more widely introduce natural gas as an alternative motor fuel.

    The architecture of building a sustainable transport system based on a planned-cyclical development strategy is the focus of attention of student Ivan Beshentsev (project manager – Deputy Head of the Department of Information Technologies and Intelligent Systems of St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise “Gorelectrotrans” Alexander Figichev).

    “The concept of a sustainable transport system is inextricably linked with a planned-cyclical development strategy. Sustainability implies a well-coordinated interaction of all elements of the city’s transport framework – urban development belts, infrastructure, corridors and routes. For convenience, I have combined them into one pyramid. Each level has its own goal setting and takes on a certain transport load. Thus, the system as a whole is sustainable, and in order to maintain this sustainability in the long-term equivalent, it is necessary to apply a planned-cyclical development strategy. That is, pre-determined volumes of infrastructure necessary for sustainable development are introduced annually – primarily for electric transport,” the student explained.

    According to Ivan Beshentsev, the cyclicality concerns the implementation of repair work: each infrastructure facility has a certain life cycle, which is assessed based on the infrastructure load. In St. Petersburg, this cycle is 25 years, and every year 24 km of infrastructure for electric transport is updated (we have 600 km in total). If less is repaired, the wear and tear of the infrastructure will be unacceptable for current operation. If more, this will negatively affect the transport situation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Australian data shows most of us have PFAS in our blood. How worried should we be?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian A. Wright, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, Western Sydney University

    New Africa/Shutterstock

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has this week released new data which tells us about the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australians’ bodies.

    The data comes from concentrations measured in blood samples of nearly 7,000 people aged 12 and over, collected as part of the National Health Measures Survey for 2022–24.

    The findings are concerning, showing PFAS are detectable in the vast majority of the Australian population, to varying levels.

    But are they cause for alarm? What do these findings mean for our health?

    ‘Forever chemicals’

    PFAS, often called “forever chemicals”, are a group of thousands of different human-made chemicals. The molecular structure of PFAS chemicals – characterised by extremely strong bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms – makes PFAS resistant to degradation.

    Many PFAS products are very effective for their resistance to water, oil, grease and stains, while others promote foaming. Since the 1940s, PFAS chemicals have been widely used in many consumer and industry products, such as non-stick pans, stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foam.

    One of the downsides of PFAS is their potential to bioaccumulate, or gradually build up in the body.

    Important exposure pathways include ingestion of PFAS in drinking water, in food, or absorption through the skin. Absorption of small amounts progressively builds up in the organs of people and animals, particularly the liver.

    Exposure to PFAS is associated with a heightened risk of many adverse health outcomes. These include reduced fertility, and increased risk of some cancers, liver disease, kidney disease, high cholesterol and obesity.

    Digging into the data

    The ABS data measured 11 types of PFAS. The group of PFAS chemicals they selected reflects the most commonly detected forms from previous studies. The concentration of PFAS chemicals is measured in blood serum in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL).

    Three types of PFAS were detected in the blood of more than 85% of Australians, while the remainder were detected in lower proportions of people.

    The type of PFAS most commonly detected in blood was perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). It was found in 98.6% of samples.

    PFOS accumulation has been a major problem in firefighters. Many were exposed occupationally to PFOS, sometimes for decades, and many suffered an unusually high incidence of disease, including a suspected cancer cluster.

    The below graph shows the level of PFOS increases with age. This could be because it accumulates in the body over time, and because many types of PFOS are being phased out. From 2004 its use in firefighting was phased out by major users, such as the Department of Defence.

    PFOS was also found to be higher in males – research shows PFAS is excreted more rapidly in females, including through menstruation and breastfeeding.

    The second most commonly detected type of PFAS detected in Australian blood samples was perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in 96.1% of samples. PFOA has recently been classified by the World Health Organization as a group 1 carcinogen, meaning it’s a recognised cancer-causing agent.

    The third most commonly detected type of PFAS was perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), which was detected in 88.1% of samples.

    So what are the implications?

    The National Health Measures Survey identified a relationship between higher mean PFOS levels and markers of chronic disease including high total cholesterol levels, diabetes and kidney function.

    However, it’s important to note this is only 7,000 people, and the data were weighted to be representative of the Australian population. There may be other factors, such as lifestyle or occupation, that have influenced the results.

    While these findings may be concerning, they’re not cause for alarm. The scientific evidence more broadly doesn’t tell us conclusively whether concentrations of PFAS equivalent to those seen in the current data would have a direct effect on disease outcomes.

    Some good news is that overall, this data suggests we have less PFAS in our blood compared to people in other countries.

    Why this data is important

    The ABS report provides the most detailed national baseline data on PFAS in the Australian population to date.

    While many people are concerned about PFAS, some Australian communities have been particularly worried.

    For example, in August 2024 it was revealed that a water filtration plant in the Blue Mountains contained substantial concentrations of PFAS. This was probably due to a major petrol tanker crash in 1992 and residual effects of PFAS from firefighting foam used to respond to that incident.

    While people can have a blood sample taken to measure PFAS levels, it’s very expensive. NSW Health advises PFAS testing is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.

    Reports are emerging of Blue Mountains residents that have paid for blood testing getting very high concentrations of PFAS. These ABS results will help people who do receive blood testing assess how their results compare with typical results of a person of the same age and sex. People with concerns should consult a medical professional.

    The ABS data will also be valuable for medical practitioners and public health authorities, providing important information to guide the management of PFAS contamination and its potential health effects.

    Ian Wright receives research and other funding from industry, local and state government bodies.

    – ref. New Australian data shows most of us have PFAS in our blood. How worried should we be? – https://theconversation.com/new-australian-data-shows-most-of-us-have-pfas-in-our-blood-how-worried-should-we-be-257648

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Who is Mohammad Sinwar, the Hamas chief in Gaza declared eliminated by Israel?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Mohammad Sinwar, the elusive Hamas military chief in Gaza who Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday had been eliminated, has long been at the top of Israel’s most wanted list.

    Sinwar was elevated to the top ranks of Hamas in 2024 after the death in combat of his brother Yahya, mastermind of the 2023 attack on Israel that led to the war in Gaza and later named as overall Hamas leader.

    Hamas has yet to confirm Mohammad Sinwar’s death, which would leave his close associate Izz al-Din Haddad, who currently oversees operations in northern Gaza, in charge of Hamas’ armed wing across the whole of the enclave.

    It is unclear how Mohammad Sinwar’s death, if confirmed, would affect decision-making in the overall group — for example whether his death would bolster or diminish the influence of exiled members of the group’s leadership council in deciding policy in ceasefire negotiations.

    Hamas officials describe Sinwar and Haddad as “ghosts” who have long outfoxed Israel’s intelligence agencies.

    Like his brother Yahya, Sinwar had survived many Israeli assassination attempts, including airstrikes and planted explosives, Hamas sources said.

    When Sinwar once visited a cemetery, his comrades discovered that a remote-controlled explosive resembling a brick had been planted along his path, according to the Hamas sources.

    In 2003, Hamas operatives discovered a bomb planted in the wall of Mohammad Sinwar’s house, foiling an assassination attempt that the group blamed on Israeli intelligence.

    Known for clandestine operations, Mohammad Sinwar played a central role in planning and executing Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, the country’s worst security failure, Hamas sources said.

    He was also widely believed to have been one of the masterminds of the 2006 cross-border attack and abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

    Hamas held Shalit for five years before he was swapped for more than 1,000 Palestinians jailed by Israel.

    Under the deal, his brother Yahya Sinwar, whose meticulous planning for the 2023 attack shattered Israel’s reputation as an invincible power in a hostile region, was among those who were released.

    REPUTATION AS A HARDLINER

    Netanyahu has vowed to eradicate Hamas, and the offensive against Gaza by the Middle East’s most sophisticated and advanced military has severely weakened the organisation.

    But the group that was created during the first Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in 1987 and which carried out suicide bombings that traumatized Israelis in the second one, is still standing.

    Born on September 16, 1975, Sinwar has rarely appeared in public or spoken to the media.

    Yahya Sinwar was killed in combat during a routine Israeli patrol in Gaza in 2024.

    Israel released footage of a severely wounded Yahya Sinwar throwing a piece of wood at a hovering drone, his last act of defiance towards his old foe before his death and his brother’s rise.

    The Sinwars originally came from Asqalan – now the Israeli city of Ashkelon — and became refugees like hundreds of thousands of other Palestinians in what they call the Nakba, or catastrophe, during the birth of Israel during the 1948 war.

    The family settled in Khan Younis in Gaza, which has been largely reduced to rubble in the latest war.

    Mohammad Sinwar was educated in schools run by the U.N. Palestinian relief agency (UNRWA), which has long had tense relations with Israel, including during the current war in Gaza.

    He joined Hamas shortly after its founding, influenced by his brother Yahya, a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, the oldest and at one time most influential Islamist group in the Middle East.

    His reputation as a hardliner helped him rise through the group’s military ranks, and by 2005, he was leading Hamas’s Khan Younis Brigade.

    The unit, one of the largest and most powerful battalions in Hamas’s armed wing, has been responsible for cross-border attacks, firing rockets and planting bombs along the frontier.

    It also watches the movement of Israeli soldiers around the clock and in 2006, elite commandos led by Sinwar took part in Shalit’s abduction.

    Sources close to Hamas say Sinwar developed close ties with Marwan Issa, the deputy commander of Hamas’s military wing, and Mohammed Deif, the aloof military chief assassinated by Israel.

    (Reuters)

  • NASA astronauts Butch and Suni emerge from recovery after long Starliner mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, the U.S. astronauts left on the International Space Station last year by Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule, are on the up after returning to Earth in March, emerging from weeks of physical therapy to ramp up work with Boeing and various NASA programs.

    “Right now, we’re just coming off of the rehab portion of our return,” Wilmore, 62, told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday. “Gravity stinks for a period, and that period varies for different people, but eventually you get over those neurovestibular balance type of issues.”

    Wilmore and Williams, who last year set off for an eight-day Starliner test flight that swelled into a nine-month stay in space, have had to readapt their muscles, sense of balance and other basics of Earth living in a 45-day period standard for astronauts returning from long-term space missions.

    The astronaut duo have spent at least two hours a day with astronaut strength and reconditioning officials within NASA’s medical unit while juggling an increasing workload with Boeing’s BA.N Starliner program, NASA’s space station unit in Houston and agency researchers.

    “It’s been a little bit of a whirlwind,” Williams, 59, said in the interview. “Because we also have obligations to all of the folks that we worked with.”

    Williams said some of her post-spaceflight side effects were slower to clear up and she felt tired in late stages of recovery, as dozens of various muscles re-engaged. That made it hard for her to wake up as early in the mornings as she likes, until a little more than a week ago.

    “Then I’m up at four in the morning, and I’m like, Aha! I’m back,” she said.

    Wilmore had some issues with his back and neck before heading to space, being unable to turn his head all the way to the side, he said. That all went away in space where “you don’t have any stress on your body.”

    When he returned in March, gravity greeted him with the neck pain he left on Earth.

    “We’re still floating in the capsule in the ocean, and my neck starts hurting, while we still hadn’t even been extracted yet,” he said, laughing.

    The human body, evolved over millions of years in the gravity of Earth’s surface, was not meant for spaceflight.

    The absence of gravity triggers an array of physical effects over time, such as muscle atrophy or cardiovascular shifts that can cause a chain reaction of other health changes. Confinement in a small space and higher solar radiation in space, without the protection of Earth’s atmosphere, have other effects.

    STARLINER PROBLEMS

    Propulsion system issues on Boeing’s Starliner forced NASA to bring the capsule back without its crew last year and to fold the two astronauts into its normal, long-duration rotation schedule on the ISS.

    Boeing, which has taken $2 billion in charges on its Starliner development, faces a looming decision by NASA to refly the spacecraft uncrewed before it carries humans again. Boeing spent $410 million to fly a similar uncrewed mission in 2022 after a 2019 testing failure.

    Reflying Starliner uncrewed “seems like the logical thing to do,” Williams said, drawing comparisons with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Russian capsules that flew uncrewed missions before putting humans aboard. She and NASA are pushing for that outcome, Williams added.

    “I think that’s the correct path,” said Williams, who is “hoping Boeing and NASA will decide on that same course of action” soon.

    Results from Starliner testing planned throughout the summer are expected to determine whether the spacecraft can fly humans on its next flight, NASA officials have said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK to deliver pioneering battlefield system and bolster cyber warfare capabilities under Strategic Defence Review

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK to deliver pioneering battlefield system and bolster cyber warfare capabilities under Strategic Defence Review

    Defence Secretary announces new Cyber and Eletromagnetic Command and £1 billion investment in pioneering battlefield system.

    Defence Secretary John Healey personnel at MoD Corsham. MoD Crown Copyright.

    • More than £1 billion to be invested in pioneering ‘Digital Targeting Web’ to spearhead battlefield engagements, applying lessons learnt from Ukraine to the UK Armed Forces. 
    • New Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will oversee cyber operations for Defence as careers pathway accelerated.
    • Innovation delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change by bolstering national security and creating skilled jobs. 

    Pinpointing and eliminating enemy targets will take place faster than ever before, as the Government invests more than £1 billion to equip the UK Armed Forces with a pioneering battlefield system.

    A new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will also be established to put the UK at the forefront of cyber operations as part of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The announcements were made by Defence Secretary, John Healey MP on a visit to MOD Corsham, the UK military’s cyber HQ. 

    The Ministry of Defence will develop a new Digital Targeting Web to better connect Armed Forces weapons systems and allow battlefield decisions for targeting enemy threats to be made and executed faster. 

    This pioneering digital capability will give the UK a decisive advantage through greater integration across domains, new AI and software, and better communication between our Armed Forces. As an example, a threat could be identified by a sensor on a ship or in space before being disabled by an F-35 aircraft, drone, or offensive cyber operation.

    This follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty. 

    Delivering this new Digital Targeting Web is central to UK efforts to learn lessons directly from the front line in Ukraine. When the Ukrainians achieved a step-change in lethality early in the war – by being able to find the enemy, target them and attack quickly and at scale – it allowed them to stop the encircling Russian advance. 

    The Ministry of Defence will establish a Cyber and Electromagnetic Command. It will sit under General Sir James Hockenhull’s Command and follows the MOD having to protect UK military networks against more than 90,000 ‘sub-threshold’ attacks in the last two years. The Command will lead defensive cyber operations and coordinate offensive cyber capabilities with the National Cyber Force. 

    The new Command will also harness all the Armed Forces’ expertise in electromagnetic warfare, helping them to seize and hold the initiative in a high-tempo race for military advantage – for example, through degrading command and control, jamming signals to drones or missiles and intercepting an adversary’s communications. 

    The announcements come as part of the publication of the SDR, expected imminently, which highlights how daily cyber-attacks are threatening the foundations of the economy and daily life. 

    The SDR sets a path for the next decade to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It ends the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and will also drive innovation, jobs and growth across the country, allowing the UK to lead a stronger NATO. Enhanced cyber defences will help bolster national security and support economic stability – foundations of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: 

    Ways of warfare are rapidly changing – with the UK facing daily cyber-attacks on this new frontline.

    The hard-fought lessons from Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine leave us under no illusions that future conflicts will be won through forces that are better connected, better equipped and innovating faster than their adversaries. 

    We will give our Armed Forces the ability to act at speeds never seen before – connecting ships, aircraft, tanks and operators so they can share vital information instantly and strike further and faster.

    By attracting the best digital talent, and establishing a nerve centre for our cyber capability, we will harness the latest innovations, properly fund Britain’s defences for the modern age and support the government’s Plan for Change.

    The SDR recommends that the MOD should deliver the Digital Targeting Web by 2027.

    In February, the MOD also announced that Armed Forces recruits will be fast-tracked into specialist roles to tackle the growing cyber threat to the UK via a recruitment scheme. 

    The Cyber Direct Entry programme offers an accelerated path into military cyber roles with:

    • Tailored training focused on essential cyberspace operational skills.
    • Placement in operational cyber roles by the end of 2025.
    • Starting salaries over £40,000, with potential for up to £25,000 in additional skills pay.
    • No requirement to serve in dangerous environments or handle weapons.
    • Full military benefits including medical care, sports facilities, adventure training, and professional development.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free Steward Training for Community Groups

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Community groups across the borough are invited to attend a free ‘Steward Training’ session on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at Portadown Townhall.

    This practical training is designed to support local organisations in running safer, more effective events. Participants will gain essential skills in managing crowds, handling emergencies, and supporting team operations.

    The session will cover key stewarding topics including:

    • Preparing for spectator events
    • Managing entry, exit, parking, traffic flow, and spectator movement
    • Monitoring crowds and addressing potential problems
    • Supporting the team and wider organisation
    • Conflict management strategies
    • Responding to accidents and emergencies

    This training is specifically targeted at community groups within the borough and aims to build local capacity for delivering safe and well-organised events.

    To reserve your place, click here: https://form.jotform.com/251401691567054

    For further information contact Timothy Conn, Good Relations Support Officer at E:

    *protected email*

    or T: 077804 77509

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A warm welcome at Thorney Close Family Hub

    Source: City of Sunderland

    The Thorney Close Family Hub has been officially opened by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque during a celebratory family fun day for parents, grandparents, carers, children and babies.

    The hub provides services across the west of Sunderland from conception up until the age of 19, or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

    Visiting on one of his first official duties as the city’s new mayor, Councillor Haque said: “Thorney Close Family Hub joins Sunderland’s four other hubs offering a fantastic range of free sessions and activities and a welcome place for parents and carers to get advice and support.

    “Family Hubs are where Sunderland’s future – its children – come to play, explore, learn and have fun. It’s a wonderful place for local families to help them give their children the best start in life.”

    Based at the Thorney Close Action and Enterprise Centre in Thorney Close, it is the fifth of the city’s hubs. The hubs are positioned across the city at: Rainbow Family Hub, Elliott Terrace, Washington; Bunny Hill Family Hub, Hylton Lane, Hylton Castle, Sunderland; Coalfield Family Hub, Hetton and Winnibell Family Hub and Hendon.

    Hubs fit within the national vision and aims of ensuring all families can access the support they need, access the NHS supported Start for Life programme, and the City Council’s on-going City Plan for a more dynamic, healthy, vibrant and smart Sunderland.

    Jamie Scott, Family Hubs and Family Support Service Manager (Interim), said: “We are thrilled to officially open the doors to the fully renovated Thorney Close Family Hub.

    “While we’ve been proudly supporting families for some time at Thorney Close, the completion of our renovations means we can now offer even more in a warm, welcoming space. From outdoor play and free activities like crafts, messy play, and Move to Rhyme, to supportive classes such as Young Mams and Dads, breastfeeding support, and introducing solids — there’s something here for every family.

    “Whether families are looking for practical advice, peer support, wellbeing guidance, or simply a friendly place to connect and play, our Family Hubs are here for them. Even better, we’re proud to offer all of this completely free — something we know makes a real difference to families across our communities.”

    See more at: Family Hubs – Together for Children 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pension plan to double £25 billion+ megafunds, boost investment and improve returns for savers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Pension plan to double £25 billion+ megafunds, boost investment and improve returns for savers

    Millions of workers are set to retire with bigger pension pots as the Government confirms plans to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030, unlocking billions to invest in Britain’s future.

    • Move secures over £50 billion investment in UK infrastructure, new homes and fast-growing businesses, as pension funds reverse decades of declining domestic investment. 
    • Average earner could get £6,000 boost to their pension pots at retirement from consolidation alone – with further increases expected through the Pension Schemes Bill. 
    • £1 billion a year of costs could be saved through consolidation and better governance, ensuring savings deliver for working people and the economy.

    Reforms set to be introduced through the Pension Schemes Bill will mean all multi-employer Defined Contribution pension schemes and Local Government Pension Scheme pools operate at megafund level, managing at least £25 billion in assets by 2030. Evidence from Australia and Canada shows that this size allows pension funds to invest in big infrastructure projects and private businesses, boosting the economy while potentially driving higher returns for savers. 

    These changes will drive more investment directly into the UK economy for new homes and promising scale-up businesses, with over £50 billion secured through the recent voluntary commitment from pension funds to invest 5 percent of assets in the UK and new local investment targets for Local Government Pension Scheme authorities. 

    This tackles the gradual decline in domestic investment from UK pension funds, where around 20 per cent of Defined Contribution assets are currently invested compared to over 50 per cent in 2012, as the Government goes further and faster to drive growth, create jobs and put more money into people’s pockets through the Plan for Change. More than 50 scale-up businesses have signed a joint letter to the Chancellor welcoming the reforms as a ‘significant milestone in ensuring British institutions back British businesses at the scale required to generate growth, employment and wealth.’ 

    New figures from the final report of the Pensions Investment Review published today also show that these reforms will drive higher returns for savers, in part by cutting waste in the system. By 2030 these schemes could be saving £1 billion a year through economies of scale and improved investment strategies. As a result, an average earner who saves over their career could see a £6,000 boost to their Defined Contribution pension pot at retirement through the creation of megafunds – with even better returns expected to be generated through changes in the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: 

    We’re making pensions work for Britain. These reforms mean better returns for workers and billions more invested in clean energy and high-growth businesses – the Plan for Change in action.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:  

    The untapped potential of the £392 billion Local Government Pension Scheme is enormous. Through these reforms we will make sure it drives growth and opportunities in communities across the country for years to come – delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Today’s pensions announcements follow a month of major delivery milestones for the Plan for Change: new trade deals with India, the US and the EU, UK growth the highest in the G7, and the fourth interest rate cut since last summer after the government secure the economy’s foundations. 

    Multi-employer defined contribution pension schemes will be required to operate at megafund level, managing £25 billion or more in assets, and the full investment might of the £392 billion Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) will be unleashed by consolidating assets currently split over 86 administering authorities into just 6 pools.  

    Defined Contribution schemes will be given more freedom through legislation to move savers into better performing funds, enabling bulk transfer of assets into the megafunds while ensuring savers’ interests are always protected. Schemes worth over £10 billion that are unable to reach the minimum size requirement by the end of the decade will be allowed to continue operating, as long as they can demonstrate a clear plan to reach £25 billion by 2035. 

    The Mansion House Accord shows DC schemes are voluntarily investing more in infrastructure and businesses. To provide additional certainty that individual schemes will not lose business by investing in private markets, which offer the potential for higher returns but are expensive to invest in upfront, the Government will take a reserve power in the Pension Schemes Bill to set binding asset allocation targets. 

    The Pensions Investment Review confirms the March 2026 deadline for LGPS asset pooling, with a backstop power set to be taken in the Pension Schemes Bill to protect the interests of LGPS members and local taxpayers where necessary by directing an Administering Authority to participate in a specific investment pool.  

    Local investment targets will be agreed with LGPS authorities for the first time, securing £27.5 billion for local priorities. LGPS authorities will work with regional mayors, Welsh Authorities and councils to back the projects that matter most to the 6.7 million public servants – most of whom are low-paid women – whose savings they manage.

    Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, said: 

    Our economic strategy is about delivering real change, not tinkering around the edges. When it comes to pensions, size matters, so our plans will double the number of £25 billion plus megafunds. These reforms will mean bigger, better pension schemes, delivering a better retirement for millions and high investment in Britain.

    Irene Graham OBE, CEO ScaleUp Institute said:

    This represents a significant milestone in ensuring British institutions back British business – at the scale required – to generate growth, employment and wealth. UK pension funds are central to achieving this goal and addressing the UK’s longstanding growth capital gap that have held back growth ambitions. 

    The ScaleUp Institute, and the broad representatives of the scaleup economy across the UK, have written to the Chancellor today to welcome the Government’s final report on the Pensions Investment Review and the Government’s commitment to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030, thereby unlocking billions of patient capital to scaling businesses across the country.

    The changes come as London CIV has become the first LGPS pool to announce its intention to work with the British Business Bank on the launch of the British Growth Partnership (BGP), joining Aegon UK and NatWest Cushon, who last year announced their intention to collaborate on the BGP and invest in fast-growing businesses. These three funds manage a combined £274 billion in assets. 

    The upcoming Pension Schemes Bill will continue the Government’s fundamental reset of our pensions landscape, including by tackling the small pots problem, allowing Defined Benefit surpluses to be safely released, requiring every scheme to deliver value for money, and ensuring all savers are offered a default retirement income product. 

    Countries like Canada and Australia show how powerful pension consolidation can be – having built megafunds that invest in assets that boost their economies. Today’s reforms put the UK on the same path.

    More information

    • The final report of the Pensions Investment Review will be here. Further detail on all calculations and assumptions will be contained in the analytical annex. 

    • Just over 50% of DC assets were invested domestically in 2012 which has gradually declined to just over 20% by 2023. 

    • The £50 billion investment figure combines the Mansion House Accord commitment to invest 5% of assets in the UK (£25 billion by 2030), and the estimate for Local Government Pension Scheme local investment (5% of £550 billion by 2030). 

    • The £6,000 boost to retirement pots is from the impact of consolidation alone, which we estimate to deliver at least a 6-basis point reduction in fees as well as increase allocations to productive assets such as infrastructure projects. This means an average (median) earner saving into a DC pension, who is 22 and saves for their entire career until State Pension Age will see a £6,000 boost to their retirement pot before other measures in the Pension Schemes Bill are factored in. 

    • The £1 billion savings figure for DC schemes is based on a 12 basis point reduction in costs applied to £800 billion assets under management by 2030 – delivering a £960m saving. The Pension Investment Review consultation responses suggested consolidation of pension providers could lead to reduced charges by up to 10-20bps over the longer term and Australia had around a 12bp cost reduction through scale. 

    • The government’s response to the Options for Defined Benefit schemes consultation, also published today sets out how Government will unlock some of the £160 billion of surplus funds from well-funded Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, to benefit employers, members and the economy. It also sets out that the Government is continuing to consider a consolidator for DB schemes, run by the Pensions Protection Fund. The response is here: Options for Defined Benefit schemes – GOV.UK

    • The joint letter from scale up businesses can be found here

    Irene Graham OBE, CEO ScaleUp Institute, said:

    The ScaleUp Institute, and the broad representatives of the scaleup economy across the UK, have written to the Chancellor today to welcome the Government’s final report on the Pensions Investment Review and the Government’s commitment to double the number of UK pension megafunds by 2030, thereby unlocking billions of patient capital to scaling businesses across the country.

    This represents a significant milestone in ensuring British institutions back British business – at the scale required – to generate growth, employment and wealth. UK pension funds are central to achieving this goal and addressing the UK’s longstanding growth capital gap that have held back growth ambitions. 

    To deliver tangible impacts on the ground we must now see the intent in these reforms, alongside the recently augmented Mansion House Accord, turn into practical institutional investment outcomes in every part and sector of the country, including our rapidly growing innovation and industrial sectors.

    That is why it is so important that the Government’s plans today remain focussed on making sure these reforms are enacted swiftly, and that will place powers into the Pension Scheme Bill to enable compliance.

    The ScaleUp ecosystem across the country looks forward to working with the government and industry partners to ensure the ambitions of this review are fully realised and deliver lasting impact. Thereby ensuring that UK businesses with global ambition get access to the local funding needed to scale, build, and stay in the UK.

    Michael Moore, BVCA Chief Executive, said: 

    These reforms are a real win-win for UK scaleups and pension savers. 

    Countries like Canada and Australia show that when pension funds invest in private capital, you help the national economy and deliver better retirement outcomes. The government should be applauded for learning from their example.

    Megafunds will have the scale needed to develop the expertise required to invest in private capital funds, which will support the development of fast growing businesses and generate stronger returns for pensions savers.

    Jamie Jenkins, Director of Policy & Technical, Royal London said: 

    Today’s announcement sets out a long-term, strategic approach for pension provision in the UK, improving value for savers, and providing greater certainty for employers and their advisers.

    The Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King, said:

    As joint architects of the Mansion House Accord, we welcome the Government’s final Pension Investment Review report as a vital next step in delivering on our shared ambition to unlock capital for growth. This landmark agreement will facilitate the injection of over £25 billion into the UK economy, supporting crucial capital for high-growth businesses and infrastructure projects. With greater consolidation, scale, and alignment between pensions and the real economy, we now have the opportunity to secure better outcomes for savers and long-term investment in the future of the UK. To ensure the best investment outcomes, it is essential that pension funds maintain the autonomy to allocate assets optimally, thereby maximising returns for the savers whose interests they safeguard.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –