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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Sherrill Demands Transparency by Protecting Inspectors General at the Department of Defense

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) spoke out today against Donald Trump firing at least 17 Inspector Generals. These independent watchdogs serve within federal agencies and are tasked with investigating allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse. Despite being protected under federal law, the President failed to provide Congress a 30-day notice before any dismissal. The amendment would protect the Inspector General oversight at the Department of Defense.

    This effort comes after Rep. Sherrill wrote to inspectors general at eight federal agencies demanding investigations into Elon Musk’s conflicts of interest and potential self-dealing.

    Click here to listen to Sherrill’s full remarks. 

    Full remarks, as delivered:

    The Trump’s administration’s immediate firings of Inspectors General — particularly within the DoD — is not only illegal but is also a blatant attempt to silence independent oversight. By removing the IG’s, the administration is ensuring that there is no one left to hold Hegseth and the Department accountable for fraud, waste, and abuse. 

    This is not about improving government, this is about eroding transparency and giving Musk and Hegseth free passes to do whatever they want. It’s dangerous for our national security, and it’s dangerous for our service members.

    And sadly, this is a pattern across the Trump Administration — reducing oversight so that Trump can line the pockets of his billionaire buddies. We’ve seen it time and again: Trump rigs the system — he installs his campaign donors, like Elon Musk, in top roles; they manufacture a problem; remove IGs and other career officials who may hold them accountable; and then award government contracts to businesses where they have a financial interest. 

    It’s self dealing; it’s inappropriate; and it’s illegal. 

    That’s why earlier this year, I called on inspectors general at eight federal agencies to investigate Elon Musk and DOGE’s actions, identify his conflicts of interest, and ensure that an unelected billionaire isn’t stealing New Jersey families’ hard earned tax dollars to further enrich himself and his companies. 

    For Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Pete Hegseth, it’s never been about combatting waste, fraud, and abuse. And it’s never been about service to country. Which is why I strongly support this amendment to protect inspector general oversight at the Department of Defense.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make Breast Cancer Diagnostic Tests More Affordable and Accessible

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Katie Britt (R-AL) are introducing the bipartisan Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act to make breast cancer diagnostic tests more affordable and accessible by eliminating copays and other out-of-pocket expenses for these tests, which are often necessary to receive a formal diagnosis. The bipartisan ABCD Act is also backed by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). 
    “Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is difficult enough – families across the country shouldn’t have to also worry about whether they can even afford the tests necessary to reach such a diagnosis, which can sometimes be the difference between life and death,” said Senator Shaheen. “Breast cancer—and the countless challenges that come with it—knows no geographic borders nor political affiliation. Let’s put politics aside and pass our bipartisan bill that could help save so many lives.” 
    “The ABCD Act would provide greater access to mammography so women can be diagnosed as soon as possible, giving them the widest variety of treatment options and the best chance to defeat this disease,” said Senator Britt. “Mammograms are a crucial, potentially lifesaving tool to detect breast cancer, and this commonsense, bipartisan legislation would ensure that a warranted follow-up diagnostic examination is also covered by health insurers at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation along with Senator Shaheen.” 
    “For far too many, needed breast imaging and access to a timely diagnosis are still out of reach due to high out-of-pocket expenses, leaving patients forced to decide between their health and their finances,” said Molly Guthrie, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act will remove the financial barrier to diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging so that individuals can get the care they need without having to endure undue financial burden. We grateful to Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Katie Britt and Representatives Debbie Dingell and Brian Fitzpatrick for their leadership on this vital legislation.” 
    Current law requires insurance companies to provide no-copay coverage for breast cancer screenings, but that does not extend to the diagnostic testing including mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds, that are necessary in many cases as an estimated ten percent of screening mammograms require follow-up diagnostic testing. 
    The costs of those tests discourage many women from getting them, risking cancer progression that increases both the severity of the disease and the financial toll for treatment. A staggering 40.6 percent of women said the possibility of paying a deductible could lead them to skip additional, often necessary imaging.   
    The standard out-of-pocket cost of a diagnostic mammogram is estimated to be $234, while breast MRIs run patients an average of $1,021. Medical debt is associated with the majority of personal bankruptcies in the United States and even higher for cancer patients.  
    Shaheen and Britt’s bipartisan bill would eliminate financial barriers to ensure women who are recommended for additional imaging can do so without fear of going into debt. The bill is endorsed by the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: iBio Raises $6.2 Million Through Warrant Inducement Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iBio, Inc. (Nasdaq: IBIO) (“iBio” or the “Company”), an AI-driven innovator of precision antibody therapies, announces today announced that it has entered into an agreement with institutional investors that are existing holders of warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company for cash (the “Existing Warrants”), wherein the investors agreed to exercise the Existing Warrants to purchase 5,626,685 shares of common stock at a reduced exercise price of $1.11 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $6.2 million, before deducting advisory fees and certain other expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

    In consideration for the exercise of the Existing Warrants for cash, the investors received new warrants (the “New Warrants”) to purchase up to an aggregate of 11,253,370 shares of common stock. The New Warrants are exercisable at $0.86 per common share, and expire five years from the issuance date. The closing of the warrant inducement transaction is expected to occur on or about April 30, 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    Chardan acted as the exclusive financial advisor in connection with the transaction.

    The securities in this private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. iBio granted registration rights to the purchasers of the New Warrants, and has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the New Warrants.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About iBio, Inc.

    iBio (Nasdaq: IBIO) is a cutting-edge biotech company leveraging AI and advanced computational biology to develop next-generation biopharmaceuticals for cardiometabolic diseases, obesity, cancer and other hard-to-treat diseases. By combining proprietary 3D modeling with innovative drug discovery platforms, iBio is creating a pipeline of breakthrough antibody treatments to address significant unmet medical needs. Our mission is to transform drug discovery, accelerate development timelines, and unlock new possibilities in precision medicine. For more information, visit www.ibioinc.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Any statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements include statements regarding the intended use of proceeds, the expected gross proceeds from the offering and the expected closing of the offering. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024, and the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by federal securities laws, iBio, Inc. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    Corporate Contact:
    iBio, Inc.
    Investor Relations
    ir@ibioinc.com

    Media Contacts:
    Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D., or David Schull
    Russo Partners, LLC
    Ignacio.guerrero-ros@russopartnersllc.com
    David.schull@russopartnersllc.com
    (858) 717-2310 or (646) 942-5604

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Alectra Inc. announces the appointment of Jane Armstrong to the position of Chair, Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors at Alectra Inc. announced today that Jane Armstrong has been appointed Chair, Board of Directors, effective April 26, 2025. Ms. Armstrong succeeds Norman (Norm) Loberg who has held the position since the company commenced operations in January 2017. Mr. Loberg will continue to serve as a Director on the Alectra Inc. Board.

    Jane Armstrong was called to the Ontario Bar in 1982 and practiced law, primarily in the areas of corporate and commercial real estate and estates and trusts, until her retirement from the practice of law in 2018. Jane was appointed to the Board of Directors of Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. in 2006 and served as Chair of the Guelph Hydro Board from 2015 until the merger of Guelph Hydro and Alectra Utilities Corporation on January 1, 2019.

    Jane has served on the Boards of several community organizations including the Guelph Downtown Board of Management, the Guelph Arts Council and the Canadian Red Cross Society, Guelph-Wellington Branch. In addition, Jane served as President of the Rotary Club of Guelph from 2004 – 2005 and as a member of the Executive of the Southwestern Ontario Branch of the Institute of Corporate Directors from 2018 until 2024.

    Jane is a former member of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Panel and a former Chair of the Guelph Police Services Board. In 2009, Jane received the Chartered Director (C. Dir.) designation from The Directors College, a joint venture of McMaster University and the Conference Board of Canada.

    “On behalf of the management team and Board of Directors I want to express our thanks to Norm Loberg for the leadership and guidance he has provided throughout his tenure as Chair,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “I also want to extend congratulations to Jane Armstrong on her appointment to the position of Chair of the Board of Directors. Her leadership and experience will be invaluable as we continue our work in delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity services to the approximately 1.1 million homes and businesses that Alectra serves.”

    About Alectra Inc.

    Alectra Inc., through its subsidiary Alectra Utilities Corporation, serves approximately one million homes and businesses across a 1,924 square kilometre service territory comprising 17 communities including Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Brampton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Guelph, Hamilton, Markham, Mississauga, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Rockwood, St. Catharines, Thornton, Tottenham, and Vaughan. The Alectra family of companies includes Alectra Inc. (Mississauga), Alectra Utilities (Hamilton) and Alectra Energy Solutions (Vaughan).

    Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable energy solutions which deliver lasting value for all.

    X: https://x.com/alectranews

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alectranews/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alectranews/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/16178435/admin/

    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alectranews.bsky.social

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alectranews

    Media Contact

    Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson
    ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIA-LN

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/168ef50d-84cc-410a-bde0-21b5497ad5e5

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Titus, Omar Introduce Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    Congresswoman Dina Titus and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Democratic Co-Chairs of the Cannabis Caucus, today introduced the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025.

    Under current law, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is prohibited from spending on or sponsoring any research related to the medical or recreational use of a Schedule 1 substance. Additionally, the Director of the ONDCP must oppose any attempt to legalize a substance that is listed under Schedule 1 and has not been approved for a medical purpose by the Food and Drug Administration.

    The Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act removes these restrictions, allowing the executive branch’s drug policy advisor to take actions reflecting the current use of cannabis in the United States. This outdated prohibition is not based on science or reality. Removing this restriction would allow the ONDCP to conduct essential public policy analyses on states’ adult-use and medicinal cannabis programs and sponsor medical research on the benefits of cannabis. A 2024 National Academies study entitled, “Cannabis Policy Impacts Public Health and Health Equity”, specifically recommended Congress remove these restrictions so that ONDCP can support research on the impacts of changes in cannabis policy.

    “The Office of National Drug Control Policy and its Director should be free to sponsor research or speak about substances like cannabis based on evidence and research,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Statutory restrictions on what can be studied and a mandate to oppose any attempts to reschedule substances like cannabis make no sense. It’s time to update the law to reflect the current use of cannabis in the United States and its medical benefits. The federal government needs to catch up to the states.”

    “Our nation’s drug policies have been shaped by stigma. The American people overwhelmingly support cannabis reform, and yet the federal government continues to tie the hands of its own experts,” said Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. “The Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act is about bringing our laws into the 21st century, ensuring that the Office of National Drug Control Policy can do its job guided by facts, not outdated ideology. We need drug policy to follow the science and reflect the reality on the ground in states across the country.”

    The Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025 is supported by the Drug Policy Alliance, the Nevada Cannabis Association, the National Cannabis Industry Association, the UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute, NORML, the Marijuana Policy Project, the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, the Parabola Center for Law and Policy, Doctors for Drug Policy Reform, the US Cannabis Roundtable, Cannabis Regulators of Color, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, the Minority Cannabis Business Association, and the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association.

    “The Drug Policy Alliance is proud to support the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Reform Act because it removes unnecessary barriers to ensure that the Office of National Drug Control Policy is empowered to develop drug policy based on evidence, not outdated political mandates,” said Cat Packer, Director of Drug Markets & Legal Regulation, Drug Policy Alliance. “To advance policies that support public health, promote fairness, and meet the needs of the American people, ONDCP must be free to study the full range of public policy approaches—including the impacts of cannabis policy changes such as legalization and regulation.”

    “The Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025 is a smart, surgical fix to promote much needed cannabis research. By targeting one deeply flawed provision that blocks scientific research and prevents us from understanding the public health impacts of cannabis legalization, this bill allows the government to study what’s already happening in dozens of states,” said Riana Durrett, Director, UNLV Cannabis Policy Institute. “Representative Titus is championing rational, responsible, and long overdue access to research. This is a commendable effort to prevent our nation from continuing to fall behind other countries that are forging ahead and surpassing the United States in cannabis research.”

    “We are proud to endorse this bill that would encourage the federal government to study the impacts of cannabis legalization. Despite the fact that over two-thirds of Americans live in jurisdictions that allow the medical use of cannabis and 24 states have legalized adult-use cannabis, the federal government has maintained restrictions on research aimed at understanding the impacts of these policy changes since their inception,” said Lauren Daly, Marijuana Policy Project Interim Executive Director. “With state-legal cannabis becoming increasingly accessible across the nation, it is imperative for the federal government to enable and support comprehensive research into cannabis legalization, ensuring that future policies are informed by sound evidence.”

    “Mandating that a federal agency charged with supporting public health and safety must ignore scientific research and oppose evidence-based policies that have been embraced by dozens of states is simply bad law, and out of step with where the vast majority of Americans stand on cannabis issues,” said Morgan Fox, Political Director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). “The ONDCP should have the liberty to look at all the available information and explore policy solutions free from outdated political restrictions. We commend the sponsors for introducing this long overdue legislation and urge Congress to approve it without delay.”

    “On behalf of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), I write in strong support of the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act,” said Lt. Diana Goldstein (Ret.), Law Enforcement Action Partnership Executive Director. “This legislation would give the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) the freedom to consider funding research on Schedule I drugs and the ability to endorse any proposals to change the status of Schedule I drugs. As law enforcement professionals, we believe this act is essential for public health and safety.”

    “The Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition supports the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Reform Act because it affirms what communities and cannabis regulators across the country already know: federal drug policy must be guided by evidence, not ideology,” said Dasheeda Dawson, Board Chair, Cannabis Regulators of Color. “For more than a decade, tribal, state, and local governments have taken meaningful steps to repair the harms of criminalization and promote public health and safety through cannabis legalization and regulation. Empowering the Office of National Drug Control Policy to study these reforms is critical to developing federal policies that truly reflect the needs of everyday Americans—especially communities of color disproportionately impacted by prohibition.”

    “We strongly support the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act to ensure researchers have the ability to conduct rigorous research on medical cannabis and cannabis legalization,” said Charlie Bacthell, Acting Chairman, US Cannabis Roundtable. “The Department of Health and Human Services determined in 2023 that cannabis has low abuse potential and accepted medical use, and 80% of states allow some form of legal cannabis. Our nation’s research guidelines should reflect this reality.”

    “The Minority Cannabis Business Association Board of Directors supports the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025 introduced by Congresswoman Titus and Representative Omar. For too long, antiquated prohibitions have prevented critical research into cannabis, hampering our understanding of potential benefits and impacts,” said Frederika Easley, President, Minority Cannabis Business Association. “By removing these statutory barriers to research funding, this bill represents a crucial step toward creating evidence-based policies that can help address the ongoing harms of the War on Drugs, which have disproportionately affected communities of color. Science, not stigma, should guide our nation’s drug policies, and we applaud this legislation for embracing this principle. We urge Congress to pass this common-sense measure to allow research that will inform more equitable and effective approaches to cannabis regulation.”

    “SSDP is proud to stand in support of the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025 and commends Rep. Titus for her much-needed leadership on this issue. The science is clear and Americans on both sides of the aisle agree: marijuana does not belong on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act,” said Kat Muri, Executive Director, Students for Sensible Drug Policy. “By eliminating the ONDCP’s current legal requirement to oppose any efforts towards legalizing a Schedule I substance, this bill removes one of the biggest obstacles to legalizing cannabis at the federal level, and it does it in a very straightforward and clear way. It’s high time the U.S. replaces the disastrous and detrimental War on Drugs with policies rooted in evidence, compassion, and human rights—policies that make sense—and the Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act is an important step in that direction.”

    “The Evidence-based Drug Policy Act of 2025 would pave the way for much-needed studies into cannabis, and we firmly believe those studies will show what Indigenous communities have always known—that plant-based medicine is a natural, beneficial way to treat ailments that is far superior to opioids and pharmaceuticals,” said Rob Pero (Bad River), founder of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association. “The criminalization of cannabis is doing more harm to our communities than good, and it’s time to take an evidence-based approach to correcting cannabis policy at the federal level.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to visit Rinnai America in Griffin, Georgia to Mark 100 Days of Unleashing American Energy

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will travel to Griffin, Georgia, on Friday, May 2, to tour Rinnai America Corporation’s manufacturing facility. Secretary Wright will deliver remarks highlighting the Department’s progress in unleashing American energy dominance, protecting consumer freedom, and restoring energy leadership in the first 100 days of the Trump Administration. 

    Since taking office, Secretary Wright has postponed several burdensome Biden-era appliance mandates, including the rule targeting non-condensing tankless water heaters.

    Rinnai is the only company manufacturing non-condensing tankless water heaters in the United States. A Biden-era rule would have effectively banned these products—putting more than 200 Georgia jobs at risk, undermining U.S. manufacturing, and stripping away a cost-effective, high-efficiency option from American households.

    The visit marks the Department of Energy’s “First 100 Days of Unleashing American Energy Victories,” which includes:

    • Halting restrictive appliance rules to defend consumer choice and protect domestic manufacturing jobs.
    • Supporting energy-efficient innovation by preserving access to advanced home technologies.
    • Reforming federal regulations to allow market-driven solutions and prevent government overreach in household energy use.
    • Defending American competitiveness by ensuring manufacturers like Rinnai can continue producing energy-saving products in the U.S.
    • Delivering relief to families by eliminating costly mandates that would have raised appliance prices across the board.

    Please contact DOENews@hq.doe.gov for press availability or media inquiries.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Wright Highlights 100 Days of Unleashing American Energy Under President Trump

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright today released the following statement marking President Trump’s 100th day in office:

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Energy has restored American Energy Dominance and strengthened our position as the largest oil producer and LNG exporter in the world.

    “Following President Trump’s reversal of the reckless Biden LNG export ban, the Department of Energy has approved record levels of new U.S. LNG exports, adding as much incremental capacity in just 100 days as the world’s current second and third largest LNG exporting nations combined.

    “Today, Americans are paying less at the pump and have more choices for home appliances thanks to President Trump cutting red tape and unleashing the production of affordable, reliable, secure American energy.” 

    Under Secretary Wright, the Department of Energy has been hard at work to implement the President Trump’s agenda of unleashing American energy dominance and lowering energy costs for the American people.

    DOE at 100 Days: Top Accomplishments

    • January 21 – President Trump officially reverses the Biden-era pause on LNG exports, restoring regular order and reaffirming U.S. global energy leadership. 
    • February 3 – Secretary Chris Wright is officially sworn in as Secretary of Energy, pledging to cut red tape, prioritize common-sense solutions, and unleash American ingenuity. 
    • February 5 – Secretary Wright delivers welcome remarks to DOE staff at the Forrestal Building, outlining his vision for restoring American energy dominance. 
    • February 5 – Secretary Wright signs his first Secretarial Order, directing DOE to implement President Trump’s energy-focused executive orders immediately. 
    • February 5 – Secretary Wright announces the “9 Pillars for American Energy Dominance,” establishing DOE’s strategic roadmap: 
      • Advance Energy Addition, Not Subtraction – Focused on expanding energy supply, not restricting it. 
      • Unleash American Energy Innovation – Empowering the National Labs, advanced nuclear, and cutting-edge energy R&D. 
      • Return to Regular Order on LNG Exports – Restoring certainty and accelerating LNG approvals. 
      • Promote Affordability and Consumer Choice in Home Appliances – Halting burdensome appliance regulations to protect consumer freedom. 
      • Refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) – Prioritizing domestic energy security through reserve replenishment. 
      • Modernize America’s Nuclear Stockpile – Supporting national security through safe, modern nuclear capabilities. 
      • Unleash Commercial Nuclear Power in the United States – Reviving and advancing nuclear energy projects. 
      • Strengthen Grid Reliability and Security – Ensuring the U.S. grid is resilient, dependable, and cyber secure. 
      • Streamline Permitting and Identify Undue Burdens on American Energy – Reducing delays for energy infrastructure and innovation. 
    • February 12 – Secretary Wright meets His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, discussing cooperation to foster economic growth through energy abundance. 
    • February 14 – Secretary Wright issues the first LNG export approval for Commonwealth LNG, sending a signal that the U.S. is once again open for business and restoring American leadership on LNG exports. 
    • February 14 – President Trump establishes the National Energy Dominance Council, chaired by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and vice-chaired by Secretary Wright. 
    • February 18– DOE completed demolition of the south side of the Alpha-2 building at the Y-12 National Security Complex, marking the largest demolition project at Y-12 and supporting modernization for national security missions. 
    • February 19 – Secretary Wright and DOE representatives met with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to discuss advancing the ambitious Alaska Gas Pipeline and Alaska LNG Project.
    • February 25 – Secretary Wright visits Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories to advance nuclear modernization and AI innovation, calling AI the “next Manhattan Project.” 
    • February 28 – DOE removes regulatory barriers for the use of LNG as a marine fuel, strengthening America’s energy competitiveness in shipping. 
    • February 28 – Secretary Wright visits Oak Ridge National Laboratory to observe modernization efforts supporting national security and advanced nuclear energy. During the visit, Secretary Wright participates in the “1,000 Scientist AI Jam Session” with Senator Hagerty, Chairman Fleischmann, and Greg Brockman, OpenAI President and Co-Founder to accelerate scientific discovery through AI. 
    • March 4 – DOE commissions the Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System (SSCVS) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), improving safety and efficiency underground. 
    • March 5 – Secretary Wright approves an LNG export permit extension for Golden Pass LNG Terminal, reinforcing U.S. energy supply security. 
    • March 6 – Secretaries Wright and Burgum deliver remarks at Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG Export Facility, marking an $18 billion expansion project supporting LNG exports to Asia and Europe made possible by President Trump’s leadership. 
    • March 7 – Secretary Wright delivers keynote address at the Powering Africa Summit, promoting U.S. energy investment and supply chain partnerships on the African continent. 
    • March 10 – DOE leads successful advocacy efforts to return the International Energy Agency (IEA) to the Current Policies Scenario (CPS), restoring focus on energy security. 
    • March 12 – DOE supports the first U.S.-Japan fast reactor fuel safety test of the 21st century at the TREAT reactor at Idaho National Laboratory. 
    • March 14 – Secretary Wright powers up American energy leadership at CERAWeek 2025 in Houston, Texas, delivering a keynote address on restoring U.S. energy dominance and the return to commonsense, pro-consumer, pro-growth energy policies under President Trump’s leadership. 
    • March 17 – Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers demonstrate a new method to track chemical changes in molten salt in real-time, advancing next-generation nuclear reactors. 
    • March 17 – DOE issues a second loan disbursement to Holtec International to reopen the Palisades Nuclear Plant restart project in Michigan, advancing President Trump’s commitment to expand all sources of energy that are affordable, reliable and secure. 
    • March 18 – DOE completes demolition of Building 175 at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, opening land for future science missions and innovation expansion. 
    • March 19 – Secretary Wright signs an LNG export authorization for Venture Global’s CP2 LNG project, supporting U.S. energy exports to allies abroad. With this action, DOE has approved more than DOE has approved over 9.5 Bcf/d of U.S. LNG.  
    • March 19 – DOE releases Biden administration’s buried 2023 study on the benefits of U.S. LNG exports, demonstrating the Trump administration’s commitment to restoring transparency and commonsense to energy policymaking. 
    • March 24 – DOE reissues a $900 million solicitation to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthen America’s nuclear future. 
    • March 24 – DOE announces the postponement of efficiency standards for gas instantaneous water heaters, expanding consumer choice, lowering costs and protecting American manufacturing jobs. 
    • March 24 – DOE further delays the implementation of Biden-era home efficiency standards for walk-in coolers and freezers and central air conditioners and heat pumps, ensuring Americans can choose the appliances that fit best for their lifestyle and budget.  
    • March 24 – DOE withdraws four conservation standards, including standards on electric motors, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, and external power supplies, advancing President Trump’s pledge to cut the red tape and regulations that raise prices, reduce consumer choice, and frustrate the American people.   
    • March 27 – DOE announces streamlined permitting reforms at the Department’s 17 National Labs, accelerating critical infrastructure projects and saving taxpayers millions. 
    • March 28 – DOE helps unlock U.S.-India civil nuclear investment and exports by resolving liability issues and promoting American SMR technologies in India. 
    • April 1 – DOE removes additional regulatory barriers standing in the way of LNG export extensions, restoring certainty for U.S. energy developers. 
    • April 3 – Secretary Wright visits the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, to highlight innovation in renewables and AI-driven energy solutions. 
    • April 3 – DOE announces a Request for Information to co-locate data centers and energy infrastructure on DOE lands, powering America’s AI revolution with abundant U.S. energy. 
    • April 3 – DOE awards a $1.4 billion Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) management contract to Strategic Storage Partners to safeguard emergency fuel supplies. 
    • April 4 – DOE leads bilateral engagement with Vietnam on foreign direct investment screening, countering malign influence and strengthening economic security. 
    • April 8 – DOE reinstates the National Coal Council and initiates new actions to unleash American coal, including promoting investment and mineral recovery from coal ash following President Trump’s Executive Order “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry”. 
    • April 9 – DOE allocates high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) material to five U.S. advanced nuclear reactor developers to boost domestic reactor deployment. 
    • April 9 – Secretary Wright travels to the United Arab Emirates, beginning a high-level mission to strengthen energy partnerships and attract Gulf investment to America. 
    • April 9 – DOE issues a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input to improve energy conservation standards and restore consumer choice in household products. 
    • April 10 – DOE begins testing accident-tolerant, higher-enriched nuclear fuel in a U.S. commercial reactor to boost reactor performance and longevity. 
    • April 11 – DOE announces a new policy saving $405 million annually by halting inefficient spending by colleges and universities receiving DOE research funds. 
    • April 15 – Secretary Wright holds bilateral talks on shared energy security goals with senior leaders in the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Secretary also delivers remarks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following the announcement of an agreement between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) advancing bilateral energy cooperation.  
    • April 18 – DOE repeals the Biden-era burdensome definition of “showerhead,” restoring consumer choice and rolling back overregulation. 
    • April 21 – DOE solicits public feedback to lift energy efficiency regulations on portable electric spas, protecting market competition and consumer access. 
    • April 22 – DOE issues a third loan disbursement to Holtec International for the Palisades Nuclear Plant, restoring nuclear generation to the Midwest grid. 
    • April 22 – DOE conducts four site inspections ensuring companies comply with national security terms under CFIUS mitigation agreements. 
    • April 22 – DOE extends deadline for compliance with the Biden administration’s efficiency standards for manufactured housing, granting greater flexibility for both manufacturers and consumers. 
    • April 28 – Secretary Wright oversees the signing of the Engineering Development Agreement between U.S. companies Bechtel and Westinghouse with PEJ to advance Poland’s first AP-1000 nuclear power plant. 
    • April 28 – Secretary Wright meets with senior leaders from across Central Europe and delivers keynote remarks at the Three Seas Business Forum in Poland, where he invites European nations to invest in American energy and embrace a shared vision for greater energy security.   
    • April 28 – DOE announces the cancellation of wasteful and unnecessary contracts, generating over $700 million in immediate savings for American taxpayers. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Outlining Turmoil Created in First 100 Days Under Trump

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today outlined the turmoil created under President Trump’s first 100 days in office, warning that his administration’s retaliatory policies, deep federal cuts and unilateral tariffs are poised to negatively impact New York’s economy, the environment and hard working families. Last week, New York State joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of President Trump’s global tariffs. According to independent estimates, Trump’s tariffs will cost the State’s economy more than $7 billion, result in more than 280,000 jobs lost and hit New York families with an average cost increase of $6,400. New York has also led the fight to protect federal funding from cuts and disruptions that are impacting more than $1.3 billion in federal funding for New York and has successfully challenged in court the Trump Administration’s global funding freeze, as well as cuts to the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other critical federal agencies.

    “The first 100 days of the Trump Administration have been rife with chaos and uncertainty, from on-again, off-again tariffs to cuts to vital programs, New Yorkers are paying the price,” Governor Hochul said. “President Trump promised relief from inflation and his policies are making life harder, chaotic and more expensive for working class New Yorkers while slashing the very services they rely on.”

    Implications for New Yorkers during President Trump’s First 100 Days Include:

    • More than $1.3 billion in cuts to funding for State programs so far with more expected, in addition to the funding cuts to local governments, universities and other organizations delivering critical services to New Yorkers
    • Massive fluctuation in the stock market from ever changing tariff policies has shrunk 401(k)s and 529 college savings plans, and is expected to increase cost of living for New Yorkers by thousands of dollars
    • Manufacturers and small businesses are reeling from severe cost hikes on some products due to tariffs, leading them to leave shipments in customs or cancel orders
    • Canadian and European travel to New York has dropped and hotel stays and trips in regions such as the North Country and Western New York have been cancelled
    • The pause of construction of Empire Wind, which will have a profound impact on jobs and energy production
    • Cutting millions in funding that allows school districts and food banks to buy produce from local farmers who rely on their purchases
    • Three Social Security Administration offices closed in New York
    • Eliminated every person in the office that manages a program helping over 1 million New Yorkers pay their heating and cooling bills
    • Cuts to the NIH paused the critical research of a New York Scientist on Alzheimer’s treatments
    • Cut over $300 million in infrastructure funding for New York communities, threatening our public safety
    • Cutting the majority of federal AmeriCorps funding in New York, which supports approximately 1,500 AmeriCorps members working for non-profits and in low-income communities across the State

    PUBLIC SAFETY AND IMMIGRATION

    The Trump administration has revoked more than $325 million in vital resiliency funding from the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and put $56 million more at risk, which will impact several critical infrastructure and community resilience projects in New York State.

    Additionally, DOGE is planning to cut up to 84 percent of staff from their Office of Community Planning and Development, which helps pay to rebuild homes and other recovery efforts after the country’s worst disasters such as Superstorm Sandy and Tropical Storms Lee and Irene.

    The Albany National Weather Service (NWS) Office was forced to suspend weather balloon launches due to staff shortages and budget constraints. This has impacted the ability of the NWS to provide twice-daily balloon launches, impacting the accuracy of weather forecasts.

    After Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a Sackets Harbor mom and her children, Governor Hochul took action, engaging with the White House, Border Czar Tom Homan and local officials in an effort to bring the family back home. After 11 days in detention, the family was returned to Sackets Harbor.

    ECONOMY AND TOURISM

    The stock market has been unstable due to President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff policy. This has caused retirees’ 401(k)s and students’ 529 savings plans to shrink. Additionally, consumer confidence plunged, to 50.8 percent in April from 71.7 percent in January. The dollar has weakened, falling to a three month low in April.

    The Governor has heard from small and mid-sized businesses across the State who are worried about rising costs and their future. A recent survey from the National Small Business Association found that the majority of small businesses are concerned about tariffs and one in three are very concerned. Examples include North Country manufacturer Alcoa, which took an estimated $20 million hit on imports from Canada, and North Country Golf Club which is facing declines in businesses due to the decline in tourism from Canada. In the Southern Tier, the Cortland Standard, which was in business for more than a century, has closed its doors, citing the expected 25 percent tariffs on paper as part of the decision.

    The Trump administration is cancelling the successful Manufacturers Extension Partnership (MEP) in several states. In New York, NY MEP centers generated $1.25 billion in economic impact, supported the creation or retention of nearly 6,300 jobs and served over 700 companies during the 2023 calendar year. This decision has raised widespread concern across the entire national network of MEP Centers, prompting fears about whether these initial cancellations are the first step in a broader effort to dismantle the program and eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers.

    Due to the tariff trade war with Canada, New York’s number one trade partner, and the rhetoric that Canada could be the “51st state,” impacts are widespread. Visitors from Canada are avoiding the U.S. and New York State. Overall, total bridge crossings between Eastern Ontario and New York State for March are down 23,000 compared to 2024, and at the lowest level since 2022. Additionally, Niagara River bridges traffic for February is down 14 percent and Thousand Islands Bridge crossings are down 19 percent.

    A survey of local businesses in the North Country found that 66 percent have already experienced a slight to significant decrease in Canadian bookings for 2025, and that 26 percent have already adjusted staffing levels in response to the decline.

    TRANSPORTATION

    President Trump’s Department of Transportation vowed to kill congestion pricing from day one of his administration, despite clear evidence that the program is working. The MTA reported that in March, traffic is down 13 percent, travel times have improved in key corridors within the Central Business District and it has increased revenue for the MTA that will result in improvements in the system.

    IMPACTS ON HARD WORKING FAMILIES

    President Trump has reduced the federal workforce by more than 120,000 people nationwide according to data compiled from CNN. In New York more than 1,200 federal workers have been forced to file for unemployment.

    The Trump administration has pledged to cancel the successful and free Direct File tax filing program. This program has already begun to make an impact in its first full year, with many New Yorkers saving nearly $300 per household in tax prep fees that could instead go toward groceries, gas, child care or rent.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture slashed hundreds of millions of dollars in funding that helped schools buy food from local farms. The program sought to bring local produce to schools and child care facilities, giving schools the opportunities to purchase fresh foods and use smaller producers rather than rely on large corporations.

    The Trump Administration announced that half of all food shipments through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) would be canceled, resulting in a $500 million reduction in funding for food banks across the country. New York State could see a loss of around 16 million pounds of USDA foods in 2025 due to the TEFAP funding cuts, according to Feeding New York State.

    SSA field offices are closing, wait times for deserving seniors are increasing and sensitive and private personal data is in danger of being insecure.

    ENERGY

    The Trump Administration stopped construction on Empire Wind, putting thousands of construction jobs at risk and threatening to dismantle a project that when complete, will generate enough electricity to power about 500,000 homes in New York State.

    Funding has been suspended for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Funds. The NEVI program — passed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — provides funding directly to states for installing public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, which, if implemented, will lower fuel costs for families, reduce U.S. dependence on fossil fuels and create construction jobs nationwide.

    President Trump has also threatened to roll back the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and repeal its tax credits. NYSERDA estimates a full repeal of the clean energy incentives could result in more than $20 billion in increased project costs and could cause significant project attrition.

    HOUSING

    At the direction of President Trump and DOGE, HUD staff has been decimated, imperiling the core functions of the agency that serve our communities, manage federally funded housing programs and assist housing development at a time of national crisis for housing. Funding has also been cut for organizations that fight housing discrimination across the country, while rolling back federal protections to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing.

    HUD has further announced it was ending four years early the Emergency Housing Voucher Program, a successful federal program to combat homelessness for more than 9,500 households across the State. The federal administration imperiling this funding will force these families, at last stably housed, back onto the street.

    The $1 billion Green and Resilient Retrofit Program that helps preserve affordable housing is being paused, threatening projects that keep tens of thousands of units livable for low-income Americans.

    HEALTH CARE

    The actions of the current administration threaten the health and safety of New Yorkers. New York State remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all New Yorkers and promoting health equity.

    President Trump has endorsed the House’s budget resolution which includes over $1 trillion in cuts to critical safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Nearly 7 million qualifying New Yorkers are covered under Medicaid, including 2.5 million children, and 636,000 New Yorkers with disabilities. 2.9 million New Yorkers rely on SNAP for healthy food, including over 800,000 children.

    The Trump administration’s National Institute of Health (NIH) has cut grant funding to SUNY used to conduct research to cure diseases, keep our nation safe and grow our economy. The NIH’s sudden budget cuts will cost SUNY research an estimated $79 million on current grants, including more than $21 million over just the next five months that will immediately imperil the work of SUNY’s dedicated researchers by decimating the equipment, staff and services they rely on.

    The Trump Administration picked a top health official who has questioned the safety of vaccines and the use of fluoride in drinking water and claimed that autism was preventable. These views go against proven science and could lead to more diseases by making people doubt public health advice.

    The Administration has taken back important public health funding. This includes money for tracking disease, supporting vaccinations and helping vulnerable communities hit hardest by the pandemic. Without this funding, local health services must cut staff and scale back programs, especially in areas that need the most help.

    Hundreds of federal health workers have lost jobs, making it harder for both the federal government and states like New York to respond to health threats and deliver services like maternal care and disease control.

    New executive orders have removed federal support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, harming efforts to ensure fair health care for women, LGBTQ+ people and communities of color. These actions affirm that the needs of these communities no longer matter to the federal government.

    In addition, with massive arbitrary cuts to federal agencies, the future of federal programs to help combat substance use disorder, heating and cooling assistance for low-income New Yorkers, and early childhood investment programs like Head Start remain in jeopardy.

    New York State remains committed to ensuring all New Yorkers have access to affordable, quality health care. Accordingly, the State rejects thinly veiled attacks on anyone who may not comport with the Trump Administration’s limited views of who is a person.

    EDUCATION

    President Trump vowed to eliminate the Department of Education, a crucial part of the federal government that supports kids, teachers and administrators right here in New York State. New York receives $5.5 billion annually from the Department of Education. Approximately $3.2 billion is routed through the State Budget and $2.3 billion is sent directly to local entities, primarily colleges and universities. This crucial funding supports Pell Grants for college students, money for kids with disabilities, programs that are supporting kids’ mental health, crucial research at our public higher education institutions and much more

    ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE

    The Trump administration has taken aim through Executive Order at dismantling New York State’s strong environmental protections.

    Additionally, funding for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program has been slashed. While the Biden administration had indicated that $24 million would be available under the LFPA program (New York Food for New York Families), the Trump administration (USDA) has reversed and this next round of funding will no longer be available.

    More recently, New York State’s $60 million award for the New York Connects: Climate Smart Farms and Forests Program, which funds climate smart agriculture and forestry practices, was cancelled by USDA.

    USDA staff that assist farmers with implementing conservation programs, loans and other resources for their farms, have been laid off.

    Over 80 percent of agrochemical imports and 70 percent of farm machinery imports come from countries facing tariffs of 10 percent or more. Tariffs may slow down or halt on-farm expansion and modernization due to projected increases in equipment costs, with much of the stainless steel coming from abroad.

    Trade issues are having a compounding effect for dairy farmers — input costs are going up and the milk price relies on export markets. Tariffs and threats of trade disputes result in lost markets and lower milk prices. For example, the budget for a building project went from $85,000 to $106,000, due to tariffs on steel and aluminum, one farm had a $2,200 fee added to their bill for grain because it came from a Canadian feed mill and another farm is anticipating their bottom line to be 7-10 percent lower this year due to lower milk prices and tariffs on inputs, including feed, energy and building supplies.

    The ability of West Coast apple producers to export their product will play a key role in the price and demand for New York apples. If West Coast producers are not able to expand overseas markets, they will continue to flood East Coast markets and displace New York State fresh apples where they can undercut prices.

    Tariffs placed on equipment, largely coming from Canada, would increase producers’ costs of maple syrup production significantly and negatively impact profitability in the maple industry.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Radix to showcase AI driven Digital transformation for the Pulp and Paper Industry at TAPPICON 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radix, a technology services company delivering innovative industrial solutions to asset-intensive industries, will attend the TAPPICON 2025 Conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center, from May 4 to May 7, 2025.

    For the past three years, Radix has actively participated at TAPPICON, supporting the growth and development of the Pulp and Paper industry. This year, the Radix team will step up to share insights that enable collaboration, education and elevate innovation and action.

    André Furtado, Digital Transformation Expert at Radix who will present a couple of success stories commented: “We’re excited to connect and collaborate with the industry leaders and experts sharing our insights into process improvement and optimization that boost productivity and reduce cost. In essence, insights that Radix can help elevate operational excellence at scale through data-driven, measurable solutions that have the buy-in of both the stakeholders and day to day users.”

    “The Radix team will share how digital transformation and data analytics are driving measurable improvements in ways that were previously unattainable. Unlocking these insights could elevate operational excellence and enhance workplace safety for asset-intensive industries like pulp, paper and tissue,” Robert Bustin, Pulp & Paper Industry Specialist at Radix added.

    Andre and Robert will share insightful presentations that can inspire and elevate the dialogue:

    1. “Change Management in Digital Transformation: Key Strategies for Successful Implementation” – André Furtado
    2. “Leveraging GenAI for Enhanced Plant Performance: An OEE Case Study”​ – André Furtado
    3. “The Path to Optimized Asset Performance Management: A Comprehensive Framework”​ – André Furtado
    4. “Enhancing Workplace Safety with Computer Vision: Real-Time Monitoring and PPE Compliance”​ – Robert Bustin
    5. “How Can the Management of Critical Assets in the Pulp and Paper Industry Be Transformed Through Predictive Maintenance and Proactive Anomaly Detection Using PIMS to Enhance Planning and Ensure OEE? “​ – André Furtado

    The Radix’s team including Simon Sierra, Business Development Manager for Manufacturing looks forward to engaging and build strong relationships by welcoming you to the presentations or the Radix Booth #324. For more information, visit RADIX | TAPPICON 2025.

    About Radix
    Founded in 2010, Radix is a privately held technology solutions company providing consulting, engineering, operations technology, and data and software technology solutions globally. Radix combines key capabilities and practices to empower customers to thrive along their digital transformation journey. Radix provides technology-based, data-driven solutions to industrial and non-industrial companies worldwide. Radix has experience leading projects in more than 30 countries. It has more than 1,800+ employees around the globe, with North American headquarters in Houston, Texas, main headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, additional offices in Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and a presence in Singapore and Amsterdam. To learn more, visit www.radixeng.com

    For more information:
    Citalouise Geiggar, Ph.D.
    citalouise.geiggar@radixeng.com
    Radix

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83b1e7ae-2f41-4d62-bf32-9829e7ca84fe

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Immediate attention required for LocalBitcoins.com users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HELSINKI, Finland, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LocalBitcoins.com, a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading platform, has ceased its operations. Users who have previously maintained accounts on the platform are strongly advised to promptly check their account balances.

    It is critical to verify if there are any remaining funds in your LocalBitcoins account, unless you have already done so. Should you find a remaining balance, please immediately initiate a withdrawal request to ensure the secure transfer of your assets.

    LocalBitcoins.com emphasizes that users act without delay to safeguard their cryptocurrency holdings.

    For assistance or further information, users should contact LocalBitcoins customer support directly through the website Localbitcoins.com.

    About LocalBitcoins

    Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, LocalBitcoins Oy was a pioneer in the peer-to-peer cryptocurrency space. The company provided a global online marketplace that enabled users to buy and sell Bitcoin directly with one another in a secure and user-friendly environment. The closure of its services was officially announced on February 16, 2023.

    Media contact:
    Nikolaus Kangas, CEO
    nikolaus.kangas@localbitcoins.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by LocalBitcoins. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. GlobeNewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2c1630a-a2e7-4e3e-bbe2-75a1436990f8

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Subsea7 and SLB OneSubsea awarded EPCI contract for bp’s Ginger project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Luxembourg – 29 April 2025 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the award of a substantial1 engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract by bp to Subsea Integration Alliance (SIA) for the Ginger project offshore Trinidad and Tobago.

    The Ginger project is a notable project award under the new global framework agreement between bp and Subsea Integration Alliance partners SLB OneSubsea and Subsea7.

    Building on a long-standing successful relationship, this agreement establishes a new way of working that enables system-level optimisation through increased transparency and early engagement. Further, the framework defines a novel commercial model that effectively aligns incentives for accelerated and maximised value creation among all stakeholders involved, throughout the life of joint projects.

    For the Ginger EPCI project, Subsea7 will supply a diver-installed tie-in system, a flexible production flowline, and associated infrastructure. SLB OneSubsea will deliver four standardised vertical monobore subsea trees and tubing hangers, optimised for speed of delivery and installation. It will also deliver the first high-integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) manifold in the region, which will unlock considerable safety, efficiency and environmental gains. bp’s Ginger development is located off the southeast coast of the island of Trinidad, at water depths of up to 90 metres.

    Project management and engineering activities will begin immediately at Subsea7’s office in Houston, Texas, with offshore operations scheduled for 2026.

    Craig Broussard, Senior Vice President for Subsea7 for Gulf of Mexico said, “This is a significant project for the region, and one which will benefit from decades of collaboration between bp, Subsea7, and SLB OneSubsea. Our combined expertise and efforts are focused on achieving bp’s goal of first gas in 2026.”

    Olivier Blaringhem, CEO of Subsea Integration Alliance said, “This is an exciting and important project for our novel global framework with bp, which expands our EPCI collaboration to Trinidad and Tobago. Through the capability and agility of our partners Subsea7 and SLB OneSubsea, we provide key assets and expertise to create value for the long-term and deliver the best possible total cost of ownership on the Ginger project.”

    (1)   Subsea7 defines a substantial contract as being between $150 million and $300 million.

    *******************************************************************************
    Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs.
    Subsea Integration Alliance (SIA) is a strategic global alliance combining the strengths of SLB OneSubsea and Subsea7. Working closely with SIA gives customers unique access to integrated subsea solutions—including field development planning, EPCI contracting models, end-to-end project delivery—and total life cycle solutions.
    Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

    *******************************************************************************

    Contact for investment community enquiries:
    Katherine Tonks
    Investor Relations Director
    Subsea7
    Tel +44 20 8210 5568
    ir@subsea7.com

    Contact for media enquiries:
    Ashley Shearer
    Communications Manager
    Subsea7
    Tel +1-713-300-6792
    ashley.shearer@subsea7.com

    Moira Duff
    Director of External Communications
    SLB
    Tel: +1 (713) 375-3407
    Email: media@slb.com

    Forward-Looking Statements: This document may contain ‘forward-looking statements’ (within the meaning of the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements relate to our current expectations, beliefs, intentions, assumptions or strategies regarding the future and are subject to known and unknown risks that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘future’, ‘goal’, ‘intend’, ‘likely’ ‘may’, ‘plan’, ‘project’, ‘seek’, ‘should’, ‘strategy’ ‘will’, and similar expressions. The principal risks which could affect future operations of the Group are described in the ‘Risk Management’ section of the Group’s Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements. Factors that may cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to): (i) our ability to deliver fixed price projects in accordance with client expectations and within the parameters of our bids, and to avoid cost overruns; (ii) our ability to collect receivables, negotiate variation orders and collect the related revenue; (iii) our ability to recover costs on significant projects; (iv) capital expenditure by oil and gas companies, which is affected by fluctuations in the price of, and demand for, crude oil and natural gas; (v) unanticipated delays or cancellation of projects included in our backlog; (vi) competition and price fluctuations in the markets and businesses in which we operate; (vii) the loss of, or deterioration in our relationship with, any significant clients; (viii) the outcome of legal proceedings or governmental inquiries; (ix) uncertainties inherent in operating internationally, including economic, political and social instability, boycotts or embargoes, labour unrest, changes in foreign governmental regulations, corruption and currency fluctuations; (x) the effects of a pandemic or epidemic or a natural disaster; (xi) liability to third parties for the failure of our joint venture partners to fulfil their obligations; (xii) changes in, or our failure to comply with, applicable laws and regulations (including regulatory measures addressing climate change); (xiii) operating hazards, including spills, environmental damage, personal or property damage and business interruptions caused by adverse weather; (xiv) equipment or mechanical failures, which could increase costs, impair revenue and result in penalties for failure to meet project completion requirements; (xv) the timely delivery of vessels on order and the timely completion of ship conversion programmes; (xvi) our ability to keep pace with technological changes and the impact of potential information technology, cyber security or data security breaches; (xvii) global availability at scale and commercially viability of suitable alternative vessel fuels; and (xviii) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This information is inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 29 April 2025 at 19:30 CET.

    Attachment

    • SUBC Ginger

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI—Hagerty Joins Mornings With Maria on Fox Business to Discuss Trump’s First 100 Days, Reconciliation, Tariff Negotiations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—Today, United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking, and Foreign Relations Committees and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, joined Mornings With Maria on Fox Business to discuss President Donald Trump’s success during his first 100 days, the budget reconciliation moving through Congress, and the ongoing tariff negotiations.

    *Click the photo above or here to watch*
    Partial Transcript
    Hagerty on Democrats protesting Trump’s successful first 100 days: “I think in reality, Maria, they’re protesting because this has been the most effective, most impactful, in a positive sense, 100 days, certainly in my lifetime. [Senator] Chuck Schumer seems to forget that in November of last year, 75 percent of the American public felt this nation was on the wrong track. As President Trump has come into office, he’s fixed our border, he’s put us on a fundamentally different plane in terms of crime in America. He’s addressing some of the longstanding issues that we’ve had with some of our partners. We’re moving in the right direction, and I think that the Democrat party is imploding as a result of it. Today is exhibit A in that point.”
    Hagerty on budget reconciliation process: “I met with a group of House leaders last night. They’re working apace to get their piece of the reconciliation package done by Memorial Day. It’s our job in the Senate—I spoke with Leader [John] Thune yesterday—to move as quickly as we possibly can to get the reconciliation package done right after Memorial Day. We need to be moving apace to get certainty locked into our tax code so that companies can make the type of capital commitments that we want to see happen in 2026. That’ll be addressed with corporate tax rate reductions. That’ll be addressed with certainty again and how we amortize the investments that I hope to see. At the same time, the deregulatory thrust is very real. It’s going to be very significant. If you think about [former President] Joe Biden’s term over four years, the estimates are that each year, compliance costs for regulations that he added have gone up $1.4 trillion per annum on corporate America. As we peel those away, that’s going to have an immediate benefit and immediate impact on operating costs. That’s going to be positive for our economy as well […] The Senate’s going to come up with far more than four billion, Maria. It has to do with the rules here, the Byrd Rule in the Senate. We’ll navigate this, I hope, closer to $2 trillion worth of cuts. It is certainly possible. You go back to where we were before the pandemic, before Joe Biden unleashed massive amounts of wasteful stimulus spending. We get back to those levels; we’re not going to have a difficult time getting around $2 trillion cut out of this budget.”
    Hagerty on the trade negotiations with Japan: “As you say, Maria, I’ve seen this movie before. We negotiated two trade deals when I served as ambassador. The Japanese are very tough negotiators, but it’s not just tariffs. It’s non-tariff barriers that exist in Japan. Local rules, localization requirements, we need to be harmonizing those sorts of regulations. I think Japan has a tremendous opportunity. If they step up, we have plenty of room to do more trade, and they have plenty of room to procure more from America. I want to see that happen. President Trump wants to see it happen. That will accommodate a greater partnership, greater strategic alliances, and I think all parties will be better off as a result.”
    Hagerty on his optimism towards a deal with Japan: “I think we can go to zero tariffs with respect to Japan. They are certainly willing to move on tariffs, but again, it’s the non-tariff barriers that have to be addressed. We need to put in place metrics. We need to make certain that they’re addressed. And again, I see real opportunity working with Japan as companies move their supply chains out of China, de-risk those. Japan should be working with us very closely as we develop new technologies, as we work on new military posture, new technologies there, there’s much to be done that’s positive. And we start to announce those types of aggressive forward-leaning activities that we can do together, those types of investments, I think it’ll be very positive for all of us. And President Trump can focus on that.”
    Hagerty on non-tariff barriers with Japan: “The localization requirements have been extraordinarily difficult. And Maria, these difficulties have gone on for decades. Japan has protected its market very heavily. They’ve made it very difficult for us, for, I say western companies, non-Japanese countries, to enter that marketplace. So, if you think about the regulations that they use, again, localizing the product, we’ve got to find ways to make this work in both countries. If you think about the inspection requirements, that type of thing, it can all be addressed. With respect to agricultural products, extremely protective of Japanese farmers, we dealt with a lot of that in the phase one agreement that we negotiated when I was ambassador. There’s a lot more room there as well.”
    Hagerty on the timing of the budget reconciliation package: “I spoke with Leader Thune just yesterday, and I think the [U.S.] House of Representatives working at pace. I’m delighted to see them putting text out. I think as America sees that text, they start to get more and more certainty about where we’re headed. I spoke with Leader Thune yesterday about the fact that as soon as we get back from Memorial Day break, we need to be working at pace. We need to be working in parallel with the House to get this implemented as quickly as possible. This is going to be great news for corporate America. This is going to stimulate more investment. I want these investments committed this year so that we actually see them materialize in 2026. That’s why this needs to be happening at the beginning of the summer, rather than at the end of the summer.”
    Hagerty on the Senate Republicans united to pass the budget reconciliation package: “That was also a part of my conversation with Leader Thune yesterday, and I’ll be speaking with a number of my colleagues aimed at just that. But I think there’s plenty of room to see significant cuts in terms of trimming back this wasteful stimulus spending that took place under Biden, a lot of spending that should have never happened in the first place. Again, moving in the right direction there from a fiscal responsibility standpoint. At the same time, making permanence an overarching goal for corporate tax rates, for the way depreciation is treated and for many other aspects of the tax code that will give, again, certainty to corporate America, so the types of commitments we want to see for 2026 are put in place as soon as possible […] [Pre-covid spending numbers] certainly has been a goal of a number of my colleagues, and we need to be aiming in that direction. You adjust for population growth and I think we can get there.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Credit Agricole Sa: Evolution of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s governance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release

    Montrouge, 29 April 2025

    Evolution of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s governance

    At Crédit Agricole S.A.’s Board meeting of 29 April 2025 chaired by Dominique Lefebvre, Olivier Gavalda, CEO of Crédit Agricole S.A. as of the 14th of May 2025, presented his future organisation.

    Olivier Gavalda will propose to the Board of Directors following Crédit Agricole S.A. general shareholders’ meeting which will be held the 14th of May 2025, that Jérôme Grivet be appointed as sole Deputy Chief Executive Officer and second executive director of Crédit Agricole S.A.

    As of the 1st of June 2025, the General Management of Crédit Agricole S.A. will be organised around seven divisions, the Corporate Secretary and the control functions.

    Five divisions and the General Secretary will be under the direct supervision of Olivier Gavalda:

    • Universal Retail Banks, bringing together LCL under the responsibility of its CEO, Serge Magdeleine, and Crédit Agricole Italia under the responsibility of its CEO, Hugues Brasseur.
    • International Banking and Services, under the responsibility of Stéphane Priami as Deputy General Manager. This new division will be composed of Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility, Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring, the International Banking Development department and BforBank.
    • Major Clients, gathering Crédit Agricole CIB and CACEIS, under the responsibility of Jean-François Balaÿ, CEO of Crédit Agricole CIB.
    • Client, Development and Innovation, under the responsibility of Gérald Grégoire as Deputy General Manager. This division gathers the Retail Markets department, the Transformation/Distribution and Development department, the Brand and Customer Communication department, the regional Banks’ relationships department, the Payments, the startup studio’s La Fabrique and Crédit Agricole Immobilier.
    • Transformation, Human Resources and Transitions, under the responsibility of Grégory Erphelin as Deputy General Manager. This new division will gather the Group Human Resources, Technological Transformation, Sustainability and Impact, Agri-Agro, Guarantee and Capital Development departments, Crédit Agricole Transitions & Energies and Crédit Agricole Santé & Territoires.

      In this division, the Technological Transformation department will be under the responsibility of Olivier Biton and will gather Crédit Agricole Group Infrastructure Platform, Data/AI teams, and the Information Systems Department.

    • Corporate Secretary, under the responsibility of Véronique Faujour gathers the Group Communication department, the Board of Director’s secretary, General affairs, Security/Safety, and Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation, the Public Affairs department and Uni-Medias.

    Two divisions and the control functions will be under the direct supervision of Jérôme Grivet:

    • Finance and Steering, under the responsibility of Clotilde L’Angevin as Deputy General Manager. This division gathers Finance, Financial Communication & Investors relations, Subsidiaries and Investments, Strategic studies, Legal, Economic studies and Procurement departments.
    • Savings and Wealth Management, this new division will gather Amundi, under the responsibility of its CEO, Valérie Baudson, Crédit Agricole Assurances, under the responsibility of its CEO, Nicolas Denis and Indosuez Wealth Management, under the responsibility of its CEO, Jacques Prost.
    • Group Risks, under the responsibility of Alexandra Boleslawski.
    • Group Compliance, under the responsibility of Hubert Reynier.
    • Group Internal Audit, under the responsibility of Laurence Renoult.
       

    As of 1 June 2025, Crédit Agricole S.A.’s Executive Committee will be thus composed of 18 members:

    • Olivier Gavalda, CEO
    • Jérôme Grivet, Deputy CEO
    • Clotilde L’Angevin, Deputy General Manager, in charge of Finance and Steering division
    • Grégory Erphelin, Deputy General Manager, in charge of Transformation, Human Resources and Transitions division
    • Gérald Grégoire, Deputy General Manager, in charge of the Customer, Development and Innovation division
    • Stéphane Priami, Deputy General Manager, in charge of International Banking and Services division
    • Jean-François Balaÿ, CEO of Crédit Agricole CIB, in charge of Major Clients division
    • Valérie Baudson, CEO of Amundi
    • Hugues Brasseur, CEO of Crédit Agricole Italia and Senior Country Officer for the Group
    • Nicolas Denis, CEO of Crédit Agricole Assurances
    • Serge Magdeleine, CEO of LCL
    • Olivier Biton, Director of Technological Transformation
    • Eric Campos, Chief Sustainability and Impact Officer
    • Bénédicte Chrétien, Group Head of Human Resources
    • Véronique Faujour, Corporate Secretary
    • Alexandra Boleslawski, Group Chief Risk Officer
    • Laurence Renoult, Group Head of Internal Audit
    • Hubert Reynier, Group Head of Compliance

    Jean-Paul Mazoyer, on his own initiative, will now provide strategic advice to the Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole SA. 

    The Board of Directors expressed its warm thanks to Philippe Brassac and Xavier Musca for their commitment and action during a decade of strong development for the Group.

    Biographies

    Clotilde L’Angevin started her career in 2003 at the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, before joining the Treasury Department in 2005 as deputy head of the “Economic and Monetary Union” division. In 2007, she became technical adviser to the Prime Minister on macroeconomic and economic forecasts.
    In 2009, she joined the Ministry of Finance as Head of the “International Diagnostics and Forecasts” division, before being appointed General Secretary of the Paris Club and Head of the “International Debt” division in the Treasury Department in 2011.
    She joined the Crédit Agricole Group in 2015, as Head of Strategy for Crédit Agricole S.A. In 2019, she was appointed Head of Financial Communication at Crédit Agricole S.A. where she was responsible for relations with individual shareholders, institutional debt investors and rating agencies, as well as financial communication and relations with institutional equity investors.
    Since 2023, she has been Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole d’Ile-de-France.
    Aged 46, Clotilde L’Angevin is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique (class 1998), the Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l’Administration Économique (2002), and obtained a master’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics (2003).  

    Olivier Biton started his career at Crédit Lyonnais in 2002, as IT project manager. He moved to the United States in 2005 where he was a research assistant at the University of Pennsylvania.
    Upon his return to France in 2007, he joined the Crédit Agricole Group and held various project management positions at CA Payment & Services. He was appointed Head of the Flow Business Line in 2014 and then Head of Information Systems and Projects in 2016.
    He joined LCL in 2017 as Head of Digital Solutions and Information Systems and joined the Executive Committee in 2020. Since 2023, Olivier Biton has been Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole Group Infrastructure (CAGIP).
    Aged 45, Olivier Biton is a computer engineer and a graduate of the Polytech Paris Sud school.

    Grégory Erphelin started his career in 2001 at the French Ministry of Agriculture as Head of the Credit and Insurance bureau. In 2005, he joined the French Direction Générale du Trésor, in charge of the regulation of property and liability insurance. He joined the Crédit Agricole Group in 2008 as Head of Financial Management for Predica (personal insurance subsidiary of Crédit Agricole Assurances). In 2012, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Crédit Agricole Assurances.
    In 2015, he also became Chief Financial Officer of Predica and joined the Executive Committee of the Crédit Agricole Assurances Group. In 2017, he was appointed Head of Finance, Procurement, Legal Affairs, Credit commitments and recovery, and member of the LCL Executive Committee.
    Since May 2022, he has been Chief Executive Officer of the Fédération Nationale du Crédit Agricole.
    Aged 49, Grégory Erphelin is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique (class 1996), Water and Forestry Engineer and holds an MBA from the Collège des ingénieurs.  

    Jean-François Balaÿ started his career in 1989 at Crédit Lyonnais in the Corporate Banking Markets and held several managerial positions in London, Paris and Asia. In 2001, he joined Crédit Lyonnais in the Loan Syndication business line, first as Head of Origination for Europe, then for Western Europe within Calyon from 2004. In 2006, he was appointed Deputy Head of Syndication for the EMEA region. In 2009, he became Global Head of Loan Syndication at Crédit Agricole CIB. In 2012, he was appointed Head of Debt Optimisation and Distribution. In 2016, he became Head of Risk and Permanent Control. He was appointed Deputy General Manager of Crédit Agricole CIB in 2018 and Deputy CEO of Crédit Agricole CIB in 2021.
    Aged 59, Jean-François Balaÿ holds a master’s degree in economics and management and a master’s degree in banking and finance from Lyon II Lumière University.

    Press contacts Crédit Agricole S.A.

    Attachment

    • EN 29 04 25 PR_Evol. Gouvernance

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: DECISIONS OF DIGITALIST GROUP PLC’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 29 APRIL 2025 AND THE ORGANIZING MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DECISIONS OF DIGITALIST GROUP PLC’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 29 APRIL 2025 AND THE ORGANIZING MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Digitalist Group Oyj Stock Exchange Release 29 April 2025 at 20:00

    DECISIONS OF DIGITALIST GROUP PLC’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 29 APRIL 2025

    Adoption of the financial statements

    The Annual General Meeting of Digitalist Group Plc (the “Company”) adopted the Company’s financial statements and consolidated financial statements for the financial period 1 January -31 December 2024.     

    Resolution on the use of the loss shown on the balance sheet and on the distribution of assets

    The Annual General Meeting resolved that the loss EUR 5,520,249.94 indicated by the financial statements for 2024 be recorded in the Company’s profit and loss account, and that no dividend be paid to shareholders for the financial period 2024.

    Resolution on the discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability for the financial period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024

    The Annual General Meeting discharged members of the Board of Directors and the Managing Directors from liability for the financial period 1 January – 31 December 2024.

    Consideration of the remuneration report for governing bodies

    The remuneration report for governing bodies of the Company was considered and accepted by the Annual General Meeting.

    Resolution on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and the grounds for compensation of travel expenses

    The Annual General Meeting resolved that the fees paid to the members of the Board of Directors will remain the same and be as follows:

    • Chairman of the Board: EUR 40,000/year and EUR 500/meeting
    • Deputy Chairman of the Board: EUR 30,000/year and EUR 250/meeting
    • Members of the Board of Directors: EUR 20,000/year and EUR 250/meeting
    • For the meetings of a Board committee, EUR 500/meeting to the Chairman and EUR 250/meeting to a member

    Travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Company’s regulations concerning travel reimbursements.

    Resolution on the number of Members of the Board of Directors

    The Annual General Meeting resolved to elect six ordinary members to the Board of Directors.

    Election of the Members of the Board of Directors

    The Annual General Meeting re-elected Paul Ehrnrooth, Andreas Rosenlew, Esa Matikainen, Peter Eriksson, Johan Almquist and Magnus Wetter as ordinary members of the Board of Directors.

    Appointment of the auditor and resolution on the remuneration of the auditor

    The Annual General meeting resolved that the auditor’s fees will be paid against an invoice approved by the company.

    Audit firm KPMG Oy Ab was appointed as the company’s auditor, with KHT auditor Miika Karkulahti as the principal auditor. 

    Authorisation of the Board of Directors to decide on share issues and on granting special rights entitling to shares

    The Annual General Meeting authorised the Board to decide on a paid share issue and on granting option rights and other special rights entitling to shares that are set out in Chapter 10 Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act, or on the combination of all or some of the aforementioned instruments in one or more tranches on the following terms and conditions:

    The total number of the Company’s treasury shares and new shares to be issued under the authorisation may not exceed 346,715,227, which corresponds to approximately 50 per cent of all the Company’s shares at the time of convening the Annual General Meeting.

    Within the limits of the aforementioned authorisation, the Board of Directors may decide on all terms and conditions applied to the share issue and to the special rights entitling to shares, such as that the payment of the subscription price may take place not only by cash but also by setting off receivables that the subscriber has from the Company.

    The Board of Directors shall be entitled to decide on crediting the subscription price either to the Company’s share capital or, entirely or in part, to the invested unrestricted equity fund.

    The share issue and the issuance of special rights entitling to shares may also take place in a directed manner in deviation from the pre-emptive rights of shareholders if there is a weighty financial reason for the Company to do so, as set out the Limited Liability Companies Act. In such a case, the authorisation may be used to finance corporate acquisitions or other investments related to the operations of the Company as well as to maintain and improve the solvency of the Group and to carry out an incentive scheme.

    The authorisation is proposed to be effective until the Annual General Meeting held in 2026, yet no further than until 30 June 2026.

    Authorising the Board of Directors to decide on the acquisition and/or on the acceptance as pledge of the Company’s treasury shares

    The Annual General Meeting authorised the Board to decide on acquiring or accepting as pledge, using the Company’s distributable funds, a maximum of 69,343,000 treasury shares, which corresponds to approximately 10 per cent of the Company’s total shares at the time of convening the Annual General Meeting. The acquisition may take place in one or more tranches. The acquisition price shall not exceed the highest market price of the share in public trading at the time of the acquisition.

    In executing the acquisition of treasury shares, the Company may enter into derivative, share lending or other contracts customary in the capital market, within the limits set out in laws and regulations. The authorisation entitles the Board to decide on an acquisition in a manner other than in a proportion to the shares held by the shareholders (directed acquisition).

    The Company may acquire the shares to execute corporate acquisitions or other business arrangements related to the Company’s operations, to improve its capital structure, or to otherwise further transfer the shares or cancel them.

    The authorisation is proposed to include the right for the Board of Directors to decide on all other matters related to the acquisition of shares. The authorisation is proposed to be effective until the Annual General Meeting held in 2026, yet no further than until 30 June 2026.

    Resolution on possible measures for improving the Company’s financial situation

    The financial statements presented to the Annual General Meeting for the fiscal year from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, show that the Company’s equity is less than half of the Company’s share capital if the capital loans were not taken into account when assessing the matter. 

    It was noted that the Company has carried out the conversion, as announced on 30 December 2024, of the principal amounts and interests of the convertible bonds 2021/1, 2021/2, 2021/3, and 2021/4 entirely into capital loans in accordance with Chapter 12 of the Finnish Companies Act.

    It was noted that these actions have supported and will support the Company’s balance sheet and solvency.

    It was resolved to accept the proposition of the Board of Directors of the Company not to implement immediate additional measures to rectify the Company’s financial position, but the Company will actively evaluate other possibilities and means to support the Company’s financial standing.

    Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

    The minutes of the Annual General Meeting shall be available on the Company’s website on 13 May 2025 at the latest.

    DECISIONS OF THE ORGANIZING MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    In its organizing meeting, the Board of Directors of Digitalist Group Plc resolved to elect Esa Matikainen as the chairman of the board of directors and Andreas Rosenlew as the vice chairman of the Board of Directors.

    The Board resolved to elect Esa Matikainen as chairman of the Audit Committee and Peter Eriksson and Magnus Wetter as members of the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has evaluated the independence of the Committee members in compliance with the recommendations of the Finnish Corporate Governance Code 2025 as follows. Esa Matikainen and Magnus Wetter are independent of the Company and independent of a significant shareholder. Peter Eriksson is independent of the Company and dependent on a significant shareholder.

    DIGITALIST GROUP PLC

    Board of Directors

    Further information:

    Digitalist Group Plc

    CEO Magnus Leijonborg, tel. +46 76 315 8422, magnus.leijonborg@digitalistgroup.com

    Chairman of the Board Esa Matikainen, tel. +358 40 506 0080, esa.matikainen@digitalistgroup.com

    Distribution:

    NASDAQ Helsinki

    Key media

    https://digitalist.global

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation Announces First Quarter 2025 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALTAVISTA, Va., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Net income for Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation (OTCQX:PPBN), the one-bank holding company (“Pinnacle” or the “Company”) for First National Bank (the “Bank”), was $2,261,000, or $1.02 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to net income of $2,084,000, or $0.95 per basic and diluted share, for the same period of 2024. Quarterly consolidated results are unaudited.

     
    First Quarter 2025 Highlights
    Income Statement comparisons are to the first quarter of 2024
    Balance Sheet, Capital Ratios, and Stock Price comparisons are to December 31, 2024
     

    Income Statement

    • Net Income was $2,261,000 and Return on Assets was 0.88%.
    • Net Interest Income increased 13% due primarily to increased loan volume and yields on earning assets.   Net Interest Margin increased 36 basis points to 3.92%.
    • Provision for Credit Losses was only $37,000 as Asset Quality remains strong with low Nonperforming Loans and no Other Real Estate Owned (OREO).
    • Noninterest Income increased 7% primarily due to higher commissions on investment and insurance products sales and fees on sales of mortgage loans.
    • Noninterest Expense increased 13% due primarily to higher salaries and benefits, occupancy, and core processing expenses.

    Balance Sheet

    • Total Assets decreased $5.8 million, or less than 1%, which was driven by a decrease in Deposits.
    • Loans increased $8.6 million, or 1%.
    • Securities decreased $18 million due to $38 million in maturing U.S. Treasury Securities that yielded approximately 2.13% partially offset by $20 million in purchases of U.S. Treasury Securities yielding approximately 4.13%.  
    • Deposits decreased $10.2 million, or 1%, to $941 million.
    • The Liquidity Ratio was strong at 31% (13% excluding Available for Sale Securities).

    Capital Ratios & Stock Price

    • Capital levels are stable as the Bank’s Leverage Ratio increased to 9.35% and the Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio increased to 13.65% due primarily to profitability.
    • Our Stock Price ended the quarter at $31.94 per share, based on the last trade, which is an increase of $0.74, or 2%.  

    Net Income & Profitability

    Net income generated during the first quarter of 2025 represents a $177,000, or 8%, increase as compared to the same time period of the prior year, which was driven by higher net interest income and noninterest income partially offset by higher noninterest expense and slightly higher provision for credit losses.

    Profitability as measured by the Company’s return on average assets (“ROA”) was 0.88% for the first quarter of 2025, which is a 4 basis points increase from the 0.84% produced in the first quarter of 2024. Return on average equity (“ROE”) decreased in the first quarter of 2025 to 11.31%, compared to 12.02% for the same time period of the prior year due to higher equity driven by retained earnings and increases in the market value of the Bank’s securities portfolio.

    “We are pleased to have generated higher net income for the first quarter of 2025 as compared to the same period of last year. Pinnacle remains well positioned with continued ample liquidity and strong asset quality, which will serve us well we navigate through current economic uncertainties,” stated Aubrey H. Hall, III, President and Chief Executive Officer for both the Company and the Bank.

    Net Interest Income & Margin

    The Company generated $9,480,000 in net interest income for the first quarter of 2025, which represents a $1,070,000, or 13%, increase as compared to the first quarter of 2024 as net interest margin increased 36 basis points to 3.92%. Interest income increased $1,191,000, or approximately 11%, to $12,375,000 due to an increase in average loan volume as well as increased yield on earning assets, which improved 38 basis points to 5.11%. Interest expense increased $122,000, or 4%, to $2,896,000 as the cost to fund earning assets increased only 2 basis points to 1.19%.

    Reserves for Credit Losses & Asset Quality

    The provision for credit losses was minimal and increased only $19,000 to $37,000 in the first quarter of 2025 as compared to the same period of the prior year due to continued strong asset quality.

    The allowance for credit losses was $5,131,000 as of March 31, 2025, representing 0.71% of total loans outstanding. In comparison, the allowance for credit losses was $5,084,000 as of December 31, 2024, which was also 0.71% of total loans outstanding.   Non-performing loans to total loans were 0.14% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 0.22% at year-end 2024. Allowance coverage of non-performing loans was 519% as of the end of the first quarter of 2025 compared to 321% as of year-end 2024. Management views the allowance balance as being sufficient to offset potential future losses associated with problem loans.

    Noninterest Income & Expense

    Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $1,745,000, representing a $122,000, or 7%, increase compared to first quarter of 2024. Higher noninterest income was mainly due to a $78,000 increase in commissions from sales of investment and insurance products and a $59,000 increase in fees on sales of mortgage loans.

    Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $8,361,000 representing a $959,000, or approximately 13%, increase compared to the first quarter of 2024. Higher operating costs were mainly due to a $625,000 increase in salaries and benefits as we have expanded into a new market and added key operational staff, a $149,000 increase in occupancy expense due to the upgrading and maintenance of our facilities, and a $93,000 increase in core operating system expense due to increased volume of transactions.  

    The Balance Sheet & Liquidity

    Total assets as of March 31, 2025 were $1,038,147,000, down $5,847,000, or less than 1%, from $1,043,994,000 as of December 31, 2024. The principal components of the Company’s assets as of March 31, 2025 were $720,482,000 in total loans, $157,564,000 in securities, and $109,707,000 in cash and cash equivalents. During the first quarter of 2025, total loans increased $8,564,000, or approximately 1%, from $711,918,000 as of December 31, 2024, while securities decreased $18,252,000, or approximately 10%, from $175,816,000.

    The majority of the Company’s securities portfolio is relatively short-term in nature with 43% invested in U.S. Treasury Securities with an average maturity of 1.2 years and $20,000,000 maturing in the second quarter of 2025.   All of the Company’s securities were classified as available for sale as of March 31, 2025, which provides transparency regarding unrealized losses. Unrealized losses associated with the available for sale securities portfolio were $10,250,000 as of March 31, 2025 or 6% of book value, an improvement from $11,817,000 as of December 31, 2024.

    Cash and cash equivalents increased $1,494,000, or approximately 1%, to $109,707,000 as of March 31, 2025 from $108,213,000 as of December 31, 2024. The Company had a strong liquidity ratio of 31% as of quarter end. The liquidity ratio excluding the available for sale securities portfolio was 13% providing the opportunity to sell excess funds at an attractive federal funds rate. The Company has access to multiple liquidity lines of credit through its correspondent banking relationships and the Federal Home Loan Bank. None of these contingency funding sources have been utilized over the past year.

    Total liabilities as of March 31, 2025 were $956,624,000, down $8,984,000, or 1%, from $965,608,000 as of December 31, 2024 as deposits decreased $10,239,000, or 1%, to $940,680,000 during the first quarter of 2025. The number of deposit accounts grew by less than 1% during the first quarter of 2025. The Bank retains and acquires customer relationships through providing personalized service and utilization of a community bank approach while capitalizing on market disruption caused by further bank consolidation and large national bank branch closures.

    Total stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2025 was $81,523,000, an increase of $3,137,000, or 4%, compared to year-end 2024 and consisted primarily of $70,741,000 in retained earnings. The increase in equity is due to retained earnings and a decrease in unrealized losses associated with the Bank’s securities portfolio.   Both the Company and Bank remain “well capitalized” per all regulatory definitions.

    Annual Meeting of Shareholders

    As a reminder, Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 11:00 AM Eastern Time on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Virginia Technical Institute located at 201 Ogden Road, Altavista VA 24517. Please plan to join us as we discuss the Company’s performance and direction moving forward.

    Company Information

    Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation is a locally managed community banking organization serving Central and Southern Virginia. The one-bank holding company of First National Bank serves market areas consisting primarily of all or portions of the Counties of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Halifax, and Pittsylvania, and the Cities of Charlottesville, Danville, and Lynchburg. The Company has a total of nineteen branches with one branch in Amherst County within the Town of Amherst, two branches in Bedford County; five branches in Campbell County, including two within the Town of Altavista, where the Bank was founded; one branch in the City of Charlottesville, three branches in the City of Danville; three branches in the City of Lynchburg; and three branches in Pittsylvania County, including one within the Town of Chatham. A Loan Production Office and a full-service branch have recently been opened in the South Boston area of Halifax County. First National Bank is in its 117th year of operation.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Any statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking and are based on current assumptions and analysis by the Company. These forward-looking statements, including statements made in Mr. Hall’s quotes may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the credit quality of our asset portfolio in future periods, the expected losses of nonperforming loans in future periods, returns and capital accretion during future periods, our cost of funds, the maintenance of our net interest margin, future operating results and business performance and our growth initiatives. Although we believe our plans and expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain, and we can give no assurance that these plans or expectations will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s expectations include, but are not limited to: changes in consumer spending and saving habits that may occur, including increased inflation; changes in general business, economic and market conditions; attracting, hiring, training, motivating and retaining qualified employees; changes in fiscal and monetary policies, and laws and regulations; changes in interest rates, inflation rates, deposit flows, loan demand and real estate values; changes in the quality or composition of the Company’s loan portfolio and the value of the collateral securing loans; changes in macroeconomic trends and uncertainty, including liquidity concerns at other financial institutions, and the potential for local and/or global economic recession; changes in demand for financial services in Pinnacle’s market areas; increased competition from both banks and non-banks in Pinnacle’s market areas; a deterioration in credit quality and/or a reduced demand for, or supply of, credit; increased information security risk, including cyber security risk, which may lead to potential business disruptions or financial losses; volatility in the securities markets generally, including in the value of securities in the Company’s securities portfolio or in the market price of Pinnacle common stock specifically; and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained herein, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements, which reflect our views as of the date of this release.

     
    Selected financial highlights are shown below.
     
     
    Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation
    Selected Financial Highlights
    (3/31/2025 and 3/31/2024 results unaudited, 12/31/2024 results audited)
    (In thousands, except ratios, share and per share data)
                   
        3 Months Ended   3 Months Ended   3 Months Ended  
    Income Statement Highlights   3/31/2025   12/31/2024   3/31/2024  
    Interest Income $12,375   $12,543   $11,184  
    Interest Expense   2,896   3,264   2,774  
    Net Interest Income   9,480   9,279   8,410  
    Provision for Credit Losses   37   356   18  
    Noninterest Income   1,745   2,681   1,623  
    Noninterest Expense   8,361   8,373   7,402  
    Net Income   2,261   2,800   2,084  
    Earnings Per Share (Basic)   1.02   1.27   0.95  
    Earnings Per Share (Diluted)   1.02   1.27   0.95  
           
    Balance Sheet Highlights   3/31/2025   12/31/2024   3/31/2024  
    Cash and Cash Equivalents $109,707   $108,213   $88,502  
    Total Loans   720,482   711,918   651,593  
    Total Securities   157,564   175,816   180,196  
    Total Assets   1,038,147   1,043,994   1,000,006  
    Total Deposits   940,680   950,919   914,923  
    Total Liabilities   956,624   965,608   929,448  
    Stockholders’ Equity   81,523   78,386   70,558  
    Shares Outstanding   2,216,616   2,212,270   2,205,666  
                   
    Ratios and Stock Price   3/31/2025   12/31/2024   3/31/2024  
    Gross Loan-to-Deposit Ratio   76.59%   74.87%   71.22%  
    Net Interest Margin (Year-to-date)   3.92%   3.70%   3.56%  
    Liquidity (Liquid assets to liabilities)   30.58%   32.60%   32.08%  
    Efficiency Ratio   74.45%   72.49%   73.64%  
    Return on Average Assets (ROA)   0.88%   0.92%   0.84%  
    Return on Average Equity (ROE)   11.31%   12.49%   12.02%  
    Leverage Ratio (Bank)   9.35%   9.21%   8.94%  
    Tier 1 Risk-based Capital Ratio (Bank)   12.94%   12.81%   12.93%  
    Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio (Bank)   13.65%   13.52%   13.61%  
    Stock Price $31.94   $31.20   $28.46  
    Book Value $36.78   $35.43   $31.99  
                   
    Asset Quality Highlights   3/31/2025   12/31/2024   3/31/2024  
    Nonaccruing Loans $988   $1,582   $1,270  
    Loans 90 Days or More Past Due & Accruing   0   0   0  
    Total Nonperforming Loans   988   1,582   1,270  
    Loan Modifications   109   109   350  
    Loans Individually Evaluated   1,097   2,010   1,981  
    Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) (Foreclosed Assets)   0   0   0  
    Total Nonperforming Assets   988   1,582   1,270  
    Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans   0.14%   0.22%   0.19%  
    Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets   0.10%   0.15%   0.13%  
    Allowance for Credit Losses $5,131   $5,084   $4,484  
    Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans   0.71%   0.71%   0.69%  
    Allowance for Credit Losses to Nonperforming Loans   519%   321%   353%  
           

    CONTACT: Pinnacle Bankshares Corporation, Bryan M. Lemley, 434-477-5882 or bryanlemley@1stnatbk.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: MRF 2025 Resource Limited Partnership Closes IPO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield, on behalf of MRF 2025 Resource Limited Partnership (“MRF 2025” or the “Partnership”), is pleased to announce that it has completed the final closing of the initial public offering of MRF 2025 Class A and Class F units for total gross proceeds of $19.4 million.

    The objectives of the Partnership are to provide investors with capital appreciation and significant tax benefits to enhance after-tax returns to limited partners, including the deductibility of 100% of their original investment. The Partnership intends to achieve these objectives by investing in an actively managed, diversified portfolio comprised primarily of equity securities of Canadian companies involved in the resource sector.

    Middlefield is a leading provider of flow-through share funds in Canada and has a strong track record of delivering positive after-tax returns. Since 1983, Middlefield has sponsored 70 public and private flow-through funds and has acted as agent or manager for over $2.5 billion of resource investments.

    The syndicate of agents for the offering was co-led by CIBC Capital Markets and RBC Capital Markets and includes BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., TD Securities Inc., Richardson Wealth Limited, Manulife Securities Incorporated, iA Private Wealth Inc., Canaccord Genuity Corp., Raymond James Ltd. and Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This offering was only made by prospectus. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained from your CIRO registered financial advisor using the contact information for such advisor. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool launches landmark 2040 plan to create “framework for a better future”

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A detailed, data-led report looking at how to create a better future for Liverpool’s half a million residents over the next 15 years has been published.

    The Liverpool 2040 Plan, which has been published online, sets out a step-by-step framework to foster greater collaborations across dozens of key organisations to make Liverpool the UK’s leading city of opportunity – for all.

    This strategic vision, documented in a 37-page publication, has been launched with a commitment from city leaders “to work closer together than ever before” on a series of common issues and to influence and guide public sector reform on key areas such as education, employment, housing and health.

    Set out as “a framework for a better future”, the wide-ranging plan has been developed by the Liverpool Strategic Partnership, whose membership has been increased to include more than 20 organisations. Collectively the LSP has a combined workforce of more than 60,000 people and an annual spend of £10bn a year.

    The overall aim of the Liverpool 2040 Plan is to offer greater opportunities to the city’s residents, of all ages and backgrounds, in a united effort to make it a better city to live, learn, work and play in.

    The Liverpool 2040 plan also sets out how city partners will collaborate to improve life-long educational standards whilst addressing deep rooted socio-economic and health inequalities, as well as global challenges such as climate change.

    Work is already on some fronts, with Liverpool last week being awarded Marmot City status for its work in tackling health inequalities and has been appointed the world’s first UN Accelerator City for its work on reduce the carbon footprint in the entertainment industry.

    However, Liverpool, whose population is set to grow by 10% over the coming decade, is a city where a third of residents are classed as economically inactive and where one in five have a disability. And at a neighbourhood level, life expectancy can vary by up to 14 years for residents living just four miles apart.

    Such challenges, set against unprecedented pressures on public finances, has led city leaders to come together in a renewed effort to identify and align common priorities. This approach is underpinned by a commitment to analyse and share intelligence to inform and strengthen joint-working to identify and maximise opportunities presented by new government policies.

    The 2040 timeline also aligns with other key data-rich programmes as identified in the State of Health in the City: Liverpool 2040 report and the city region goal to achieve New Zero status also by 2040.

    This shared ambition is set around eight key priorities, each to be measured against five specific outcomes, with a clear intent to provide a long-term vision for the type of city the next generation should be inheriting.

    The eight pillars of the 2040 plan are:

    1. The Next Generation – key aim: For Liverpool to be UNICEF Child Friendly City.
    2. Healthy Lives – key aim: To improve life expectancy and reduce health inequalities in poorest communities.
    3. A Fair Transition to Net Zero – key aim: For Liverpool to be a zero-waste city.
    4. Safe, Cohesive and Clean Communities – key aim: To improve safety at neighbourhood level.
    5. Quality Homes – key aim: To work at eliminating homelessness and rough sleeping.
    6. Inclusive Economic Growth – key aim: To develop city-wide innovation and skills strategy.
    7. An Exciting and Distinctive City – key aim: For Liverpool to build on top 5 UK visitor city destination status.
    8. Vibrant Public Services – key aim: To be a leading innovator based on data-led evidence.

    The LSP, overseen by a board of chief executives, chaired by the chief executive of Liverpool City Council, has also been refreshed in response to the Strategic Futures Panel’s recommendations around strengthening the city’s approach to public service reform.

    The LSP has also been devised to enable Liverpool to speak with one voice to national government and its departments. It also provides a shared platform for the city to take advantage of any new government opportunities.

    The Liverpool 2040 Plan has also identified a priority focus on public service reform, with an emphasis on what makes sense for local areas to meet the needs of local people.  This will build on key initiatives including Liverpool City Council’s new neighbourhood model, the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC), the Complex Lives project, the North Liverpool Public Service Reform Prototype, and the development of an Office of Public Service Innovation.

    The Liverpool 2040 plan, which has been endorsed by Liverpool City Council’s cabinet, replaces the former City Plan that was published in 2020.

    This previous city plan was in need of a refresh to reflect on the lessons and consequences of Covid-19 pandemic, the commissioner-led intervention to improve Council performance, as well as recent socio-political issues like a new UK government, last summer’s civil unrest. It also needed to respond to wider issues like the global energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as the rise of AI and understanding and identifying the challenges and opportunities it presents.

    Member of the Liverpool Strategic Partnership are:

    • Liverpool City Council
    • University of Liverpool
    • Liverpool John Moores University
    • Liverpool Hope University
    • Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
    • City of Liverpool College
    • Liverpool Chamber of Commerce
    • Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Service
    • Torus
    • The Riverside Group
    • Onward Homes
    • Merseyside Police
    • Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
    • HMPS – Liverpool Prison
    • Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
    • NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership
    • Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    • Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust
    • Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
    • Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
    • Department for Work and Pensions, North West

    Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “The Liverpool 2040 Plan sets out the beginning of a 15-year journey to shape Liverpool as the UK’s leading city of opportunity – for all.

    “The Liverpool 2040 Plan sets out a clear vision of how to be a better city and sets the foundations to guide the changes needed well into the rest of the 21st century.

    “it’s clear our major organisations need to work much harder and smarter together. For Liverpool to be a better city, we need to do better on a lot of levels – and I’m heartened by the desire and commitment in so many of our partner organisations to do that.

    “This is the city that delivered both the best-ever European Capital of Culture and Eurovision. Through a potent mix of imagination, inspiration and collaboration we saw mass participation on an unprecedented scale, delivering remarkable results with huge economic benefits. Under the biggest spotlight and phenomenal pressure, Liverpool performs. And excels. Like few cities can.

    “But on another level, too many of our residents are not living their best life. Opportunity is not knocking in the way it should in the world of education and employment. The health and wealth for a lot of our residents is below the national average. Much of our housing is poor quality, so many of our children are not benefitting from the best possible start in life. That is unacceptable. That needs to change.

    “This Liverpool 2040 plan provides the best possible platform for us to start that journey, informed by data every step of the way to ensure we all make the right decisions to ensure we create an environment that nurtures and fosters talent and opportunity.

    “We need to fully address the fundamental issues we face – in education, employment, health, housing, transport and employment – and its eight guiding priorities will shape how we respond to the challenges and maximise the opportunities over these next 15 years.

    “I’m deeply encouraged by how many partners right across the public, private and voluntary sector have signed up to a vision of offering greater opportunities than ever before to our residents. We all have a role to play in making Liverpool the best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business – where no-one is left behind.

    “Rest assured myself, my cabinet and this Council will work tirelessly with the Metro Mayor and the city region combined authority to make our case to the UK Government where and when it is needed. The Council cannot make these improvements alone. And not all the solutions are financial – reform and policy changes are just as vital to delivering the changes we need.

    “Lasting change takes time, which is why we have set a 15-year timeline for our vision. Despite this, we are determined that our residents will see immediate and incremental improvements in the here and now, and I am deeply optimistic about the progress we can make together on an ongoing basis.”

    Andrew Lewis, Chair of the Liverpool Strategic Partnership and Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council said: “Public services across the country, and particularly here in Liverpool, are facing unprecedented challenges, including rising demand for services, limited public funding and increasing complexity of needs. 

    “These challenges cannot be met by any one organisation acting alone. So it’s vital to have a strong strategic partnership across Liverpool.  Together we represent the full range of public services for our city, committing to work together on a shared strategy for Liverpool 2040, prioritising our investments, sharing data and evidence, and transforming services together.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Venezuelan Nationals with TPS Charged in Miami with Defrauding U.S. Government-Funded Covid-19 Relief Program

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – Freddy Urribarri, 42, and Mairilin Munoz 39, have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering in connection with their submission of false and fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Both defendants are Venezuelan nationals who were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allowed them to remain in the United States temporarily after they had entered the country. They were living in Dania Beach, Fl. at the time of their arrests.   

    According to allegations in the Indictment and statements made in open court, the defendants conspired with each other to commit fraud by submitting false PPP loan applications for Covid-19 era relief money meant to help struggling small business owners financially survive the pandemic. The defendants submitted two sole proprietorship loan applications with false and fraudulent supporting tax documents. Urribarri and Munoz also caused the submission of a false and fraudulent PPP loan application for FU&MM General Services, a company they controlled as president and vice president. The application inflated FU&MM’s income and number of employees. The lender accepted the false representations and approved a loan of about $438,000.

    Once they received the loan proceeds, the defendants engaged in a scheme to conceal the nature of the funds. Munoz also engaged in financial transactions over $10,000 using proceeds of the fraud. Urribarri and Munoz also submitted false and fraudulent tax documents in support of a PPP loan forgiveness application.  

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Division, announced the charges.  

    HSI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bernstein is prosecuting it.

    The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit     https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20151.

    ###  

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Nomad Internet Launches the FWA Exchange Store, Helping Entrepreneurs to Build Their Wireless Empire

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nomad Internet is proud to launch the FWA Exchange Store — the new way to buy, activate, and manage wireless services across the U.S.

    This all-in-one platform is made for digital builders, resellers, and wireless operators who want full control without technical barriers. No license required. No coding skills needed. All that is required is a vision and internet access.

    Unlimited 5G Plans at Fingertips

    Choose from Verizon and T-Mobile nationwide plans:

    • Verizon Unlimited 5G — $75/month
    • T-Mobile Unlimited 5G — $60/month

    Activate, suspend, or modify plans directly from the dashboard.

    Bring Your Own Modem and Get Online Fast

    If the device is already available, just buy a SIM, enter the SIM ID and IMEI, and activate instantly. There is no complex setup and no waiting around.

    Special Launch Offer: Verizon Dragon Modem — Only $99

    The Dragon Modem is built for the FWA Exchange.
    Key Features:

    • Real-time usage tracking
    • Instant on/off toggling
    • Future-ready for geofencing

    Launch price: $99 — inventory is limited.

    The FWA Dashboard: The Ultimate Wireless Control Hub

    The FWA dashboard ties it all together:

    • Activate or suspend services
    • Assign stacks to customers
    • Track data usage, billing, and balances
    • Scale from 1 to 1,000 modems easily

    The FWA Dashboard puts total control at fingertips.

    What’s Coming Next

    Nomad is already building next-gen features:

    • Dual-SIM and antenna-enabled modems
    • Bundle kits with wallet credit
    • API tools and white-label dashboards
    • Community leaderboards and bonuses

    Join the movement, which is already 2,000+ resellers strong, at https://fwaexchange.com and be a part of the future of connectivity.

    The FWA Exchange enhances the Nomad Wholesale Network, helping entrepreneurs across the U.S. launch and grow their own wireless services.

    About Nomad Internet

    Nomad Internet is America’s largest wireless internet provider for rural, remote, and underserved communities. We deliver high-speed, reliable connectivity where traditional providers cannot.

    Media Contact:
    Company Name: Nomad Internet
    Contact Person: Manish Roshan
    Email: manish.roshan@nomadinternet.email
    Website: https://nomadinternet.com
    Phone: +1 281 800 1000

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by the Nomad Internet. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information shared in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment, financial, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment or trading decisions. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfa4d6fa-2c6e-4a31-8add-b637fc3b9dad

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Phalanx Launches DeepIQ: New AI-Powered Document Intelligence Feature Empowers Founders with Unmatched Post-Send Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Arlington, VA , April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Phalanx, the document intelligence company behind the fast-growing platform SendTurtle, today announced the launch of DeepIQ. DeepIQ is a powerful new feature within SendTurtle that enables startups, founders, and consultants to make better business decisions through higher visibility and analytics on the documents they send. Over 4 million U.S. startups and small teams share sensitive docs daily. However, most teams have no visibility into what happens after they share, losing momentum, missing signals, and wasting time. 

    DeepIQ analytics dashboard

    With DeepIQ, users can track views, opens, and activity on every document sent; see page-by-page heatmaps of viewership and bounces; and identify signals of interest or intent based on engagement. Phalanx DeepIQ uses AI to help small business owners, consultants, and sales teams to track document data after they hit send, including opens and engagement, allowing them to uncover intent in real time. DeepIQ turns file sharing into a smart, data-driven workflow, while consistently being part of the company’s commitment to data security. 

    Phalanx operates at the powerful intersection of  AI, document intelligence, security, and workflow automation to give founders and consultants a critical edge in how they send, track, and close deals. In today’s fast-paced, remote-first world, founders and business owners often rely on shared documents to tell their story, pitch their value, and move deals forward. But without insight into how those documents are being received, follow-up becomes guesswork, and opportunities are missed. Whether it’s an investor pitch deck or a client proposal, knowing who engaged (and how) can shape next steps, unlock better timing, and ultimately close more deals with confidence.

    Phalanx DeepIQ launches at a critical time, as businesses demand smarter, safer, and more actionable ways to manage high-stakes documents. The document analysis market is valued at several billion dollars, with the secure file sharing sector projected to exceed $25 billion by 2027. Meanwhile, the e-signature market is forecasted to surpass $35 billion by 2030, and AI-driven productivity tools are expected to unlock over $100 billion in business efficiency gains.

    “Whether you’re a founder, consultant, or small team, every document you send represents a crucial opportunity,” said Ian Garrett, CEO and co-founder of Phalanx. “DeepIQ transforms file sharing into a real-time feedback loop: giving businesses the engagement intelligence to have the clarity, control, and confidence every time they hit send.”

    The feature rollout is part of Phalanx’s broader evolution from secure file-sharing to a full-scale document management platform – designed specifically for the pace and needs of modern teams. The company aims to address the question professionals have once they hit send, empowering them to make data-driven decisions.

    DeepIQ is now available to all SendTurtle Pro users, with plans starting at an affordable $15/month. Existing Free plan users can upgrade their plan to activate the feature in their dashboard today.

    Document view heatmaps

    About Phalanx

    Phalanx empowers business owners to protect their sensitive data without compromising Founded in 2021 by Ian Garrett and Austin Garrett, Phalanx began as an enterprise cybersecurity platform, helping organizations protect critical data. After working with hundreds of startups and witnessing firsthand how founders struggle with scattered tools and zero visibility after hitting “send,” the team built SendTurtle: a fast, secure, and smart way to share documents. What started as Phalanx ShieldWolf, a powerful data security engine, has evolved into SendTurtle, a document intelligence platform designed for the modern builder. With built-in privacy, engagement insights, and AI-driven recommendations, SendTurtle makes sending high-stakes documents smarter, safer, and stress-free—for founders, consultants, and teams alike.

    Press inquiries

    Phalanx
    https://phalanx.io/
    Vicki Apodaca
    vicki@phalanx.io
    4201 Wilson Blvd, Floor 3, Arlington, VA 22203

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://youtube.com/embed/RUJZlY6TIaI  

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Encourages New Pipeline Projects with Oil Infrastructure Program Extension

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 29, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is extending the Oil Infrastructure Investment Program (OIIP) to expand market access for Saskatchewan oil and support the continued development of carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines. CO2 pipelines play an important role in reducing emissions and growing enhanced oil recovery capacity.

    Since OIIP was introduced in 2020, 74,000 barrels per day of new oil pipeline capacity has been added through the program. To date, over $100 million in private capital investment has been secured through OIIP, with a further $380 million associated with projects that have been conditionally approved.

    “This program remains essential to our goals of generating investment in new energy projects and increasing our oil export capacity,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “Extending OIIP shows we are committed to maintaining a competitive resource development environment in Saskatchewan. The growth of our oil and gas sector is a significant priority for our government because it leads to good jobs and additional economic opportunities for the people of our province.”  

    The extension of OIIP will allow for the program to continue accepting new applications until March 31, 2029. The program will continue to offer a 20 per cent royalty tax credit, up to a maximum of $40 million, on qualifying oil or CO2 pipeline projects. 

    “The extension of the Oil Infrastructure Investment Program will help the province remain a competitive destination for investment, especially as companies navigate these economically challenging times,” Husky Midstream Chief Executive Officer Shane Cooke said. “As a company, we benefitted from our participation in the program when expanding our Saskatchewan operations and believe its continuation will encourage future investment in transportation infrastructure that supports new production opportunities and industry growth.”

    For more information about OIIP, including links to application documents, visit: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/oil-infrastructure-investment-program.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Innovative ‘collective’ pension funds to deliver higher incomes and lower risks for future pensioners

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Innovative ‘collective’ pension funds to deliver higher incomes and lower risks for future pensioners

    Pensioners of the future will benefit from innovative ‘collective’ pension schemes to boost their income in retirement and productive investment across the economy, under plans announced today [29 April]

    • Wide reaching reforms to make innovative “collective” pension funds more commonplace will reduce risk and volatility for savers.
    • Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) schemes pool investment and longevity risks, unlocking productive investment potential as well as supporting more predictable returns for savers at no extra cost for employers. 
    • With new regulations to allow for multiple employer CDCs planned for the Autumn, more savers are set to benefit from CDCs as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    More people than ever are saving into a workplace pension – £28 billion more in 2020 than in 2012 – with most of these pension pots being Defined Contribution (DC) schemes, where the employee is automatically enrolled to save a proportion of their salary tax-free and the employer contributes at least 3% of their salary to the pot too. 

    But a lack of innovation and reform of the DC savings landscape risks some future pensioners bearing large risks, in terms of the value of their investments and whether their savings will provide an income throughout their retirement. 

    Collective Defined Contribution (CDCs) are a new type of pension scheme that sees both the employer and employee contribute to a collective fund. Due to the scale of these funds and the pooling of risk for members, they can aim to provide a target pension income for life – similar to Defined Benefit (DB) schemes, sometimes called an average or final salary pension, but without the risk of significant unexpected bills for employers.  

    In the UK, Royal Mail have already launched a CDC scheme for their employees which has over 100,000 members who are offered a combination of a cash lump sum and an income for life in retirement. 

    Speaking at the LCP Conference in London today, the Minister for Pensions confirmed new regulations, set to be laid in the Autumn, will allow for multiple employer CDC schemes to be established, so that a range of unconnected employers can pool their employees’ pension pots into a collective fund, boosting returns for savers. 

    These pooled pension investments will mean higher incomes in retirement, and help individuals manage the uncertainty about how long that retirement will be. These measures will provide more options for savers and employers to choose between and are part of wider reforms to the pensions landscape, as part of our Plan for Change to put more money into people’s pockets.

    Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell said: 

    Success in the world of pensions isn’t just about getting people saving, it’s ensuring their savings work as hard as possible for them. 

    Making sure more employers and savers have the option of an innovative Collective Defined Contribution Pension scheme is an important part of making that happen.

    Too often at present we are leaving individuals to face significant risks, about how their individual investments perform and how long their retirements last. Pooling some of those risks will drive higher incomes for pensioners and greater investments in productive assets across the economy.

    The Minister also confirmed his desire to deliver decumulation only CDC schemes. These schemes would allow certain savers with DC schemes to access CDCs, offering retirees the chance to buy longer term, pooled retirement products that deliver stability for pensioners. 

    Modelling from the PPI suggests that single employer CDCs could deliver a significantly greater average replacement rate (47%) than currently delivered through annuities (40%) with even higher benefits seen for multi-employer CDCs as longevity risks are pooled. (69%). 

    And due to their size, CDCs can also be a more efficient vehicle for economic growth, with similar collective funds in Canada and Australia having proved an efficient way of supporting economic growth, investing in a wider range of sectors and assets.

    CDC schemes can invest in illiquid and more productive investments over the long term, including in UK businesses and infrastructure projects, supporting the Government’s growth mission while providing employers with greater freedoms as well as reducing the risks of over or under spending in retirement by paying pensioners based on life expectancy.

    These measures aim to drive economic growth and improve retirement outcomes for working people as part of the Plan for Change. 

    Today’s announcement will provide clarity to the industry ahead of the upcoming Pensions Investment Review and Pension Schemes Bill, and in time give working people and employers a new option when considering what pension scheme works best for them

    Additional Information

    • The Pensions Investment Review: interim report sets out proposals which the government has consulted on to deliver scale and consolidation of the Defined Contribution (DC) market and the Local Government Pension Scheme in England and Wales (LGPS). The report can be viewed here: Pensions Investment Review: interim report – GOV.UK
    • The government plans to introduce legislation in Autumn 2025, and subject to parliamentary approval, intends to bring the legislation and an updated Regulator’s Code into force as soon as practicable. 
    • The government will continue to work with industry stakeholders to develop decumulation CDC.  
    • The UK’s first CDC scheme, the Royal Mail Collective Pension Plan launched in 2024 which was a truly landmark moment for the UK pension landscape.
    • There are now several organisations are actively looking to set up an unconnected multiple employer CDC scheme.

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    Published 29 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bilirakis Shepherds Bipartisan Bill to Protect Victims of Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery through House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

    Washington, DC:  This week, the House passed the TAKE IT DOWN ACT, a bill Congressman Gus Bilirakis has helped shepherd through the legislative process in the House.  This bill would criminalize the publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images—including AI-generated deepfakes—and require platforms to remove images within 48 hours of notice.  To see Congressman Bilirakis speaking on the House Floor in support of this important bill, click here.  This bill will also help address a problem that recently occurred in Pasco County.  The Pasco Sheriff’s Office acted quickly to investigate and arrest an elementary school teacher on child pornography charges.  However, during its investigation, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office discovered that the teacher was using yearbook photos of his students to create AI-generated child erotica. While the individual was able to be charged for some of the images, there were many more images in his possession that the police were unable to charge him for. The TAKE IT DOWN Act will help to close this loophole.   The TAKE IT DOWN Act will protect and empower victims of real and deepfake NCII while respecting speech by:

    1. Criminalizing the publication of NCII in interstate commerce. The bill makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly publish NCII on social media and other online platforms. NCII is defined to include realistic, computer-generated pornographic images and videos that depict identifiable, real people. The bill also clarifies that a victim consenting to the creation of an authentic image does not mean that the victim has consented to its publication.
    2. Protecting good faith efforts to assist victims. The bill permits the good faith disclosure of NCII, such as to law enforcement, in narrow cases.
    3. Requiring websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim. Social media and other websites would be required to have in place procedures to remove NCII, pursuant to a valid request from a victim, within 48 hours. Websites must also make reasonable efforts to remove copies of the images. The FTC is charged with enforcement of this section.
    4. Protecting lawful speech. The bill is narrowly tailored to criminalize knowingly publishing NCII without chilling lawful speech. The bill conforms to current First Amendment jurisprudence by requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a “reasonable person” test for appearing indistinguishable from an authentic image.

    “I am glad we are one step closer to protecting victims of online sexual exploitation. Giving victims rights to flag non-consensual images and requiring social media companies to remove that content quickly is a pivotal and necessary change to the online landscape,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), who serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. “And by ensuring that AI-generated deep-fake content is included in these protections, Congress is showing its commitment to fighting 21st Century harms that are plaguing our children and grandchildren.  I applaud Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), August Pfluger (R-TX), and Stacey Plaskett (D-VI)  for their tireless work on this issue, as well as our entire Subcommittee for their efforts to ensure final passage in the House.  I encourage my Senate colleagues to expedite passage so it can be signed into law by President Trump.”

    While nearly every state has a law protecting people from non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including 30 states with laws explicitly covering sexual deepfakes, these state laws vary in classification of crime and penalty and have uneven criminal prosecution. Further, victims struggle to have images depicting them removed from websites, increasing the likelihood the images are continuously spread and victims are retraumatized.   In 2022, Congress passed legislation creating a civil cause of action for victims to sue individuals responsible for publishing NCII. However, bringing a civil action can be incredibly impractical. It is time-consuming, expensive, and may force victims to relive trauma. Further exacerbating the problem, it is not always clear who is responsible for publishing the NCII.  The TAKE IT DOWN Act has received widespread support from over 100 organizations, including victim advocacy groups, law enforcement, and tech industry leaders.  Leaders from both large and small social media platforms, dating apps, and tech organizations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Internet Works, are rallying behind the bipartisan legislation. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, spearheaded a letter with 23 additional groups calling for the swift passage of this bill. The National Fraternal Order of Police has also sent a letter to Senate leadership endorsing the legislation. In November 2024, the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Microsoft, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) sent a letter to Senate and House leadership urging the passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act.

     

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Microsoft’s Bargaining Delays Leave Video Game Workers Without Union Contracts Two Years Later

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    NATIONWIDE – Video game workers at Microsoft subsidiary ZeniMax Media—represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Locals 2100, 2108, and 6215—are calling out Microsoft for the lack of progress toward a union contract.

    In early 2023, quality assurance testers at ZeniMax formed the first video game studio union at Microsoft, becoming the first group of workers to organize under a labor neutrality agreement between CWA and the company. The workers began contract bargaining negotiations with Microsoft later that year, on April 25.

    Despite early progress, including agreements on artificial intelligence and contractors, talks have stalled as Microsoft has failed to address workers’ concerns about a lack of remote work options and the company’s unilateral decision to replace in-house quality assurance work with outsourced labor without notifying the union.

    “It’s become increasingly clear that although Microsoft tries to position itself as a good-faith employer, there’s another story being told behind the scenes at the bargaining table,” said ZeniMax Workers United-CWA Local 2108 member and Senior QA tester Autumn Mitchell. “We are frustrated. Our union will continue fighting until we secure a first contract, and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes—even if that means withholding our labor.”

    ZeniMax Workers United-CWA (ZWU-CWA) union members overwhelmingly voted to call on leadership to authorize a strike earlier this month, and ZWU-CWA members further ramped up the pressure with pickets outside ZeniMax offices in both Maryland and Texas last week.

    “We are approaching the three-year anniversary of CWA’s groundbreaking labor neutrality agreement with Microsoft,” said CWA Chief of Staff Sylvia J. Ramos. “Thousands of workers have freely and fairly chosen union representation with CWA under the agreement. It’s time for Microsoft’s negotiators to make bargaining contracts with these workers a priority so that together we can fully realize the promise of our partnership.”

    ###

    About CODE-CWA

    The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is a network of worker-organizers and their staff working every single day to build the voice and power necessary to ensure the future of the tech, game, and digital industries in the United States and Canada. CODE-CWA is a project of the Communications Workers of America, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers throughout tech, media, telecom, and other industries who stand together to fight for justice on the job and in our communities.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ASM announces start of €150 million share buyback program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almere, The Netherlands
    April 29, 2025, 6:00 p.m. CET

    ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) today announces that it will start a share buyback program of ASM’s common shares of €150 million. 

    This program follows on ASM’s announcement on February 25, 2025, that the Management Board authorized a share buyback program for up to €150 million. The program commences on April 30, 2025, and is to end as soon as the aggregate purchase price of the common shares acquired by ASM has reached €150 million, but ultimately by January 2026.

    The share buyback program will take place within the limits of relevant laws and regulations, the existing authority granted at ASM’s AGM held on May 13, 2024, and the authority (if granted) by the AGM meeting on May 12, 2025, and will be executed by a third party. ASM intends to use the repurchased shares to cover existing and expected future obligations under ongoing share programs for employees and board members. The total number of shares to be purchased in connection with the share buyback program shall not exceed 4,714,465.

     ASM will update the market on the progress of the share buyback program on a weekly basis, starting on May 5, 2025. This information will also be published on ASM’s website (www.asm.com).

    About ASM International
    ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com.
    Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: All matters discussed in this press release, except for any historical data, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, economic conditions and trends in the semiconductor industry generally and the timing of the industry cycles specifically, currency fluctuations, corporate transactions, financing and liquidity matters, the success of restructurings, the timing of significant orders, market acceptance of new products, competitive factors, litigation involving intellectual property, shareholders or other issues, commercial and economic disruption due to natural disasters, terrorist activity, armed conflict or political instability, changes in import/export regulations, epidemics, pandemics and other risks indicated in the company’s reports and financial statements. The company assumes no obligation nor intends to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future developments or circumstances.

    This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

    Contact

    Investor and media relations

    Victor Bareño
    T: +31 88 100 8500
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    		  

    Investor relations

    Valentina Fantigrossi
    T: +31 88 100 8502
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Valstybės investicinis kapitalas UAB audited Annual information for the year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Valstybės investicinis kapitalas UAB submits Financial Statements for the year 2024, prepared according to the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, together with the Independent Auditor’s Report hereto, as well as the Management Report.

    The Company’s net profit for the year 2024 is EUR 8 135 864 and the Company’s retained earnings for the year 2024 are EUR 6 811 856.
    A decision on the distribution of the company’s profits will be taken by 15 May this year, when the Government of the Republic of Lithuania will decide on the reduction of the dividends paid by UAB Valstybės investicinis kapitalas for the shares owned by the State.

    The rights of the general shareholders’ meeting are exercised, and all shares of UAB “Valstybės investicinis kapitalas” are managed by the Ministry of Finance.

    Enclosed:

    Financial Statements of Valstybės investicinis kapitalas UAB for the year 2024, prepared according to the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, provided together with the Independent Auditor’s Report hereto, as well as the Management Report of Valstybės investicinis kapitalas UAB.

    Contact person:
    Vaidas Daktariunas
    Valstybės investicinis kapitalas UAB, Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: +370 618 29216
    E-mail: vaidas.daktariunas@vika.lt

    Attachments

    • uabvik-2024-12-31-en
    • VIK FS MR 2024

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: RESEND – Northstrive Biosciences Strengthens IP Portfolio with New US Patent Filings for EL-22 and EL-32 Programs Covering Obesity and Animal Health

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northstrive Biosciences Inc. (“Northstrive”), a subsidiary of PMGC Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ELAB) (the “Company,” “PMGC,” “we,” or “our”), today announced the filing of four novel patent applications for its two candidates EL-22 and EL-32. These patent applications cover the animal market, as well as treating muscle loss in obese patients, both as standalone and combination therapies alongside GLP-1 receptor agonists.

    The Company filed the following four patents today:

    • EL-22 in Animals: Fusion Protein of Myo-2 for Use in Encouraging Muscle Growth in Animals (Patent Application No. 19/191,246).
    • EL-32 in Obesity as Monotherapy and Combination with GLP-1: Updated patent filings for Pharmaceutical Composition for Treatment of Muscle Loss Due to Obesity Treatments (Patent Application No. 19/191,209), and Combination Therapy for Treatment of Muscle Loss Due to Obesity Treatments utilizing GLP-1 receptor agonists (Patent Application No. 19/191,226).
    • EL-32 in Animals: Animal Feed Additive to Encourage Muscle Growth (Patent Application No. 19/191,258).

    The Company believes these newly filed patent applications support the development of Northstrive’s engineered probiotic platform, designed to advance human obesity care by preserving muscle mass while reducing fat mass, with additional potential applications in animal health.

    “We believe that EL-22 and EL-32 have the potential to treat obesity in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonists, while also serving as the foundation to a potential range of animal health products”, said Deniel Mero, Co-Founder of Northstrive. “These patent applications strengthen our IP portfolio as we advance on our mission transform the standard of care for obesity and break into the animal health market.”

    Northstrive’s patent portfolio now includes 8 patent applications and 5 issued patents that provide adequate protection in focus markets, including the USA, Japan, China and Korea.

    Licensed Product /
    Nation    		 Patent Application
    Serial No.    		 Title:
    EL-32 USA US 18/627,462 Pharmaceutical composition for alleviation, treatment, and prevention of sarcopenia containing microorganism transformed with cell surface display vector operably linked with gene encoding myostatin and activin A proteins as active ingredient
    EL-32 Korea 10-2022-0136606 A pharmaceutical composition for alleviation, treatment and prevention of sarcopenia containing a microorganism transformed with a vector expressing myostatin and activin A on the cell surface as an active ingredient
    EL-22 USA US 18/895,501 Fusion Protein of Myo-2 for Use in Treating Muscle Loss in Obese Patients
    EL-22 USA US 18/895,519 Combination Therapy of a Fusion Protein of Myo-2 with a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Use in Treating Muscle Loss in Obese Patients
    EL-22 (Animals)
    USA    		 US 19/191,246 Fusion Protein of Myo-2 for Use in Encouraging Muscle Growth in Animals
    EL-32 USA US 19/191,209 Pharmaceutical Composition for Treatment of Muscle Loss Due to Obesity Treatments
    EL-32 USA US 19/191,226 Combination Therapy for Treatment of Muscle Loss Due to Obesity Treatments utilizing GLP-1 receptor agonists
    EL-32 (Animals) USA 19/191,258 Animal Feed Additive to Encourage Muscle Growth
         
    Patent No. Registration No. Title:
    EL-22 Korea 10-0857861-0000 Surface Expression Vector for Fusion Protein of Myo-2 Peptide Multimer and Myostatin, and Microorganism Transformed by Thereof
    EL-22 Korea 10-0872042-0000 Cell Surface Expression Vector of Myostatin and Microorganisms Transformed Thereby
    EL-22 USA US 8470551 Surface Expression Vector for Fusion Protein of Myo-2 Peptide Multimer and Myostatin, and Microorganism Transformed by Thereof
    EL-22 Japan US 5634867 Surface Expression Vector for Fusion Protein of Myo-2 Peptide Multimer and Myostatin, and Microorganism Transformed by Thereof
    EL-22 China ZL200780101116.2 Surface Expression Vector for Fusion Protein of Myo-2 Peptide Multimer and Myostatin, and Microorganism Transformed by Thereof


    About Northstrive Biosciences Inc.

    Northstrive Biosciences Inc., a PMGC Holdings Inc. company, is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development and acquisition of cutting-edge aesthetic medicines. Northstrive’s lead asset, EL-22, leverages an engineered probiotic approach to address obesity’s pressing issue of preserving muscle while on weight loss treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. For more information, please visit www.northstrivebio.com.

    About PMGC Holdings Inc.

    PMGC Holdings Inc. is a diversified holding company that manages and grows its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, investments, and development across various industries. Currently, our portfolio consists of three wholly owned subsidiaries: Northstrive Biosciences Inc., PMGC Research Inc., and PMGC Capital LLC. We are committed to exploring opportunities in multiple sectors to maximize growth and value. For more information, please visit https://www.pmgcholdings.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “potential,” “would” and “future” or similar expressions such as “look forward” are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, activities of regulators and future regulations and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. These and other risks are described more fully in PMGC’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025, and its other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    IR Contact:
    IR@pmgcholdings.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: SCOR SE Combined Shareholders’ Meeting held on Tuesday 29 April 2025 – Approval of all resolutions by SCOR SE shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release
    29 April 2025 – N°09

    SCOR SE Combined Shareholders’ Meeting
    held on Tuesday 29 April 2025

    Approval of all resolutions by SCOR SE shareholders

    The Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of SCOR SE (the “Company”) was held today at the Company’s registered office, 5, avenue Kléber, 75016 Paris, France, under the chairmanship of Fabrice Brégier.

    All the resolutions proposed by the Board of Directors were approved.

    In particular, the shareholders decided on the payment of a dividend of EUR 1.80 per share for the 2024 financial year. The ex-dividend date is set for 2 May 2025, with payment scheduled for 6 May 2025.

    The shareholders approved the renewal of the terms of office as directors of Fabrice Brégier, Martine Gerow and Fields Wicker-Miurin by a large majority.

    They also appointed Diane Côté and Doina Palici-Chehab as directors, and Jacques Aigrain as an observer.

    Fabrice Brégier, Chairman of the Board of Directors, warmly thanked Natacha Valla and Zhen Wang, whose terms of office expired at the close of the Combined Shareholders’ Meeting, for their valuable contribution to the Board’s work.

    The details of the resolution voting results have been posted on the Company’s website at: https://www.scor.com/en/2025-combined-shareholders-meeting.

    *

    *        *

    SCOR, a leading global reinsurer

    As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying “The Art & Science of Risk,” SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society.

    The Group generated premiums of EUR 20.1 billion in 2024 and serves clients in more than 150 countries from its 37 offices worldwide.

    For more information, visit: www.scor.com

    		 Media Relations
    Alexandre Garcia
    media@scor.com

    Investor Relations
    Thomas Fossard
    InvestorRelations@scor.com

    Follow us on LinkedIn
     

    All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com.

    Attachment

    • SCOR Press Release

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Charged in Conspiracy to Steal and Sell Catalytic Converters

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – Three Rhode Island men have been charged in federal court in Providence for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to steal and sell hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of catalytic converters, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Kuron Mitchell, 25, of Newport, Alberto Rivera, 25, of Cranston, and Luis Aceituno, 27, of Providence, are each charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with interstate transportation of stolen property in excess of $5,000 and conspiracy to commit the same. Additionally, Aceituno is charged with filing false tax returns.

    According to charging documents, in January 2022, the Cranston Police Department began tracking patterns surrounding the thefts of catalytic converters. A criminal group was later identified as allegedly being responsible for more than 7,000 stolen catalytic converters in Southern New England and in the greater Boston area, valued at more than $2.4 million. It is alleged that many of the stolen catalytic converters were sold to a Providence company (identified in court documents as Company 1) that recycles catalytic converters. Depending on the model and type of precious metal component, the average scrap price for catalytic converters ranged from $300 to $1,500.

    Charging documents reflect that from at least January 2021 until November 2022, Rivera, Aceituno, Mitchell, and others canvassed neighborhoods and parking lots in search of unoccupied vehicles from which they could steal catalytic converters. Working in groups, they allegedly targeted vehicles in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, cut off the catalytic converters, and sold many of them to Company 1.

    An FBI analysis of Company 1’s databases seized during a court-authorized search of the business in February 2023, and a review of a database maintained by Rhode Island Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Identification, revealed that from 2021 to 2022, Rivera allegedly sold 19 catalytic converters and received $7,100; and Aceituno allegedly sold 2128 catalytic converters to Company 1 and received $699,735.

    In addition to his alleged participation in the conspiracy to steal and sell catalytic converters, it is further alleged that Luis Aceituno failed to disclose to the IRS income derived from the sale of catalytic converters in tax years 2021 and 2022. It is alleged that for tax years 2021 and 2022, Aceituno failed to report a total of $699,735 in income and failed to pay a total of $199,908 due to the IRS.

    Luis Aceituno appeared in U.S. District Court on Monday and was released on unsecured bond; Kuron Mitchell appeared in U.S. District on April 25, 2024, and was ordered released to home detention with GPS monitoring; Alberto Rivera is currently detained on charges unrelated to this matter.

    A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul F. Daly, Jr., and Julie M. White.

    The matter was investigated by the FBI, Cranston Police Department, Providence Police Department, IRS-Criminal Investigations, United States Marshal Service, National Insurance Crime Bureau, Newport Police Department, Fitchburg State University Police, Watertown Police Department, Canton Police Department, Attleboro Police Department, Fall River Police Department, and Department of Veterans Affairs- Office of Inspector General-Criminal Investigations Division.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Employee of Telecommunications Company Admits to Wire Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A former telecommunications company employee admitted to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in a scheme to fraudulently unlock the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards of thousands of mobile phones, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Richard Forrest Sherman, 46, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court, to an information charging him with wire fraud conspiracy.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Sherman worked at a multinational telecommunications company. While there, he managed an account for a customer that received an exemption to unlock the SIM cards of mobile devices. Sherman exploited this exemption by creating a series of customer accounts within the carrier’s system to make the accounts look like an affiliate company of the customer that actually received the exemption. Sherman and others then submitted bulk unlocking requests through these fake affiliate accounts that Sherman set up before leaving the telecommunications company.

    Sherman, through his entities, received payment from others in exchange for causing the fake affiliate accounts to successfully send International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers in bulk to the carrier. The carrier, believing that the fake affiliate company was entitled to the unlocking exception, unlocked these IMEIs in bulk. Unlocking these IMEIs permitted others involved in the scheme to resell the phones for profit – the phones would have otherwise remained locked or required payment of a fee to be unlocked. Sherman set up the fake affiliate accounts in or around 2013; he and his conspirators exploited the fraud scheme until it was discovered in August 2020.

    The wire fraud conspiracy count carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims, whichever is greatest.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the U.S. Secret Service’s Seattle Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Glen Peterson, with the investigation leading to the charge.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Nadel of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark. 

                                                                           ###

    Defense Counsel: Henry Klingeman, Esq. and Robert Westinghouse, Esq. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 30, 2025
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