NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Caught on Video Firing Gun and Driving Stolen Car Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Machine Gun and Drug Trafficking Crimes

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RENARD SANTIAGO (“SANTIAGO”), age 19, was sentenced on May 13, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to fifteen (15) years in prison, followed by four (4) years of supervised release, along with a mandatory $400 special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy, and possession with the intent to distribute, marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).

    According to court documents, in 2024, SANTIAGO was wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and the New Orleans Police Department.  Specifically, an arrest warrant had been issued for SANTIAGO for an armed robbery committed on October 10, 2023.  On December 25, 2023,he was captured on surveillance video firing a handgun with a drum magazine attached and then driving away in a stolen SUV.  During their investigation into his whereabouts, law enforcement officers saw stories on SANTIAGO’s social media account showing SANTIAGO in possession of a handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device, posing with large amounts of cash, and advertising the sale of marijuana.  The next day, officers executed a search warrant at SANTIAGO’s residence.  SANTIAGO hid in the attic for four hours before he was finally forced out of the house.  Inside the attic, officers found SANTIAGO’s handgun, with the machinegun conversion device still attached, a distributable quantity of marijuana, and over $400 in cash.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boyd County Man Sentenced for Armed Fentanyl Trafficking

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

    ASHLAND, Ky. – An Ashland man, Phillip Conley, 28, was sentenced on Monday to 180 months in prison, by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

    In February 2024, law enforcement officers with the Northeast Kentucky Drug Task Force (NKYDTF) began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Conley.  On April 4, 2024, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Conley’s residence.  During the search law enforcement located 57.6 grams of fentanyl, two firearms, and ammunition.

    Conley admitted that he intended to distribute the fentanyl, and that he possessed the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. He also admitted to knowing that he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    Conley was previously convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance first degree in Boyd Circuit Court in May 2017.

    Under federal law, Conley must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for eight years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by ATF and Northeast Kentucky Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts.  In the Eastern District of Kentucky, Acting U.S. Attorney McCaffrey coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

    – END –

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Princedale — Annapolis District RCMP charges man with drug trafficking and weapons offences after responding to report of impaired driver

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Annapolis District RCMP has charged a man with several offences, including drug trafficking, after receiving a report of an impaired driver.

    On May 9, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Annapolis District RCMP responded to a report of a possible impaired driver. Officers learned the driver had been travelling on Fraser Rd. then parked the car in the middle of the road before pulling over and appearing to fall asleep.

    Officers located the vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra, and observed a man slumped over in the driver’s seat. When an officer approached the vehicle, the man became responsive and safely exited the vehicle. Officers then conducted a Standard Field Sobriety Test, which the man failed.

    During a search of the suspect and vehicle, officers located multiple knives and a quantity of cocaine.

    The man was arrested and transported to the Digby RCMP Detachment where a Drug Recognition Expert Examination was completed.

    Daniel Brandon Thibodeau, 37, of Annapolis, has been charged with Operation While Impaired by Drug, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, and Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.

    He was released from custody by police on May 10 and is scheduled to appear in Annapolis Royal Provincial Court on August 11.

    The Nova Scotia RCMP would like to thank all those who report suspected impaired drivers. If you believe someone is driving impaired or is otherwise an immediate threat to public safety, call 911.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: People in Leicester asked to consider being foster carers

    Source: City of Leicester

    LEICESTER City Council is encouraging people in Leicester to consider becoming foster carers this Foster Care Fortnight.

    Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign organised by The Fostering Network. It runs until 25 May and is the UK’s largest foster care awareness campaign.

    Throughout the next two weeks, the city council will be joining others across the UK to thank foster carers for all they do and raise awareness of the life-changing impact fostering can have.

    This year’s theme – The Power of Relationships – highlights the vital connections at the heart of fostering, of which there are many. Foster carers play a crucial role in providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children and young people – many of whom have faced difficult or traumatic experiences, helping them to grow in trust and confidence.

    Not only do foster carers support the children they care for in their education and physical and emotional wellbeing, but they often support them in maintaining ties to their birth families too.

    Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said: “Strong, supportive relationships are at the heart of fostering. They connect foster carers, children, families, and practitioners, creating a community that surrounds children with the care they need to thrive. But with more children entering care, we urgently need more people to step forward so every child can have the right home for their needs.

    “There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. The fostering community is made up of people from all walks of life- regardless of age, gender, relationship status, or sexual orientation. So, if you do one thing this Foster Care Fortnight, take a moment to find out more about fostering.”

    Debbie fosters for Leicester City Council and has done so for seventeen years now. She has fostered many children over the years and currently has two young people living with her. Debbie said: “My relationship with the young people that I look after, and particularly the ones I have now, is amazing. We have such a special bond and I’m sure they feel the same.

    “I still keep in touch with some of the young people who have lived with me, and the very first foster child I ever looked after came to me a couple of years ago. I hadn’t seen him for all this time, and he came back and told me that he was doing a degree in university and it’s so nice to know that I was a part of that.”

    Debbie’s story is just one example of how foster carers promote long-lasting relationships for the children and young people they care for. A short film featuring Debbie and other city foster carers is on the fostering  website.

    More foster carers like Debbie are urgently needed, nationwide. Across the UK, there is currently a shortage of around 6,000 foster families, leaving too many children without the homes they need. Without local foster carers, children can end up in foster homes outside of their local authority area, far away from everything they know – family, friends, schools and clubs.

    Cllr Elaine Pantling, Leicester asst city mayor for children and young people said: “Debbie’s story is a wonderful example of the impact foster carers have on our children and young people. We are so proud of the foster carers we have here in Leicester, and if this is something you have thought about, I would urge you to explore whether fostering may be an option for you and your family.

    “One way to do this is to attend one of the information events and drop-in sessions we will be hosting over the next two weeks or so, to give potential new carers the chance to speak to staff and our existing foster carers, and ask any questions they have about fostering.”

    Upcoming events include:

    • Thursday 22 May: online information session, 18:30 – 19:30

    Details of future events and more information about fostering for Leicester City Council are available on the city council’s fostering website. The fostering team can be contacted by calling 0116 454 4500 or emailing fostering.information@leicester.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Westhaven Completes Brokered Private Placement for Gross Proceeds of $4.6 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (“Westhaven” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced brokered private placement (the “Offering“) for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,600,000, which includes the full exercise of the agent’s option for proceeds of $600,000. Under the Offering, the Company sold (i) 19,022,708 units of the Company (each, a “Unit”) at a price of $0.12 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,282,725 from the sale of Units, and (ii) 17,165,000 common shares of the Company that will qualify as “flow-through shares” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a “FT Share”, and collectively with the Units, the “Offered Securities”) at a price of $0.135 per FT Share for gross proceeds of $2,317,275 from the sale of FT Shares.

    Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a “Unit Share”) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share”) at a price of $0.18 at any time on or before May 15, 2027.

    Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the “Agent”) acted as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with the Offering. In consideration for their services, the Agent received a cash commission of $276,000 and 2,171,262 non-transferable broker warrants (the “Broker Warrants”). Each Broker Warrant is exercisable for one common share of the Company (each, a “Broker Share”) at a price of $0.12 per Broker Share at any time on or before May 15, 2027.

    The Offered Securities were sold to purchasers by way of the “accredited investor” exemption under National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan and to purchasers in certain offshore jurisdictions. The Unit Shares, Warrants, FT Shares and Warrant Shares issued and issuable from the sale of Offered Securities, and the Broker Shares, are subject to a hold period under Canadian securities laws ending on September 16, 2025.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Units for working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the sale and issuance of the FT Shares will be used to incur “Canadian exploration expenses” on the Company’s projects in British Columbia and will qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures”, as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (collectively, the “Qualifying Expenditures”), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026 and renounced to the subscribers under the Offering with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares. In addition, with respect to British Columbia resident subscribers or those who are eligible individuals under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia), the Qualifying Expenditures will be eligible for the 20% BC mining flow-through share tax credit.

    Although the Company announced the possible sale of flow through units of the Company to be sold to charitable purchasers (“Charity FT Units”), the Agent and the Company determined not to proceed with the sale of any Charity FT Units.

    Related Party Transaction

    Members of the Company’s management, board of directors and certain other insiders participated in the Offering acquiring an aggregate of 2,459,000 Units for aggregate proceeds of $295,080. The issuance of Units to insiders pursuant to the Offering constitutes a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). The Company relies on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that participation in the Offering by insiders will not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company’s market capitalization.

    The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors

    WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.

    “Ken Armstrong”

    Ken Armstrong, President & CEO

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

    About Westhaven Gold Corp.

    Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company targeting low sulphidation, high-grade, epithermal style gold mineralization within Canada’s newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls ~61,512 hectares (~615 square kilometres) within four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose Gold Project is the most advanced property, with an updated 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment that validates the Project’s potential as a robust, low cost and high margin 11-year underground gold mining opportunity with average annual life-of-mine gold production of 56,000 ounces and having a Cdn$454 million after-tax NPV6% and 43.2% IRR (base case parameters of US$2,400 per ounce gold, US$28 per ounce silver and CDN/US$ exchange rate of $0.72). Initial capital costs are projected to be Cdn$184 million with a payback period of 2.1 years. Please see Westhaven’s news release dated March 3rd, 2025 (Link: March 3, 2025 News Release) for details of the updated PEA. The technical report supporting this disclosure can be found under the Company’s profile on Sedar+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company’s website. The Shovelnose Gold Project is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, pipelines and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration and development. Qualified Person: The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Peter Fischl, P.Geo, who is a Qualified Person for the Company under the definitions established by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhaven’s website at www.westhavengold.com.

    Forward Looking Statements:

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, which is based upon the Company’s current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s expectations with respect to the Offering; and the use of proceeds of the Offering. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, and without limitation: the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to complete its planned exploration program; that the Company will not derive the expected benefits from its current program; the Company may not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently contemplated; the Company may fail to find a commercially viable deposit at any of its mineral properties; the Company’s plans may be adversely affected by the Company’s reliance on historical data compiled by previous parties involved with its mineral properties; mineral exploration and development are inherently risky industries; the mineral exploration industry is intensely competitive; additional financing may not be available to the Company when required or, if available, the terms of such financing may not be favourable to the Company; fluctuations in the demand for gold or gold prices generally; the Company may not be able to identify, negotiate or finance any future acquisitions successfully, or to integrate such acquisitions with its current business; the Company’s exploration activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licenses, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents, which may be withdrawn or not granted; the Company’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; there is no guarantee that title to the properties in which the Company has a material interest will not be challenged or impugned; the Company faces various risks associated with mining exploration that are not insurable or may be the subject of insurance which is not commercially feasible for the Company; the volatility of global capital markets over the past several years has generally made the raising of capital more difficult; inflationary cost pressures may escalate the Company’s operating costs; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; social and environmental activism can negatively impact exploration, development and mining activities; the success of the Company is largely dependent on the performance of its directors and officers; the Company’s operations may be adversely affected by First Nations land claims; the Company and/or its directors and officers may be subject to a variety of legal proceedings, the results of which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company may be adversely affected if potential conflicts of interests involving its directors and officers are not resolved in favour of the Company; the Company’s future profitability may depend upon the world market prices of gold; dilution from future equity financing could negatively impact holders of the Company’s securities; failure to adequately meet infrastructure requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company’s projects now or in the future may be adversely affected by risks outside the control of the Company; the Company is subject to various risks associated with climate change, the Company is subject to general global risks arising from epidemic diseases, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, rising inflation, tariffs and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company’s operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all is uncertain; as well as other risk factors in the Company’s other public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Company’s expectations, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ConnectM Completes Acquisition of Cambridge Energy Resources, Strengthening Foothold in India

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MARLBOROUGH, Mass., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTC: CNTM) (“ConnectM” or the “Company”), a high-growth technology company on the leading edge of the energy economy, today announced it has secured regulatory approval and completed the acquisition of Cambridge Energy Resources Ltd. (CER), an India-based Energy-Management-as-a-Service (EMaaS) provider.

    The acquisition provides ConnectM with a strategic beachhead in India’s booming distributed energy and telecommunications sectors, solidifying the Company’s expansion into one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy and digital infrastructure markets. ConnectM beat out four other bidders in a competitive process to acquire CER in 2021 for INR 120 million ($1.4M) which has fair value assessment at INR 240 million ($2.8M). Since winning the bid in 2021, it took an additional three years to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals.

    CER’s offerings span rooftop solar installations and energy management solutions for telecommunications infrastructure, supporting India’s 5G network deployment through clean energy initiatives. With this acquisition, ConnectM gains an established operating presence in India and the ability to immediately participate in two sectors central to India’s sustainability and digital growth. The Company will leverage CER’s local expertise to deploy its proprietary Home and Building Electrification (HBE) platform and Energy Intelligence Network (EIN) across new projects in the region. ConnectM’s full-stack, digital-first approach—proven in its U.S. operations—combined with CER’s on-ground capabilities is expected to drive growth in both distributed energy and telecom energy management solutions.

    “This is a pivotal step in our international Home and Building Electrification (HBE) expansion,” said Bhaskar Panigrahi, Chairman and CEO of ConnectM. “By adding Cambridge Energy Resources to the ConnectM family, we secure a foothold in one of the world’s largest and highest-growth energy and telecommunications markets. We are now positioned to accelerate the deployment of our integrated electrification platform across India, furthering our mission to drive sustainable energy transformation on a global scale.”

    The transaction carries significant strategic value for ConnectM and its stockholders. Our India business is growing organically at more than 100% per year. With this CER acquisition, we expect our business from India to grow to 15% of our global revenue in next twelve months ($10M annualized) from 5% it is currently now. CER not only provides an operational base in India but also broadens ConnectM’s service offerings into two high-growth domains that align with India’s ambitious development goals. India has set a target of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030, supported by an estimated $384.5 billion in power sector investments, alongside a nationwide 5G rollout. These initiatives are driving robust demand for distributed renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient telecom infrastructure—areas where ConnectM, through CER, is now well positioned to deliver innovative solutions.

    This acquisition follows ConnectM’s March 26, 2025, announcement of its first HBE project in India and is a key part of the Company’s broader strategic expansion into India and international markets. ConnectM plans to continue pursuing opportunities that strengthen its presence in high-growth regions as it scales its HBE platform globally.

    About ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc.:

    ConnectM is a constellation of companies powering the next generation of electrified equipment, mobility, and distributed energy—thus enabling a faster, smarter transition to a modern energy economy. The Company provides residential and light commercial service providers and original equipment manufacturers with a proprietary Energy Intelligence Network platform to accelerate the transition to all-electric heating, cooling, and transportation. Leveraging technology, data, artificial intelligence, and behavioral economics, ConnectM aims to lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions globally.

    For more information, please visit: https://www.connectm.com/

    About Cambridge Energy Resources Ltd.:

    Cambridge Energy Resources Ltd. (CER) is a privately held Energy-Management-as-a-Service provider based in India. Headquartered in New Delhi, CER delivers integrated clean energy solutions for enterprises and telecom operators, including the development and management of distributed solar projects and the deployment of energy-efficient power systems for 5G telecommunications infrastructure. By offering these services on an outcome-based model, CER helps clients reduce energy costs and carbon footprint while enhancing power reliability across their operations.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding our future financial performance and our strategy, expansion plans, future operations, future operating results, estimated revenues, losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “project” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. We caution you that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. In addition, we caution you that the forward-looking statements regarding the Company contained in this press release are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” section of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 18, 2024. Such filing identifies and addresses other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and ConnectM is under no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Contact:

    Investor Relations
    Dave Gentry, CEO
    RedChip Companies, Inc.
    1-407-644-4256
    CNTM@redchip.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tariff baiting will not be able to stop China’s intensive development – Consul General of the PRC in Khabarovsk Jiang Xiaoyang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Vladivostok, May 15 (Xinhua) — Tariff baiting will not be able to stop China’s intensive development, and the US attempts to change fundamental trends in the Chinese economy and undermine China’s development through extreme pressure and tariff blackmail are doomed to failure, said Jiang Xiaoyang, China’s Consul General in Khabarovsk.

    “Recently, the US government, ignoring widespread opposition both at home and abroad, has been increasingly wielding the tariff baton on the world stage, primarily targeting China. China has clearly demonstrated its determination to resist and its willingness to stand firm. As the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest consumer market, China has a solid economic foundation, obvious advantages, and huge development potential,” Jiang Xiaoyang wrote in an article published in the Pacific Star on May 13.

    The Chinese diplomat is convinced that the stability of the political course serves as a reliable support for China in countering the trade war imposed by the United States. By adhering to the principles of “protecting international norms and steadily promoting openness,” China demonstrates the strategic determination and responsibility of a great power. “We have long predicted a new round of pressure from the United States. A series of emergency measures have already demonstrated their effectiveness, and we still have enough room to adjust political instruments,” Jiang Xiaoyang points out.

    China’s robust foreign trade has a strong ability to withstand risks, he continued. In 2024, China’s total import and export volume reached 43.85 trillion yuan (about 6.16 trillion US dollars), setting another historical record. In terms of trade turnover, China has ranked first in the world for the seventh consecutive year. China has more than 230 countries and regions as trading partners, with China becoming the main trading partner for more than 150 of them. Having signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, China is actively building a global network of high-standard free trade zones. In addition, in recent years, China has consistently implemented the strategy of diversifying import and export markets. Last year, the share of trade with countries that joined the Belt and Road Initiative in China’s total foreign trade exceeded 50 percent.

    A large domestic market provides a reliable backbone for the Chinese economy in withstanding external shocks. Chinese President Xi Jinping noted: “The Chinese economy is an ocean, not a small pond.” The super-large market with a population of over 1.4 billion people has tremendous development stability, powerful potential, and ample room for strategic maneuver. In recent years, China has accelerated the formation of a new “dual circulation” model, which has contributed to the steady strengthening of the domestic demand base. In 2024, the total retail sales of consumer goods in the country reached 48.8 trillion yuan (about 6.85 trillion US dollars), an increase of 3.5 percent year on year. The consumer market shows a tendency to expand in scale, optimize the structure, and actively develop new forms of consumption.

    Jiang Xiaoyang emphasizes that the complete industrial system is a powerful pillar of China’s economic development. China has the most comprehensive and large-scale industrial system in the world, covering all UN industrial categories and almost all major industrial products. The country is able to ensure a stable supply of various types of industrial products with high efficiency and low cost. China ranks first in the world in terms of production volumes of more than 40 percent of the 500 major industrial products of global significance. China has already formed complete production and supply chains in sectors such as new energy vehicles and electronic information.

    The diplomat points out that scientific and technological innovation is a key driving force behind the high-quality development of the Chinese economy. In recent years, China has been consistently building industrial industries of the future and making breakthroughs in key technologies. New achievements are constantly being reported in the field of scientific and technological innovation, and new industries of strategic importance are rapidly developing. Last year, Chinese enterprises made new breakthroughs in many fields, including artificial intelligence, aerospace, integrated circuits, big data, and 5G. The added value of large and medium-sized high-tech manufacturing increased by 8.9 percent, and the added value share of key industries of the digital economy in GDP reached 10 percent.

    China has consistently followed the path of peaceful development and adhered to the strategy of opening up based on mutual benefit and win-win. Today’s China has both a strong will to safeguard its core interests and a broad outlook on deepening reform and opening up.

    According to Jiang Xiaoyang, China and Russia are good neighbors, sincere friends and reliable partners. Mature, solid and stable Sino-Russian relations are not affected by temporary factors, and remain an unchangeable element in a changing and turbulent world. The development of cooperation between China and Russia relies on such advantages as strong political trust, perfect interaction mechanisms, deep popular support and broad development prospects.

    “We are willing to further deepen all-round cooperation with the Russian side, expand mutual openness, share innovative achievements, and promote the security, stability, and smoothness of global industrial and supply chains through high-level Chinese-Russian cooperation, so as to jointly advance the building of a more beautiful world,” Jiang Xiaoyang concludes the article. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Real School of Life”: HSE Students Take Part in BRICS Youth Summit

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: Higher School of Economics

    In April, the next BRICS Youth Innovation Summit was held in Cape Town, South Africa. Our country was again represented by students from the Higher School of Economics. The event was organized by the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA).

    The BRICS Youth Summit 2025 was held under the theme “Innovating the Future: Technologies for Sustainable Development and Social Well-being”. It provided a new generation of innovators with the opportunity to address global challenges through collaborative technological solutions that promote sustainable development and social equality in the BRICS countries and the entire Global South. The summit was attended by over 50 delegates from 12 countries, as well as 50 observers from various institutions and organizations in South Africa.

    As in the previous year, the selection of HSE delegates was carried out by the Centre for International Student Mobility and Educational Projects of the Internationalisation Directorate. The organisers not only provided HSE students with a unique opportunity to participate in the summit free of charge, but also covered all expenses for their stay in Cape Town during the event.

    The delegation included the following students:

    Diana Fakhritdinova, OP “Economics and statistics“;

    Mary Oganesyan, OP “Economics and statistics“;

    Anna Danilova, OP “Pharmaceutical law and healthcare“.

    The participants shared their impressions of the summit, communication with representatives of different countries and African nature.

    Diana Fakhritdinova and Meri Oganesyan presented their joint project Just.Display in the category “Digital Transformation for Economic Growth” and won a prize.

    “Mary and I were lucky enough to attend the BRICS Youth Summit, which this year took place in the bright and memorable Cape Town. Sending our application rather at random, we did not expect to receive a positive response from the selection committee. But as soon as it arrived, we immediately started preparing the presentation of our project,” said Diana Fakhritdinova. “We have been developing the Just.Display project since school. It is an effective solution for managing advertising and information screens. It is a modern platform that provides instant content updates on any digital media — from single screens to large-scale networks. The system combines a simple interface, mobility in management and technology at the level of high corporate standards. Today, our solution is used in such organizations as the Skolkovo Technopark, the Donstroy development company, and others. We continue to improve the product and develop our name in the market, offering clients a reliable, scalable and intuitive solution for operational management.

    We are proud that we were able to present our project at such a representative event. A lot of effort and energy was invested in the preparation, and it was completely justified. Finding ourselves surrounded by proactive participants and organizers, we immediately felt how serious the level of the summit was. Everyone shared ideas and stories of their projects – useful, thoughtful and truly significant. It was cool to see how startups created by the same students are already bringing tangible benefits and striving for more.

    On the day of the presentations, the atmosphere became calmer: everyone had already met, the excitement had subsided a little. We presented our project, showing what our team is capable of, confidently answered the jury’s questions and eagerly awaited the results. Third place was a real surprise for us, especially considering that we were the youngest participants of the summit.

    Mary and I would like to sincerely thank HSE and Center for International Student Mobility and Educational Projects Directorates of Internationalization for the support, knowledge and opportunities that give us self-confidence and help us develop not only in our studies but also in real projects. Special thanks to the director of the center Valeria Vadimovna Sokolova for her support and assistance at all stages of preparation and participation in the summit.

    Such events are a real school of life. We returned home with an incredible amount of insights, connections, skills and knowledge. We were lucky to meet a huge number of proactive people, and we have already started developing collaborations with some of them.”

    Anna Danilova presented her project in the category “Artificial Intelligence and Big Data for Social Good”. “My project was dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Its main goal is to ensure the availability of the system for any segment of the population and the population of any territorial remoteness in order to improve the level of health and well-being,” says the student. – According to our idea, the algorithm works together with a medical specialist and currently acts only as an auxiliary element, not the main one. We are setting up the algorithm in order to increase the accuracy of diagnostics and the objectivity of the assessment, and would like to further track whether artificial intelligence can replace medical specialists in general and in which specific areas this is possible.

    I really liked the projects of Chinese colleagues who propose using artificial intelligence to automate the harvesting of fruits and vegetables. I also heard from my roommate from South Africa about interesting projects in the field of technological support for food security. It was interesting to listen to the ideas of guys from different countries, taking into account the peculiarities of their mentality and the culture of the country in which they live and implement their ideas.

    My project was positively received by the participants, some even wrote and learned details and opportunities for cooperation after the summit. For me, this trip was a real discovery, as it is a completely different country and culture. I made many new acquaintances from the BRICS countries, with some of them we exchanged numbers to continue communication in the future.

    What I also liked about the summit was that there were guys who were just starting to implement their project, and there were those who had already implemented it and were implementing new ideas. It turned out to be a kind of mutual work: newcomers share fresh ideas with those who are more experienced, and the more experienced share useful comments and recommendations on project implementation.

    The section winners got the opportunity to go to St. Petersburg for the International Economic Forum in June. I hope that I will be able to meet the guys who took first place at the summit again, but this time in Russia.

    In addition to the event itself, our trip to the Cape of Good Hope with the girls created a huge layer of impressions for us. On the way there, we stopped by boat to look at Cape fur seals, saw penguins, ostriches and other representatives of the fauna. We also managed to visit several local restaurants and try local fish. But most of all, we were amazed by the cape itself, from where a magnificent view opened up that cannot be compared with anything else.”

    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 United Kingdom: Osnabruck Square to fully reopen later this summer

    Source: City of Derby

    Following a significant transformation as part of the stunning £35.1 million refurbishment of Derby Market Hall, the full reopening of Osnabruck Square has been set for later this summer.

    The refurbished Grade II-listed Market Hall will reopen on Saturday 24 May with a spectacular week-long celebration packed with music, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities.

    Access to the Market Hall from Osnabruck Square will be maintained throughout the remainder of the works to transform the square. Hoardings around the square will be updated and repositioned, with windows being introduced so the public can see the progress of the square during the final stages of the project.

    The enhanced Osnabruck Square, a vital connecting space within the city centre, will be a flexible area for events and entertainment, with outdoor café seating, and artistic installations, providing a lively hub for local markets and homegrown talent. It will also feature a vibrant green space, featuring carefully selected new raised planting beds, trees, and shrubs designed to be visually appealing.

    The design of the square prioritises accessibility, with enhancements such as free-standing inclusive benches, improved access through re-aligned crossings, and dedicated blue badge parking.

    Featuring a new main entrance to the refurbished Derby Market Hall, Osnabruck Square will enhance city centre accessibility, seamlessly connecting the Market Hall with Exchange Street, Albion Street, and the Derbion shopping centre, drawing people through the area.

    Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: 

    The transformation of Osnabruck Square, together with the revitalised Market Hall, will breathe new life into this key city centre location. The square will not only look beautiful but will also improve accessibility and help draw more people into the heart of our city.

    This is the culmination of a great deal of hard work and planning, and I look forward to seeing the area become a vibrant destination for shopping, eating, and entertainment.

    The Derby Market Hall redevelopment is a £35.1m project part funded with £9.43m from the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF).

    Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the redeveloped Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and is expected to generate £3.64m for the local economy every year.

    Follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with what’s going on. Full details of the programme of events are available on the Derby Market Hall website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: During National Police Week, Reps. Pettersen, Valadao Introduce Bipartisan ‘They’re Fast, We’re Furious’ Bill to Curb Illegal Street Racing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and David Valadao (R-CA) introduced the They’re Fast, We’re Furious Act of 2025 to address reckless speeding and illegal street racing impacting communities across the country. This bipartisan bill would establish a Street Racing Prevention and Intervention Task Force under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to coordinate local, state, and federal strategic responses to street racing and unlawful organized street shows. The task force would address the impacts of street racing and develop best practices to combat the problem, creating safer communities and potentially saving lives.

    “I’ve heard from constituents across Broomfield and Jefferson Counties who are concerned by the illegal street racing on the rise in our communities, including the death of a college student in Westminster caused by a street racing incident” said Pettersen. “As a mom, I’m committed to making sure our communities are a safe place for our kids and neighbors. That’s why I’m working with Congressman Valadao during National Police Week to ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to crack down on reckless driving and save lives.”

    “In the Central Valley, street racing is an epidemic that puts our communities in danger,” said Valadao. “Kern County’s fatal hit-and-run accident rate is over 151% higher than the national average, and deadly crashes are a direct result of reckless driving at high speeds. Illegal street racing in our neighborhoods puts the lives of other drivers, first responders, and innocent bystanders at risk, and I’m proud to join Congresswoman Pettersen to give law enforcement the tools they need to combat this dangerous trend.”

    Rep. Pettersen first introduced this bill following concerns from communities across her district, including those voiced at a town hall she hosted in Westminster. In 2021, a street racing incident in Westminster caused the death of a 21-year-old student at the University of Colorado Boulder. This incident rocked the community and is unfortunately a common occurrence in the United States, as speeding and street racing continue to rise in prevalence since the global pandemic.

    Between 2021 and 2023, Colorado lost 751 lives due to speeding, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. In 2023 alone, speeding was the leading cause of traffic fatalities in the state—contributing to 258 deaths, surpassing fatalities caused by impaired driving and unrestrained passengers.

    Click HERE for the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: 2025 Camping Season Starts this Weekend

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 15, 2025

    Saskatchewan’s provincial parks are ready to welcome visitors back for another memorable summer, with the 2025 camping season officially kicking off on Friday, May 16.  

    “We are excited to welcome visitors for another incredible season in our beautiful provincial parks,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “Whether you want adventure, relaxation or time with family and friends, our parks create lasting memories while highlighting the beauty of Saskatchewan’s natural environment.”

    New Ways to Stay and Play:

    • This year, there are additional glamping domes at Blackstrap, and new domes will open soon at Echo Valley;  
    • Also opening soon are tipi-style cabins at Buffalo Pound and tipis in Meadow Lake;
    • There are additional marina slips at Elbow Harbour Recreation Site on Lake Diefenbaker; and
    • The new Trailhead Cafe is opening May 15 at the Buffalo Pound Visitor Centre.

    Things to Do

    From guided hikes and paddle programs to live music and cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone this season. Full event listings, including pre-registration details, can be found at saskparks.com under the “Things to Do” section.  

    Discovery Packs are refreshed for the 2025 season. They offer families and visitors of all ages a self-use activity to learn about our parks, conservation, wildlife and park lands with themes such as Soil Scientist and Marvelous Mammals.

    Family favourites like SaskExpress and Summer Cinema are returning for another season along with new experiences such as Festival in the Forest at Meadow Lake, Prairie Day at Buffalo Pound and new guided hiking events such as Hike the Heights at Cypress Hills and Into the Pines at Candle Lake. These events and other Sask Parks programs are free with a valid Park Entry Permit.

    For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, please respect the current fire bans and restrictions that can be found by visiting SaskParks.com or by calling the park before arrival.  

    Plan your trip at Saskparks.com.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government Continues to Deliver for Saskatchewan Residents as Spring Sitting Concludes

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 15, 2025

    With the Spring sitting of the Legislature concluding today, Premier Scott Moe highlighted the Government of Saskatchewan’s balanced 2025-26 Budget and how it is delivering for you.

    “Our government continues to prioritize safety in our communities and ensuring services are available to all residents when and where they need them,” Moe said. “Saskatchewan is a growing and vibrant province that continues to benefit from a strong economy even in uncertain times. Record investments were made this year to keep Saskatchewan an affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”

    In this year’s budget, record investments continue to be made in health care, education and community safety, in addition to delivering more affordability measures than ever before. 

    New affordability measures include:

    • The Fertility Treatment Tax Credit, helping individuals or couples cover costs associated with fertility treatments.
    • Doubling the Active Families Benefit tax credit and raising the qualifying income threshold to $120,000 will make accessing children’s sports, arts, cultural and recreational activities more affordable. 
    • Seniors receive an increase in the senior supplement amount by $500 annually for the next four years, starting in 2025 – over and above the impact of indexation.
    • An increase to the Personal Care Home Benefit will help more than 2,000 low-income seniors with the cost of living in a licensed personal care home. 
    • The Graduate Retention Program has also increased, with a maximum benefit of $24,000 for students who live and work in Saskatchewan after graduating from a post-secondary institution.
    • The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship provides up to $3,000 for Grade 12 students who will be attending post-secondary institutions in the province. 
    • All education property tax mill rates have been reduced to absorb the increase in property assessment values and ensure this assessment year is revenue neutral for the province. This change will save property owners in the province more than $100 million annually.
    • Reinstating the Home Renovation Tax Credit saves residents up to $420 and seniors $525 annually in provincial income tax.
    • The First-Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit maximum benefit increased to $1,575, making homeownership more attainable for first-time homebuyers, and the PST Rebate on New Home Construction was made permanent. 
    • The Disability Tax Credit and the Disability Tax Credit supplement for children under 18 both increase by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation.
    • The Caregiver Tax Credit also increases by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation, which provides financial support for families who care for adult children or parents with physical or mental impairments.
    • The Small Business Tax Rate permanently remains at one per cent, which benefits more than 35,000 small businesses and saves them over $50 million annually in corporate income taxes.
    • The Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit provides a non-refundable tax credit for individuals or corporations that invest in the equity of eligible Saskatchewan small and medium enterprise, while the Saskatchewan Class 1 Truck Driver Training Rebate Program supports individuals seeking their commercial driving license. 

    Additionally, legislation introduced and passed this year aims to promote community safety. Amendments to The Construction Codes Act allow the development of a pilot framework intended to help eligible municipalities dispose of these structures as well as provide a training opportunity for local volunteer fire departments. Amendments to The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act include fentanyl, methamphetamine and hypodermic needles as categories of street weapons recognizing the significant risks these items present to public safety. New regulations under The Trespass to Property Amendment Regulations, 2025, will allow police to immediately enforce the Act against individuals partaking in activities such as public intoxication and drug use as it will be automatically considered trespassing in public spaces or businesses.

    This April, the Government of Saskatchewan was pleased to reach a new agreement between the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) and the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee. This new agreement recognizes the important role of teachers and provides certainty for teachers, students and their families.

    Health care continues to be a priority for the government with continued investment into new and enhanced services and the Health Human Resources Action Plan to ensure services are staffed. The new Regina Breast Health Centre started welcoming patients this spring offering a co-location of essential services to streamline care, reduce wait times and improve patient experiences in what can often be a challenging time. Success continues to be made with recruitment guided by the Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more staff in the province. To continue that work, Saskatchewan’s Rural and Remote Recruitment

    Incentive (RRRI) program has been expanded to an additional 16 communities for a total of 70. This incentive of up to $50,000 for a three-year return-in-service is offered to new, permanent full-time employees in nine high-priority health occupations in rural and remote communities experiencing or at risk of service disruptions due to staffing challenges. A recruitment campaign also launched recently encouraging physicians from the United States to consider practicing in Saskatchewan.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: COVID-19 activity hits 1-year high

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today said the major surveillance indicators of COVID-19 reached a one-year high, urging all sectors of the community to heighten their vigilance and enhance personal hygiene and protection measures.

    In addition to advising citizens to receive the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, the CHP also recommended people at high risk to receive a booster dose in a timely manner to minimise the risk of serious complications or death after infection.

    CHP Controller Dr Edwin Tsui pointed out that after the resumption of normalcy, Hong Kong experienced cycles of active periods of COVID-19 in every six to nine months.

    “Taking into account local and global epidemiological data in recent years, the CHP is of the view that COVID-19 has evolved into an endemic disease with a periodic pattern.”

    The CHP’s analysis suggested that the active periods are associated with the changes in the predominant circulating strains and declining herd immunity in Hong Kong.

    In early 2024, the predominant strains circulated locally changed from XBB to JN.1.

    In the third quarter of 2024, the strains changed from JN.1 to KP.2 and KP.3.

    Since late March this year, they have further changed to XDV.

    Dr Tsui said there is no evidence suggesting that XDV will cause more severe disease. 

    According to the latest surveillance data as of the week ending May 10, the viral load of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from sewage surveillance, the test positivity rate and the cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests in the laboratory have continued to rise over the past four weeks.

    In particular, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus gradually increased to 13.66% from 6.21% four weeks ago, marking a record high in the past year.

    For sewage surveillance, the per capita viral load of SARS-CoV-2 virus was around 710,000 copy/litre, which was also significantly higher than that of about 390,000 copy/litre four weeks ago.

    During the same period, the consultation rate of COVID-19 cases at Accident & Emergency departments, general outpatient clinics and sentinel private medical practitioner clinics also recorded a significant increase.

    “Based on previous statistics, we expect the activity level of COVID-19 to remain at a higher level for at least the next few weeks,” Dr Tsui added.

    Regarding severe and fatal cases, the CHP recorded a total of 81 COVID-19 severe cases involving adults in the past four weeks, among which 30 were fatal cases.

    Epidemiological investigations showed that 83% of the patients were aged 65 or above.

    For children, the CHP has recorded five severe cases so far this year. Of which, two have underlying illnesses and three cases have not received the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

    Dr Tsui noted that the currently prevalent XDV strain is a related variant of JN.1.

    “Therefore, the JN.1 vaccine used in Hong Kong is effective in preventing the disease, reducing the risk of severe illness and death, and enhancing herd immunity.”

    He urged high-risk groups, especially the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, to receive an additional booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

    Meanwhile, parents should also bring their children to complete the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Kennedy to Senator Marshall During HELP Committee Hearing: We’re Going to Make HHS Accountable to the American People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) questioned the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., today during a hearing in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions (HELP).
    During the hearing, Senator Marshall asked Secretary Kennedy about the chronic disease epidemic in America, efforts to make HHS more efficient, and vaccines.
    Senator Marshall has been a long-time ally of Secretary Kennedy and was heavily involved in his confirmation process. As an OB-GYN of over 25 years, Senator Marshall is also the Chairman of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus.

    [embedded content]

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full line of questioning.
    Highlights from the hearing include:
    On Making America Healthy Again:
    Senator Marshall: “This was going to be a question. I’m just going to make a statement. All the research that we do on MAHA, on soil health, on nutrition, in my heart, that’s research on cancer. It’s research on Alzheimer’s, at the end of the day… We should be spending as much money at the front side of this as we are trying to cure the end of it. We’re seeing epidemics of colorectal cancer, young age Alzheimer’s, all these things. And I think the research at the front end is every bit as important at the hind end.” 
    Secretary Kennedy: “…NIH made all these extraordinary breakthroughs, and particularly in treating cancer and, you know, reducing mortalities for colorectal cancer. But my question is, isn’t it as important to find out why kids are getting colorectal cancer?
    “When you and I were kids, there were zero kids with colorectal cancer. It’s an epidemic now, so it’s not really a badge for us when we say, ‘Oh, we can make it less lethal.’ Why don’t we go figure out what’s causing it and eliminate that exposure with all of these with Alzheimer’s, with heart disease? There’s something making Americans very, very sick, and our response should not be just ‘okay, we’ll develop a pharmaceutical fix for it, or medical fix.’ Let’s figure out what it is and get rid of it so we can have healthy kids again.”
    On efforts to make HHS more efficient:
    Senator Marshall: “Isn’t it true that under Joe Biden’s White House, they added 20,000 employees to HHS? When you were nominated, there were 28 divisions with HHS, 100 communication offices, 40 IT departments, and nine HR units as well? Can you answer that question?”
    Secretary Kennedy: “Yes, that’s right. There are dozens of IT departments. There’s eight senior finance officials. There are nine separate offices on women’s health, eight separate offices for minority health, 27 separate offices for HIV, 59 behavioral health programs, [and] 40 opioid programs.”
    “What we’re trying to do is consolidate, streamline, eliminate the redundancies, eliminate all those administrative costs for each one of those little departments, consolidate them and make them make sense, and make them accountable to the American people.
    “… As you point out, there’s 40 procurement departments with four separate computer systems that don’t talk to each other… [HHS] grew like 38% of the last four years. I would say that’s great if Americans got healthier, but they didn’t. They got worse.
    “So what we’re trying to do is go back to the pre-COVID levels and to start making the department function as it would… in a rational universe, and to bring in, you know, modern AI and telemedicine, and all the opportunities we have now, these new efficiencies and for medical delivery to the American people and for patient care.
    “And we’re not able to take advantage of any of them because there’s so much chaos and disorganization in this department, and everybody who’s gone up against it in the past has thrown their hands up and given up. What we’re saying is, let’s organize it in a way that I can quickly adopt and deploy all these opportunities we have to really deliver high-quality health care to the American people.”
    On vaccines:
    Senator Marshall: “Let’s stay on the measles vaccine, just for a second… I’m an obstetrician. If a 25-year-old pregnant woman asked me if she should take the measles vaccine, the MMR… I would give her the answer, ‘No, you shouldn’t.’ But if she was 25 and trying to get pregnant, I would give her different advice.
    “I’ve always valued the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship. I went to medical school for four years. I did four years of residency. I delivered thousands of babies. It’s my job to give that recommendation. What’s the role of the Secretary of HHS as far as recommendations of vaccines?”
    Secretary Kennedy: “Well, the vaccine recommendations, Senator, are normally made through ACIP, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which is an outside consulting committee at CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]. There’s another committee called VRBPC [the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee], which is within the FDA [Food and Drug Administration], that actually recommends whether the vaccines get licensed or not, and so that’s where the recommendations come from.
    “… Traditionally, they have not done evidence-based medicine. They only adopted evidence-based medicine about 12 years ago, and what we’ve said during our administration is we want to have safety studies prior to the licensure and recommendation of vaccines.
    “Vaccines are the only medical product that is exempt from pre-licensing safety testing. So the only vaccine that has been tested in a full-blown placebo trial against an inert placebo was the COVID vaccine. Of the other 76 shots that children in this country received between birth and 18 years old, none of them have been safety tested in pre-licensing studies against the placebo, which means we don’t understand the risk profile for those products, and that’s something that I intend to remedy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders: Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will devastate working families and our communities

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after House committees voted to move forward with a budget that will hurt public services nationwide:

    “Anti-worker extremists in Congress have shamefully voted to strip 13.7 million people of their health insurance and take food off the tables of families all to fund tax breaks for billionaires. These extreme cuts will impact everyone — not just those who receive health insurance through Medicaid or food through SNAP. Hospitals, nursing homes and clinics — particularly in rural areas — will be forced to close. More people going to the doctor without insurance means health care costs will go up for everyone, and emergency departments will be overwhelmed as people only go to the doctor when in crisis.

    “These examples merely scratch the surface of the harm our communities will face. As costs continue to rise, working people will have even less to spend, hurting small businesses, resulting in layoffs and devastating Main Streets across the country. From child and home care providers to sanitation workers and corrections officers, AFSCME members are essential in providing the public services that keep our nation safe and healthy. Without federal funding, our jobs are at risk as states, cities and towns struggle to afford these lifesaving services. Clearly, the intention of those voting for this budget package isn’t to put people to work and stimulate our economy; it’s to give the wealthiest among us a handout at the expense of working people.

    “As this bill heads to the House floor, AFSCME members will continue to speak out to protect our communities. Tens of thousands of us have called, written and even traveled to D.C. from across the country to ensure that elected officials know how cuts will hurt our families, communities and jobs. Now, we’ll be even louder as we fight this cruel, anti-worker budget tooth and nail.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE and partners train Moldovan and Ukrainian border officers to combat vehicle document fraud

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE and partners train Moldovan and Ukrainian border officers to combat vehicle document fraud

    OSCE training helps Moldova and Ukraine strengthen document fraud detection as well as cross-border efforts to prevent vehicle theft, smuggling and trafficking. (Denis Livitchi) Photo details

    The OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with Beruku Identity, an expert group on digital identity, personal data and cybersecurity and forensic experts from Greece, trained 40 officers from the Border Police of Moldova and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on detecting and preventing vehicle document fraud at land border crossing points during an online training course from 12 to 15 May.
    Strengthening cross-border co-operation between the two countries through joint training is of particular importance given that both Ukraine and Moldova face shared threats stemming from the war in Ukraine, namely, illicit trafficking, illegal migration and other transnational crimes, among others. A key aspect of this co-operation is detecting forged vehicle documents and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) to prevent vehicle theft, smuggling and trafficking.
    Led by experts from Greece and Beruku Identity, the participants discussed various topics, including international vehicle document standards, VIN falsification techniques and the use of biometric technology at borders. The training featured real-world case studies and virtual exercises to enhance the officers’ ability to identify forged vehicle registration plates, counterfeit driving licenses and fraudulent identity documents.
    The participants also explored the role of open-source intelligence in combating transnational crime such as the sale of forged documents via social media or the dark web, focusing on strategies for information gathering and sharing at jointly controlled border control posts.
    “We are proud to work with the OSCE to strengthen institutional capacities, improve border and identity management systems, and promote secure and inclusive governance across its participating States. Specialized training courses like this one on examining vehicle documents and gathering intelligence from open sources and social media platforms are increasingly vital, as they enable frontline personnel and investigators to detect fraudulent activity, identify trafficking networks and respond more effectively to transnational threats,” says Alastair Treharne, expert advisor on digital identity and co-founder of Beruku Identity.
    This training course is part of an ongoing OSCE project supporting the Organization’s participating States and Partners for Co-operation in reducing the illegal crossing of borders with a fake or stolen identity, funded by the United States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Make do and create this half term at The D-Day Story

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    The D-Day Story has a range of activities this half term the whole family can experience together.

    During the Second World War toys and games were often handmade. Come and make your own toy aeroplane, peg doll and pinwheel to take home.

    Or why not create VE Day inspired paper flowers, flags and bunting.

    There will be toys and games for little ones under five, and Second World War uniforms for all the family to try on.

    These events run Tuesday 27 – Thursday 29 May, 11am until 3pm. No need to book but events can be very popular, so visitors are advised to come early.

    Operation: Spies and Lies also returns to the museum (Saturday 24 – Monday 26 May, Friday 30 May – Sunday 1 June), do you have what it takes to complete the challenges to find the mystery object hidden in the museum?

    The challenge will take you around the museum, learning more about the objects and people involved in D-Day. You also get an exclusive free D-Day backpack to take home.

    All activities are included in the admission price.

    You can also take part in our family trail Resist!, which is inspired by the French Resistance and their role during D-Day. Work together as a team to find and solve clues and puzzles on board LCT 7074 and throughout the museum. The trail is perfect for family groups and is included in the entrance fee to the museum. It is available every day just ask at the front desk.

    Portsmouth City Council leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:

    “Our incredible D-Day Story museum has so much going on, especially during the half-term. It’s a truly unique and educational family day out not to miss, especially during this 80th anniversary year of the end of the Second World War, for which D-Day played such a pivotal part.”

    Families can also experience the family audio guide together to learn more about the objects in the museum and the stories behind those impacted by the events of June 1944. It has been created to engage with a younger audience but can be experienced by all the family and is included in the museum admission price.

    For the full list of events and more information about The D-Day Story, visit www.theddaystory.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Video and Photos: Rep. Dan Goldman Joins Rep. Kennedy and Gun Violence Advocates to Observe Third Anniversary of Buffalo Tops Supermarket Mass Shooting With Introduction of Body Armor Ban

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Goldman Co-Sponsors Aaron Salter Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act of 2025, Which Bans Sale of Military Body Armor to Civilians 

     

    Legislation Named in Honor of Retired Police Lieutenant Salter Jr., Security Guard Whose Bravery Saved Countless Lives During the Shooting 

     

    See Videos and Photos from the Press Conference Here 

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today joined Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) to mark the third anniversary of the racially motivated mass shooting at the Tops Supermarket on May 14, 2022, and to announce the introduction of the Aaron Salter Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act of 2025, which would ban the sale of body armor to civilians. 

    The Buffalo Tops shooter deliberately targeted the supermarket because of its location in a historically Black neighborhood. Wearing body armor, he was able to shoot 13 people and kill 10—all of whom were black. When the shooter began firing on the store, retired police lieutenant and supermarket security guard Aaron Salter Jr. rapidly responded and returned fire in an attempt to stop the attack. The shooters’ body armor deflected Lt. Salter’s shots, and Salter Jr. was killed. 

    “Three years ago today, 10 New Yorkers were tragically killed in the Buffalo Tops supermarket by a bigoted individual who was motivated by racism, antisemitism, and white supremacy,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “This tragedy could have been avoided if civilians were not permitted to use weapons of war, including an assault weapon and military-grade body armor. I am proud to support Congressman Kennedy’s Aaron Salter Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, which would block civilians from obtaining military-grade bulletproof vests. While we mourn the victims of this senseless act of bigoted violence, we must continue pushing Republicans across the country to protect our communities and pass commonsense gun safety legislation. Our constituents deserve nothing less.” 

    Enhanced body armor, generally designed to withstand rifle ammunition, is specifically defined as armor meeting or exceeding the National Institute of Justice’s RFI ballistic resistance standard. Currently, this kind of body armor is legal for civilians in most states to purchase online without federal restrictions. This legislation seeks to change this by prohibiting its sale, transfer, or possession by civilians, while exempting law enforcement and military personnel.  

    In addition to Buffalo, shootings by gunmen wearing body armor have taken place in Sutherland Springs, Texas; Aurora, Colorado; Boulder, Colorado; San Bernardino, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and many other communities.  

    Last Congress, Goldman cosponsored a package of legislation that both establishes a federal “red flag” program and strengthens state and local efforts to support the implementation of extreme risk protection order laws and the ‘End Gun Violence Act’ to prohibit individuals convicted of a violent misdemeanor from purchasing handguns or ammunition for five years after conviction. 
    Additionally, Goldman supports the ‘Gun Trafficker Detection Act’ which would require gun owners to report if their privately-owned gun is lost or stolen within 48 hours and help law enforcement identify potential gun traffickers.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The NATO Internship Programme is now open for applications!

    Source: NATO

    Are you passionate about making a difference? Are you a citizen of a NATO country? Would you like to work for the world’s most successful political and military alliance, which protects the freedom and security of one billion people?

    Apply now for a six-month paid internship at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, starting in March or September 2026.

    Whether your interests lie in political affairs, defence and security, innovation, operations, communications, human resources, finance, science and technology, or infrastructure and facilities, NATO is the place for you to gain invaluable hands-on experience in your chosen field.

    An internship placement at NATO is an opportunity to acquire skills, become part of a community of international professionals, work alongside experts, share ideas and contribute to the goals of the Alliance.

    If you are ready to embark on a journey that will not only shape your career, but also enable you to contribute to NATO’s mission of safeguarding one billion people, we encourage you to apply for an internship.

    The deadline to apply for the NATO Internship Programme is 22 June 2025. 

    For more information about the NATO Internship Programme, including eligibility criteria, compensation and benefits, and the full application process, please visit the NATO Internship Programme page.

    For any questions, please visit our frequently asked questions page.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Partners LP Expands Access to Crypto and AI Leaders Strategy With Mutual Fund Series; Announces Risk Rating Change for Global Infrastructure Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (Ninepoint or the Manager) is pleased to announce the expected launch of four new mutual fund series of Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF, being Series S, Series SF, Series A and Series F. Subject to regulatory approval, each such new series will be available under both Canadian and US dollar purchase options.

    Offering a mutual fund series of Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF provides Canadian financial advisors with additional flexibility and accessibility, enabling such advisors to hold the fund in client accounts that do not support trading in exchange-traded funds. This also allows for easier integration with pre-authorized contribution plans, systematic withdrawal plans, and dollar-cost averaging strategies—tools that many advisors rely on to help clients build wealth over time.

    Each new mutual fund series of Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF will be reflected in the fund’s simplified prospectus and fund facts, each of which will be filed with Canadian securities regulators in connection with the fund’s 2025 annual renewal. Subject to regulatory approval, it is anticipated that each new mutual fund series will be available for purchase on or about May 21, 2025 under the following fund codes:

    Fund Code
    (CAD Purchase Option)    		 Fund Code
    (USD Purchase Option)    		 Mutual Fund Units Management Fee
    NPP5604 NPP 5600 Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF – Series A 1.70%
    NPP5605 NPP 5601 Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF – Series F 0.70%
    NPP5606 NPP 5602 Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF – Series S 1.35%
    NPP5607 NPP 5603 Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF – Series SF 0.35%

    Series S and Series SF securities are lower management fee versions of Series A and Series F securities, available to all investors until the aggregate net asset value for the fund’s Series S securities and Series SF securities exceeds $10 million.

    Risk Rating Change – Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund

    Ninepoint also announced a risk rating change for Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund (the Fund). The Manager determines the risk rating for the Fund in accordance with the methodology required by the Canadian securities regulators. As a result of its annual review of the investment risk level of the Fund, the Manager has determined the risk rating change as follows:

    Fund Previous Risk Rating New Risk Rating
    Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund Low to Medium Medium

    This change will be reflected in the Fund’s fund facts, which will be filed with Canadian securities regulators in connection with the Fund’s 2025 annual renewal.

    There are no changes to the investment objectives or strategies of the Fund.

    The investment objective of the Fund is primarily to maximize risk adjusted long-term returns and secondarily to achieve a high level of income. The Fund focuses on achieving growth of capital through securities selection and pursues a long-term investment program with the aim of generating capital gains. The Fund seeks to provide a moderate level of volatility and a low degree of correlation to other asset classes through diversifying across a relatively concentrated group of global infrastructure stocks.

    About Ninepoint Partners LP

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Prospectus before investing. Mutual fund securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurances that the Fund will be able to maintain its NAV per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the Fund will be returned to you. Past performance may not be repeated.

    Sales Inquiries:
    Ninepoint Partners LP
    Neil Ross
    416-945-6227
    nross@ninepoint.com

    Media Inquiries:
    Longacre Square Partners
    Kate Sylvester / Liz Shoemaker
    ninepoint@longacresquare.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Karolinska Development’s Annual General Meeting 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – May 15, 2025. Karolinska Development AB (publ) (“Karolinska Development” or the “Company”) held the Annual General Meeting on May 15, 2025. The shareholders have had the right to exercise their voting rights in advance through postal voting pursuant to item 13 in the articles of association. Therefore, shareholders have had the choice to exercise their voting rights at the AGM by attending in person, by postal voting or through a proxy. The following resolutions were passed by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting:

    Profit and loss statement and the balance sheet: It was resolved to adopt the profit and loss statement and the balance sheet and the consolidated profit and loss statement and the consolidated balance sheet.

    Appropriation of the Company’s result: It was resolved to approve the allocation of the result, proposed by the Board of Directors and the CEO, in total SEK 1,235,972,877 to be carried forward.

    Discharge from liability of the directors and the CEO: It was resolved to grant the directors and the CEO discharge from liability for the financial year 2024.

    Resolution regarding the number of directors and auditors and deputy auditors to be appointed: It was resolved that the number of directors shall be five without deputies and that the number of auditors shall be one. No deputy auditor shall be appointed.

    Resolution in respect of the fees for the Board of Directors and for the auditor: It was resolved that the chairman will be paid a fixed amount of SEK 400,000 to be paid out in proportion to board meetings attended; that all other directors will be paid a fixed amount of SEK 200,000 to be paid out in proportion to board meetings attended; that the auditor will be paid as per invoice.

    Election of Chairman of the Board of Directors, directors and auditors and deputy auditors: It was resolved to re-elect the directors Ben Toogood, Anna Lefevre Skjöldebrand, Philip Duong and Will Zeng, and to elect Anders Härfstrand as director, and it was resolved to re-elect Ben Toogood as Chairman of the Board of Directors. It was resolved to, in accordance with the audit committee’s recommendation, re-elect Ernst & Young Aktiebolag as auditor, currently with Oskar Wall as auditor in charge, for the time until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

    Principles for appointing members and instruction for the Nomination Committee: It was resolved that the Nomination Committee shall have five members. Every year, the five largest owners (voting power, as set forth in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB as of the last banking day in August) shall appoint one member each. The chairman of the Board of Directors shall convene the first meeting. If a shareholder does not exercise its right to appoint a member, the shareholder next in order of voting power, who has not already appointed a member or has a right to appoint a member, shall have the right to appoint a member to the Nominating Committee. The members of the Nomination Committee shall be made public as soon as the members have been appointed, and in no case later than six months prior to the Annual General Meeting. The members shall among themselves appoint the chairman of the Nomination Committee. If a member resigns or is prevented from pursuing his/her assignment, the shareholder that has appointed such member shall appoint a new member. In the event that the shareholding in the Company is materially changed, before the Nomination Committee has completed its assignment, the Nomination Committee may decide to change the composition of the Nomination Committee, as determined by the Nomination Committee (considering the principles applicable for the appointment of the Nomination Committee). Any change in the composition of the Nomination Committee shall be announced as soon as possible. No fees shall be paid to the members of the Nomination Committee. Out of pocket expenses shall be reimbursed by the Company. The mandate of the committee shall be until the members of the succeeding committee have been announced.

    The Nomination Committee is to make proposals to the Annual General Meeting regarding the election of Chair of the Annual General Meeting, number of directors, Chair of the Board of Directors and other directors and remuneration to the directors. The Nomination Committee is also to make proposals regarding the company’s auditor, remuneration to the company’s auditor and election of members of the Nomination Committee or principles for the selection of a Nomination Committee. The Nomination Committee shall conduct an annual evaluation of this instruction and when necessary propose to amend it to the Annual General Meeting. The Nomination Committee shall otherwise carry out the tasks that, according to the Swedish Corporate Governance Code, are the responsibility of the Nomination Committee.

    Resolution on approval of the Board of Directors’ Remuneration Report 2024: It was resolved to approve the Board of Directors’ remuneration report for 2024 in accordance with Chapter 8, Section 53 a of the Swedish Companies Act.

    The Board of Directors’ proposal regarding authorization for the Board of Directors to resolve on transfer of own shares: It was resolved to authorize the Board of Directors, for the period until the next Annual General Meeting, on one or more occasions, with or without deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, to resolve on transfer of all shares of series B held by the Company at any given time. Transfer may take place on Nasdaq Stockholm or otherwise. Transfer on Nasdaq Stockholm shall be made at a price per share within the registered price interval at any given time, being the interval between the highest bid and lowest ask price. Otherwise, transfer shall be made on market terms. Payment for shares shall be made in cash, in kind or by set-off.

    The Board of Directors’ proposal regarding authorization for the Board of Directors to resolve on new issues of shares: It was resolved to authorize the Board of Directors, for the period until the next Annual General Meeting to resolve, on one or more occasions, with or without deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, and for payment in cash, by set-off or in kind, to issue new shares of series B up to a number that, at the time of the first resolution under the authorization, corresponds to twenty (20) per cent of the total share capital; provided however that any such issue must not result in the Company’s share capital exceeding the Company’s maximum allowed share capital as set out in the articles of association.

    Complete information regarding each resolution of the Annual General Meeting can be found on www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com

    Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

    The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact persons set out above on May 15, 2025 at 16:45 CEST.

    TO THE EDITORS

    About Karolinska Development AB

    Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients’ lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

    Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

    Karolinska Development has a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

    The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

    For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell Fights for 26 Hours Against Republican Efforts to Gut Medicaid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06) just concluded 26 hours of fighting against Republican efforts to gut Medicaid and strip health coverage from millions of Americans, including 700,000 Michiganders.

    “Republicans have spent this markup trying to convince the American people that Medicaid is rife with wasteful spending and is providing care to those who don’t actually need it. Here are the facts: Medicaid coverage costs 45 percent less than private insurance, and provides more comprehensive benefits than private insurance with significantly lower out-of-pocket costs for patients,” Dingell said. “Medicaid covers seniors, people with disabilities, children, pregnant women, and low-income people who rely on the program for care that keeps them healthy to provide for their family. This is critical care – not a luxury. The idea that there are millions of people on Medicaid who ‘don’t actually need’ it is flatly untrue. The provisions in this bill will kick millions of Americans off their health care plans, and people will die. It’s wrong, and I will continue to fight it.”

    Congresswoman Dingell offered amendments to the bill to:

    • ensure Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) would not be cut or reduced under current law;
    • prevent the implementation of bureaucratic burdens that would kick eligible individuals off Medicaid and CHIP; and
    • ensure Medicaid beneficiaries aren’t forced out of their homes to qualify for long-term care services;

    Republicans’ budget proposal will:

    • cut $700 billion from Medicaid to give billionaires a $4 trillion tax cut
    • result in 13.7 million Americans losing their health coverage
    • make it harder for eligible individuals to receive Medicaid with burdensome paperwork requirements
    • force dozens of rural hospitals to close
    • raise premiums for millions of people

    View Dingell’s remarks in committee here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse Introduces Legislation Strengthening U.S. Seaports

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse Introduces Legislation Strengthening U.S. Seaports

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced legislation to close a loophole exploited by foreign shippers who circumvent United States seaports and divert cargo to ports in Canada and Mexico to avoid paying the U.S. harbor maintenance tax (HMT). 

    “We have an opportunity to expand the United States’ position as a leader in global trade, and we can only achieve that by strengthening and modernizing our port infrastructure.” said Rep. Newhouse. “Foreign shippers have been circumventing U.S. seaports, especially on the west coast, in order to avoid paying the harbor maintenance tax, resulting in a depleted maintenance fund. My legislation eliminates this costly loophole, ensures foreign shippers are paying their fair share, and strengthens our seaport infrastructure to deliver goods to consumers more efficiently.” 

    The legislation is supported by the Northwest Seaport Alliance and SSA Marine. 

    Toshiko Hasegawa, Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission President, said, “For decades, the Harbor Maintenance Tax has created a competitive disadvantage for U.S. ports like Seattle and Tacoma to other ports in North America. We are deeply grateful for Congressman Newhouse’s leadership in championing this issue and introducing this legislation to level the playing field by eliminating the incentive to divert U.S.-bound cargo through non-U.S. ports.” 

    John McCarthy, Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President, said, “Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation, and maintaining the NWSA’s position as a competitive, top-tier cargo gateway is critical to providing market access to agricultural producers. We thank Congressman Newhouse for working to uphold a strong, competitive supply chain by ensuring taxes are applied fairly to all US-bound cargo regardless of port of entry.” 

    Uffe Ostergaard, CEO of Carrix, said, “For over 30 years, Pacific Northwest ports have been disadvantaged by the Harbor Maintenance Tax, which has made these U.S. ports less competitive and has driven cargo volumes to alternative gateways. We are grateful to Congressman Newhouse for his leadership on this critical legislation to provide a more level playing field, support U.S. jobs, and bolster key export communities in Washington State.” 

    The fee would be 0.125% of the value, equal to the HMT, of U.S.-bound cargo that is discharged from an ocean-going vessel in Canada or Mexico and subsequently enters the U.S.  

    The HMT is an ad valorem tax that funds Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) activities to maintain U.S. seaports. U.S.-bound cargo from overseas trading partners that arrives at Canadian or Mexican ports and then enters the U.S. is not subject to paying the HMT. 

    The U.S. Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund lost nearly $600 million in revenue over the last ten years due to the $466 billion in imports that avoided the HMT by moving through a Canadian or Mexican seaport before entering the U.S. 

    Bringing these circumvented imports back to U.S. ports is critical for USACE’s duty to keep America’s harbors and rivers maintained and support economic growth. 

    Earlier this year, the Congressman visited the Port of Seattle and saw firsthand the impact circumvented cargo has on port operations.

    See full bill text here. 

    ###  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Climb Credit Supports Student Repayment Outcomes and Improves Enrollment Process with Integrated Deposit Feature

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Climb Credit, a leading student lending platform focused on skills education, today announced the launch of its new deposit collection feature, designed to give career-training schools greater control over enrollment and repayment outcomes—without adding operational overhead.

    The feature enables schools to automatically collect and track student deposit payments through a seamless workflow integrated with the loan process. Once a student is approved for a Climb loan and accepts their offer, they receive an automated prompt to submit their school’s required deposit, with all payment tracking managed in Climb’s School Portal.

    “Deposits are a key signal of student commitment, but schools have traditionally had to manage them separately from the loan process,” said Casey Powers, CEO of Climb Credit. “With this launch, we’ve streamlined deposit collection for schools and simplified the experience for students—reducing friction and accelerating enrollment.

    Initial data from schools collecting deposits shows a 46–48% decrease* in the likelihood of borrower default for lower credit borrowers. This improvement is attributed not only to the upfront financial commitment, but also to a smoother path into auto-pay enrollment. When students submit deposits via bank transfer, those details can be automatically linked to Climb’s loan servicing platform—making it easier to activate auto-pay and receive a 0.25% interest rate reduction.**

    The new feature is fully integrated into Climb’s lending platform, meaning schools no longer need to manually invoice students or track payments across systems. Adjusting individual deposit amounts, verifying funding status, and accessing real-time student-level data can all be done through Climb’s School Portal.

    This launch adds to Climb’s growing suite of products aimed at improving access, outcomes, and operational efficiency for career training providers—particularly in healthcare, skilled trades, and technology.

    *Data calculated through an assessment or repayment performance on loans from 2Q23 to Q12025 with and without a deposit requirement. Assessment included Climb advance loans without a full deferment period and borrower FICO scores below 660. Data was collected across market segments including programs in Computer Sciences, Healthcare, IT, and Trade Schools.

    **The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. This discount only applies to interest-bearing products, not 0%interest financing products.

    Climb encourages students to do thorough research in selecting a training program that meets their unique needs. Details provided by Climb are for information purposes only and are not meant to qualify an institution or be relied upon in determining which institution is right for you.

    About Climb Credit

    ​​Climb (NMLS# 1240013) is an innovative student payment platform that makes career-focused education more accessible and affordable. Driven by a mission to empower individuals to unlock their potential – no matter their credit profile – Climb identifies programs and schools that offer skill-based training programs, then provides learners with payment options that are structured to meet the unique needs of those seeking career training. Recognizing the dynamic and diverse nature of a rapidly-changing economy, Climb partners with schools that teach everything from cybersecurity to healthcare training, heavy machine operation to data science, and culinary arts to AI & Machine Learning. While status quo education pathways are struggling to meet the real-world needs of students and prospective employers, Climb and its partner schools are committed to an inspiring practicality that helps bridge the gap between people looking for career training and companies looking to build a skilled workforce.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EXL named a Leader in 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Finance and Accounting Business Process Outsourcing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL [NASDAQ: EXLS], a global data and AI company, has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Finance and Accounting (F&A) Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

    The Gartner research report evaluated 16 F&A service providers according to a uniform set of criteria, placing companies into four Quadrants: Leaders, Visionaries, Niche Players and Challengers. Gartner defines Leaders as companies that “execute well against their current vision and are well positioned for tomorrow.”

    The report noted: “Enhanced F&A BPO offerings that meet finance’s need for more automated transactional processing focus on providing process transformation expertise, often combined with proprietary or partnered process automation technologies, including the use of AI and machine learning. Buyers benefit from these types of agreements by maturing their processes, adopting technologies that require minimum human intervention, and driving more competitive processing costs.” This is the fourth consecutive year that EXL has been named a Leader in this report.

    “The demands on the modern finance department are steadily increasing, as new accounting and compliance requirements have created a vital need for faster, more accurate flow of information,” said Vikas Bhalla, president and head of AI services and operations. “Our data and AI-led approach is helping clients rise to meet these challenges, while creating new opportunities for optimization and growth.”

    EXL was recognized as a Customers’ Choice in the 2025 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Finance and Accounting Business Process Outsourcing Services. As of May 13, 2025, EXL has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 in the Finance and Accounting Business Process Outsourcing market, based on 68 reviews on Gartner Peer Insights™.

    To learn more about EXL finance and accounting services click here.

    Source: Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Finance and Accounting Business Process Outsourcing,  Jan Ambergen, Jeffrin Francis, Miles Onafowora, 14 April 2025

    Peer Contributors, Voice of the Customer for Finance and Accounting Business Process Outsourcing Services, February 2025

    Gartner and Peer Insights are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    Gartner and Magic Quadrant are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    About EXL

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    About Palantir Technologies Inc.

    Foundational software of tomorrow. Delivered today. Additional information is available at https://www.palantir.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

    Contacts
    Media
    Keith Little
    +1 703-598-0980
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    +1 212 209 4613
    IR@exlservice.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Governor Ulrik Nødgaard: The banks may risk losses on loans to export companies

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    Both company and bank earnings increased through 2024, and there has not been a significant increase in the share of non-performing loans. However, export-sensitive industries, such as manufacturing, transportation and agriculture, will be affected by the global uncertainty associated with the ongoing trade conflict. This is especially true for manufacturing companies, where a significant part of exports goes to the United States, the Governor pointed out in his speech.

    ”With continued high core earnings and good cushioning in the form of capitalisation, the banks have a good starting point for dealing with the economic consequences of the trade conflict”, said Ulrik Nødgaard.

    The banks have significant exposures to the export-sensitive industries. Of the three industries mentioned above, it is especially the manufacturing enterprises that have substantial loans from the large banks, while the agricultural enterprises dominate with the medium-sized banks, see the chart below. However, the direct credit risk on bank lending is limited by the fact that a large part of Danish exports of goods to the US are produced in the US. At the same time, Danish agricultural companies export to a greater extent to the European market and are thus less dependent on the American market.

    Ulrik Nødgaard also emphasised that a major shock to Danish exports and a general global slow-down could have an impact on the Danish economy as a whole and give rise to losses on credit institutions’ lending.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Changes in the Financial Markets and Resolution and Financial Stability Departments

    Source: Czech National Bank

    At its meeting on 15 May 2025, the Bank Board of the Czech National Bank (CNB) approved changes in the bank’s organisational structure with effect from 1 June 2025.

    The Resolution Division will be transferred from the Financial Markets and Resolution Department to the Financial Stability Department. This change is aimed at leveraging synergies in fulfilling one of the CNB’s primary objectives, namely maintaining the long-term stability of the financial system. In connection with this change, the departments concerned will be renamed the Financial Markets Department and the Financial Stability and Resolution Department on 1 June.

    At the same time, the Bank Board decided to appoint Petr Frydrych new Executive Director of the Financial Markets Department with effect from 1 June. Ondřej Strádal will become the Department’s Deputy Executive Director. He will remain in charge of the Reserves Management Division. Daniel Krejčí will head up the Interventions Division.

    Petr Frydrych graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University in Prague. He joined the CNB’s Reserves Management Division in 1995, where he held the post of portfolio manager. He was appointed Director of the Reserves Management Division in 2001 and Director of the Interventions Division in 2005, and now serves as Deputy Executive Director of the Financial Markets and Resolution Department. He has long focused on monetary policy implementation in his work.

    Ondřej Strádal graduated from the Institute of Economic Studies of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University and qualified as a Chartered Financial Analyst in 2003. He began his career at the CNB as a money market broker and then worked as a portfolio manager responsible for international reserves management. After that, he worked at the London branch of Goldman Sachs. Between 2016 and 2019, at the decision of the Bank Board, he held the post of Advisor to the Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund in Washington. In 2008–2016 and since 2019, he has served as Director of the CNB’s Reserves Management Division, where he manages a team of portfolio managers.

    Daniel Krejčí graduated from the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at the Prague University of Economics and Business and from the Institute of Economic Studies of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University. In 1995–2007, he worked at ČSOB in various positions, ultimately as director of interest rate and commodity derivatives trading for clients. He joined the CNB in 2007, where he held the post of Deputy Executive Director of the Risk Management and Transactions Support Department responsible for the Risk Management Division until 2019. Since 2019, he has worked as a chief dealer and Deputy Director of the Reserves Management Division at the CNB.

    Jakub Holas
    Director, Communications Division

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Algoa Cabinda Fabrication Services Joins Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 as Bronze Sponsor

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    LUANDA, Angola, May 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Oil and gas services provider Algoa Cabinda Fabrication Services has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 conference – taking place September 3-4 in Luanda – as a Bronze Sponsor. Algoa Cabinda Fabrication Services is a major supplier of construction, machining, scaffolding, quality control and offshore services for the hydrocarbon industry, and the company’s sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting the country’s industry growth.

    Algoa Cabinda Fabrication Services completed the construction of the South N’dola wellhead platform in 2025 for the Cabinda Gulf Oil Company – a subsidiary of energy major Chevron. The platform is a fixed-braced structure designed to operate at Angola’s Block 0. It features 12 production wells and utilizes a monobore well deign, connecting to the Mafumeira platform. With the addition and integration of the new wellhead platform, a seamless flow of resources to the Malongo terminal and Angola LNG plant was established. Algoa Cabinda Fabrication Services led the complete fabrication of the platform.

    https://apo-opa.co/4mfRFq7

    https://apo-opa.co/3GPZ67x

    AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Prior to developing the South N’dola platform, Algoa Cabinda Fabrication Services supported the development of the Lifua-A project in collaboration with Cabinda Gulf Oil Company and its partners on Block 0. The Lifua-A wellhead platform was also fabricated by Algoa Cabinda Fabrication Services and featured a robust steel jacket foundation engineered to withstand hard marine conditions. The platform – designed to unlock marginal reserves in an economic way – is an instrumental part of Block 0, tapping into the block’s 200 million barrels of recoverable oil reserves.

    https://apo-opa.co/43beHWx

    These projects demonstrate Algoa Cabinda Fabrication Services’ expertise in the industry as well as the company’s role in supporting offshore oil projects. As Angola strives to sustain oil production above one million barrels per day, these services will prove highly valuable. In 2025, Angola will launch an international licensing round – offering up to 10 blocks in Kwanza and Benguela basins. With new exploration campaigns on the way, companies such as Algoa Cabinda Fabrication Services are expected to continue playing an instrumental part in supporting Angolan production.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Kingdom (UK) Can Help Africa’s Just Energy Transition

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    United Kingdom (UK) Can Help Africa’s Just Energy Transition As a continent, Africa has contributed least to causing climate change, yet is suffering most from its impact, while 600 million of its 1.4 billion people still have no or only intermittent access to electricity LONDON, United Kingdom, May 15, 2025/APO Group/ — Lord Oates “To achieve a just energy transition in Africa that reduces energy poverty and accelerate development in a climate-friendly way will require the UK, other high-income countries and multilateral institutions to step up, in partnership with African countries.” Download document: https://apo-opa.co/3H8UzwQ Parliament’s All Party Parliamentary Group for Africa (APPG) publishes today a report highlighting the importance of achieving a just and rapid energy transition in Africa, one that responds to the need for cleaner energy while expanding energy access and enabling more rapid development. In this transition, Britain has an important and constructive role to play. This report has been produced by the AAPPG in partnership with the Royal African Society (“the Society”), which acts as the Secretariat for the APPG. As a continent, Africa has contributed least to causing climate change, yet is suffering most from its impact, while 600 million of its 1.4 billion people still have no or only intermittent access to electricity.  With enormous potential for renewable energy, as well as some of the world’s largest carbon sinks and many of the essential minerals for a clean transition, Africa has a crucial role in tackling climate change. But to enable Africans to mitigate and adapt, faster economic development using increased energy supply and access is crucial. The report, link to doc on RAS website (apo-opa.co/44AMX01): Africa’s Just Energy Transition: How Can the UK Support? is the result of an 18-month inquiry consulting a wide range of witnesses from Africa and beyond. It explores the challenges and solutions to Africa’s energy dilemma, from the use of solar mini-grids and stand-alone systems and clean cooking technologies, to hydro, wind, gas and geothermal energy, and the role of Just Energy Partnerships (JETPs) with South Africa and Senegal. In particular it looks at how the transition can be financed, from traditional grants and loans, through blended finance and private sector investments, to better use of carbon markets.

    It makes nine specific recommendations for action by the British government, covering:

    • The need for the UK to deliver on its existing commitments on climate and finance;
    • Helping African governments mobilise more domestic resources and international funding for the energy sector;
    • Helping African countries create appropriate regulation and a conducive environment for investment;
    • Supporting African innovation and industrialisation, including through the work of BII and PIDG.

    The report is being sent to the British government and circulated widely in Africa and the UK as an input to policy-making and debate on climate and energy issues. All-Party Parliamentary Group for Africa Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal African Society. For further information, please contact: The Royal African Society ras_communications@soas.ac.uk Lord Jonny Oates jonny.oates@uamh.org Nick Westcott nw28@soas.ac.uk About The All Party Parliamentary Group for Africa: The UK’s All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Africa is a dynamic cross-party group composed of UK parliamentarians from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The APPG for Africa is dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial relationships between African nations and the UK while actively working to challenge and dispel negative stereotypes about Africa. Established with the support of the Royal African Society in January 2003, the APPG for Africa has grown to become one of the most active and independent APPGs within the UK Parliament, boasting over 200 members. The group’s events and meetings provide a vital platform for UK parliamentarians to engage in meaningful dialogue on policy issues with African policymakers, diaspora communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector. About the Royal African Society (RAS): The Royal African Society (“The Society”) is the secretariat for the APPG for Africa. The Society was founded in 1901 and is the only UK-based non-governmental organisation with a Royal Charter dedicated to increasing knowledge about Africa, is a membership charity that provides opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, and critically engage with a wide range of topics and ideas about Africa today.  Through our events, publications, and digital channels, we share insight, instigate debate, and facilitate mutual understanding between audiences in the UK and Africa, fostering strong relationships and collaboration. We amplify African voices and interests in academia, business, politics, the arts, and education. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and champion African perspectives. To find out more https://apo-opa.co/4j4Oij9 and to join https://apo-opa.co/3GU12Md

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025: Experts Call for Hybrid Energy Solutions to Power Africa’s Future

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, May 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    At the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, industry leaders emphasized the urgent need for Africa to adopt a diversified and flexible energy mix – combining renewables, fossil fuels and off-grid technologies – to meet the continent’s rising electricity demand and avoid deepening power crises.

    During the panel, titled Revolutionizing Power Generation in Africa: The Role of Energy Mix and Innovation, panelists stated that Africa’s path to universal electrification hinges on embracing a hybridized, context-specific approach that can deliver both stability and sustainability.

    “Energy in Africa needs to be thought of in a long-term view. Renewables are cheap, but they are intermittent and not controllable. It is compatible for fossil fuels to be the baseload [to offset] the intermittency of renewables,” said Jérôme Bertheau, Chief Technology Officer at BW Energy.

    Bertheau pointed to the company’s gas-to-power project in Namibia as a model of scalable, market-aligned development. “We have a project in Namibia where we will produce and transport gas from the Kudu field. The project is phased, so we are developing alongside the growth of Namibia. The first step is a 200 MW viable baseload, but we can increase it as the market grows,” he said.

    He added that the project is progressing rapidly toward FID: “We have submitted our field development plan and finished our conceptual studies, and are entering a phase of appraising the reservoir more. We believe there is potentially more gas and oil. We are drilling the first well this year, and the second one next year.”

    The discussion centered on how to bridge the gap between ambition and practical implementation, particularly in under-electrified regions where national grids are weak and investor confidence hinges on returns and reliability. Panelists stressed that successful models already exist, and that Africa’s energy transition must be guided by both technological and commercial innovation.

    “The first step on the ladder is hybridization – we need to introduce more renewables. That is how we offset costs and get more sustainable,” said Christoffer Ek, Director of Decarbonization Services at Wärtsilä Energy, emphasizing that “Hybridization is key to communities in Africa when it comes to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.”

    With the continent’s electricity consumption per capita hovering around 500 kWh per year – a fraction of global averages, according to Silvia Macri, Associate Director at S&P Global Commodity Insights – the stakes are high. Over-reliance on a single energy source is a major contributor to Africa’s frequent power outages and unreliable supply.

    “We are seeing a lot of power mixes relying on fossil fuels too heavily, or on one source of power, which is a major risk factor. We have consistent power outages and crises in a lot of markets,” she said, adding, “The power gap is not solved by adding capacity alone.”

    Macri pointed to Kenya as a regional success story, where strategic investment in geothermal energy has led to a significant increase in electricity access. “Kenya doubled its electricity access in less than a decade,” said Macri, highlighting that Africa’s broad access to both renewable and fossil resources gives it a unique advantage if the right mix can be struck.

    MIL OSI Africa –