(SeaPRwire) - The Houthi movement, backed by the Iranian regime, launched two missiles at Israel on Saturday, opening a third front for the country as it continues its conflict with the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah in Lebanon.The Houthis claimed to have targeted "sensitive Israeli military sites" using a "barrage of ballistic missiles." According to YNET, the IDF reported that it intercepted both a ballistic and a cruise missile fired by the group on Saturday morning.Nadwa Al-Dawsari, a Yemen expert and associate fellow at the Middle East Institute, told Digital that the conflict is now essentially about the Iranian regime's survival. She noted that Houthi involvement, along with other members of the Axis, is managed by the IRGC-led Axis of Resistance Operations Room. Having already demonstrated their resilience against heavy U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, both Iran and the Houthis define "winning" as survival rather than a definitive military victory.She further explained that the strategy aims to draw out the conflict and increase the associated costs. The Houthis are well-positioned for this due to their ability to open new pressure points and interfere with vital shipping lanes. If the escalation persists, they are likely to resume attacks in the Red Sea and may expand their pressure toward the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).Saudi Arabia and the Houthis were previously at war until the Biden administration reportedly pressured the Saudi government to halt its military operations. While Biden had removed the Houthis from the list of foreign terrorist organizations, the Trump administration quickly reinstated the designation during the early days of his second term.Salman Al-Ansari, a Saudi geopolitical analyst, told Digital that the Houthis appear to be acting under significant pressure from Tehran. He suggested the attack was more symbolic than strategic, serving as part of Iran's effort to strengthen its negotiating position with the U.S. by showing it has influence beyond the Strait of Hormuz.He added that while the Houthis do not control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, they can still interfere with Red Sea shipping. At the same time, they seem to view Iran as a failing power and are hesitant to commit too heavily to it.The Houthis maintain a fanatically anti-American and anti-Israel ideology. The official slogan of the movement (Ansar Allah) is: "Allah is Greater. Death to America. Death to Israel. Curse on the Jews. Victory to Islam."The group currently controls most of northwestern Yemen, having ousted the internationally recognized government from the capital, Sanaa, in 2015.The Houthis joined the war alongside Hamas in mid-October 2023, following the terrorist group's invasion of Israel that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, including more than 40 Americans. In 2024, a Houthi drone strike killed a civilian in Tel Aviv.International relations expert Michael Szanto told Digital that Iran has been severely impacted by the U.S. and Israel, and that American forces will likely sever all supply routes between Iran and Yemen. This would leave Yemen without the necessary logistics for a sustained offensive against Israel, though they likely still possess significant stockpiles of drones and missiles.He added that the Houthis are making a major strategic error by provoking Israel again, as Israel will seek to eliminate the threat in Yemen. He characterized the Houthis as a menace to the Saudis, the Emiratis, the U.S., and the international community.Saturday's strike took place just hours before a spokesperson for the group warned that their "fingers were on the trigger." 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.
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Ugandan military chief pledges to support Israel against Iran in viral social media blitz
(SeaPRwire) - Uganda's top military commander has indicated that the nation's armed forces might join the conflict with Iran in support of Israel, following a series of social media statements that gained widespread attention this week.General Muhoozi Kainerugaba—the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and widely regarded as his probable successor—has spent this week posting extensively on X in defense of Israel."We support Israel because of our Christian faith," he wrote, while adding in a separate post, "Uganda represents the David that the world overlooked and ignored. We shall overcome the giant, Goliath."Kainerugaba launched his social media campaign with the statement: "We desire an immediate end to the Middle East conflict. The world has grown weary of it. However, any discussion of annihilating or overcoming Israel will draw us into the battle—on Israel's side!"The Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) comprises 45,000 active-duty soldiers and approximately 35,000 reservists, according to the defense ministry. The country is believed to possess roughly 240 tanks and more than 1,000 armored combat vehicles.The country also maintains substantial military engagements in war-torn nations. Its troops serve with an African Union contingent combating the Islamist al-Shabab militants in Somalia. Ugandan forces remain deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to fight the Islamic State-affiliated ADF terrorist organization.Although Iran is not believed to have direct interests in Uganda, it has faced allegations of clandestine activities in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, such as operating smuggling rings and pursuing contentious diplomatic and economic initiatives with dubious intentions across the region. Despite being landlocked, Uganda reportedly remains concerned about Iran's strategic ambitions to establish influence in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea regional waters.In a separate post, he declared, "Israel supported us when we were insignificant during the 1980s and 1990s. Why would we not protect her now that our GDP has reached $100 billion—among the biggest in Africa?"Israel has previously provided training to Ugandan forces, including the general. Uganda is known to uphold a robust strategic alliance with Israel, featuring tight security and intelligence cooperation.Relations were not always positive. In 1976, under dictator Idi Amin's vehement anti-Israel stance, four terrorists seized Air France Flight 139 en route from Tel Aviv to France, redirecting it to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. On the night of July 3, 1976, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) executed a long-distance rescue operation, initially designated Operation Thunderbolt, to liberate 106 predominantly Israeli captives.The operation was later renamed Operation Yonatan in honor of its commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan "Yoni" Netanyahu—older brother of Israel's current prime minister—who was fatally shot by a Ugandan sniper during the assault. The Israeli troops achieved a successful rescue, though four hostages, seven hijackers, and 45 Ugandan troops lost their lives.Kainerugaba has announced plans to install a statue of Yonatan Netanyahu at the precise location in Entebbe Airport where he died, as an additional goodwill gesture toward Israel. This week, Kainerugaba shared an image of the monument on X, calling it "a sneak peek." 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.
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Iran’s Military Unveiled: Missiles, Militias, and a Force Engineered for Survival
(SeaPRwire) - Iran’s military isn’t built to secure victory in a traditional war against the U.S. or Israel. Instead, its design focuses on outlasting such a conflict—absorbing harm and keeping up the fight over an extended period, according to experts.This approach is evident both in the structure of Iran’s armed forces and their current performance following weeks of continuous U.S. and Israeli attacks.The campaign has been substantial in scope. Since Operation Epic Fury began, over 9,000 targets have been hit—including missile sites, air defense systems, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command hubs, and weapons manufacturing plants—accompanied by more than 9,000 combat sorties, per a March 23, 2026, fact sheet from U.S. Central Command.U.S. authorities state the goal is straightforward."We are targeting and eliminating Iran’s ballistic missile systems … destroying the Iranian Navy … and ensuring Iran cannot rapidly rebuild," Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said during a March Pentagon briefing.However, analysts warn the situation is more nuanced."It’s a mixed bag," Nicholas Carl—who is a fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank and assistant director of the Critical Threats Project—told Digital. "On one hand, (Iran’s military) is badly degraded across the board, but the regime still retains a significant amount of capability."Iran’s military system is centered on an intentional two-part structure: the Artesh, its conventional army, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—a separate force established post-1979 revolution to protect the regime.Carl notes that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has molded Iran’s armed forces over decades with a single key goal: maintaining the Islamic Republic and spreading its revolutionary beliefs."You have to distinguish between the IRGC and the regular army," Middle East intelligence expert Danny Citrinowicz told Digital. "The IRGC gets all of the budgets — better salaries, better equipment, better everything."Carl characterizes the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a "deeply ideological praetorian guard," whereas the Artesh is a more traditional force responsible for guarding Iran’s borders.Yet this division isn’t black and white."The IRGC is probably the more dangerous of the two, but we cannot discount the threat that the regular military poses as well," Carl said.Even after widespread attacks, Iran’s missile program continues to be the foundation of its military strength.The IRGC Aerospace Force has invested years in developing what Carl calls the Middle East’s largest missile stockpile.U.S. officials claim these capabilities have been greatly diminished by recent attacks."Iran’s ballistic missile shots fired are down 86% from the first day of fighting," Caine said in a Pentagon briefing earlier in March, adding that drone launches have dropped by roughly 73%.Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated during the same briefing that the campaign has drastically curbed Iran’s capacity to keep up its attacks."The enemy can no longer shoot the volume of missiles they once did, not even close," he said.Yet even U.S. officials admit the threat is still present."Iran will still be able to shoot some missiles … and launch one-way attack drones," Hegseth said.Carl noted that the drop in missile and drone fire has leveled off."Iranian missile and drone fire has dropped precipitously … about 90% since the war began… but that number has been consistent for weeks," he said. "That means they still retain enough capability to sustain strikes across the region."Citrinowicz provided a comparable analysis."They suffered blows, but still hold the ability and still have the capacity to launch missiles for weeks to come," he said.U.S. estimates referenced by Carl indicate that around one-third of Iran’s missile capabilities are still operational."The regime still does have a significant capability to threaten targets across the region … especially as it demonstrates the ability to shoot beyond 2,000 kilometers," Carl said.The Pentagon claims it has achieved significant progress against Iran’s naval units.Over 140 Iranian ships have been damaged or destroyed, per U.S. Central Command.Caine said U.S. forces have "effectively neutralized" Iran’s major naval presence in the region.However, analysts caution that Iran’s naval threat never relied on large vessels.The IRGC Navy is structured around "area denial capabilities," such as fast attack boats, mines, missiles, and drones intended to swarm enemies and disrupt sea traffic."They still have the capacity — speedboats, drones, surface-to-sea missiles — allowing them to block the Strait of Hormuz," Citrinowicz said.Carl warned against a widespread misunderstanding."It’s not technically accurate to say the Strait of Hormuz is closed … Iran is selectively denying access … firing at some ships while allowing others to pass," he said."Iran has to do very, very little to achieve a meaningful effect."U.S. officials state the campaign has made significant advances in air operations."We will have complete control of Iranian skies, uncontested airspace," Hegseth said.Caine added that U.S. forces have already established "localized air superiority" and are expanding operations deeper into Iranian territory.But Iran’s air force was never the focal point of its strategy. Decades of sanctions have left it dependent on outdated planes and with limited modernization, rendering it much less capable than its Western or regional rivals."There is definitely a setback … but Iran was never built on an air force," Citrinowicz said.Instead, Iran depends on missiles, drones, and layered defense systems.On the ground, Iran holds a critical edge: its forces have mostly avoided direct confrontation.The Artesh ground forces—comprising dozens of brigades—are mainly stationed to protect Iran’s borders, per Carl’s report."The ground troops are still intact, nobody has invaded Iran," Citrinowicz said.He pointed out that ground forces are more frequently launching drones, indicating a wider change in Iran’s combat tactics.Outside its borders, Iran’s military influence is expanded via a network of proxy forces overseen by the IRGC’s Quds Force.Carl said the Quds Force provides "leadership, materiel, intelligence, training and funds" to allied militias across the Middle East, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis."The ‘Axis of Resistance’ is the central mechanism by which Iran can further regionalize the conflict … to endanger as many actors’ interests as possible," Carl said.Iran’s military is also organized to address internal threats, underscoring its primary mission: keeping the regime in power.The outcome is a military force constructed around redundancy, asymmetric tactics, and stamina.Even after weeks of continuous attacks, Iran still has sufficient capability to keep launching missiles, disrupting global shipping, and using proxy forces across the region.While it may be weakened, it continues to pose a strategic danger."We cannot discount the threat that the Iranian military poses," Carl said, "it remains a force capable of threatening regional and international security." 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.
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From Parking Lots to Robot Hubs: Shoucheng Holdings (0697.HK) Redefines Static Transport Infrastructure Through Asset Management Logic
HONG KONG, Mar 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - When a Robotaxi enters a parking structure, what it needs is no longer just a parking space, but a full infrastructure system to support its operations - including energy replenishment, dispatching, maintenance, data connectivity, and a complete fully autonomous end-to-end operational capability. For that reason, the underlying logic of the traditional parking lot is being redefined: it is no longer merely a static space for vehicle storage, but is rapidly evolving into a critical node for the operation of future unmanned systems.In its 2025 Annual Report, Shoucheng Holdings Limited (0697.HK) judged that parking lots will become the largest robot operating bases in the future. Zhao Tianyang, Chairman of the Board of Shoucheng Holdings, further explained the logic behind this view in the annual report: "What we see is not merely today's parking spaces, but the key nodes of future smart digital infrastructure." Based on this understanding, the role of the parking lot is changing - from a traditional supporting space for static transport to an infrastructure platform that supports robot operation, dispatch, and services.To understand this transformation, the key is to grasp the fundamental difference between the traditional parking model and the "E Park" model. Under the traditional model, parking lot revenue mainly comes from parking fees, the core asset is parking space resources, the main customers are vehicle owners, and the operating logic is essentially the management of space and time, with relatively limited growth potential. Under the E Park model, however, the parking lot is no longer a single space-leasing asset, but is upgraded into an integrated service platform for Robotaxis, Robovans, and various types of robots.This change is first reflected in the revenue structure. Revenue sources in the traditional parking business are relatively simple, whereas the E Park model can layer in multiple income streams, including dispatch service fees, charging or battery-swapping and custody fees, O&M and OTA service fees, advertising fees, and smart service integration fees, significantly broadening the boundaries of profitability. At the same time, the core assets of the parking lot are upgraded from mere parking space resources to a composite system of "site resources + energy-replenishment facilities + dispatching capabilities + robot access capabilities." In other words, the future value of a parking lot will no longer depend primarily on how many cars it accommodates, but on how deeply it can serve how many unmanned systems.The customer structure is also changing in parallel. Traditional parking lots primarily serve end-user vehicle owners. Under the E Park model, however, the service base expands to a coexistence of To B, To C, and To Robot - serving autonomous driving operators, end users, and robot devices themselves, thereby forming a new infrastructure ecosystem. At the same time, parking lots designed for unmanned systems can enable 24-hour automatic docking and a fully unmanned closed loop throughout the process through dedicated lanes, space-efficient design, energy-replenishment facilities, and data interfaces, thereby improving space utilization and overall operational efficiency.To turn this judgment into a replicable path in the real world, the key lies in validation and implementation in real scenarios. Shoucheng Holdings has chosen to begin with high-traffic, high-density transport hubs and core urban scenarios, promoting deep integration between robotic capabilities and parking assets. One landmark case is the introduction of the Hobbs W1 intelligent robot from Noetix Robotics at the Terminal 3 parking building of Beijing Capital International Airport, where technology was used to enhance both asset operating efficiency and passenger experience. Another example is Shoucheng Holdings' collaboration with its portfolio company Wisson Robotics to build the country's first automatic charging robot pop-up experience station in the underground parking lot at Chengdu IFS ICD, driving the parking lot's evolution from a single parking space into an intelligent operating scenario integrating parking and charging, and further validating the deep embedding of robotic technology into urban infrastructure.From a broader macro perspective, the reason Shoucheng Holdings has been able to advance this path lies in its ownership of an asset base capable of accommodating new demand. As Robotaxis, Robovans, and embodied intelligent robots accelerate into urban scenarios, cities will require a large number of distributed nodes to undertake energy replenishment, dispatching, and maintenance functions. Compared with building new facilities from scratch, parking lots naturally possess advantages such as wide geographic distribution, well-developed spatial conditions, easy access to power supply, and clearly defined asset characteristics. They have therefore become the most practical and efficient carriers for this new demand.Against this backdrop, Shoucheng Holdings' advantage in network-based deployment is being rapidly converted into real capability. The Company manages more than 100 parking lot projects nationwide, with a total area of several million square meters, covering core economic regions and providing a foundation for standardized retrofitting and large-scale replication. This means that its previously scattered static parking resources are now poised to be restructured into a multi-city, multi-node robot operating infrastructure network. At the same time, improvements at the operational level are also supporting this transition. In 2025, the Company's parking space turnover rate increased by 7.1%, its full-occupancy rate reached 55%, and innovative business revenue accounted for 20% of total revenue, demonstrating that through the application of AI technologies, refined operations, and expanding scenario applications, it is driving parking lots' transformation from traditional legacy assets into platform-based, growth-oriented assets.Accordingly, for Shoucheng Holdings, the proposition that "parking lots will become the largest robot operating bases in the future" is no longer merely a forward-looking judgment. It is a practical path that is being continually validated and is expected to achieve replication at scale. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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CALB (3931.HK) Announces 2025 Results with Record Revenue of RMB 44,400.07 Million, Up 60% YoY
HONG KONG, Mar 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On March 27, CALB Group Co., Ltd. ("CALB" or "the Company," stock code: 3931.HK) announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (the "Reporting Period"). During the Reporting Period, the Company’s total revenue for the year was RMB 44,400.07 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 60%; profit for the year was RMB 2,095.22 million, a year-on-year surge of over 140%, demonstrating a leap in profitability and continued momentum for high-quality development.In core business sectors, the Company’s market share for both power batteries and energy storage cells climbed significantly. In October 2025, CALB’s power battery installations reached a historic milestone, ranking among the global top three for the first time on a monthly basis. In early 2026, the Company stood out in the battery industry again with a huge growth of 630% YoY in the commercial EV sector.Deepening Global Market Presence with Dual Breakthroughs in Premium Market Positioning and Large-Scale ProductionIn 2025, as the global new energy industry flourished, shipments of power batteries and energy storage cells soared, with overseas markets becoming the core growth engine. Backed by all-scenario product capabilities, CALB accelerated its strategic layout toward both premium positioning and large-scale development.The Company’s market share in the passenger vehicle sector reached a new high. Its 5C super-charged battery, which has reached a monthly delivery sale of 20,000+ sets, exclusively supports popular models such as XPeng’s new P7 long-range version, supporting Xpeng further enhance its market competitiveness with a record-breaking driving mileage of 3,961km within 24h. Furthermore, CALB successfully entered the supply chains of international OEMs such as Toyota, Volkswagen, and Hyundai. Simultaneously, the Company deepened strategic partnerships with HUAWEI and Xiaomi, laying the groundwork for mass-scale delivery in 2026.The commercial vehicle segment also saw explosive growth, with shipments achieving a multiple-fold increase in 2025. With over 468 new vehicle models announced, the Company achieved full-scenario coverage and showed strong momentum as commercial battery shipments surged 630% YoY in early 2026. Overseas, the Company secured major rail transit and bus projects in Europe and won multiple international client awards.In the energy storage market, CALB achieved dual breakthroughs. Internationally, the Company entered the top-tier supplier lists in South Africa, Latin America, the U.S., and Israel. The next-generation “ZHIJIU” 600Ah+ cell secured mass production nominations. Domestically, partnerships with giants like SPIC (State Power Investment Corporation Limited) and CTG (China Three Gorges Corporation) were strengthened, further advancing the all-category energy layout in energy storage.Furthermore, the Company has established a forward-looking presence in emerging new energy sectors such as ship, low-altitude economy, and robotics, which represents a core highlight for the capital markets. In the shipping sector, several benchmark projects have already been implemented with large-scale deliveries, providing solid support for stable earnings growth. In the low-altitude sector, powered by core solid-state battery technologies, the Company has successfully commenced mass production of batteries for flying cars and secured exclusive nominations for major eVTOL models, perfectly aligning with the development trend of a trillion-dollar market. In the robotics sector, the Company has completed its product layout based on breakthroughs in all-solid-state battery technology. With batch deliveries set to begin, the Company is preemptively securing its position in the core energy track for humanoid robots, opening up significant growth opportunities for its future performance.Continuous Technology Leadership and All-Scenario Product Matrix AdvancementIn 2025, CALB achieved key breakthroughs in high-performance batteries, solid-state batteries, and advanced manufacturing. Product series such as “UP,” “ZHIYUAN,” “ZHIJIU,” and “Boundless” continue to define industry trends.Specifically, CALB is leading the way in super-charged and high-power battery technologies. The Company’s 5C super-charged batteries have reached large-scale commercialization, while the 10C super-charged batteries completed design and development in 2025. The 20C high-power batteries developed for HEV/PHEV models have been delivered for mass production to Geely and Dongfeng. For the luxury supercar and racing segments, the Company has completed prototype testing of its 25C high-power batteries, which boast megawatt-level discharge capabilities. Additionally, the advanced R46 cells have reached mass production and are being supplied to top-tier eVTOL customers, securing the No.1 market share in the sector.Technological upgrades were also synchronized across energy storage and commercial battery sectors. The “ZHIYUAN” series achieved 2C super-charged for heavy-duty trucks and a long lifespan of 10 years or 2 million kilometers, while light commercial EV batteries can support an upgraded mileage of over 350 kilometers. The “ZHIJIU” 588Ah/684Ah cells achieve zero degradation for 3 years and 15,000+ cycles, with an energy density of 450Wh/L.Significant breakthroughs were made in next-generation battery technologies, specifically in hybrid solid-liquid and solid-state batteries. The 400Wh/kg hybrid solid-liquid battery took the lead in powering new energy commercial vehicles with batch installations. The 450Wh/kg “Boundless” solid-state battery completed its original system prototype verification with industry-leading performance. Meanwhile, the commercialization process in emerging sectors such as low-altitude economy and robotics is accelerating, which is expected to help the Company further expand its global market share. In addition, the Company will continue to be driven by the dual engines of “technological innovation and management innovation,” forging systematic competitiveness for the future by pursuing excellence in both performance and cost management.“AI + Energy” Strategy: Empowering Industrial UpgradingBuilding on technological breakthroughs and guided by the “AI + Energy” strategy, CALB is driven by technological innovation and guided by the “AI + Energy” strategy, adhering to the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation. Propelled by a future-oriented R&D layout, the Company has established a positive feedback loop of “new technology and product development – multi-market application – scaled delivery – refined operations – technological iteration and upgrade”—fully aligning with the current industrial trend of convergence between AI and new energy.Currently, CALB has established global industrial clusters across China, Europe, and ASEAN, providing a solid foundation for its global business expansion and long-term high-quality development.As the global energy transition accelerates, global demands are poised for sustained and rapid growth, with emerging application scenarios continuously surfacing. It is anticipated that the Company’s market share and profitability will enter a phase of accelerated expansion, further bolstering its global competitiveness and industry influence.About CALBCALB is a new energy enterprise specializing in the research, production, sales, and market application development of lithium batteries, battery management systems, and related integrated products and lithium battery materials. As Battery Expert, we aim to build a comprehensive energy operation system, to provide complete product solutions and full life-cycle management for the new energy application market, represented by power and energy storage.Currently, CALB has completed an all-round layout in domestic by setting up industrial bases in Changzhou, Xiamen, Wuhan, Chengdu, Hefei, Jiangmen and Meishan. Meanwhile, CALB has set up bases in Europe and ASEAN, vigorously expanding the layout all over the world to become a global leading enterprise with large-scale intelligent manufacturing capabilities. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Ausnutria 2025 Annual Results: Revenue Powered by International Business and Family Nutrition, Lean Management Underpins Operational Resilience
HONG KONG, Mar 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - On 27 March, Ausnutria Dairy Corporation Ltd (Stock Code: 1717.HK, hereinafter referred to as "Ausnutria" or the "Company") officially released its 2025 annual results announcement. According to the announcement, Ausnutria achieved revenue of approximately RMB7.488 billion in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.2%. The Company recorded EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) of approximately RMB518 million. Excluding the impact of one-off non-recurring items, core EBITDA reached approximately RMB616 million, demonstrating the Company's steady progress in navigating industry cycles. In 2025, driven by the dual engines of Family Nutrition and International Business, Ausnutria achieved resilient revenue growth while making significant breakthroughs in product category mix and regional market expansion. Notably, the international business of Kabrita has approached the RMB1 billion mark, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 50% for three consecutive years, as its new global business ecosystem continues to take shape at an accelerated pace.Over the past year, the global economy has been marked by complexity and volatility, with heightened uncertainties arising from geopolitical tensions, inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. Compounded by intensifying competition amid a contracting domestic infant milk formula (IMF) market, the industry has faced multiple severe challenges. Against this backdrop, Ausnutria has maintained its strategic resolve, deepening its core strengths. The Company's international business has continued to unleash its growth momentum, while the Family Nutrition business has flourished across multiple fronts. Market share in core milk powder categories has steadily increased, and the level of refined management has improved significantly. Through these multi-dimensional efforts to enhance operational resilience, Ausnutria has laid a solid foundation for its long-term development.Kabrita International Business Approaches RMB1 Billion Mark with CAGR Exceeding 50% for Three Consecutive YearsIn 2025, Ausnutria further accelerated its internationalization efforts, continuously strengthening its comprehensive capabilities in global supply chain deployment, localised operations and digital collaboration, driving continued explosive growth in its overseas business. During the reporting period, revenue from the international business of Ausnutria's goat milk formula brand Kabrita recorded a year-on-year increase of 50.7% to approximately RMB974 million, making it the first infant goat milk formula brand from a Chinese dairy company to approach RMB1 billion in overseas sales. With a compound annual growth rate exceeding 50% for three consecutive years, the growing contribution of overseas markets has become increasingly prominent.Revenue from the Middle East market recorded a year-on-year increase of 65.5%, accounting for 45.7% of total overseas revenue and maintaining its position as Ausnutria's largest overseas sales market. Growth in this region was primarily driven by strong performance across established markets including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, where the Company strengthened its promotion through medical and healthcare professional channels, continuously enhancing the medical endorsement of its goat milk formula products in these markets. Saudi Arabia delivered a particularly outstanding performance, leveraging deep collaborations with local maternity, infant care and medical institutions to effectively boost consumer acceptance and market penetration. Notably, Kabrita was awarded the "Fastest Growing Brand" accolade by Nahdi, the largest pharmacy retailer in the country. The newly entered Oman market in 2025 also exceeded expectations, injecting fresh momentum into the Company's growth.Revenue from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) market recorded a year-on-year increase of 40.1%, accounting for 23.9% of total overseas revenue. As one of the Company's earliest overseas markets, the CIS market has achieved full product category coverage for Kabrita, encompassing infant formula, cereals, fruit purees, biscuits and more, comprehensively meeting the diverse consumer needs in the region. Through its "360° Omni-channel Marketing" strategy and "DTC Loyalty Program", the Company has engaged target consumers in a distinctive manner, building high value-added brand recognition and continuously consolidating and strengthening its core competitiveness in this market.Revenue from the North American market recorded a year-on-year increase of 39.5%, accounting for 22.2% of total overseas revenue. In 2025, Kabrita successfully entered Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, and has now expanded into 780 stores, progressively developing both online and offline channels to reach a broader consumer base. In the newly entered Canadian market, the Company has been deepening its presence through the core Walmart channel while gradually building momentum on Amazon.In addition, the Company achieved 100% year-on-year growth in the Southeast Asian market by strengthening product differentiation through formula upgrades, with a particular focus on advancing digital community engagement and deepening collaboration with e-commerce channels and local platforms.Family Nutrition Achieves Steady Growth, Building Multi-dimensional Foundations for Future SuccessAs the Company's continuously nurtured "second growth curve" business, Ausnutria's nutrition products business achieved steady growth in 2025, with revenue recording a year-on-year increase of 5.2%. According to the announcement, this revenue growth was primarily attributable to continuous innovation in star probiotic strains and products, precise execution of channel strategies, and the sustained release of brand equity.Research-driven brand development. Ausnutria entered into a six-year strategic partnership with Jiangnan University, establishing the Joint Innovation Centre for Microecology and Functional Dairy as well as the Collaborative Innovation Centre for Probiotics, embarking on a new chapter of full-chain innovation collaboration. In the B2B segment, the Company achieved several key breakthroughs in probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis YLGB-1496 was approved by the National Health Commission (NHC) for inclusion in the list of edible bacterial strains for infants and young children. With this approval, Ausnutria now possesses two nationally approved infant probiotic strains, earning its distinction as the "double champion" in China's infant probiotics field. Additionally, the independently developed Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CP-9 obtained the U.S. FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) certification, marking Ausnutria's achievement of world-leading standards in research innovation and quality control. The continuous breakthroughs in strain technology provide strong and enduring core momentum for brand development. In the B2C segment in 2025, NC Stomach Care Powder and NC Nasal Comfort Probiotics maintained top rankings in category search popularity on Xiaohongshu. As certified by Euromonitor International, NC was awarded the title of "No.1 in National Sales of Australian Brand Nasal Sensitivity Probiotics".Innovation in response to emerging consumer demands. Bio(R) (Baoyichang(R)) Active Lactic Acid Bacteria Powder introduced a mini space capsule design, setting new aesthetic standards for probiotic products. Yili Changshi Probiotics, formulated with the patented BL-99 strain, achieved a top position on e-commerce bestseller lists. Diversified dosage form solutions, including instant-dissolve powder and micro-effervescent tablets, have effectively enhanced the product competitiveness of business partners. Throughout the year, NC launched 17 new products including G13 Growth Capsules and Sleep Well Probiotics, building a precision nutrition matrix covering gastrointestinal health, nasal sensitivity, sleep, growth, eye and brain health, liver and kidney health, and women's health.Channel upgrades fueling business development. The Company continued to deepen its presence in pharmaceutical channels, achieving simultaneous growth in both scale and pace of expansion. Collaboration with leading platforms was further strengthened, driving rapid growth in private domain e-commerce. The application of star probiotic strains was reinforced, enabling continued expansion of brand clientele. The Company also made breakthroughs in overseas market reach by expanding into European and North American markets. NC achieved steady growth on mainstream e-commerce platforms such as Tmall and JD.com, with the Stomach Care and Nasal Comfort product lines becoming leading brands in the cross-border health supplement category through channels such as Sam's Club and China Duty Free (CDF). The Company partnered with XKA and Fengxiangjia to develop its private domain presence, building an incremental online growth matrix. Offline, the Company consolidated its core client base, expanded into potential customer segments, and achieved initial results from pharmaceutical channel pilot programmes, laying a solid foundation for diversified business development.Domestic Milk Powder Business Steadily Increases Market Share, Solidifying Core FundamentalsChina's infant milk formula (IMF) industry is currently undergoing a period of deep structural adjustment, facing multiple pressures including overall market contraction, intensifying competition, and channel transformation, while birth rate fundamentals and channel structure remain under sustained pressure. During the reporting period, Ausnutria solidified its core fundamentals amid cyclical industry challenges, achieving steady growth in market share for its self-owned milk powder brands and recording overall revenue of approximately RMB5.321 billion.According to NielsenIQ and Syntun data, Kabrita's market share in China's all-channel Goat Milk formula market increased by 2.6 percentage points to 30.2% in 2025. NielsenIQ data further shows that Kabrita has maintained a market share of over 60% in China's imported infant and child goat milk formula market for eight consecutive years (2018–2025). Confirmed by Frost & Sullivan research, Kabrita continues to hold the undisputed position of "No.1 in Global Goat Milk Formula by Both Sales Volume and Sales Value", underscoring its unassailable market leadership.NielsenIQ data also indicates that the Company's cow milk formula business has stabilised its market share, marking the full conclusion of the transitional impact arising from earlier internal integration and channel restructuring. As of the date of this announcement, Ausnutria's Hyproca brand has been awarded dual certifications by iiMedia Research, namely "No.1 in National Sales of Comprehensive Nutrition Infant Formula in 2025" and "Pioneer of Comprehensive Nutrition Infant Formula in China", marking the third consecutive year that Hyproca has topped the comprehensive nutrition formula sales rankings.In 2025, the Company successfully completed the registration of 24 products across 8 series under the New National Standard 2.0 and launched 6 infant formula products across 2 series as well as 25 modulated milk powder products, offering consumers a wider range of functionalised and differentiated product choices. Kabrita was awarded the First Prize for Technological Advancement at the Science and Technology Awards for its research and development project titled "Research and Development of an Infant Formula that Supports Immune Regulation and Alleviates Immune Stress". Meanwhile, Hyproca 1897 was recognized as a "100% Quality Product", with the Company's product strength receiving authoritative endorsement.Lean Management Enhances Quality and Efficiency, Organizational Vitality Continues to FlourishIn 2025, Ausnutria continued to solidify the foundation for long-term development and achieve simultaneous improvements in organizational efficiency and development quality through a series of initiatives, including fully leveraging the momentum of its global supply chain, strengthening internal management effectiveness, establishing the cultural foundation for global collaboration, advancing the construction of its digital intelligence system, and enhancing its sustainable development governance capabilities.Global supply chain momentum unlocks new value growth opportunities. Following Ausnutria's acquisition of Amalthea Group, a Dutch goat cheese company, the Company achieved self-sufficiency in goat whey, a core ingredient for goat milk formula, while also adding cheese to its product portfolio. In 2025, the Company's Goat Cheese business recorded revenue of RMB1.006 billion, further deepening the moat of its internationalization strategy. Concurrently, the Company launched four major goat-based ingredients: goat cheese protein hydrolysate, hydrolyzed goat whey protein powder, goat lactoferrin, and goat colostrum powder. Several of these core goat milk ingredients achieved breakthroughs in commercially viable global applications from scratch, opening up new avenues for value creation for the Company.Internal management effectiveness strengthened to systematically drive sound operations. In 2025, the Company's inventory impairment provisions decreased by 0.9 percentage points year-on-year. Overall asset turnover ratio continued to improve, with inventory turnover days declining by 16 days. The Company continued to advance refined cost management, achieving a notable optimization in its expense ratio, which decreased by 1.4 percentage points year-on-year, with the selling and marketing expense ratio declining by 2.4 percentage points year-on-year.Global systematization of business philosophy to strengthen global strategic synergy. To better align with the pace of business development and reinforce Ausnutria's "one global chessboard" strategic approach, the Company officially released the "Ausnutria Business Philosophy (Overseas Edition)". Co-created through multiple rounds of in-depth discussions among over 60 core managers from Ausnutria's global operations, this business philosophy systematically establishes the core values and management principles for Ausnutria's overseas business. It serves as a tailor-made cultural compass and behavioral benchmark for overseas teams, laying a solid ideological foundation for future business development.Full-chain digital intelligence upgrade, empowering both business and management. The Company has introduced digital intelligence across all stages, from demand research and process design to implementation and execution, enabling traceable decision-making, monitorable processes and quantifiable results. Through the establishment of a data middle platform, intelligent analytical models and other tools, data has become the core enabler for optimising management and supporting business operations, fundamentally safeguarding the sustained and healthy development of the business.Upholding sustainable development principles and actively fulfilling corporate social responsibility. The Company has always adhered to a long-term vision for sustainable development, actively responding to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Centred on three strategic pillars "Better Life, Better Nutrition, Better Environment” the Company has embedded sustainability principles into its operational management framework and across all stages of the value chain. In 2025, Ausnutria organized the "Hyproca Gesang Flower Charity Campaign" for the ninth consecutive year and launched the "Kabrita Care · Worry-free Pregnancy" maternal mental health charity initiative, among other activities. The Company has continued to contribute its corporate strengths in areas such as rural revitalization, education support, national nutrition enhancement and natural disaster relief.In 2025, with the support of consumers, shareholders and all sectors of society worldwide, together with the dedicated efforts of all employees, the Company successfully navigated the multiple challenges arising from economic and industry cyclical adjustments. Looking ahead to 2026, the internal and external environment remains complex and challenging. Ausnutria will continue to put consumers at the center, stay anchored to its operational objectives, accelerate systematic organizational development, drive growth through innovation, enhance efficiency through management excellence, and deliver superior products and performance to reward the trust of all stakeholders, in pursuit of long-term sustainable and high-quality development. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Gench Education Announces 2025 Annual Results
Financial HighlightsFor the year ended 31 December (RMB’000)20252024Change%Revenue1,004,586969,854+3.6%Gross profit544,651539,894+0.9%Profit before tax318,601298,331+6.8%Profit for the year242,548223,618+8.5% HONG KONG, Mar 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - 27 March 2026, Shanghai Gench Education Group Limited (“Gench Education” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”, Stock Code:1525.HK) -- the leading higher vocational education group in East China and the largest higher vocational education group in Shanghai, delightedly announced its consolidated financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (the “Reporting Period”).During the Reporting Period, the Group recorded revenue of approximately RMB1,005 million, representing an increase of 3.6% year-on-year (“YoY”). Gross profit was RMB545 million, up 0.9% YoY; Profit for the year of approximately RMB243 million, a YoY rise of 8.5%. Basic earnings per share attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent were RMB 0.61, up 7.0% year-on-year. The growth was mainly driven by the increase in student enrolment, optimization of tuition rates and expansion of education-related services. The Group proposes to declare a final dividend of HKD$0.04 per share for 2025. Together with the interim dividend of HK$0.10 per share for the six months ended 30 June 2025, the total dividend for 2025 will be HK$0.14 per share, maintaining a stable dividend policy to reward shareholders.Policy Dividends Deliver with Precision, Lingang Advantages Unleash Development PotentialIn 2025, the national “Outline of the Plan for the Construction of a Stronger Education State (2024-2035)” and the industry-education integration policies of Lingang New Area jointly created a favorable policy environment for the Group’s development. As the only private university in Lingang New Area, Shanghai Jian Qiao University (the “University”) has closely aligned with the regional industrial layout and seized the opportunities brought by the clustering of strategic emerging industries including integrated circuits, life health and high-end equipment manufacturing, achieving precise matching between educational resources and industrial demands. “The Shanghai ‘Lingang Science Innovation Town’ Construction Plan” clearly proposes to leverage the science and technology innovation resources of universities. Taking this opportunity, the University has become a core participant in industry-education integration in Lingang. It has not only obtained special policy and resource support, but also transformed geographical advantages into unique competitiveness through targeted talent training and joint technological research and development. As of 31 August 2025, 77.5% of the University’s 2025 graduates were employed in the Yangtze River Delta region and 59.2% in Shanghai, deeply integrating into the regional development ecosystem.Digital-Intelligent Transformation Yields Remarkable Achievements, Teaching Quality Scales New HeightsDriven by technological innovation in education and teaching upgrading, the University achieved a number of landmark results in curriculum digitalization and smart campus construction in 2025. In terms of curriculum innovation, the University has built a multi-dimensional curriculum system covering “AI + courses”, “industry-education integration courses” and other types. A total of its 26 courses were approved as Shanghai higher education municipal level key courses, among which “AI + courses” accounted for 50%. “Fundamentals of Gemstone Geology and Crystallography” offered by College of Jewelry was successfully selected as a national “Online/Offline Hybrid First-Class Course”, achieving a breakthrough in the construction of national first-class courses. The University has developed a total of 1,253 online open courses, continuously expanding the scale of digital teaching resources. In smart campus construction, the University continues to deepen the upgrading and modification of teaching and scientific research instruments and equipment as well as teaching laboratories, independently developed smart platforms such as the Cloud Teaching Centre and Cloud Examination Centre, and embedded AI, 5G, VR (virtual reality) and other technologies into the teaching reform process. In addition, the University has built the DeepSeek Gench Education Applied Big Model and launched three smart systems for teaching, management and services, achieving refined campus management and personalized services.In terms of faculty development, as of 30 September 2025, among the full-time teachers, the master degree or higher accounted for 86.4%, the doctoral degree accounted for 28.8%, the senior title accounted for 38.6%, and the double-position accounted for 47.8%. The University has promoted the development of teaching staff towards high quality and professionalism through faculty mentoring, specialized training, and encouraging teachers to take part in various teaching competitions. In 2025, the teaching team won numerous awards in national and regional teaching competitions, earning industry-wide recognition for their capabilities. Meanwhile, the University’s disciplinary strength maintained a leading position. According to “2025 First-class Majors Ranking (Application-oriented) in China” by CUAA.net, its 29 majors ranked among top 10 in China, among which 13 majors ranked first nationwide. The employment rate of year 2025 graduates reached 99.4%, the college-entrance rate reached 5.8%, and the rate of studying abroad reached 5.3%, particular with 94 graduates admitted to top 50 universities/colleges and 123 graduates admitted to top 100 universities/colleges in QS World University Rankings. These results demonstrate that the quality of talent training has been widely recognized.Industry-Education Integration Accelerates, Building a Collaborative Ecosystem for School-Enterprise SynergyIn 2025, the University accelerated the construction of an industry-education integrated university and established a “three-in-one” operation model of “Secondary Colleges + Industrial Colleges + Entity Companies”, forming a multi-dimensional collaborative education ecosystem. The University has made comprehensive progress in its industry college development. The University has established the Medical Engineering Industry College and the Live Streaming Economy Industry College, and meanwhile actively drove the construction of the Big Data Industry College, the IC Industry College and the Intelligent Manufacturing Industry College. The “Digital Smart Manufacturing” and “Integrated Circuit” industrial colleges had been awarded as Shanghai municipal key modern industrial colleges. Major platforms were successively launched in a string. The national level platform “IC Packaging and Testing Industry-Talent Collaboration and Innovation Centre” & Lingang Industry-Education Integrated Practice Base was created. Lingang Jewelry Art Centre was opened, integrating public exhibition, entrepreneurship incubation, science generalization & education, appraisal & design, fashion & consumption among other functions. During the year, the University conducted 8 key industry-education integrated projects, and added 20 new industry-education integrated courses with teaching materials, further deepening school-enterprise collaboration. School facilities were continuously improved. The phase four campus facilities were fully operational in March 2025, with a total gross floor area of approximately 86,400 square meters, including a teaching and training building, talent apartments and a multi-functional research and development center, providing a solid foundation for school-enterprise joint research and student practical training.International Cooperation Reaches a New Level, Lifelong Education System Steadily ImprovesThe Group has been deeply engaged in private higher education for 25 years, with its brand reputation and industry position steadily rising. According to CUAA.net, the University has ranked third among Category I private universities in China for five consecutive years and first among private universities in the Yangtze River Delta for seven consecutive years. It has passed the reexamination of “National Model Unit of Civilization” three times and won many honors including the first batch of “Lei Feng Spirit University Demonstration Education Bases” and “Contribution Award for Promoting Lei Feng Spirit in the New Era”. Its quality of education has received wide recognition from society. International business continued to expand. In 2025, the University contracted with 11 overseas famous universities/colleges in Germany, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Thailand and other countries, received cumulatively 43 batches of delegations of overseas famous institutions, and published more than 30 foreign/overseas exchange projects (like UN international NGO training, overseas famous university/college visit, overseas famous enterprise internship), continuously broadening channels for teachers and students to exchange overseas.The lifelong education system has been continuously improved to meet the diverse learning demands of all communities. As of 31 December 2025, the number of adult students of the continuing education programs reached 3,760, and more than 400 types of vocational skill certificate training were provided. In addition, as a continuing education base for high end equipment industry workers and a continuing education base for fashion consumption and logistics industry workers, the University applies for Shanghai “dual system” workers continuing education higher education pilot base (incubation) project, and the project is initiated.Looking to the future, Mr. Zhao Donghui, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Gench Education, stated: “The steady growth of the Group’s performance in 2025 confirms the effectiveness of the high-quality development strategy. Going forward, we will continue to take digital and intelligent transformation as the driver, deepen the industry-education integration collaborative education model, seize the historic opportunity of building Lingang New Area into a world-class science innovation town, further optimise the professional layout, enhance the teaching capacity and improve the campus ecosystem. We are committed to preliminarily completing the transformation of an industry-education integrated university by 2030 and fully accomplishing it by 2035, building a world-class private university with international influence, and sharing the dividends of high-quality development of vocational education with all shareholders.”About Shanghai Gench Education Group LimitedGench Education (Stock Code: 1525.HK) is a higher vocational education group which provides undergraduate education and junior college education, focusing on high-quality schooling for the provision of excellent education for students. The Group operates Shanghai Jian Qiao University, being the domestic leading private university, at Lingang New Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. As measured by the number of full-time students enrolled in the 2025/26 school year, the University is the largest private university in Shanghai and is also a leading private university in the entire Yangtze River Delta. According to CUAA.net, the University ranked third among all category I private universities in China for five consecutive years and first among private universities in the Yangtze River Delta for seven consecutive years. Over 25 years of operation, the schooling quality of the University ranked in the forefront of peer universities, which has accumulated a solid brand reputation. Since 2004, the University has been consecutively awarded “Shanghai Civilized Unit” over 18 years. The University has won numerous honorary titles such as “National Model Unit of Civilization”, “Shanghai Garden Unit”, “Shanghai Safe and Civilized Campus”, etc. The University has also been granted reputable title of “Lei Feng Spirit College Demonstration Education Base” among the first batch of universities in the PRC in April 2024, and was awarded the “Contribution Award for Promoting Lei Feng Spirit in the New Era” in September 2024.This press release is issued by Porda Havas International Finance Communications Group on behalf of Shanghai Gench Education Group Limited. For further information, please contact:Porda Havas International Finance Communications GroupE-mail: gench.hk@pordahavas.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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A Surprising Sci-Fi Trend At SXSW
Obscured Pictures(SeaPRwire) - Science fiction has long been a versatile genre, encompassing everything from pulp adventures and space operas to time-travel romantic comedies. It’s an ever-changing, shape-shifting category that can require massive budgets to realize its distant worlds—yet it also serves as an ideal setting for low-budget, lo-fi character-driven stories.At this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival, the latter type of sci-fi took center stage: stories where the genre acts as a backdrop for intimate human dramas, though with mixed results. Is this a sign of a rising trend in sci-fi filmmaking? Or is it merely a coincidence that multiple directors turned to time travel or digital consciousness transfer to frame character-focused narratives? The answer might be both. Below is a look at some of the standout and underwhelming sci-fi films that use the genre as a tool for their character-driven plots.AnimaSydney Chandler continues to excel at an inhuman stoicism in Anima. | Obscured PicturesAnima, Brian Tetsuro Ivie’s sci-fi drama set in a retro-futuristic world where tech has advanced to let pets live forever and human consciousness be uploaded to the cloud post-death, carries a detached, almost weightless vibe. This could stem from protagonist Beck (Sydney Chandler of Alien: Earth), a reclusive engineer who takes a job as a handler for Paul (Takehiro Hira from ShogunWith its Japanese-inspired settings (though the film is vague about its location, sometimes showing U.S. motels) and focus on music’s ability to connect people, Anima seems partially influenced by Haruki Murakami’s work—but its attempt to capture the 1Q84 author’s ambiguous surrealism mostly misses the mark. As Paul takes Beck to visit people he’s wronged or abandoned, Ivie adds random absurd visuals and futuristic touches, but Anima ends up being a frustratingly generic road trip film. The world it’s set in and Paul’s regrets are barely developed beyond what he explicitly tells Beck. It’s a meandering sci-fi drama with stakes as underdeveloped as its characters.Anima made its debut at SXSW on March 12. It currently has no distributor or set release date for general audiences.The SaviorsAdam Scott and Danielle Deadwyler are both wasted in The Saviors. | Courtesy of SXSWThe Saviors was perhaps the most disappointing squandering of time and talent I encountered at SXSW. Starring Adam Scott and Danielle Deadwyler as a suburban couple on the brink of divorce, the film is a sci-fi mystery disguised as a paranoid psychological thriller. That would be acceptable—if the thriller element didn’t rely on outdated Middle Eastern stereotypes and shallow political observations.Directed by Kevin Hamedani, The Saviors follows Sean and Kim Harrison (Scott and Deadwyler), a couple in a quiet suburb whose lives are disrupted when their Airbnb guests arrive. The guests are Amir and Jahan Razi (Theo Rossi and Nazanin Boniadi), a Middle Eastern brother and his deaf sister who initially seem friendly—but their unusual actions soon arouse Sean and Kim’s distrust: they’re jumpy, they appear to be observing others constantly, and most alarmingly, they’re concealing strange equipment that looks like it could be part of a bomb. When the president is set to visit their town, Sean and Kim start to fear they’re caught up in a major conspiracy—an intuition that turns out to be more accurate than they imagined.The Saviors frustratingly keeps its sci-fi elements hidden, only dropping occasional clues like a green flash from the guests’ guesthouse or surreal apocalyptic dreams that haunt Sean. For the most part, though, it leans into Sean and Kim’s paranoid fears that they’re housing terrorists. This is a disappointingly outdated and rigid approach to a story that starts with potential, only to fizzle out—pun intended—far too late.The Saviors premiered at SXSW on March 13. It does not yet have a distributor or confirmed general release date.SparksThe quirky ensemble of Sparks is where the movie shines. | Obscured PicturesCleo (Elsie Fisher) has just moved to Sparks, a small town in Nebraska, but she knows right away she wants to leave as soon as she can. When a cigarette vending machine accidentally gives her a book about French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard, Cleo becomes a passionate film lover. By the time she meets the Crop—a group of wandering teens who frequent a nearby reservoir they think can send them through time—she’s set on traveling back to 1960s Paris to become an actress. Antoine (Charlie B. Foster), the Crop’s leader, immediately develops feelings for Cleo and urges the group to help her fulfill her dream. But when Cleo vanishes alone in the reservoir, the Crop is unsure what to do—until she comes back and turns their understanding of the world upside down.Sparks is by far the strongest entry in this collection of lo-fi sci-fi films. A delightful and whimsical queer coming-of-age story, it’s infused with a dreamlike quality that suits its cast of daydreamers. The ensemble—featuring emerging talents Denny McAuliffe, Madison Hu, Simon Downes Toney, Thomas Deen Baker, and Julia D’Angelo—forms the raw, unpolished core of Fergus Campbell’s written and directed film. The teens navigate love and heartbreak, host quirky barbecues that border on surreal, take part in dance battles with queer cowboys, and speak in a deadpan, Wes Anderson-esque style that hides their turbulent inner feelings. This is exactly the type of indie sci-fi tale that thrives on a lo-fi approach, and it’s bound to become a hidden treasure for aspiring film enthusiasts.Sparks premiered at SXSW on March 12. It currently lacks a distributor or set general release date. 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.
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After 25 Years, Star Trek Unveils the Hidden Reason Behind Starfleet’s Creation
Cryptic Studios/Paramount(SeaPRwire) - When was Starfleet first established? Within Star Trek lore, the answer is more complex than it may appear. Fortunately, a new, low-profile documentary from Star Trek Online provides fresh perspective on the formative years of the Final Frontier.Dedicated Star Trek fans are aware that the United Federation of Planets was founded in 2161, and that since then, Starfleet has served as its exploratory and defensive fleet. In reality, however, there are two distinct entities: the Starfleet that serves the Federation post-2161, and the original Starfleet that preceded it. In Picard Season 3, the "Frontier Day" that Jean-Luc and Will Riker are asked to commemorate refers to the maiden voyage of Archer's NX-01 Enterprise, an event that occurred before the Federation's creation.However, as shown in the series Enterprise, this 22nd-century version of Starfleet was already operational before the launch of the first warp 5-capable starship. Now, marking the 16th anniversary of the game and the 25th anniversary of the 2001 premiere of Enterprise, Star Trek Online has released a new mini-documentary.This 14-minute in-game feature primarily details four starships included in a new Star Trek Online bundle: the Vulcan Suurok-class Science Destroyer, the Human NP-class Escort, the Andorian Kumari-class Battlecruiser, and the Human NV-class Multi-Mission Cruiser. For casual fans unfamiliar with these ship classes, the documentary offers context. It expands upon one of the pre-NX-01 vessels glimpsed in the Enterprise opening montage, while also addressing a canonical gap: Who truly founded Starfleet prior to the 2150s era of the NX-01?The series Enterprise revealed through character Travis Mayweather's background that early human traders, known as "Boomers," were among the first pioneers, conducting commerce between Earth and neighboring worlds.The documentary's concise explanation is that the Vulcans, who acted as a guiding power for Earth in the late 21st and early 22nd centuries, typically did not aid human vessels targeted by pirates or other aggressors. The film states, “When it came to the security of its freighters and colonies, Earth was on its own.”So, what followed? This segment of Star Trek's early history, largely untouched by the television series, reveals that between 2063 (First Contact) and 2151 (the NX-01 launch), the initial incarnation of Starfleet was essentially formed to protect Earth's civilian ships from alien pirates.Starfleet Did Not Start as an Exploratory GroupOne of the NP-class Escorts, the first “Starfleet” ships. | Paramount/Star Trek OnlineWithin the Trek chronology, the early 2100s saw numerous Earth ships suffering pirate attacks with little Vulcan assistance. The documentary notes this culminated on October 17, 2123, when the United Earth assembly passed "the Ganges Resolution." This legislation “funded the construction of six starships using hulls from mothballed cargo ferries...these new ships would be designated NP-class Escorts.”This older vessel class appears occasionally in Enterprise and is now a playable ship in Star Trek Online as of 2026. The intriguing canonical implication is that, if accepted, the creation of these ships retroactively establishes that Starfleet's earliest form was founded solely to defend vulnerable Earth merchant vessels from pirates, not for exploration. As the documentary explains, “Thanks to the NP-class starships and their interstellar deployments, Starfleet had a small, but growing cadre of professional spacefarers. This budding group was the seed that eventually grew into a true interstellar officer corps.”An NP-class ship defends Earth against alien pirates. | Paramount/Star Trek OnlineThis era predates the events of Enterprise by decades and remains largely unexplored on screen, making it highly compelling for devoted fans. Speculation that an upcoming Star Trek film may be set in the 22nd century suggests this gritty, foundational period could be the franchise's next narrative frontier. While the 2200s, 2300s, and 3190s feel distant, a hypothetical series set in the 2120s or 2130s seems more relatable and, consequently, deeply intriguing.The new Enterprise bundle is currently available in Star Trek Online. The documentary can be viewed within the game.Phasers on Stun!: How the Making — and Remaking — of Star Trek Changed the WorldAmazon - 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.
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Chris Evans May Have Unwittingly Spoiled The Ending Of ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
Marvel Studios(SeaPRwire) - The 2019 debut of Avengers: Endgame felt like the definitive conclusion to a major chapter in the MCU. Tony Stark gave his life to save the universe, the victims of the Snap were brought back, and a new group of protectors was ready to step up. In a particularly emotional moment, Steve Rogers decided to return to his original timeline to live out his days with his soulmate.It appeared that Steve Rogers’ story had reached its natural end, with his shield passed to Sam Wilson and his personal journey resolved. However, that changed with the news that Chris Evans would return as Steve Rogers in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. A recent comment from Evans has now sparked even more speculation regarding Captain America’s role in the film.In a video shared on Instagram by Jessica Zborowski (@comicconmomsi), her husband obtained a personalized message from Evans for their anniversary. While the full video wasn't shown, a significant audio clip was played where Evans states that he begins work on "the next one" in a few months, confirming his involvement in a subsequent project.This "next one" almost certainly refers to Avengers: Secret Wars, implying that Steve Rogers will survive the events of Doomsday and avoid a fate similar to Tony Stark’s. This suggests the character is safe until at least December 2027. While there is a possibility Evans could be playing Johnny Storm—a character he recently revisited in Deadpool & Wolverine—most expect him to appear as Steve.Though some might assume his appearance is limited to brief flashbacks, Evans’ comment about "starting" work in a few months suggests a more substantial filming schedule than a quick cameo would entail.Steve Rogers may have already grown old once, but he’s coming back to the MCU not once but twice. | Marvel StudiosWhat are the broader implications for the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Given the connection between Doomsday and Secret Wars, it is probable that these films will function as a two-part narrative featuring a major cliffhanger. If this is the case, Steve Rogers may be required to take on a leadership role once again, especially in the absence of Tony Stark.While it seemed unlikely that a character as iconic as Steve Rogers would be killed off so soon after his return, Marvel has delivered shocking twists before, such as the disappearance of Spider-Man. With Robert Downey Jr. cast as Doctor Doom and the Russo brothers directing both features, Evans appears to be committed to this multi-film arc.Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026. 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.
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by: jenn
The Filmmakers Behind the Wildest Sci-Fi Epic of the Decade Are Making a New Movie With Ryan Gosling
Amazon MGM(SeaPRwire) - Ryan Gosling has been fully immersed in space and sci-fi lately, with Project Hail Mary ruling the box office and a fresh Star Wars story approaching. Yet, these ventures into the vast unknown haven't dampened the actor's passion for the genre."I still want to make more," Gosling recently told DiscussingFilm. "It really is fascinating—just the viewpoint it offers me."His latest project might grant that desire. Once he wraps up the currently filming Star Wars: Starfighter, Gosling is joining forces with two adored sci-fi directors, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Known collectively as the Daniels, the minds behind Everything Everywhere All At Once have kept a lower profile since winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2023. After a period of stepping back, the pair is poised for a bold comeback, teaming with Universal Pictures on a high-profile film set to start production this summer.The Daniels are collaborating with Ryan Gosling on what might be their largest project to date. | A24Details about the film are, unsurprisingly, closely guarded, but the little that's been shared suggests Gosling's casting is a spot-on fit. Speaking to Collider at this year's SXSW, Kwan hinted at a tale described as "fun sci-fi, action comedy with warmth" and "deeply existential."Kwan continued: "The key takeaway is we're doing what we've always done: listening intently to what's unfolding in the world, absorbing it, and creating something enjoyable and engaging that mirrors that narrative back to the world."With Gosling at the helm, it's reasonable to expect the Daniels' third film will be their most ambitious yet. Partnering with Universal, the studio responsible for countless blockbusters, signals the project's scale. Another clue is its release date: the film is set to debut in November 2027, a prime slot for titles with awards aspirations.Gosling has been on a roll with space films, thanks to Project Hail Mary. | Amazon MGMNaturally, this won't be Gosling's only future space venture. Following Project Hail Mary's box office success, there's already talk of a sequel that would expand beyond Andy Weir's original novel.Regardless of the Daniels' Gosling project's scale, the most intriguing aspect will be seeing how the quirky essence of Everything Everywhere and the Daniels' offbeat debut, Swiss Army Man, blends with Gosling's unique comedic style. This could be a sci-fi dream pairing. 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.
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by: emer
Vantage Goldfields Corrects Misleading Announcement by Lions Bay Capital Inc. (LBI)
SYDNEY, AU, Mar 28, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Vantage Goldfields Limited (Vantage Goldfields) owns Vantage Goldfields Pty Ltd (VGL), Barbrook Mines Pty Ltd (Barbrook) and Makonjwaan Imperial Mining Company (Pty) Ltd (MIMCO) (collectively the Vantage Companies), which own the Lily and Barbrook mines in South Africa. The Vantage Companies are currently in business rescue in South Africa, which is the legal process that assists financially distressed companies restructure, or otherwise avoid liquidation.An announcement was made on 26 March 2026 by TSX-V listed Lions Bay Capital Inc. (Lions Bay), which the Vantage Companies believe is misleading to investors and fails to disclose material information (the Announcement). That Announcement referred to Lions Bay receiving approval from a business rescue practitioner (BRP) of the Vantage Companies and calling a meeting of creditors to approve business rescue plans for the Vantage Companies.The Announcement is misleading and fails to disclose relevant material information regarding the Vantage Companies and Lions Bay proposal, including:While the Announcement referred to a Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) (being Mr Devereux) approving the Lions Bay proposal, it failed to disclose that the Vantage Companies have two appointed BRPs and the second BRP has not approved the Lions Bay's proposal. Both BRPs have to approve a proposal in order for it to be presented to creditors. The second BRP was appointed by the Boards of the Vantage Companies, and his appointment was confirmed by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the corporate regulator in South Africa.The second BRP was appointed to ensure that all viable proposals for the rescue of the Vantage Companies are properly considered and that a business rescue is then properly and lawfully implemented for the benefit of all stakeholders, including creditors, former employees and the local community, as soon as possible.Vantage Goldfields as the owner of the Vantage Companies and Lily and Barbrook mines, has received a number of viable proposals for the rescue of the Vantage Companies and the reopening of those mines, which should be properly considered by the BRPs. These proposals should result in a better outcome for creditors and other stakeholders of the Vantage Companies than the Lions Bay proposal.Mr. Devereux acted unilaterally and unlawfully in purporting to approve an offer from Lions Bay and convene a meeting of creditors of the Vantage Companies. Vantage Goldfields believes that Mr. Devereux misled such creditors by failing to disclose that Lions Bay does not have the necessary US$40 million in funds to be able to complete its proposal.The Announcement failed to disclose that for the Lions Bay proposal to be able to be implemented, an approval from a BRP is not legally sufficient to be able to implement that proposal, and that proposal would need to be approved by specified majorities of creditors of each of the Vantage Companies. Vantage Goldfields has been informed by the largest secured creditor of the Vantage Companies that it does not support and will not vote in favour of the Lions Bay proposal at the necessary meetings of creditors, on its current terms and given that Lions Bay does not have all the necessary funds to complete the proposal. That creditor also has not agreed to release its securities over the asset of the Vantage Companies.Therefore, the necessary approvals of creditors will not be obtained, and the Lions Bay proposal will not be able to be implemented as currently proposed.Vantage Goldfields intends to ensure that all viable proposals are properly considered for the business rescue of the Vantage Companies, and that the business rescue process is progressed and implemented properly in accordance with South African law. Vantage Goldfields remains fully committed to reopening the Lily and Barbrook mines for the benefit of all creditors, former employees, affected persons and other stakeholders of the Vantage Companies.Stephen TurnerChairman-Vantage Goldfieldsst@stephenturner.com.auThis press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about our future operations, plans, objectives, expectations, estimates, forecasts, or projections. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied.Under Australian law, statements about future matters must be based on reasonable grounds at the time they are made or they may be considered misleading. We believe the forward-looking statements in this release are based on reasonable grounds; however, events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ.These risks and uncertainties may include, among other things, changes in market conditions, economic factors, industry developments, operational challenges, regulatory changes, and other factors known or unknown to the company.Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release, and except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or changed circumstances.Source: Vantage Goldfields Limited Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: nicole
Fresh strikes intensify efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear weapons program
(SeaPRwire) - New initiatives by the U.S. and Israel to eliminate the final remnants of Iran's nuclear program have been prompted by the regime's continued possession of key atomic weapons sites and materials, specifically highly enriched uranium.In a Friday statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced its "Air Force Struck the Arak Heavy Water Plant — A Key Plutonium Production Site for Nuclear Weapons." The facility is situated in central Iran.Before the Friday strike, an IDF spokesperson, commenting on Arak, informed Digital that there is a "high estimation" that assaults on "uranium enrichment sites are part of the plan.":The IDF did not provide more detailed answers regarding its list of targets or whether ground missions to secure weapons-grade uranium were under consideration.Citing the regime's media outlet Fars, Reuters reported that Friday's joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted the Khondab heavy water research reactor.An IDF statement explained, "Heavy water is a specialized material used to run nuclear reactors, like the inactive Arak reactor, which was initially intended to produce weapons-grade plutonium. These substances can also serve as a neutron source for nuclear weapons."The plant represented a major economic asset for the terror regime and provided revenue for the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, earning the regime tens of millions of dollars annually."Iran's foreign minister issued a condemnation of Israel and cautioned the Jewish state, "Iran will exact a HEAVY price for Israeli crimes."A publication from the Washington, D.C.-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) stated, "The IR-40 Arak, also known as Khondab, Heavy Water Reactor and Heavy Water Production Plant originate from the early 2000s. … The reactor core design was perfect for generating significant quantities of weapon-grade plutonium for nuclear weapons."Jason Brodsky, policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), told Digital, "The sole nuclear site that has not been struck so far is Pickaxe Mountain, so hitting that location as part of Operation Epic Fury will be crucial to further weakening Iran's nuclear program."A White House spokesperson directed Digital to President Trump’s remarks about Iran’s nuclear weapons program during a Cabinet meeting."We're free to roam over their cities and towns and destroy all of their crazy nuclear weapons and missiles and drones that they're building," Trump stated on Thursday.David Albright, a physicist and the founder and president of the Institute for Science and International Security, informed Digital that regarding the key nuclear facilities still standing, "The elephants in the tent are Natanz and Isfahan. The Iranians disclosed an attack on Natanz, but the Israelis stated they were unaware of any attack. Therefore, it must have been the U.S."He confirmed that Natanz contains enriched uranium."The Iranians were conducting recovery work at the underground fuel enrichment plant there and were still constructing the Pickaxe Mountain tunnel complex, which has the capacity to store enriched uranium. Immediately adjacent is another tunnel complex built much earlier, around 2007. … The Iranians have sealed and fortified it. There is clearly something significant there."Albright noted that U.S. and Israeli airstrikes "have not targeted the underground Isfahan site. We are aware, based on IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] reports, that highly enriched uranium is present at that location. An enrichment plant may be under construction within that underground facility. We want that site to be attacked."Albright cautioned that the conflict must not conclude similarly to the prior U.S.-Israel war with Iran in 2025, which left Tehran in possession of the "crown jewels" of its nuclear weapons program—highly enriched uranium and numerous centrifuges."You don’t want it to emerge from this war with the same nuclear weapons capabilities it possessed at the end of the June war, but with a greater motivation to construct a bomb," Albright stated. This is the reason it is critical "to finish the job" in Iran, he 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.
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by: jenn
ALegendary Director’s Most Overlooked Crime Thriller Was Released 45 Years Ago
United Artists(SeaPRwire) - Creating a compelling crime film first requires getting the audience to invest in a protagonist who is fundamentally unethical. Filmmakers might create a world of sophisticated criminals who target the wealthy (Ocean’s 11, The Thomas Crown Affair), revel in stylized violence between criminals (Pulp Fiction, Snatch), endow the hero with a secret moral core (Drive, Donnie Brasco), or simply make them slightly smarter and less brutal than their associates (The Departed, The Town). This approach frequently glosses over the sociopathic reality of organized crime; for instance, the film Donnie Brasco transformed Al Pacino's mobster from the genuine cold-blooded brute into a tragic character who could only exist in cinema.Thief avoids these concessions. Debuting 45 years ago today, Michael Mann’s first feature introduces its lead safecracker with an extended, nearly silent diamond robbery. The methodical precision of the protagonist and his team suggests another tale of polished experts. However, observing James Caan’s Frank outside of work reveals he is nothing like Danny Ocean.Frank is rude, impulsive, ignorant, sexist, racist, and so stubborn he endangers himself. His career as a thief fits because it's difficult to picture him in any other role. This isn't to say he lacks human moments, but they are overwhelmed by the profession that consumes his life to the point of naming the film. He desires to execute a final heist and retire to a peaceful domestic life with Jessie (Tuesday Weld), yet it's uncertain what he would gain from such an existence apart from boredom.Frank's most profound realizations occur when he recounts prison life to Jessie, and his sole instance of genuine compassion is when he arranges for a dying friend to leave prison for one last look at the outside world. Having lost his own twenties to incarceration, Frank perceives everything through the lens of that experience. The outcome is a man who embodies the most severe and isolating form of being an outsider. When the Hollywood glamour is removed, an outsider's life is not a comfortable one.The few people Frank meaningfully engages with are as marginalized as he is. Jessie has her own, less voluntary, criminal past. The crime boss Leo (Robert Prosky) lectures Frank on the value of family, but he reveals his true nature when making vicious threats to control him. Every character—from the blatantly corrupt cops extorting Frank to the unseen woman who sells him and Jessie a baby—is driven solely by self-interest.Frank and Jessie get philosophical. | United ArtistsThis gritty reality is juxtaposed with beautiful imagery of rain-glazed streets, lengthy, almost fetishistic sequences of men operating their tools, and an iconic Tangerine Dream score that evokes the atmosphere of a Harrison Ford replicant hunt. Mann's first film earned him significant praise for good reason. He coats Frank's work in a stylish sheen before allowing its harsh truth to take over.Inspired loosely by the questionable autobiography of burglar Frank Hohimer—who also preached family values while presenting himself as a crude thug only marginally better than the fearsome mobsters he knew—Thief plays like a lean, early version of Mann's later masterpiece Heat (a kind of Preheat). The film rests appropriately on Caan's chilling performance. Perhaps Frank's life would have been different if he hadn't stolen money at age 20, or perhaps this was always his destiny. Since he hasn't pondered it deeply, neither should we.If you forget when Thief was made, the cars and neon lights will remind you. | United ArtistsThe parallels to Heat are clear—emotionally detached criminals, an extended diner conversation, and a fixation on the technical details of equipment and firearms are signature Michael Mann touches present here. Yet Thief also feels connected to The Irishman, with Frank's potential descent into lonely obscurity hinted at as he walks off alone into the night. He must abandon the idealized life he claimed to want and revert to the identity that defines him, and it's difficult to conceive of Thief concluding any other way.In this regard, and in every other, Thief is a resolute character examination of a resolute man. You will not like Frank, and you will likely be exasperated by his near-suicidal dedication to his own autonomy. But within a film landscape populated by implausible gentleman thieves and likable swindlers, he stands as a uniquely authentic representation of his trade.Thief is available to rent on Prime Video. 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.
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by: osami
March Madness: Michigan State Versus UConn Sweet 16 Odds, Predictions and Picks
(AsiaGameHub) - Tonight, the No. 3 Michigan State Spartans will face the No. 2 UConn Huskies in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The game is set to begin at 9:45 ET on CBS. This March Madness matchup is must-see television, featuring legendary coaches Tom Izzo and Danny Hurley battling to advance their teams to the Elite 8. As of publication, DraftKings lists UConn as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Prior to the line shift, there was considerable two-way betting activity at -1.5, with 51% of the spread handle and 52% of the tickets backing UConn. Best Bet Michigan State vs. UConn: Against the Spread Spartans +2.5 (-118) Michigan State (31-5) relies on point guard Jeremy Fears to drive its offense; he tops the country in assists at 9.4 per game. His exceptional playmaking skills were evident in the Spartans' last contest against Louisville, where he dished out a remarkable 16 assists in their 77-69 victory. In addition to Fears' offensive contributions, Michigan State holds a defensive edge. The Spartans are the nation's best at restricting offensive rebounds, a strength they'll need to maintain this evening. UConn's Tarris Reed (14.2 points per game, 8.9 rebounds per game) and Alex Karaban (13.3 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game) comprise one of the nation's top front courts. Notably, Reed grabbed 27 rebounds in their first-round win over Furman and added 13 rebounds in their second-round triumph against UCLA. UConn (27-7) tends to commit fouls frequently, which could prove decisive in a contest between relatively evenly-matched teams. The Huskies are ranked 239th in the country, averaging 18 fouls per game. The two squads met in an exhibition match in October, during which Fears converted 10 of 13 free-throw attempts. Overall, Michigan State attempted 44 free throws, making 29 of them. Michigan State shoots 76.5% from the free-throw line, placing them in the top 40 nationally and providing a clear advantage against a UConn team prone to fouling. Pick: Michigan State +2.5 Best Player Prop for Michigan State Spartans Coen Carr OVER 16.5 Points & Rebounds (-104 at FanDuel) In short, Coen Carr has been sensational throughout March Madness. That was Coen Carr’s second nice dunk in under a minute https://t.co/KYsJCGRI68— Michigan State on BTN (@MichiganStOnBTN) March 21, 2026 Carr recorded a double-double in his most recent game against Louisville, tallying 21 points and 10 rebounds. He also surpassed this threshold easily in the opening round against North Dakota State with 17 points and four rebounds. Back one of the nation's premier dunkers to deliver another strong performance tonight. Best Player Prop for UConn Huskies Alex Karaban OVER 12.5 Points (-125 at FanDuel) This betting line appears mispriced and ripe for taking advantage of. Karaban poured in 22 points in the first-round victory over Furman and then dropped 27 against UCLA. Significantly, he took 16 shots in both of those contests. The only other instance where he attempted more shots (18) was in an overtime win versus Providence during the regular season. Additionally, no other UConn player logs nearly as many minutes as Karaban (33.9 minutes per game). Our recommended wager is on Karaban scoring at least 15 points at DraftKings, where that prop is priced at +125 odds. 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.
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by: jenn
Why Apple’s Most Audacious Sci-Fi Show Had to Initiate the Martian Revolution
Apple TV(SeaPRwire) - In its fifth season, *For All Mankind* has leaped forward to 2012, continuing from its alternate-history starting point in 1969. While still set in the past, creators Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi recognize their sci-fi drama has evolved beyond a simple alternate history series.“Season 5 is the recent past technically, yet it also has a futuristic quality,” Matt Wolpert explains to Inverse. “An interesting shift has occurred; our altered timeline has diverged so significantly from real events that we can no longer incorporate as much actual news into the show's world.”Earlier seasons offered a sci-fi perspective on roads not taken in the '80s and '90s. However, with a human presence on Mars spanning over two decades in this timeline, Season 5 enters new territory, even as every season has been distinct. Throughout, Wolpert, Nedivi, and co-creator Ronald D. Moore have focused on ensuring the show's heart is more than just exploring vague "what if" scenarios. The current state of affairs in Season 5 is simultaneously more realistic and more visionary than previous years, with a major uprising taking shape on Mars at its core.Minor spoilers ahead for For All Mankind Season 5, Episode 1, “First Light.”The premiere, “First Light,” begins with Lily Dale (Ruby Cruz) tagging “Free Mars” as graffiti. This act crystallizes the season's central conflict: Martians, having lived there since the early 2000s, seek independence from Earth's governance. To ground this plotline, Wolpert and Nedivi told Inverse they drew inspiration from historical events.Space Wars With Mars Ruby Cruz as Lily Dale in For All Mankind Season 5. | Apple TV “We primarily examined the American colonies and their evolution from English foundations,” Wolpert states. “They cultivated their own identity, with vast distance separating them. The voyage time from England to America is comparable to the Earth-Mars journey in our series. That's the experience of our characters, particularly the younger generation raised on Mars.”The Martian revolution in For All Mankind thus parallels the American Revolution, a sci-fi trope seen before in works like Babylon 5 with its "Free Mars" plot, and themes in Robert A. Heinlein’s The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress concerning a lunar rebellion.“Life on Mars ain’t a walk in the park,” actress Ruby Cruz remarks. Her character Lily is the daughter of Miles Dale (Toby Kebbell), who helped hijack a valuable asteroid in Season 4, elevating Mars's status in the solar system. For Lily and Alex Baldwin (Sean Kauffman), Mars is their only true home. This aspect presented a unique challenge for the actors: viewing Mars not as an alien landscape but as a homeland. “It was fascinating to envision Mars as a beautiful home planet,” Cruz describes. “The way we value Earth—its beauty, spirit, and nature—is how Lily perceives Mars.”An Endgame With the Next Generation Ruby Cruz, Barrett Carnahan, Yael Chanukov, and Sean Kaufman: The kids of Mars are alright. Or are they? | Apple TVAs with the entire series, these ambitious concepts rely on character-driven storytelling. Season 5 represents the show's most daring shift yet, with few original cast members remaining. With Season 6 set to conclude the series, the final arc will undoubtedly focus on the new generation coming into their own.“It was a necessary gamble we made from the start,” Nedivi notes. “We understood that for the premise to succeed, the ending cast would be almost completely different.”Although some Season 1 characters return—Joel Kinnaman as former Apollo astronaut Ed Baldwin, Wrenn Schmidt as Margo Madison, and Krys Marshall's Danielle Poole appearing later—most key figures now are either characters who were young in Season 2 or are the literal youth of Season 5.“No, no pressure at all!” Sean Kauffman quips about playing Alex Baldwin, son of Kelly and grandson of Ed. “It’s challenging to contemplate because I relate it to my own experience. At 18, how much did you know about your grandparents' achievements? Alex isn't fully aware of his legacy, and this season is crucial because I firmly believe sparking change always falls to the younger generation.”Grandfather and grandson: Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman) and Alex Baldwin (Sean Kauffman) in For All Mankind Season 5. | Apple TVDetailing the exact nature of this generational transition in Season 5 would spoil major plot points. However, Kauffman shared that Kinnaman helped bolster his confidence to help lead the series forward.“This season features a significant changing of the guard,” Kauffman discloses. “Joel was fantastic. I recall a scene where I mentioned my anxiety during a close-up, and he simply said, ‘You got this.’ After we filmed it, he looked at me—in his elderly makeup, resembling a patriarch—nodded, gave a thumbs-up, and left. I had his endorsement. That’s when I thought: Let’s go.”For All Mankind Season 5 streams new episodes on Fridays on Apple TV. 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.
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by: nicole
Russian man sentenced to 4 years for assaulting woman during Barron Trump FaceTime call
(SeaPRwire) - A Russian national found guilty of assaulting a woman in London, in an attack observed by former President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, during a video call, received a four-year prison sentence from a London court on Friday.Matvei Rumiantsev, a 23-year-old mixed martial arts fighter, was found guilty by a jury on January 28 of assault causing actual bodily harm. He was, however, cleared of rape and strangulation charges. Additionally, he was convicted of perverting the course of justice for a letter he wrote to the woman from jail urging her to withdraw her accusations.Following the assault, Rumiantsev confessed to feeling jealous of his girlfriend's association with the 19-year-old son of Donald Trump."Your lack of insight and empathy was evident during the trial," stated Justice Joel Bennathan. "You persist in attempting to blame the victim for all that occurred."Trump informed investigators that he had made a late-night FaceTime call to the woman, whom he knew from social media, on January 18, 2025. He was alarmed when a shirtless man briefly answered."That image lasted perhaps a second, and my adrenaline was pumping," Barron Trump said. "The camera then turned to show the victim being struck while crying and saying something in Russian."Barron Trump proceeded to contact the London police."This is a genuine emergency … I'm calling from the U.S., uh, I just received a call from a girl who is being beaten up," he told the dispatcher.Officers went to the location and arrested Rumiantsev, who works as a receptionist in London.During his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Rumiantsev was acquitted of rape and choking offenses connected to this incident, as well as separate allegations of rape and assault from November 2024.His lawyer, Sasha Wass, stated that Trump did not know the woman had a boyfriend and cast doubt on how much he could have witnessed in just a few seconds of video.Trump did not give evidence in court. Nevertheless, the judge commended his swift response."Mr. Trump acted correctly and responsibly by ensuring emergency services were alerted from the United States and reporting what he saw," the judge said. 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.
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by: osami
Policymakers Are Moving to Tighten Gaming Rules as NZ Bill Advances to Third Reading
(AsiaGameHub) - During today's reading of New Zealand's new gambling bill, concerns raised by community groups, spearheaded by an opposition MP, regarding comprehensive player safety measures were discussed. Labour politician and party spokesperson, **Lemauga Lydia Sosene**, has emerged as a central advocate for ensuring that community benefits are a significant component of New Zealand's online gambling laws. Sosene and the community organizations she championed secured a victory late last year when the government committed to implementing a compulsory 4% levy on online casino profits, earmarked for public investment, with a future review to consider increasing this rate. The Labour MP now appears to have achieved another success, as her advocacy for robust measures to reduce gambling harm seems to have prompted the New Zealand government to prioritize this aspect in the forthcoming bill, which cleared its penultimate parliamentary stage today. The bill now requires only its third reading approval before receiving Royal Assent, at which point it will be enacted into law and establish the framework for a multi-licence online casino market in New Zealand. Following a review of the current version, which was voted on today, March 27, policymakers have suggested several amendments to strengthen problem gambling regulations before the bill proceeds to another vote. Specifically, clause 39 mandates that operators implement all reasonable measures to minimize the risk of harm from online gambling. The proposed amendment suggests that these measures be directly linked to the procedures outlined in the regulatory framework, thereby preventing any undue confusion. Additional assurances regarding the government's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations were recently provided by **Paul James**, Chief Executive Officer of the **New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs**. "We are striving to achieve a balance between effective measures for detecting, preventing, and minimizing harm, while simultaneously ensuring that the regulations are not so stringent as to impede gambling operators' effectiveness, and that New Zealanders feel secure in their decisions to engage with our non-extended gambling options," James stated. "An incorrect balance would lead individuals to resort to the black market, leaving New Zealanders to gamble without any assistance or safeguards," he added. New Zealand is getting ready to issue 15 online gambling licenses by the close of this year, with the **Online Gambling Bill** anticipated to receive Royal Assent and establish the framework for the new market on May 1. Under the proposed schedule, applications for online casino licenses will commence on December 1, with the 15-license market slated to become operational on July 1, 2027. Presently, international gambling firm **Entain** holds an exclusive sports betting license through a franchising agreement with local operator **TAB NZ**. The company has previously indicated its intention to secure three of the 15 available licenses, a move that would provide it with a significant edge in a market abundant with cross-selling prospects. 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.
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by: osami
BoscaSports’ UK acquisition signals confidence in retail and racing betting
(AsiaGameHub) - Betting technology company BoscaSports has broadened its UK capabilities through an acquisition, finalizing terms to acquire video streaming firm 2DB. The Irish firm is specifically focusing on the retail betting sector, noting that the transaction will further solidify its position as a technology provider to licensed betting offices (LBOs). The financial details of the acquisition, such as the purchase price, remain unconfirmed. Nevertheless, Allied Irish Bank (AIB) is backing the move with a loan facility. BoscaSports claims the deal will double its workforce while enhancing its retail and online capabilities. The Irish Times, however, reported that the merged entity is expected to generate €4m (£3.4m) in revenue. “This acquisition is a transformative move for BoscaSports,” said Eugenee Mitchell, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer. “Combining our capabilities with 2DB’s integrated video streaming and data solutions greatly strengthens our technology infrastructure, our distribution network, and the value we can offer to racecourses, operators, and bettors globally. “We take pride in being an Irish tech success story and are thankful for the support from AIB and RMG as we enter our next growth phase.” Two sectors at a crossroads BoscaSports already has a significant presence in the UK retail betting sector. Key partners of the company include Flutter Entertainment’s Paddy Power, the UK Tote Group, William Hill and Britbet. The company is also a partner to numerous racecourses, with its retail displays used at 86 different tracks across the UK and Ireland. Prominent UK partner tracks include the iconic Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire. “We’re thrilled to announce that 2DB has been acquired by BoyleSports,” said 2DB Managing Director, Steve Boffo. “This is an ideal cultural and strategic fit, and we’re prepared to immediately deliver for our team and customers.” Yet, both British retail betting and horse racing find themselves in a unique and potentially fragile position in 2026. Regarding the former, there have been steady decreases in UK retail betting participation and gross gaming yield over recent years as more individuals shift to online options. For instance, UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) data shows a 2% drop in retail GGY in 2025. There are also ongoing rumors of shop closures, with Paddy Power, one of BoscaSports’ clients, confirming the closure of 257 UK and Irish shops last year. Racing, on the other hand, has faced challenges with fan engagement and attendance for some time, along with the sport’s governing body. As the sport’s finances remain strained, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) continues to voice dissatisfaction with the government’s choice to maintain the Horseracing Betting Levy at 10%. Nonetheless, retail betting and horse racing received some relief in last year’s government budget. Horse racing was completely excluded from the tax increases announced by Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, while retail betting will be exempt from the rise in General Betting Duty from 15% to 25% next year. There will certainly be ripple effects from the doubling of online gaming duty to 40%, which has already manifested in the cancellation of racing betting sponsorships, rumors of additional shop closures, and even sales – such as that of William Hill owner evoke. Still, AIB’s support for BoscaSports’ acquisition of a UK betting tech brand might indicate that some analysts perceive a ray of hope for both the British and Irish retail betting market and horse racing sectors. “At AIB, we are proud to back Ireland’s homegrown technology companies as they expand globally,” said Pat Horgan, AIB’s Head of Business Banking – Capital Markets. “Their innovation fuels economic growth, creates high-value jobs, and reinforces Ireland’s status as a top global technology hub. “Bosca Technologies embodies this ambition, showing how cutting-edge innovation, strong strategic partnerships, and a global focus can achieve success on the international stage.” 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.
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by: osami
Details Come to Light About Israeli Military Profiting From Polymarket Bets on Iran Strikes
(AsiaGameHub) - Fresh information has come to light regarding the case of Israeli military members accused of utilizing confidential knowledge to trade on conflict-based markets via Polymarket. Last month, Israel disclosed the indictment of two people, a military reservist and a civilian. A court-imposed gag order had initially restricted details of the case, but it was partially revoked on Thursday night after a request from multiple media organizations. The men are accused of having placed bets on the timing of Israeli military strikes on Iran in June 2025. As per the indictment, the reservist was informed about the operation during a secret briefing a day before its commencement on June 13 and subsequently alerted his friend. The friend then leveraged this advance knowledge to make bets on Polymarket. The officer is also alleged to have sent a subsequent WhatsApp message immediately prior to the attack, writing, “It’s starting.” Alleged Polymarket Account Flagged Online While the defendants' identities are still withheld, a suspected Polymarket account has been identified online. In January, PredictFolio, a trading tracker associated with Polymarket, stated on X that an account which profited from the strikes the previous year had resumed trading activity. 7 months ago, a possible IDF insider "ricosuave666" predicted the exact day Israel would strike Iran and won $154K.He is now back on Polymarket and started buying a massive position on another Israel strike on Iran by Jan 31. Account:https://t.co/gH1HSdQ16J pic.twitter.com/PQ2UDMsfFC— PredictFolio (@PredictFolio) January 6, 2026 The account was later renamed to rundeep. The user supposedly altered the account name due to concerns about being discovered. PredictFolio asserts that the details revealed this week indicate this specific account was responsible for the purported insider trading. The numbers align. The Times of Israel reported that the two men earned $162,663 from the wager, which they decided to share equally. This amount corresponds to the most profitable bet on the rundeep account. Prosecutors state that details about the timing of the strikes were also shared with five other friends. The officer faces further accusations of leaking information about an Israeli strike in Yemen, allowing his friend to place another winning bet valued at approximately $5,000. This transaction is not visible in rundeep's trading record, suggesting other accounts may have been utilized. Other Accounts Flagged as Suspicious The rundeep account recorded just one unsuccessful bet. The user forecasted a US strike on Iran in June of the previous year, leading to a loss of nearly $3,000. Other traders secured significant profits by betting on the US strike last month. Israel reported it is probing insider trading suspicions related to six accounts that collectively made $1.2 million. Sen. Chris Murphy alleged the President's involvement, posting on X, “People around Trump are profiting off war and death.” There is no confirmed connection between the accounts under scrutiny and either Trump or Israeli military staff. The reservist had already been indicted by this point, making his involvement in this particular scandal improbable. US Lawmakers Propose Banning Select Markets Murphy subsequently proposed the BETS OFF Act, designed to ban betting on governmental actions, terrorism, war, assassination, and other scenarios where an individual possesses foreknowledge or total control over the outcome. While presenting the bill, he reiterated allegations of Trump's participation. The day before the Iran War, a flurry of big prediction market bets were placed – likely from Trump staff – that the war would start the next day.That's outrageous, and today @RepCasar and I introduced legislation to ban these corrupt prediction markets. pic.twitter.com/b4AknXGuto— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) March 18, 2026 The proposed legislation would bring minimal change relative to existing laws and market regulations. The Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) already forbids companies licensed in the US from providing markets on war or death. These specific markets were available on Polymarket's international platform, which operates outside US jurisdiction. Furthermore, insider trading is already illegal, as demonstrated by the indictment against the Israeli military personnel. Nevertheless, a comparable bill was introduced this week. The STOP Corrupt Bets Act seeks to limit prediction market contracts related to elections, military actions, and government activities. 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.