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ICAC Commissioner attends first IAACA European regional anti-corruption conference in Hungary

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BUDAPEST, Hungary, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ICAC Commissioner, Mr Woo Ying-ming, in his capacity of President of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), successfully concluded the first European regional anti-corruption conference in Hungary. The conference, which marked the largest and most extensive European anti-corruption exchange initiative of the ICAC and the IAACA, had united over 180 international experts from more than 70 anti-corruption, law enforcement and regulatory bodies across Europe and other regions of the world to work beyond geographical boundaries for enhancing multilateral collaboration and advancing integrity governance in Europe and worldwide.

Delivering the opening address in Budapest, Mr Woo said, “To tackle the increasingly complex corruption crimes, we must unite anti-corruption forces from all fronts to overcome challenges such as geopolitical tensions and address future corruption risks through professional collaboration. Following the recent adoption of European Union (EU)’s latest anti-corruption directive, all Member States are required to establish dedicated anti-corruption agencies with aligned penalties. This regional conference comes at an opportune time for the IAACA and the ICAC to enhance collaboration among anti-corruption agencies and share the ICAC’s valuable experience of over 50 years, so as to strengthen a more robust global anti-corruption network.”

Strategic “regional clusters” approach for enhancing training and exchange

The conference, showcasing the new “regional clusters” strategic approach of the IAACA, provided an efficient training and exchange platform for various anti-corruption agencies on the European continent with Hungary serving as a focal point. “The conference brings together representatives from law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption research and academic institutions from Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and others, as well as think tanks across Europe, the European Anti-Fraud Office, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) of Austria. Many participants are heads of the organisations, underscoring the importance attached to this conference by our European counterparts. This conference not only significantly expands our outreach and enhanced resource efficiency, but also enables the ICAC to gain deeper insights into the anti-corruption strategies and challenges faced by different jurisdictions. This valuable experience allows us to refine our training model to better meet the needs of different anti-corruption agencies,” Mr Woo added.

In the conference jointly organised by the IAACA, the ICAC, the Integrity Authority of Hungary, the National Anti-Corruption Authority Council of Italy, and the Hellenic National Transparency Authority, ICAC representatives shared innovative strategies in anti-graft education and effective measurement of anti-corruption performance. Apart from highlighting the strengths of the Mainland and Hong Kong in upholding integrity, the rule of law and prosperity, they also invited participants to visit the Mainland and Hong Kong to gain first-hand experience.

Broadening international collaboration and enhancing anti-corruption capabilities

The Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC) of the ICAC also seized the opportunity to host a post-conference training seminar for participants, sharing experience on effective measurement of anti-corruption performance. During his stay in Budapest, Mr Woo also chaired the IAACA Executive Committee meeting to chart the path of the IAACA upon its 20th anniversary.

Following a bilateral meeting between Mr Woo and President of the Integrity Authority of Hungary, Mr Ferenc Pál Biró, the ICAC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the IACA. Under the MoU framework, the two agencies agreed to enhance exchange of anti-corruption experience and training programmes etc. Including the present ones, the ICAC has entered into 10 MoUs with overseas anti-corruption agencies or international organisations to foster international anti-corruption collaboration.

Strategic partnership with government departments to tell good stories of Hong Kong

In recent years, the ICAC has actively joined hands with various government departments and law enforcement agencies of Hong Kong to promote abroad Hong Kong’s collaborative anti-corruption strategy. Following earlier joint missions to Kazakhstan, Thailand and Cambodia with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and the Hong Kong Police Force, the ICAC partnered with the Department of Justice (DoJ) to shed light on Hong Kong’s successful experience in anti-corruption law enforcement and prosecution earlier this month in Viet Nam. During the visit to Budapest, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions of the DoJ, Ms Laura Ng Shuk-kuen, joined the ICAC delegation to expound on Hong Kong’s experience and achievements in fugitive apprehension and illicit asset recovery in corruption cases in the training seminar.

Exchange views with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Hungary

During the visit, the ICAC delegation also called on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Hungary, Mr Gong Tao, to learn about local social developments. The delegation also shared ICAC’s anti-corruption initiatives on international cooperation.

Accompanying Mr Woo on his visit included Assistant Directors of Operations Department Mr Cheung Chin-kit and Mr Paul Lau Chi-ho, Principal Investigator Mr Eric Chan Cheuk-hay and Principal International Cooperation Officer Mr Daniel Leung Chun-yu.

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BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

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October 19, 2026

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MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

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SOURCE BCE Inc.

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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October 19, 2026

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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SOURCE 3M Company

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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October 19, 2026

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

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SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

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