TOKYO, Mar 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI) and NEC Corporation (NEC) will begin joint development in April 2026 of a system that automatically identifies near-miss incidents at construction sites and generates reports as part of promoting safety. The system utilizes camera footage and sensor data collected from hydraulic excavators, aiming to prevent accidents.Overview of safety measure implementation using the jointly developed systemBackgroundConstruction industry operations are heavily influenced by unpredictable factors such as weather, geological conditions, and constantly changing work environments, resulting in frequent hazardous incidents. To enhance safety, there is growing demand for new support systems that leverage digital technologies. One such demand is for a system capable of automatically extracting, visualizing, and summarizing potentially hazardous scenes ("risk scenes") from site-specific and time-dependent video footage and work logs. However, within the construction industry, no technology is currently available for comprehensively supporting the entire process—from the accumulation of video data on construction machinery operations, to the extraction of risk scenes, the analysis and visualization of near-miss incidents, and, ultimately, the generation of reports in an end to-end manner.Against this backdrop, SHI—leveraging its expertise in construction machinery and data analytics—and NEC, with its long-cultivated capabilities in video recognition and cutting edge generative AI technologies, will jointly initiate the development of a first-of-its-kind system for the construction industry that automatically extracts near miss incidents and generates corresponding reports based on camera footage and sensor data captured from hydraulic excavators.OverviewThe new system will utilize an extraction AI model, trained on real world hydraulic excavator data accumulated on the SHI Group’s ICT/IoT common platform "SHICuTe" (1), to first identify and extract risk scenes from recorded video footage. These risk scenes, together with operational data from the hydraulic excavators, will then be analyzed using NEC’s proprietary technology that combines video recognition with generative AI (2), and stored as multimodal data incorporating temporal and spatial information. Based on this data, along with SHI’s expertise in construction-site machinery operations and human workflows, the system will cross reference hazardous and prohibited behavior data—which are defined by accidents, construction equipment failures, and operations requiring particular attention—as well as company specific data. Based on these matching results, the system will automatically identify the risk scenes that should be reported and automatically generate high quality near miss reports that provide a concise summary of the circumstances surrounding each incident.Prior to this initiative, a technical proof of concept was conducted in September 2025 to verify a system that automatically extracts near miss incidents and generates reports from video footage captured by cameras mounted on hydraulic excavators. The results confirmed that, based on the risk scenes extracted from the footage, the system was able to report near miss cases—including potential accident scenarios and their associated circumstances. Building on these outcomes, the joint development starting in April 2026 will aim to further expand the types of near miss incidents that can be identified and enhance the report generation capabilities in line with customers’ safety management needs, thereby contributing to the realization of safer construction sites.Process for generating near miss reportsOutlookIn fiscal year 2026, technical development and validation of the system will be advanced by utilizing on site data and safety management expertise from SHI, together with AI technologies and advanced technology consulting services provided by NEC, with the aim of achieving practical implementation in fiscal year 2027. Looking ahead, the companies plan to broaden the system’s applicability beyond scenes where physical contact between workers and machinery may lead to occupational accidents to include unsafe conditions that may not be readily recognized by workers, as well as considerations for site specific operational rules, thereby further expanding its scope of use.SHI and NEC will continue to combine their respective strengths to develop and validate new technologies, contributing to the realization of safer construction sites.(1) SHICuTe is a common platform that enables cross functional development of capabilities across the product lines of the SHI Group. It collects and stores various operational data from the group’s products connected online. "SHICuTe" is a registered trademark of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.(2) "NEC uses generative AI (LLM) and video recognition AI to automatically generate explanatory text from video - Applied to drive recorder videos, cutting accident report creation time in half -" (Announced by NEC on December 5, 2023) https://www.nec.com/en/press/202312/global_20231205_01.htmlAbout this technologyA new hope for zero construction-site accidents, born from a fusion of construction machinery data and LLMs ― A collaborative innovation by Sumitomo Heavy Industries and NEC URL: https://www.nec.com/en/global/rd/technologies/202512/index.htmlAbout NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
The Upcoming ‘Punisher’ Special May Bridge a Key Marvel Timeline Gap
Marvel Studios(SeaPRwire) - After a considerable wait, supporters of Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of The Punisher have been richly rewarded over the past year. The character first appeared in the second season of Netflix’s original Daredevil series and received a brief spin-off in 2017 that ran for two seasons. Following the cancellation of the Marvel-Netflix shows, he was absent for six years before he and his violent tactics returned in the debut season of Daredevil: Born Again.The character is now scheduled to feature in the forthcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, appearing briefly in the trailer as an annoyance while Spider-Man stops a high-speed pursuit. The extent of his role is currently unknown, though it is presumably substantial enough to explain his absence from Daredevil: Born Again season 2. Nevertheless, the merciless vigilante will not be completely absent from television this year; it was recently revealed that he will headline his own streaming special, The Punisher: One Last Kill, premiering one week after the Born Again season finale.The real question is how Frank Castle manages his schedule? | Marvel StudiosAlthough many assumed that Marvel Studios reviving Charlie Cox’s Daredevil would result in the series and its connected properties making a major impact on screen, this has not yet fully materialized. While the first season of Daredevil: Born Again features Wilson Fisk becoming mayor and enacting laws against masked vigilantes—a storyline drawn from Chip Zdarsky’s 2019 Daredevil run and the Devil’s Reign crossover—it seems this will not affect Brand New Day, given that Spider-Man is seen receiving a key to New York City in the trailer. Additionally, Frank Castle is last seen imprisoned at the conclusion of Born Again’s first season, though his final scene strongly suggests his escape.Previously, the film division of the MCU could ignore the television series while they were under Netflix’s control, but now that they fall under the Marvel Studios banner, there is no justification for such oversight. With a significant plot gap looming over the franchise—specifically regarding the fate of Fisk’s anti-vigilante legislation—it falls to The Punisher and this new special to resolve the continuity issues, in addition to whatever other violent antics Frank engages in. Leaked set photos from filming last year showed a dark-haired woman in a wheelchair, whom fans quickly identified as potentially Isabella ‘Ma’ Gnucci, the ruthless matriarch of the Gnucci crime family who holds a grudge against Frank for murdering her sons and leaving her to be attacked by polar bears from the Central Park Zoo.The Punisher is hardly known for his hospitality, but polar bears seems excessive even for him. | Marvel ComicsAlthough this character has not appeared on screen in any of Bernthal’s Punisher projects, Frank Castle has committed numerous murders; the story could link the deaths of her sons to events from the Netflix series, or perhaps connect her to the victims of Frank’s assault on Wilson Fisk’s corrupt anti-vigilante task force in Born Again. Contingent on the events of season 2, it is also possible that Spider-Man’s warm reception in NYC, Frank’s public return, and the emergence of the Gnucci crime family are all consequences of the potential downfall of Fisk’s mayoral administration, potentially replaced by someone more sympathetic to vigilantes. Currently, fans are left with rampant speculation, as it appears these loose narrative threads will not be officially tied together until One Last Kill is available for streaming.The Punisher: One Last Kill — a one-off TV special — premieres on Disney+ on May 12th This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
AfterNine Years, Star Wars May Fix Its Major Character Arc Misstep
Lucasfilm(SeaPRwire) - Star Wars characters, much like time, continuously evolve and shift within the canon as new trilogies emerge. While original trilogy characters have appeared in the sequel trilogy and prequel characters in various spin-off TV shows, characters from the sequel trilogy have not had similar opportunities. Even Galaxy’s Edge, originally intended to be exclusively set in the sequel era, has gradually been re-envisioned as timeless. However, this situation may be changing. Nearly a decade after his last appearance, one of the sequel trilogy's most prominent breakout stars is reportedly taking steps to reprise his role — potentially gaining a chance to resolve his character's narrative. John Boyega is open to bringing Finn back to the Star Wars universe. | Lucasfilm/Disney/Kobal/ShutterstockAccording to Variety, John Boyega attended MegaCon Orlando and was questioned about returning to the Star Wars universe as Finn, the stormtrooper who became a Resistance hero in the sequel trilogy. Reportedly, a fan called out, “Get Dave on the phone,” referring to Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer and Co-President Dave Filoni. “I actually have, actually,” Boyega responded, implying that he has been discussing a possible return to the Star Wars universe, though no further details were disclosed. While the current focus of the Star Wars universe appears to be on the periods before (Andor) and after (The Mandalorian) the original trilogy, several upcoming projects are set within the sequel trilogy era, including Star Wars: Starfighter and the still-untitled Rey-focused movie. Finn could readily be incorporated into either of these projects. Finn and Rose were both not given their due in the sequel trilogy. | J Wilson/Lucasfilm/Disney/Kobal/ShutterstockIt is widely known that Finn’s storyline suffered due to the inconsistent creative direction of the sequel trilogy. By 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, Finn was relegated to Rey’s companion, with his potential Force sensitivity left ambiguous and unexplored. Boyega has consistently voiced his dissatisfaction with his character's ultimate development. In a 2020 interview with GQ, he stated, “What I would say to Disney is do not bring out a Black character, market them to be much more important in the franchise than they are, and then have them pushed to the side. It’s not good. I’ll say it straight up.”This issue isn't exclusive to Finn. Kelly Marie Tran’s Rose Tico played a significant role in The Last Jedi but was largely sidelined in The Rise of Skywalker, demonstrating a clear pattern. However, if Finn is given the chance to return in a different film, he might finally receive the conclusion his storyline deserves — and Lucasfilm could rectify one of its most notable missteps from the sequel era. The Star Wars sequel trilogy is currently available for streaming on Disney+. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
NEC Orchestrating Future Fund Invests in U.S.-based AGI7, Provider of “Alpha Vision” Platform for Autonomous Operations of AI Agents in Physical Spaces
TOKYO, Mar 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation's (NEC; TSE: 6701) ecosystem-based corporate venture capital (CVC) fund, NEC Orchestrating Future Fund (NOFF), has invested in AGI7, Inc. (AGI7), provider of the Physical AI platform "Alpha Vision." This platform enables AI agents to understand physical spaces and to automatically execute effective responses to detected events.In recent years, a wide variety of sites, including stores, warehouses, construction sites, data centers, event venues, and public infrastructure, have seen growing needs for advancing safety measures, addressing labor shortages, integrating visualization across multiple locations, and making rapid decisions. However, there are limits to manually and continuously monitoring the vast amounts of video and sensor data collected from cameras and IoT devices. Consequently, there is a rapidly growing demand for AI that can understand physical spaces and perform advanced visualization and evaluation.AGI7's Alpha Vision leverages existing camera infrastructure, enabling AI to grasp the conditions of physical spaces in real time. The platform features multiple AI agents that automatically perform tasks such as patrols, risk detection, voice guidance, situation assessment, and report generation. A "Magic Search" function enables language searches across dispersed video data to instantly identify past events and activities. Combined with AI agent-generated reports, this reduces daily operational burdens and facilitates rapid decision-making. This approach is gaining traction in retail, logistics, construction, and other sectors, drawing attention as a next-generation Physical AI platform revolutionizing operation models for physical spaces.Through this investment, NEC will combine its video analytics technology and expertise in public safety with AGI7's advanced Physical AI platform to contribute to realizing a safe, secure, and resilient world.AGI7 Co-Founder & CEO Song Cao"We are honored to welcome the investment from the NEC Orchestrating Future Fund and deeply appreciate their confidence in our Physical AI technology. AGI7’s 'Alpha Vision' platform fundamentally solves labor shortages and operational inefficiencies by enabling AI agents to autonomously perceive, interpret and react to real-world events. Through this strategic partnership with NEC and their global expertise, we look forward to deploying our technology at scale and jointly accelerating the automation and intelligent transformation of physical operations across all environments."NEC Corporate SVP Shigeki Wada"Ensuring field safety and optimizing operational efficiency are increasingly vital for supporting social infrastructure. AGI7's AI platform for physical spaces enables AI agents to accurately perceive events in the physical world and translate them into effective assessments and actions. By combining this with NEC's long-accumulated expertise in public safety and industrial domains, we will contribute to advancing field operations and creating new social value."About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Edgar Sterling Partners announces the launch of its 2026 “Fast Track” initiative for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus (AIP) residency programme
AUCKLAND, NZ – March 27, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) -Edgar Sterling Partners, a premier institutional-grade advisory firm, today announced the launch of its 2026 “Fast Track” initiative for the New Zealand Active Investor Plus (AIP) residency programme. As global investors increasingly seek stability and efficiency, New Zealand has emerged as the preferred destination for high-net-worth families in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The 33-Day Residency Revolution In a significant shift for the investment migration landscape, 2026 data reveals that well-prepared applications for the New Zealand AIP programme are currently averaging an “Approval in Principle” (AIP) timeframe of just 33 working days. This speed, combined with the fact that New Zealand does not require an English language test for the Active Investor Plus visa in 2026, has created a unique window of opportunity for Asian families looking for global mobility without the traditional bureaucratic hurdles. Institutional-Grade Strategy for Global Families Edgar Sterling Partners specializes in bridging the gap between international wealth and New Zealand’s disciplined regulatory framework. The firm offers two distinct, portfolio-driven pathways: The Growth Alpha Portfolio: a NZD $5 million investment with a 3-year term and a minimal 21-day physical presence requirement. This strategy focuses on high-growth sectors including Future Tech, AI, and Renewable Energy. The Balanced Anchor Portfolio: a NZD $10 million investment with a 5-year term. This pathway prioritizes wealth preservation through the NZX 50 and offers the immediate “Lifestyle Perk” of eligibility to apply for residential property purchase consent for homes valued over NZD $5 million. A Commitment to Transparency “We act as the insurance policy for our clients’ government investments,” says Steve Jones, a Director of Edgar Sterling Partners. “By operating a strict ‘Fee-Only’ model, we ensure our interests are 100% aligned with the security of our clients’ capital and the success of their residency”. Edgar Sterling’s proprietary “Unbroken Chain” forensic audit process ensures that Source of Wealth (SOW) and Source of Funds (SOF) documentation meets the highest standards of Immigration New Zealand, significantly reducing the risk of processing delays. About Edgar Sterling Partners Edgar Sterling Partners provides integrated wealth structuring, portfolio design, and residency coordination from its headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand. The firm serves globally mobile families across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, ensuring that New Zealand residency allocations align with global asset objectives and family succession goals. Media Contact: Edgar Sterling Partners Level 8, 139 Quay Street Auckland 1010, New Zealand +64 9 243 0538 media@edgarsterling.com www.edgarsterling.com
Fujitsu and The University of Osaka develop new technologies for chemical material energy calculations on early-FTQC quantum computers
Kawasaki, Osaka, Japan, Mar 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology at The University of Osaka today announced the development of a new technology designed to accelerate the industrial application of quantum computers in the era of early fault-tolerant quantum computing (early-FTQC). By combining ver. 3 of the STAR architecture, a unique highly efficient phase rotation gate quantum computing architecture, with a novel molecular model optimization technique, researchers have significantly reduced computational resource requirements. This breakthrough will enable the energy calculations for chemical material design such as catalyst molecules, within a realistic timeframe using early-FTQC quantum computers. These kinds of calculations are currently not possible using current computers, and would take millennia even using previous versions of the STAR architecture. The technologies are expected to contribute to solving various societal challenges, including accelerating drug discovery, improving the efficiency of ammonia synthesis processes, and advancing carbon recycling technologies.BackgroundQuantum computing holds significant promise across a wide range of industries, including drug discovery, cryptography, and finance. However, current quantum systems are highly error-prone, and practical applications are generally believed to require quantum computers with millions of qubits.To improve error correction and accelerate practical application of quantum computing, Fujitsu and The University of Osaka established the STAR architecture ver. 1 on March 23, 2023, followed by ver. 2 on August 28, 2024. The latter, with advanced phase rotation gates, significantly expanded computational scale, enabling potential early-FTQC calculations of solid-state material properties like high-temperature superconductivity.However, accurately calculating complex molecular chemical energies for practical applications still required excessive resources, and prior methods were limited by insufficient computational power or impractical timeframes.Newly developed technologyThis joint research [1] has demonstrated that combining the following two technologies enables energy calculations for chemical materials with sufficient accuracy and within a practical timeframe:1. Development of the STAR architecture ver. 3STAR architecture ver. 1 and 2 previously demonstrated more efficient quantum computing with unique phase rotation gates over conventional T-gate FTQC architecturesVer. 3 improves computational accuracy by more than 10x compared to ver. 2 by integrating phase rotation gates with logical-T gatesThis advancement enables more complex molecular calculations with the same qubit count and lowers the error rate requirements for qubitsFigure 1: Comparison of universal gate sets in quantum computing architectures 2. Technology for molecular model optimization This molecular model optimization technology is designed for use with quantum computers implementing STAR architecture ver. 3 and is applied during the process of generating quantum circuits from molecular modelsThis technology refines existing methods, which reduce computational resources by decomposing molecular models into many terms and selectively applying two techniques—time evolution and random sampling—with different characteristics based on the importance of each termThe technique reshapes the molecular model while preserving approximation accuracy, redistributes term importance, and optimizes the balance between the two techniques. This minimizes the number of gates in quantum circuits for molecular energy calculations, achieving a substantial reduction of computation time compared to conventional methodsFigure 2: Principle of molecular model optimization To validate the effectiveness of these technologies, the researchers evaluated the number of qubits and computational time required for industrially applicable energy calculations for three distinct molecules: Cytochrome P450, an important oxidizing enzyme in drug discovery; Iron-sulfur clusters, catalytic proteins involved in ammonia synthesis and energy metabolism; and Ruthenium catalysts, a focus in synthetic chemistry. Accurate energy calculations for these molecules are currently infeasible with classical computers due to memory limitations. Even with the STAR architecture ver. 2, such computations would take several millennia and high precision calculations would be difficult to achieve due to the scale of the calculation. The results of this validation primarily demonstrate that the STAR architecture ver. 3 reduces the number of qubits necessary to perform the calculations to between 1/15 and 1/80 of conventional FTQC architectures. Furthermore, the partners confirmed that calculations are feasible on early-FTQC quantum computers even with a lowered physical error rate requirement for qubits, from the previous 0.01% to 0.10%.Figure 3: Number of qubits required for energy calculation of three molecules Moreover, the molecular model optimization technology shortened computation time by three orders of magnitude compared to not using the technology. Fujitsu and The University of Osaka confirmed that computation times could be significantly reduced to approximately 35 days with a qubit error rate of 0.10% and approximately 10 days with 0.01%. Further reduction in computation time is possible with future expected reductions in the physical error rates of quantum computers and the use of parallel computing with multiple quantum computers, making the achieved computation times sufficiently practical. Figure 4: Computational time required for energy calculation of three molecules Future plansFujitsu and The University of Osaka will continue to advance the STAR architecture and molecular model optimization technology, expanding the practical application range of quantum computers in the early-FTQC era. The partners aim to contribute to solving societal challenges by applying these technologies across various industrial fields, including drug discovery, new material development, and finance.(1) This research was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the Program on Open Innovation Platforms for Industry-academia Co-creation (COI-NEXT), "Quantum Software Research Hub" (JPMJPF2014); JST Moonshot Goal 6 "Realization of a fault-tolerant universal quantum computer that will revolutionize economy, industry, and security by 2050," R&D project "Research and Development of Theory and Software for Fault-tolerant Quantum Computers" (JPMJMS2061); MEXT Quantum Leap Flagship Program (MEXT Q-LEAP), and "Development of quantum software by intelligent quantum system design and its applications" (JPMXS0120319794) Related LinksCenter for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology at The University of OsakaSTAR Architecture pageFujitsu QuantumFujitsu Small Research LabFujitsu and Osaka University* develop new quantum computing architecture, accelerating progress toward practical application of quantum computers Fujitsu and Osaka University* accelerate progress toward practical quantum computing by significantly increasing computing scale through error impact reduction in quantum computing architecture* As of April 2025, the official English name for Osaka University is "The University of Osaka."Press Conference MaterialsHeld on March 25, 2026Presentation Material: Fujitsu and The University of Osaka develop new technologies for chemical material energy calculations on early-FTQC quantum computersAbout FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuAbout The University of OsakaThe University of Osaka was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and is now one of Japan's leading comprehensive universities with a broad disciplinary spectrum. This strength is coupled with a singular drive for innovation that extends throughout the scientific process, from fundamental research to the creation of applied technology with positive economic impacts. Its commitment to innovation has been recognized in Japan and around the world. Now, The University of Osaka is leveraging its role as a Designated National University Corporation selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to contribute to innovation for human welfare, sustainable development of society, and social transformation. Website:https://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/enPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesThe University of OsakaCenter for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, Planning Office — Press Release ContactE-mail: press_qiqb@ml.office.osaka-u.ac.jp Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Marvel’s Most Overlooked Show Gets a Second Season
Marvel Studios(SeaPRwire) - Every Marvel series on Disney+ is treated as a miniseries unless it proves otherwise. From early projects like WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to more recent ones like Agatha All Along and Ironheart, most MCU live-action shows have only run for one season. To date, the only exceptions are Loki, which had two seasons, and Daredevil: Born Again, which got a Season 3 renewal before Season 2 even debuted. Now, though, another series has joined this exclusive group: Wonder Man, the comedy-drama following Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a superpowered individual who has to hide his abilities while working on a reboot of a classic superhero film.Marvel revealed the renewal with a post featuring two different Wonder Man Season 2 scripts, each watermarked to indicate which star they belong to. One is labeled “Simon Williams,” and the other is “Trevor Slattery”—the character portrayed by Ben Kingsley. What might Wonder Man Season 2 focus on? In the Season 1 finale, the Department of Damage Control (DODC) locked up Slattery, and Williams completed the Wonder Man movie without him. Now a celebrity, he shadows a DODC guard under the pretense of researching a role, which lets him free Slattery from prison. The final scene showed them flying off together. While Season 1 centered on the meta backdrop of a superhero movie production, Season 2 seems poised to shift direction. The pair is now on the run from the DODC—hardly ideal for maintaining a Hollywood career. But if the in-universe Wonder Man 2 gets the go-ahead, some favors might be called in to brush this little escapade under the rug, and Simon could somehow get around the laws that bar superheroes from working on superhero films. Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley) and Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) will return in Wonder Man Season 2 on Disney+. | Marvel StudiosPutting the PR problems aside, a new season likely means we’ll get a deeper look at the entertainment industry within the MCU. Given how long Disney+ takes to produce new content, this season might arrive after Avengers: Doomsday, and it’s unclear how that film could alter Earth’s status quo. Superheroes are facing backlash in the MCU currently—Daredevil comes back to Disney+ tonight, dealing with a New York City that’s fiercely anti-vigilante. With Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and the standalone Punisher special all embracing anti-hero themes, both the in-universe Wonder Man 2 and the actual Wonder Man Season 2 could step into a totally different landscape.Wonder Man is streaming on Disney+. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
GA-ASI’s UK and Japan MQ-9B Programs Are Honored With Excellence Awards from Aviation Week
SAN DIEGO, Mar 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) was named the winner of two awards during Aviation Week's 21st annual Program Excellence Awards last week. GA-ASI's United Kingdom (UK) Protector Program was given the Special Projects Award, while its Japan COCO (Company-Owned, Company-Operated) Program won in the category of OEM System Sustainment."We're excited that these two important MQ-9B international programs have been recognized by Aviation Week," said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. "We're fortunate to have an incredible team of employees whose dedication and commitment to our customers is truly remarkable."MQ-9B is GA-ASI's most advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system and includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models, as well as the UK's Protector RG Mk1.In 2025, GA-ASI achieved the first-ever Military Type Certificate (MTC) for the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Protector RG Mk1, passing a rigorous airworthiness assessment and verifying its safe operation without geographic restrictions. The global impact of the UK Protector MTC was recognized because it's a singular achievement that enables routine UAS operations in civil airspace from domestic RAF bases, drastically expanding its operational flexibility and reducing reliance on segregated ranges or overseas deployments. But more importantly, it serves as a proof of concept for future unmanned systems seeking full integration into regulated airspace and sets a precedent for allied and NATO forces worldwide.In Japan, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian COCO Program has proven so successful that the aircraft that had been leased to Japan have now been converted to sales, with additional MQ-9Bs now on order. SeaGuardian has been used by Japan to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the maritime domain - day or night. It is also the first RPA in its class to enable real-time search and patrol above and below the ocean's surface.About GA-ASIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world's foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 9 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle®, MQ-20 Avenger®, MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®, XQ-67A, and YFQ-42A. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.Avenger, EagleEye, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.GA-ASI Media RelationsGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com(858) 524-8101SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Apple’s Most Epic Sci-Fi TV Show Has Just Announced Exactly When It Will End
Apple TV(SeaPRwire) - All good things must come to an end. As it prepares to premiere its fifth season, the alternate history space epic For All Mankind has announced that this upcoming installment is actually the second-to-last season of the series. Apple shared in a press release today that For All Mankind has been greenlit for a sixth season, which will serve as the show’s final chapter. This news arrives just days ahead of Season 5’s launch on March 27.“Being able to dive into the For All Mankind universe across six seasons has been an incredible honor, and we’re ecstatic to get the chance to wrap up the story exactly as we’ve always envisioned,” stated showrunners Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi in an official announcement. In a conversation with Inverse prior to the news and leading up to Season 5’s premiere, Wolpert noted: “Our goal was always to reach the present day...beginning with that pivotal 1969 divergence point and then exploring how that would shape the world viewers are in when they watch the final season. That’s the effect we wanted to achieve.”The show’s long-term plan has never been fully clear to the public. Back in 2021, series creator Ronald D. Moore told Inverse he initially hoped for seven seasons total, explaining: “We originally pitched a structure with a seven-season arc.” Each season would jump about a decade forward, allowing the story to catch up to the modern era and even venture a bit beyond. “That said, these plans are flexible and evolve naturally,” he added.Coral Peña as Aleida Rosales in For All Mankind Season 5. | Apple TVIn theory, this vision could still come to fruition. Season 6 might be set in the 2020s, with a concluding segment or time jump that pushes the story a bit further into the future — perhaps the 2030s or even 2040s — depending on how bold the show’s finale aims to be. Additionally, there are hints that early plans for the series included teases of the future, though without specifying exactly when. Actress Coral Peña told Inverse in 2022 that before she joined Season 2 (set in the 1980s), there was a future-focused scene centered on Aleida: “Before they knew Season 2 was greenlit, they shot an alternate ending for Season 1 that would have shown Aleida in a far-off future,” Peña shared. “I can’t reveal the details of that story or if it’s still part of the plan. Things evolve.”In Season 5, Aleida is in her 50s, meaning she would be in her 60s by the time Season 6 wraps up the series. Will that enigmatic future scene still make an appearance? Or, as Peña noted, have plans shifted?For now, it seems the 2027 series finale of For All Mankind likely won’t go beyond present-day events, even though the show’s technology and societal norms in the 2000s and 2012 are drastically different from our real-world timeline. Season 5 marks a significant shift for the series, as very few original Season 1 cast members are still part of the show, and its tone is heavily focused on the current and next generation of characters. However, this season will now carry an extra layer of meaning for fans: every plot point is building toward the show’s final chapter next year.For All Mankind Season 5 premieres on Apple TV on Friday, March 27, 2026. Star City, the spinoff centered on the USSR, launches on Friday, May 29, 2026 — the same day as the Season 5 finale of For All Mankind. The sixth and final season of For All Mankind is slated for 2027. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
A Film Released 7 Years Before Resident Evil Is Considered the Best Adaptation of the Game
Capcom(SeaPRwire) - Over the three decades since the original Resident Evil horrified gamers exploring the malevolent Spencer mansion, numerous on-screen efforts to capture its unique horror have fallen short. The film series by Paul W.S. Anderson from 2002 to 2017, Johannes Roberts' 2021 film Welcome to Raccoon City, and a tonally mismatched Netflix teen drama in 2022 all failed to live up to the source material. Even Zach Cregger's planned reboot faces a challenge in winning over fans, as it too is straying from the game's plot.However, the shortcomings of these adaptations are not due to a failure to follow the story directly, but rather a misjudgment of tone and atmosphere. Anderson's movies were clear products of Hollywood's fixation on emulating The Matrix, while Welcome to Raccoon City has the feel of an action-horror film like Aliens. Every live-action project carrying the franchise name has failed to replicate the essential feeling of the games. This suggests the most effective version is actually another film connected to gaming that came out before the original Resident Evil, serving as an early project for a Japanese director who would later become a modern horror master.Labeling Sweet Home as a Resident Evil "adaptation" might seem misleading, as its source game predates Resident Evil's 1996 horror revolution by seven years. Yet what other adaptors missed is that the original game was fundamentally a haunted-house tale before it expanded into a zombie saga. The Spencer mansion, with its Gothic design and hidden family secrets, evokes classics like Wuthering Heights or Shirley Jackson's Hill House more than the decaying farmhouse in Romero's Night of the Living Dead. The zombies are merely one of many grotesque threats encountered, and their nature as reanimated dead is not far removed from the ghosts common in gothic fiction.Sweet Home replicates that haunted vibe and was a key inspiration for Resident Evil's mood. Both the film and its simultaneous game adaptation track a documentary team probing the mysteries of the Mamiya house, a decaying estate formerly owned by a renowned painter. The horror often stems from characters discovering tragic artifacts, such as a coffin or a revealing diary, and gradually assembling the puzzle of the house's dark history.This narrative approach is shared by both Sweet Home's game and the original Resident Evil, and there is a parallel in the stories' catalysts. The pitiful ghost Lady Mamiya, whose evil influence springs from despair, is strikingly similar to Lisa Trevor, a character introduced in the 2002 GameCube remake of Resident Evil who is doomed to roam the mansion as the T-Virus's first victim.Both the Spencer mansion and the Mamiya house contain a tragic and grotesque victim of circumstance. | TohoBeyond atmosphere, viewing Sweet Home with knowledge of its influence inevitably brings to mind the gruesome demises of Resident Evil’s Bravo Team. While zombies are the game's hallmark, Bravo Team members suffer uniquely horrible ends. Similarly, the documentary crew in the film is eliminated through a series of nightmare scenarios. Although there is no zombie virus, the film mirrors Resident Evil in presenting houses filled with supernatural perils waiting for unprepared guests.Furthermore, unlike official Resident Evil adaptations, Sweet Home successfully incorporates an element vital to the game experience: moments of humor. In the game, much comedy is unintentional, arising from its dated qualities, but there is a charm to the obliviousness of characters like Chris and Jill. This type of comedic irony is heavily present in Sweet Home's first half, as the lighthearted documentarians joke around, completely ignorant of the horror that lies ahead.Like Resident Evil’s S.T.A.R.S. team, the crew in Sweet Home have no idea what awaits them. | TohoWhile director Kiyoshi Kurosawa would later create more acclaimed horror films like Cure and Pulse, Sweet Home offered an early look at the slow-building dread that defines his style. This sensation is pervasive in Resident Evil; the enduring fear comes not from zombie hordes, but from the anticipation of impending doom and the helplessness to stop it.Kurosawa's skill lies in his mastery of this feeling. From the start, as the unsuspecting protagonists enter the Mamiya house, the audience senses fate pulling them toward a horrific revelation. Sweet Home is the best unofficial Resident Evil adaptation not just because it inspired the game, but because it perfectly captures the sense of doom that fills the Spencer mansion.Sweet Home is available on the Internet Archive. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Who currently holds power in Iran? Key figures emerge as Trump negotiates with a ‘top’ official
(SeaPRwire) - President Donald Trump stated at the White House on Tuesday that while Iran's leadership appears disorganized, the U.S. is communicating with the "right people" who are eager to reach an agreement.These comments come as the U.S. asserts it is in discussions with a high-ranking Iranian official, despite public denials from Tehran that any negotiations are occurring.The primary concern is not only whether discussions are happening, but if anyone in Tehran possesses the authority to finalize a deal. Following strikes on its top leadership and increasing internal friction, Iran seems to be functioning less as a centralized theocracy and more as a wartime entity governed by various power centers, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at its heart.The following figures are currently the most influential.Intelligence assessments and recent reports consistently conclude that the IRGC has become the dominant power within the Iranian political framework.Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that the current situation is accelerating a long-standing shift."There is no question that recent conflicts have impacted the top levels of the Islamic Republic's political and military leadership," he remarked. "However, it has also sped up the existing political trends in Iran, specifically the rise of security forces and the dominance of the IRGC."He observed that while the IRGC has more control over the state than ever, the state itself is at its weakest, functioning primarily as a national security entity."Washington should not be overly concerned with who is or isn't suggesting negotiations," Ben Taleblu added. "The main priority for Washington must be achieving a military and political victory, which is accomplished by defeating the IRGC on the battlefield and supporting the Iranian people, who are the primary force opposed to them."While the IRGC holds the power in Iran, the Supreme National Security Council serves as the primary vehicle through which that power is applied.The Supreme National Security Council is the highest body for coordinating military and foreign policy, uniting top IRGC commanders and government officials under the Supreme Leader's authority. Established after the 1979 revolution, it has been central to managing major crises, including nuclear talks and military operations.Reuters reported on Tuesday that Iran named Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former IRGC commander, as the council's secretary, further highlighting its role in aligning military and political strategy.A Middle Eastern official source familiar with the internal structure described the current arrangement:"Power currently rests with the IRGC," the source stated. "The Supreme National Security Council makes the decisions, naturally with the support of the majority of IRGC leadership."On paper, Iran’s system is led by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, though his actual control remains in question.Mojtaba took over the position's extensive powers after his father's death, but according to the Middle Eastern official, he "lacks the natural authority his father possessed."Furthermore, he has not made any public appearances since assuming power, issuing only written statements. This has led to questions regarding his health and leadership ability, following reports that he was injured in the February 28 U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed his father and other top officials.Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, suggested his current role might be minimal: "Because Mojtaba was injured, it appears he is currently a figurehead rather than a leader with real power. If he recovers, he will likely be involved in governing. He isn't just a symbol, but for now, the IRGC is in control of Iran."Trump’s claim of speaking to a "top person" has directed attention toward Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.Axios reported that the White House is quietly considering Ghalibaf as a potential contact and a possible future leader.A former IRGC commander and the current speaker of parliament, Ghalibaf is a hybrid figure who combines military experience with political standing.He was a significant security figure during the suppression of student protests in July 1999 and has run for the presidency four times since 2005.Ghalibaf is reportedly expected to meet with U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Pakistan as early as the end of this week.Ben Taleblu noted: "Those observing the rise of someone like Ghalibaf, an IRGC veteran with expanded influence, may have overlooked how personal influence rather than professional background has driven Iranian politics for decades. Furthermore, those concerned about the IRGC ties within the Supreme National Security Council should note that previous secretaries like Shamkhani, Larijani, and Ahmadian also had IRGC backgrounds."Meanwhile, Ghalibaf has publicly denied participating in talks with the U.S., and neither side has provided direct confirmation of such negotiations.Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi remains one of the most prominent figures on the international stage.Reuters reported that if negotiations were to occur, Araqchi would likely be included in the Iranian delegation alongside Ghalibaf.However, analysts warn that his influence is limited. He may serve as a communication link but does not independently establish policy.Strategic choices, particularly regarding war and diplomacy, continue to be determined by the IRGC and the broader security apparatus.Beyond the primary figures, a wider group of officials continues to influence Iran’s path.This group includes IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi, Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, naval commander Alireza Tangsiri, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other senior figures like Saeed Jalili and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.Each individual represents a different component of the system: military strength, regional proxy activities, control of maritime routes, internal security, and religious authority.Together, they constitute what experts describe as a fragmented but enduring governing network.Despite internal disagreements, the Iranian leadership remains focused on one primary goal: the survival of the regime.Kuperwasser described the internal divide: "There are more pragmatic figures like Araqchi, Rouhani, and Zarif, and there are hardliners who typically hold more power... However, they are united on the fact that the regime must survive and maintain its hold on power."Iran’s U.N. mission did not provide a response to a request for comment before publication. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
U.S. Sends Drones and Troops to Nigeria to Counter Rising Boko Haram Fears
(SeaPRwire) - A U.S. defense official told The Associated Press that the U.S. military has dispatched MQ-9 Reaper drones to Nigeria, amid growing fears of a renewed insurgency by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The drones were deployed after 200 U.S. troops arrived in Nigeria last month to provide training and intelligence support. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is facing a complex security crisis, particularly in its northern regions. A spokesperson for AFRICOM (U.S. Africa Command) told the AP that U.S. troops "are working with their Nigerian counterparts to deliver intelligence support, advisory assistance, and targeted training for the Nigerian Armed Forces." Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups active in Nigeria are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, which is affiliated with the Islamic State and known as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). NIGERIA SUICIDE BOMBINGS KILL AT LEAST 23 PEOPLE, WOUND MORE THAN 100 There is also the ISIS-linked Lakurawa, along with other "bandit" groups that specialize in kidnapping for ransom and illegal mining. The U.S. troops and MQ-9 drones are based at Bauchi Airfield, a newly built airport in northeastern Nigeria, the spokesperson told the AP. The number of drones deployed remains unclear. The deployment is part of a new security partnership agreed on after President Donald Trump sounded the alarm about Christians being slaughtered in Nigeria’s security crisis. The U.S. carried out strikes against IS forces on Dec. 26—the day after Christmas. Earlier this month, three suspected suicide bombings in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, killed at least 23 people and wounded 108 others. No group claimed responsibility, but suspicion quickly fell on Boko Haram, which launched an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria in 2009 to enforce Sharia law. 100 US TROOPS LAND IN NIGERIA AS ISLAMIC MILITANTS THREATEN WEST AFRICA REGIONAL SECURITY MQ-9 drones cost approximately $30 million each and have separate land and sea models. They can also be used for airstrikes, but AFRICOM says they will only be used in Nigeria for intelligence-gathering and training. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence states that Boko Haram aims to "overthrow the current Nigerian Government and replace it with a regime based on Islamic law." "In November 2013, the U.S. State Department designated Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization," it added. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
North Korean dictator states government will continue solidifying nation’s ‘irreversible status as a nuclear power’
(SeaPRwire) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to strengthen his country’s nuclear standing while maintaining an uncompromising stance toward South Korea, which he labeled the “most hostile” nation, state media reported Tuesday, per The Associated Press. During a Monday address to Pyongyang’s rubber-stamp parliament, Kim accused the United States of carrying out global "state terrorism and aggression," in an apparent reference to the war in the Middle East, and noted that North Korea will take a more assertive role in a unified front against Washington as anti-American sentiment continues to rise. The AP reported that the North Korean official stated that the matter of whether opponents "choose confrontation or peaceful coexistence is up to them, and we are prepared to respond to any choice." "The dignity of the nation, its national interest and its ultimate victory can only be guaranteed by the strongest of power," Kim said, per the AP. "The government of our republic will continue to consolidate our absolutely irreversible status as a nuclear power and will aggressively wage a struggle against hostile forces to crush their (anti-North Korean) provocations and schemes." The 2026 Annual Threat Assessment from the U.S. Intelligence Community states, "North Korea remains committed to expanding its strategic weapons programs, including missiles and nuclear warheads, and to solidifying its deterrent capability." The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran more than three weeks ago in an effort to prevent the Islamic Republic from potentially joining the ranks of other nations that possess nuclear weapons. The Associated Press contributed to this report This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Allwyn lists on Athens Stock Exchange following OPAP merger closure
(AsiaGameHub) - Allwyn has concluded its integration with the Greek gaming company OPAP, cementing its status as one of the premier global publicly traded gambling entities in the process. The merger terms were originally established in October. **KKCG**, the Czech investment firm behind Allwyn, has maintained a significant stake in OPAP since 2013. Through this union, Allwyn will list on the Athens Stock Exchange, positioning itself as a dominant force in the Greek market. OPAP manages the Greek national lottery and holds a prominent role in the country's betting and gaming sectors. This move continues Allwyn’s strategic shift, which began with its transition from SAZKA Group in 2022. The firm is evolving into a lottery-focused entertainment provider with interests across various segments. Allwyn anticipates that the OPAP integration will provide market leadership, broader geographic and product reach, enhanced technological and digital assets, a more robust financial foundation, and a heightened commitment to social responsibility and charitable contributions. Robert Chvatal, CEO of Allwyn, remarked: “This represents a pivotal strategic achievement for Allwyn. We embark on our path as a listed global industry leader with a reinforced platform, greater financial agility, and an elite team. “We are confident that our top-tier market positions, extensive diversification, and solid cash flow will enable us to achieve sustainable growth and deliver value as we pursue innovation and new opportunities across our markets. “I want to express gratitude to our shareholders, staff, and regulators for their assistance in uniting these two premier organizations to form the world's second-largest listed lottery and gaming firm.” Allwyn’s path to the Athens exchange Lotteries remain the foundation of Allwyn’s business, with primary assets including the UK National Lottery, the Czech Lottery, the Greek lottery (via OPAP), and the Illinois State Lottery, among others. The company’s presence in sports wagering has grown through KKCG’s involvement with OPAP. It further broadened its sports entertainment footprint last year by acquiring a majority stake in PrizePicks, a US-based daily fantasy sports (DFS) provider that has since expanded into prediction markets. Not every initiative has succeeded. A plan to acquire a controlling interest in Novibet, a prominent Greek betting firm, was abandoned earlier this year following input from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HGC). Despite this, Allwyn remains on solid footing—and with the OPAP merger finalized, the company is unlikely to be impacted by the cancelled Novibet deal. The merged Allwyn-OPAP entity boasts an estimated market capitalization exceeding €11bn (£9.5bn), placing it in the same tier as Entain (owner of Ladbrokes Coral and bwin) and Flutter Entertainment. KKCG will retain 78% of the voting rights in the unified company. Allwyn also intends to issue a dividend of €0.80 (£0.69) per share to its investors. Karel Komarek, Founder and Chairman of both KKCG and Allwyn, stated: “Today marks the start of a new era for Allwyn, building on the momentum that already defines our business. “Over the last 13 years, we have demonstrated the lasting value we generate for stakeholders, society, and players. This success is rooted in collaboration, trust, and a dedication to innovation. “Allwyn possesses immense potential in the changing consumer entertainment landscape, and we have the vision, scale, and drive to shape the industry's future.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Defiant Iran promises to continue fighting ‘until complete victory,’ despite heavy military losses
(SeaPRwire) - A spokesman for Iran’s military defiantly pledged on Tuesday that Tehran’s armed forces will keep fighting "until complete victory," despite enduring heavy losses from the joint U.S. and Israeli campaign. The statement from Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi—of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s top military command—comes after President Donald Trump paused planned U.S. strikes on Iran on Monday, citing diplomatic progress. "Iran’s powerful armed forces are proud, victorious and unwavering in defending Iran’s integrity, and this path will continue until complete victory," Iranian state television quoted Aliabadi as saying, according to The Associated Press. The report added that Aliabadi did not explain what "complete victory" would involve. Operation Epic Fury, which launched on Feb. 28, has destroyed or damaged more than 140 Iranian naval vessels, U.S. Central Command said Monday. In total, over 9,000 combat flights have been carried out as part of the campaign. TRUMP’S IRAN STRATEGY SHOWCASES ‘DOCTRINE OF UNPREDICTABILITY’ AMID STRIKE THREATS AND SUDDEN PAUSE "CENTCOM forces are targeting sites to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that pose an imminent threat," CENTCOM stated. Assets being struck include Iranian navy ships and submarines, air defense systems, anti-ship missile sites, military communication infrastructure and facilities involved in ballistic missile and drone production. On Friday, Trump spoke about Iran, saying, "Their Navy's gone, their Air Force is gone, their anti-aircraft is all gone." JET FUEL PRICES SOAR AS AIRLINES WARN SUPPLIES COULD RUN DRY WITHIN WEEKS "Their leaders are all gone. The next set of leaders are all gone. And the next set of leaders are mostly gone," Trump continued. "And now, nobody wants to be a leader over there anymore. We're having a hard time. We want to talk to them and there's nobody to talk to." Trump also said, "Over the past few weeks, the world has seen the true strength and might of our sailors and aviators as they fought in one of the most complex and successful military operations of all time against the Iranian regime." "And it's amazing... I don't want to get too crazy here, not a contest. It's not even a contest. They can’t stand against us," Trump said. Digital’s Emma Bussey, Morgan Phillips and This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
NATO Mobilizes Fighters Amid Russian Drone Barrage on Ukraine, Indicating an Upcoming Spring Offensive
(SeaPRwire) - Reports indicate that Russia conducted an overnight aerial bombardment of Ukraine on Monday, deploying nearly 400 drones and dozens of missiles, an action that prompted NATO to deploy fighter jets in neighboring nations.According to The Associated Press, which cited Ukrainian officials, the extensive attack resulted in at least four fatalities and over 25 injuries, with impacts reported in various areas including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.East2West reported that both Poland and Romania deployed fighter jets as Russian munitions neared NATO territory, with Poland’s operational command noting that its air defenses were placed on maximum alert."In response to the operations of long-range Russian aviation targeting Ukrainian soil, Polish and allied air assets have been deployed within our airspace," Poland’s operational command stated, as reported by East2West.Earlier, two F-16s were launched by Romania, a NATO member, as Russian drones targeted Ukrainian territory near the Danube River, which serves as a border between the two nations.Ukrainian military commanders noted that Russian forces have ramped up hostilities along the 750-mile front, with hundreds of engagements recorded over the past few days.The Institute for the Study of War suggested that this surge indicates the commencement of Moscow’s expected spring-summer offensive, as noted by The Associated Press.While Ukraine’s air force reported the launch of nearly 400 drones, officials stated that the majority were either neutralized or diverted, though some managed to strike their intended targets, according to East2West.The Ukrainian air force further reported that Russia fired 23 cruise missiles and seven ballistic missiles overnight, impacting at least 10 different areas throughout the country.Ukrainian citizens have faced continuous attacks since the full-scale invasion began over four years ago. Despite U.S.-facilitated negotiations over the last year, no relief has been achieved, and Russia has declined Ukraine’s proposal for a ceasefire.These recent strikes followed a targeted Ukrainian operation against Primorsk, Russia’s primary Baltic port, which left the major export facility burning, according to East2West.In other developments, Andrey Kelin, the Russian ambassador to London, warned of "dire" repercussions regarding Ukraine’s alleged deployment of Storm Shadow missiles, which recently struck a microelectronics facility in the Bryansk region of Russia."The British, whose involvement is essential for the deployment of Storm Shadow missiles, chose to draw attention to both Ukraine and themselves," he stated. "However, every action carries consequences. For all those implicated in the Bryansk incident, the results will be severe." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Sorare: Is There Nothing to Declare?
(AsiaGameHub) - The decision by CyLimit, a cycling-focused web 3 startup, to become the first JONUM operator to submit its regulatory declaration to France’s Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has highlighted a company that most industry observers would have anticipated being first in line. Naturally, when discussing web 3, NFTs and fantasy betting, that company is Sorare. However, to date, the former unicorn has yet to submit its own declaration to the nation's gambling regulator. With the JONUM legal framework finally launching in France, SBC-Gaming&Co sought to understand why the leading web 3 fantasy betting firm in the sector wasn't the first to file a regulatory declaration, enabling it to commence operations as swiftly as possible in full compliance with its 'home' country's regulations. A Sorare spokesperson stated that there was "no delay and we are in ongoing and constructive discussions with the ANJ at the moment". The company is also "taking the time to finalise the dossier properly and we will make the JONUM declaration promptly". "Our approach is to ensure that the submission is complete and robust from the outset," they added, "the application file is comprehensive and requires a significant amount of detailed information to be provided". Nevertheless, there are several factors that could be weighing on the minds of Sorare's leadership, and while they aren't directly connected to its French operations, it's inconceivable that the company wouldn't be conscious of them. UK court case The first is a case filed against the company by the UK Gambling Commission, scheduled to begin on 15 June. The commission is suing Sorare for providing what it deems to be illegal gambling products without a licence to UK consumers. A subsequent question for Sorare therefore is: if it declares that it operates as a JONUM company in France (where users purchase cards of football players as NFTs, with their value fluctuating based on the on-pitch performances of the players' teams), could it be concerned that this amounts to admitting it is a real money gambling company? Not at all, says the company: "The JONUM framework should not be interpreted, in any way, as an admission that Sorare operates as a real money gambling company. The JONUM framework is actually recognising the unique nature of our activity and explicitly confirms that it falls outside the scope of gambling regulations. "This clarification provides an essential level of legal certainty, strengthens the confidence of our partners, investors and community, and represents a key step for the sustainable development of our model." EU questions A second issue centres on European legal questions. Claire Pinson-Bessonet, a former ARJEL executive and now a public affairs and gaming lawyer, observed on LinkedIn that the European Commission has asked France how the JONUM framework aligns with the European eCommerce Directive of 2000, which permits the free movement of information services between EU Member States. French lawmakers responded that the legislation fell under "the exemption of 'real money gambling activities' provided for in the eCommerce Directive, which therefore does not apply to JONUM". In other words, the EU directive does not apply to JONUMs because those products fall under the real money gambling exemption, which the directive doesn't cover. "But in that case why did they (France) introduce specific legislation for JONUMs if the French authorities consider them to be games of chance?", added Pinson-Bessonet. Interestingly, that appears to be what the Gambling Commission will attempt to prove in its court case against Sorare in June. SBC-Gaming&Co asked Pinson-Bessonet if the EC enquiry about the eCommerce Directive suggests France considers that JONUMs are covered by the gambling exemption. "Yes it is," she said, "hence the line between JONUMs and gambling remains very thin. And when it launched the experimentation in February, the regulator stressed that it would be very attentive to any cross-over." Market realities Equally significant, however, have been Sorare's business decisions. From expending substantial sums on marketing and partnership agreements with top-tier football clubs in the English Premier League and France's Ligue 1, to occupying a space where the company fails to attract the high-spending VIPs that frequent many crypto sportsbooks while its own customers don't produce sufficient volumes to support its ambitions, Sorare has encountered difficulties and fallen short of the hype surrounding its early days, when it was valued at over $4bn. For the French authorities, the entire project has also proved disappointing and consumed legislative bandwidth that could have been deployed far more effectively on other crucial issues – online casino regulation being a clear example. Aside from the bespoke regulatory treatment it received, for now the JONUM vertical will have little impact on France's real money gambling stakeholders; the market will also determine whether the self-declared JONUM operators succeed or fail. Meanwhile, ANJ is embarking on a three-year regulatory experimentation period during which it will monitor companies like Sorare. How many will have entered or exited the market by 2029 remains to be seen. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Digitain Advances in Bulgarian Expansion
(AsiaGameHub) - Digitain has expanded its footprint in the Balkans through securing two key licences in Bulgaria. The gaming technology provider now holds both a manufacturer licence and an importer licence, issued by Bulgaria’s national regulator, the National Revenue Agency. Both certifications will allow Digitain to grow its market share in Bulgaria further, by offering local partners a broader yet fully compliant suite of products and tools. The manufacturer licence permits the company to offer custom in-house developed products built specifically to match the needs of the Bulgarian market. Meanwhile, the importer licence paves the way for distributing third-party products that widen Digitain’s on-ground offering in the country. Digitain has prioritized active expansion across Eastern Europe, identifying the region as a major opportunity to diversify its partnership network through a range of prospective new collaborations. Speaking with SBC News at last year’s SBC Summit Lisbon, Hmayak Arakelyan, Digitain’s regional Head of Sales, said: “When we look at the region country by country, in Greece we partner with Betano, which brings extensive international experience. In Romania, we work with Superbet, who do an excellent job driving innovation across the market. “In every country, we work with one or two major operators that have the technological expertise and innovative teams that shape and influence the wider betting and gaming industry.” These new Bulgarian licences represent the next step in the Armenian tech firm’s pan-European expansion push. They come after the company secured supplier licences in the UK and Isle of Man in February, and signed a partnership deal with Serbian operator AdmiralBet in early March. Commenting on Digitain’s latest milestone, Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer, added: “Securing both licences in Bulgaria is an important step in strengthening our presence across regulated European markets. “It allows us to deliver both our in-house solutions and a wide range of certified third-party products in full compliance with local regulatory requirements. This dual capability ensures our partners can confidently operate and scale their business in the Bulgarian market with a reliable, fully compliant product offering.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Brazil’s Finance Ministry appoints head of betting regulatory body
(AsiaGameHub) - Following earlier media speculation, Daniele Cardoso has been officially appointed as the new Secretary of Brazil's betting regulatory body, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA). While no official announcement has appeared on the website of the SPA, which operates under the Brazilian Ministry of Finance, the confirmation came from Dario Durigan, the Minister of Finance, via X. Yesterday, Durigan posted on the social media platform, affirming that Cardoso would lead the SPA under his supervision. Her appointment occurs at a pivotal juncture for both the Brazilian betting industry and its regulatory framework. I am pleased to share news about the Ministry of Finance team. Rogério Ceron will be the new executive secretary. I trust in his ability to deliver, and I highlight that his work at the Treasury was fundamental for us to advance our agenda in recent years. — Dario Durigan (@DarioDurigan) March 23, 2026 Previously, Regis Dudana served as Secretary of the SPA from April 2024, where he oversaw the introduction of the regulated betting market, locally referred to as ‘Bets,’ in January 2025. He was subsequently promoted to Secretary of Economic Reforms in January of the current year. This month, a significant reshuffle within the Ministry led to Fernando Haddad, the Minister of Finance, stepping down from his position to pursue the governorship of Sao Paulo state. This move is a crucial goal for Brazil's governing Workers Party (PT), led by President Lula da Silva. Durigan was then promoted to Minister of Finance earlier this month, succeeding Haddad. He has now definitively confirmed Cardoso's appointment to lead the regulatory efforts for Brazil's nascent betting industry. Cardoso assumes this leadership position amidst an intense political discourse surrounding betting in Brazil, as numerous policymakers, including President Lula, adopt an increasingly adversarial stance towards the sector. President Lula, who initially approved the launch of the Bets market on January 1, 2025, in late December 2024, has since grown considerably more critical of the regulated industry and its broader societal effects. Furthermore, he has actively pursued increased tax revenues from the sector, ultimately achieving his objective with the approval of a tax rate hike on gross gaming revenue (GGR) from 12% to 18% by 2027. Concurrently, the domestic industry remains engaged in an arduous struggle against Brazil's persistent grey and black markets. The sector now confronts impending taxes, political examination concerning aspects such as marketing, and the evolving landscape of prediction markets. Kalshi, recognized as one of the two largest global prediction platforms alongside Polymarket, recently established operations in Brazil. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain which regulatory body—either the SPA or the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission—will oversee these platforms. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
Czech Gambling Sector Warns of ‘Brand Spoofing’
(AsiaGameHub) - Fortuna Entertainment and Endorphina are sounding the alarm over ‘Brand Spoofing’—the imitation of regulated brands and technologies that is spreading across CEE markets with no clear avenues for intervention. Compared to its neighboring countries, the Czech Republic has seen relatively few disruptions in the governance of its gambling sector and licensing processes. The home market panel at the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 even praised the oversight provided by the Czech Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Celní Správa, the Customs Authority, in implementing much-needed player protection measures introduced from 2024 onward. In the years since, Czech gambling licenses (both online and retail) have adapted to heightened requirements for public protection, with authorities and license holders working together to exclude up to 700,000 citizens from gambling through the RVO register. However, not all is tranquil along the banks of the Vltava, as Czech industry leaders are raising concerns about a new and growing threat: ‘brand spoofing’. No funny business Jan Holub: Fortuna Entertainment The term might conjure images of fake handbags or cheap counterfeit goods sold at beach resorts, but as criminal networks target online spaces using AI-driven tactics, brand spoofing is far from a trivial issue, according to Jan Holub, Compliance Lead and Member of the Supervisory Board at Fortuna Entertainment. Holub detailed how “bad actors replicate the digital identity of a gambling brand,” copying web assets, domains, user experience (UX) environments, and even customer communications to trick users into “disclosing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.” Aided by AI, Holub has observed the evolution of ‘spoofed environments’ that not only mimic front-end brands but also replicate backend systems. Capitalizing on the brand recognition and marketing efforts of regulated operators, these spoofed platforms can generate high engagement with unsuspecting audiences and rake in millions in illicit funds. “We’ve made progress in the Czech market. But I must highlight brand spoofing as a new danger. In my role at Fortuna, I see fake brands being promoted online via Google, Facebook, and app stores,” Holub stated. “We immediately ask these platforms to take them down, but the response is slow. These fake websites or apps can remain active for two or three weeks.” While cooperation with Czech authorities is strong, Holub questioned the lack of accountability among big tech and media platforms for protecting the intellectual property (IP) of online gambling brands—where enforcement is clearly lacking. A double jeopardy Jan Urbanec – Endorphina These concerns are shared by Jan Urbanec, CEO of Prague-based Endorphina, who noted that spoofing is spreading across markets and rapidly expanding into “the B2B infrastructure of online gambling.” “This poses a double threat to our industry, as the risks are not limited to B2C. These actors can replicate the UX of payment gateways, affiliate websites, CRM processes, and even supplier technologies,” Urbanec explained. As a digital threat, brand spoofing creates multi-layered risks to the stability of regulated markets. Reputational damage occurs quickly and is hard to contain, as consumers often cannot distinguish between a legitimate site and a cloned interface. Addressing this nuanced threat, Urbanec told delegates that Endorphina has tripled its resources to protect IP—emphasizing what he views as regulators’ limited capacity to intervene effectively. “For game developers, there is no meaningful IP protection. We have to monitor every environment, and tracking who is copying our brand, engines, and algorithms is very costly,” he said. Regulators soft on IP protection Gambling regulatory frameworks across Europe, including in the Czech Republic, have largely been designed to identify and block unlicensed operators as standalone entities. They are less equipped to address actors disguising themselves as licensed B2C or B2B incumbents, using brand trust as their primary entry point. Having observed the spread of ‘spoofing’ in the Czech Republic, Holub and Urbanec believe this new AI-driven threat will become a new “health check” for European gambling regulators—one that cannot be addressed through traditional IP blocking alone, as there is growing momentum to strengthen gambling IP protections. As Urbanec concluded: “It’s time to recognize that criminal gangs target gambling for quick profits, while our regulators are focused on rule-making. This must change—we need stronger action on IP and brand enforcement for licensed operators, before it’s too late.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.













