Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Gravity Reports First Quarter of 2025 Results and Business Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Seoul, South Korea, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRAVITY Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY) (“Gravity” or “Company”), a developer and publisher of online and mobile games based in South Korea, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and business updates.

    FIRST QUARTER 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

    • Total revenues were KRW 137,464 million (US$ 93,231 thousand), representing a 6% increase from the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024 (“QoQ”) and a 14.8% increase from the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 (“YoY”).
    • Operating profit was KRW 24,730 million (US$ 16,772 thousand), representing a 55% increase QoQ and an 8% decrease YoY.
    • Profit before income tax expenses was KRW 28,450 million (US$ 19,295 thousand), representing a 12.1% increase QoQ and a 12.5% decrease YoY.
    • Net profit attributable to parent company was KRW 22,038 million (US$ 14,947 thousand), representing a 4.6% decrease QoQ and an 18% decrease YoY.

    REVIEW OF FIRST QUARTER 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS

    Revenues

    Online game revenues for the first quarter of 2025 were KRW 18,806 million (US$ 12,755 thousand), representing a 5.1% decrease QoQ from KRW 19,822 million and a 4.1% increase YoY from KRW 18,065 million. The decrease QoQ was mainly attributable to decreased revenues from Ragnarok Online in Thailand. Such decrease was partially offset by increased revenue from Ragnarok Online in Japan. The increase YoY was largely due to increased revenues from Ragnarok Online in Thailand and China.

    Mobile game revenues were KRW 115,486 million (US$ 78,325 thousand) for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 9.4% increase QoQ from KRW 105,586 million and a 17.2% increase YoY from KRW 98,548 million. The increase QoQ attributed to initial revenues from Ragnarok M: Classic which was launched in Southeast Asia on February 14, 2025 and Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus launched in Global except Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Korea and Japan on February 20, 2025. Such increase was partially offset by decreased revenues from Ragnarok Origin in Southeast Asia and THE RAGNAROK in Southeast Asia. The increase YoY was due to initial revenue from Ragnarok M: Classic in Southeast Asia, THE RAGNAROK in Southeast Asia launched on October 31, 2024 and Ragnarok: Rebirth in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau launched on October 31, 2024. This increase was partially offset by decreased revenues from Ragnarok Origin in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau and North, Central and South America.

    Other revenues were KRW 3,172 million (US$ 2,151 thousand) for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 26.5% decrease QoQ from KRW 4,315 million and a 0.2% increase YoY from KRW 3,166 million.

    Cost of Revenue

    Cost of revenue was KRW 87,458 million (US$ 59,316 thousand) for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 8% increase QoQ from KRW 81,008 million and a 18.8% increase YoY from KRW 73,628 million. The increase QoQ was mainly due to increased commission paid for mobile game services related to Ragnarok M: Classic in Southeast Asia. The increase YoY was primarily due to increased commission paid for mobile game services related to Ragnarok M: Classic in Southeast Asia, THE RAGNAROK in Southeast Asia and Ragnarok: Rebirth in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

    Operating Expenses

    Operating expenses were KRW 25,276 million (US$ 17,143 thousand) for the first quarter of 2025, representing a 22.9% decrease QoQ from KRW 32,765 million and a 31.1% increase YoY from KRW 19,282 million. The decrease QoQ was mainly due to decreased advertising expenses for THE RAGNAROK in Southeast Asia and salaries. The increase YoY was mainly due to increased advertising expenses for Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus in Global, Ragnarok V: Returns in Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines and Ragnarok Begins in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

    Profit Before Income Tax Expenses

    Profit before income tax expenses was KRW 28,450 million (US$ 19,295 thousand) for the first quarter of 2025 compared with profit before income tax expense of KRW 25,377 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 and profit before income tax expenses of KRW 32,498 million for the first quarter of 2024.

    Net Profit

    As a result of the foregoing factors, Gravity recorded a net profit attributable to parent company of KRW 22,038 million (US$ 14,947 thousand) for the first quarter of 2025 compared with net profit attributable to parent company of KRW 23,099 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 and a net profit attributable to parent company of KRW 26,866 million for the first quarter of 2024.

    Liquidity

    The balance of cash and cash equivalents and short-term financial instruments was KRW 577,163 million (US$ 391,446 thousand) as of March 31, 2025.

    Note: For convenience purposes only, the KRW amounts have been expressed in U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of KRW 1,474.44 to US$ 1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on March 31, 2025 as quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    GRAVITY BUSINESS UPDATES

    Ragnarok Online IP-based Games

    • Ragnarok M: Classic, an MMORPG Mobile game

    Ragnarok M: Classic was officially launched in Southeast Asia on February 14, 2025 and Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau on April 16, 2025.

    • Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus, a Vertical Idle MMORPG Mobile game

    Ragnarok Idle Adventure Plus was launched in Global except for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Korea and Japan on February 20, 2025 and is underway for its launch in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau in the second quarter of 2025 and Korea in the second half of 2025.

    • Ragnarok X: Next Generation, an MMORPG Mobile and PC game

    Ragnarok X: Next Generation was officially launched in North, Central and South America, Oceania, England, Portugal, Spain and Ireland on May 8, 2025 and will be launching in Europe (except England, Portugal, Spain and Ireland) in the second quarter of 2025.

    • THE RAGNAROK, an MMORPG game

    THE RAGNAROK (Chinese title: 巴風特之怒) will be launched on WeChat (H5) Mini Programs in China in the second quarter of 2025.

    • Ragnarok: Dawn (tentative English title), an Idle MMORPG game

    Ragnarok: Dawn (tentative English title) was officially launched on WeChat Mini Programs in China on February 20, 2025, and mobile app version will be launched in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau in the second half of 2025.

    • Ragnarok V: Returns, a 3D MMORPG Mobile and PC game

    Ragnarok V: Returns was officially launched in Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines on March 27, 2025.

    • Ragnarok: Back to Glory, a 3D MMORPG Mobile game

    Ragnarok: Back to Glory was officially launched in Korea and re-launched in Southeast Asia on April 17, 2025 and will be launched in China in the third quarter of 2025.

    • Ragnarok Crush, a Puzzle and Tower Defense Mobile game

    Ragnarok Crush will be launched in Global in July 2025.

    • Ragnarok Online America Latina, an MMORPG PC game

    Ragnarok Online America Latina is scheduled to be direct-serviced in Latin America on May 28, 2025.

    • Ragnarok Zero, an RPG PC game

    Ragnarok Zero is being prepared to be launched in Taiwan in July 2025.

    • Ragnarok Libre, a Time Effective MMORPG Telegram game

    Ragnarok Libre is underway for its launch in Global in the second quarter of 2025.

    Ragnarok Online IP-based Blockchain Game

    • Ragnarok Landverse, an MMORPG Blockchain and PC game

    Ragnarok Landverse will be launched in Latin America in the second half of 2025.
    Ragnarok Landverse Genesis, a global new server integrated with RONIN platform, ranked first in trading volume after its official release in Global on March 29, 2025.

    Other IP-based games

    • JLPGA Heroine Collection, a Sports Mobile game

    JLPGA was officially launched in Japan on March 25, 2025.

    • Shambles: Sons of Apocalypse, a Deck-building Roguelike Mobile game

    Shambles: Sons of Apocalypse, was officially launched in Global except for China, Vietnam and Taiwan on March 27, 2025

    • Twilight Monk, a 2.5D Action RPG Console game

    Twilight Monk, was officially launched in Global on March 27, 2025

    • Snow Brothers 2 Special, an Action and Platformer Console game

    Snow Brothers 2 Special, was officially launched in Global on April 10, 2025

    • Meow Star Acers 2, a Farm Simulation Mobile game

    Meow Star Acers 2, is scheduled to be launched in Global in the second half of 2025.

    • Dragonica Origin, an MO Action RPG PC game

    Dragonica Origin will be launched in Southeast Asia in June 2025.

    • Gunbound, an MMO Turned-based Artillery PC game

    Gunbound is underway for its launch in Southeast Asia and Latin America in the second quarter of 2025.

    Expansion of Ragnarok IP-business

    Ragnarok Golf Monsters is an indoor-screen golf brand based on the Ragnarok monster characters. Gravity Communications Co., Ltd. opened the first facility of Ragnarok Golf Monsters in Taipei, Taiwan on February 27, 2025.

    Our New Subsidiary

    Gravity established Gravity Game Unite Sdn. Bhd. (“Gravity Game Unite”), a subsidiary in Malaysia, on March 12, 2025. Gravity will expand various game services including Ragnarok Online IP based games throughout Gravity Game Unite in Malaysian regions.

    Investor Presentation

    Gravity issued an investor presentation. The presentation contains the Company’s recent business updates, results of the first quarter in 2025 and Gravity’s business plan. The presentation can be found on the Company’s website under the IR Archives section at https://www.gravity.co.kr/en/ir/updates. Korean and Japanese versions of the presentation are also provided on the website.

    About GRAVITY Co., Ltd. —————————————————
    Gravity is a developer and publisher of online and mobile games. Gravity’s principal product, Ragnarok Online, is a popular online game in many markets, including Japan and Taiwan, and is currently commercially offered in 91 regions. For more information about Gravity, please visit http://www.gravity.co.kr.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    Certain statements in this press release may include, in addition to historical information, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe-harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe”, “project,” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other similar words, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Investors should consider the information contained in our submissions and filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 on Form 20-F, together with such other documents that we may submit to or file with the SEC from time to time, on Form 6-K. The forward-looking statements speak only as of this press release and we assume no duty to update them to reflect new, changing or unanticipated events or circumstances.

    Contact:

    Mr. Heung Gon Kim
    Chief Financial Officer
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: kheung@gravity.co.kr

    Ms. Jin Lee
    Ms. Yujin Oh
    IR Unit
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: ir@gravity.co.kr
    Telephone: +82-2-2132-7800

    GRAVITY Co., Ltd.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

    (In millions of KRW and thousands of US$)

        As of
        31-Dec-24     31-Mar-25
        KRW     US$     KRW     US$
        (audited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)
    Assets                              
    Current assets:                              
    Cash and cash equivalents          228,898          155,244          201,367          136,572
    Short-term financial instruments          324,304         219,951           375,796           254,874
    Accounts receivable, net            81,152           55,039            74,469            50,507
    Other receivables, net              1,572             1,066              2,162              1,466
    Prepaid expenses               8,115             5,504              6,669              4,523
    Other current financial assets              6,602             4,478              6,033               4,092
    Other current assets              2,967              2,012               3,091               2,096
    Total current assets          653,610         443,294          669,587           454,130
    Property and equipment, net              9,957              6,753            10,576              7,173
    Intangible assets, net              7,057              4,786               6,414               4,350
    Deferred tax assets              5,617              3,810               6,294               4,269
    Other non-current financial assets                  1,767                1,198                   670                   454
    Other non-current assets              8,451             5,732             9,366              6,352
    Total assets          686,459         465,573          702,907          476,728
    Liabilities and Equity                              
    Current liabilities:                              
    Accounts payable            67,930           46,072            63,048            42,761
    Deferred revenue            26,761            18,150            24,015            16,288
    Withholdings              1,588              1,077              1,635               1,109
    Accrued expense              2,651             1,798              2,168              1,470
    Income tax payable              6,507             4,413              8,782              5,956
    Other current liabilities              3,212             2,178              3,390              2,299
    Total current liabilities              108,649              73,688            103,038              69,883
    Long-term account payables                 220                149                 220                 149
    Long-term deferred revenue              2,572             1,744              1,322                  897
    Other non-current liabilities              5,361              3,636              5,904               4,003
    Deferred tax liabilities              1,294               878              1,294                  878
    Total liabilities           118,096           80,095          111,778             75,810
    Share capital              3,474             2,356              3,474               2,356
    Capital surplus                26,979              18,298              26,979              18,298
    Other components of equity            23,801           16,143            24,507             16,621
    Retained earnings          513,418          348,212           535,456           363,159
    Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Company          567,672          385,009          590,416           400,434
    Non-controlling interest                 691                 469                  713                  484
    Total equity          568,363          385,478          591,129           400,918
    Total liabilities and equity          686,459         465,573          702,907           476,728

    * For convenience purposes only, the KRW amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of KRW 1,474.44 to US$ 1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on March 31, 2025 as quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    GRAVITY Co., Ltd.
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

    (In millions of KRW and thousands of US$ except for share and ADS data)

        Three months ended
        31-Dec-24     31-Mar-24     31-Mar-25
        (KRW)   (US$)     (KRW)   (US$)     (KRW)   (US$)
        (unaudited)   (unaudited)     (unaudited)   (unaudited)     (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    Revenues:                            
    Online games   19,822   13,444                    18,065   12,252                    18,806   12,755
    Mobile games   105,586   71,611                    98,548   66,838                   115,486   78,325
    Other revenue   4,315   2,927                      3,166   2,147                      3,172   2,151
    Total net revenue   129,723   87,982                   119,779   81,237                  137,464   93,231
    Cost of revenue   81,008   54,942                    73,628   49,936                    87,458   59,316
    Gross profit   48,715   33,040                    46,151   31,301                    50,006   33,915
    Operating expenses:                            
    Selling, general and administrative expenses   28,311   19,201                    15,747   10,680                    21,859   14,825
    Research and development   3,669   2,488                      3,601   2,442                      3,431   2,327
    Others, net                            785                       534                               (66)                      (45)                               (14)                         (9)
    Total operating expenses   32,765   22,223                    19,282   13,077                    25,276   17,143
    Operating profit   15,950   10,817                    26,869   18,224                    24,730   16,772
    Finance income(costs):                            
    Finance income                     9,801               6,647                      6,297   4,271                    10,717   7,269
    Finance costs                          (374)                     (254)                            (668)                    (453)                         (6,997)                 (4,746)
    Profit before income tax   25,377   17,210                    32,498   22,042                    28,450   19,295
    Income tax expense   2,274   1,542                      5,615   3,808                      6,372   4,322
    Profit for the year   23,103   15,668                    26,883   18,234                    22,078   14,973
    Profit attributable to:                            
    Non-controlling interest                                 4                           3                                 17                        12                                 40                         26
    Owners of Parent company   23,099   15,665                    26,866   18,222                    22,038   14,947
    Earning per share                            
    – Basic and diluted                      3,324                 2.25                      3,866   2.62                      3,171   2.15
    Weighted average number of shares outstanding                            
    – Basic and diluted               6,948,900        6,948,900               6,948,900   6,948,900               6,948,900   6,948,900
    Earning per ADS                            
    – Basic and diluted                      3,324                2.25                     3,866   2.62                    3,171   2.15

    * For convenience, the KRW amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of KRW 1,474.44 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on March 31, 2025 as quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
    (1) Each ADS represents one common share.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Outdoor Holding Company Announces Preferred Stock Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Outdoor Holding Company (Nasdaq: POWW, POWWP) (“Outdoor Holding Company,” “OHC,” or the “Company”) the owner of GunBroker.com, the largest online marketplace serving the firearms and shooting sports industries, and a leading vertically integrated producer of high-performance ammunition and components, today announced that the holders of record of the Company’s 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) as of the close of business on June 1, 2025 will receive a cash dividend equal to $0.546875 per Series A Preferred Stock share. The cash dividend will be paid on June 16, 2025.

    About Outdoor Holding Company.

    With its corporate offices headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Outdoor Holding Company is a publicly traded corporation that owns and operates subsidiaries serving outdoor enthusiasts, including GunBroker.com

    About GunBroker.com

    GunBroker.com is the largest online marketplace dedicated to firearms, hunting, shooting and related products. Aside from merchandise bearing its logo, GunBroker.com currently sells none of the items listed on its website. Third-party sellers list items on the site and Federal and state laws govern the sale of firearms and other restricted items. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents. Launched in 1999, GunBroker.com is an informative, secure and safe way to buy and sell firearms, ammunition, air guns, archery equipment, knives and swords, firearms accessories and hunting/shooting gear online. GunBroker.com promotes responsible ownership of guns and firearms. For more information, please visit: www.gunbroker.com.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This document contains certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to, any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies, goals and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new products and services or developments thereof; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

    Forward looking statements may include the words “may,” “could,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” or other similar words, or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements present our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the dates they are made. You should, however, consult further disclosures and risk factors we include in Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports filed on Form 8-K.

    Investor Contact:
    CoreIR
    Phone: (212) 655-0924
    IR@ammo-inc.com

    Source: Outdoor Holding Company

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Announces Strategic Partnership with SWEAT to Boost Movement Economy in Web3

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced its strategic partnership with SWEAT, the pioneering movement economy ecosystem, lowering entry barriers for Web2 audiences while seamlessly connecting them to Web3. The alliance was unveiled at Dubai Esports Festival 2025 (DEF), where attendees experienced the future first-hand through interactive activities that turn physical activity into crypto rewards.

    From Dubai Airport to Sheikh Zayed Road, the city’s most prominent billboards now carry a powerful message: Walk into Crypto—Step. Sweat. Score. “We’re turning physical activity into financial empowerment,” declared SWEAT Co-founder and CEO Oleg Fomenko. “This is about rewarding the most natural human behavior, movement, with digital ownership.”

    Bitget COO Vugar Usi Zade added, “Our mission has always been to bridge Web2 and Web3, and what better way than through something as universal as movement? This partnership makes crypto accessible in the most human way possible—through the natural movement we do every day,” he added.

    The collaboration debuts cutting-edge innovations, including SWEAT’s AI movement coach, Mia, and expanded multi-chain wallet capabilities. At the same time, for Bitget, this partnership represents another strategic step in its vision to seamlessly connect traditional and decentralized digital economies. “We’re building bridges, not walls,” emphasized Vugar. “By meeting users where they already are, in this case, through their daily movement, we’re creating the most natural on-ramps to Web3. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or crypto curious, this partnership makes the transition effortless and rewarding.”

    This isn’t just another industry collaboration—it’s a fitness-meets-finance movement that redefines how people interact with digital assets. SWEAT and Bitget are writing the next chapter of mainstream crypto adoption by transforming routine activity into financial opportunity. As Dubai’s skyline lights up with SWEAT x Bitget billboards, one thing’s clear: The future of Web3 isn’t just about sitting and staring at charts. Sometimes, you’ve gotta move it to prove it.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin priceEthereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: WebsiteTwitterTelegramLinkedInDiscordBitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    About SWEAT

    SWEAT is a Web3 platform that encourages physical activity by rewarding users for moving. It uses $SWEAT, a token earned through steps, to turn movement into value to be used, grown, traded and spent in the Movement Economy. The token is stored in the SWEAT Wallet, a mobile app with 20+ million downloads and over 3 million monthly active users. By downloading SWEAT Wallet for free, users globally can start to earn $SWEAT and join the Movement Economy, where every step counts.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e37dd931-a554-44f4-a1e6-35fb8a75835d

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    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d44445dc-c37e-4e45-9984-adc3d21e757f

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues EUR 40 million notes under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    9 May 2025 at 1:00 pm (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues EUR 40 million notes under its MTN programme  

    Municipality Finance Plc issues EUR 40 million notes on 12 May 2025. The maturity date of the notes is 14 May 2029. The notes bear interest at a floating rate equal to 3-month EURIBOR plus 22.5 bps per annum.

    The notes are issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 12 May 2025.

    DNB Bank ASA acts as the dealer for the issue of the notes.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Four NBFCs surrender their Certificate of Registration to RBI

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The following four Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) have surrendered the Certificate of Registration (CoR) granted to them by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI, in exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, has therefore cancelled their CoR.

    i) Cancellation of CoR due to exit from Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) business

    Sr. No. Name of the Company Registered Office Address CoR No. CoR Issued on Date of Cancellation of CoR
    1 Sicom Investments & Finance Limited Sixth Floor, Solitare Corporate Park, Bldg No. 4, Chakala, Andheri (East), Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400093 N-13.01842 September 08, 2006 April 04, 2025
    2 Pioneer Holdings Private Limited Shriram Mansion, Ground Floor, Parekh Street, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400004 N-13.01654 January 06, 2003 April 24, 2025
    3 Easyaccess Financial Services Limited No 18 (Old No 40), 2nd Floor, Mussuri Subramaniam Salai (Oliver Road), Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600004 N-07.00775 December 22, 2008 April 29, 2025

    ii) Cancellation of CoR due to NBFC ceasing to be a legal entity due to amalgamation/ merger/dissolution/ voluntary strike-off, etc.

    Sr. No. Name of the Company Registered Office Address CoR No. CoR Issued on Date of cancellation of CoR
    1 Eastern Credit Capital Private Limited Ramkrishna Chambers 72, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700017 B.05.06803 December 20, 2012 April 09, 2025

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/295

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI cancels Certificate of Registration of one NBFC and one ARC

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India, in exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 45-IA (6) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, has cancelled the Certificate of Registration of the following company.

    Sr. No. Name of the Company Registered Office Address CoR No. CoR Issued On Cancellation Order Date
    1 R.L. Investment and Finance Company Limited 61/211, Canal Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 208001 12.00010 February 21, 1998 April 08, 2025

    As such, the above company shall not transact the business of a Non-Banking Financial Institution, as defined in clause (a) of Section 45-I of the RBI Act, 1934.

    Further, the Reserve Bank of India, in exercise of powers conferred on it under Section 4 (1) (e) of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002, has cancelled the Certificate of Registration of the following company.

    Sr. No. Name of the Company Registered Office Address CoR No. CoR Issued On Cancellation Order Date
    1 India Resurgence ARC Private Limited 304, 3rd Floor, Piramal Tower, Peninsula Corporate Park, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400013 029/2018 October 23, 2018 April 04, 2025

    As such, the above company shall not transact the business of an Asset Reconstruction Company.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/296

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The Libyan Ministry of Finance and the African Development Bank Launch High-Level Dialogue on Private Sector Resilience and Peace-Positive Investment

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    Securing private sector investment to anchor peace in Libya, build resilience and power economic recovery was the main theme of a landmark three-day workshop in the capital Tripoli organized by the African Development Bank in close partnership with the Libyan Ministry of Finance.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barr, Artificial Intelligence and the Labor Market: A Scenario-Based Approach

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today.1 In my remarks, I would like to address a key question facing economists, policymakers, and people all over the world: How will artificial intelligence, particularly generative artificial intelligence, or GenAI, affect workers and the labor market in the years ahead?
    Before I turn to that issue, I’d like to touch on a topic that I expect is also of interest: the outlook for the U.S. economy and the implications for monetary policy.
    The U.S. economy entered this quarter in a relatively strong position: The unemployment rate has been low and stable, and the disinflationary process has continued on a gradual, albeit uneven, path towards our 2 percent objective. Private domestic final purchases have been solid. Overall, the economy has been resilient.
    Against that backdrop, the outlook has been clouded by trade policies that have led to an increase in uncertainty, contributing to declines in measures of consumer and business sentiment. I expect tariffs to lead to higher inflation in the United States and lower growth both in the United States and abroad starting later this year.
    In my view, higher tariffs could lead to disruption to global supply chains and create persistent upward pressure on inflation. Faced with substantial tariffs, businesses will likely change how they source intermediate inputs, and it will take time and investment for them to reroute their distribution networks. Conversely, global trade networks may change rapidly, and some suppliers may not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive these changes. This concern is particularly acute for small businesses, which are less diversified, less able to access credit, and hence more vulnerable to adverse shocks. Small businesses play a vital role in production networks, often providing specialized inputs that can’t easily be sourced elsewhere, and business failures could further disrupt supply chains. As we saw during the pandemic, such disruptions can have large and lasting effects on prices, as well as output.
    I am equally concerned that tariffs will lead to higher unemployment as the economy slows. Thus, the FOMC may be in a difficult position if we were to see both rising inflation and rising unemployment.
    The size and scope of the recent tariff increases are without modern precedent, we don’t know their final form, and it is too soon to know how they will affect the economy. Yet given the economy’s strong starting point and the progress we have made in bringing inflation back toward our 2 percent objective, monetary policy is in a good position to adjust as conditions unfold. Meanwhile, we will also be closely monitoring how technologies like artificial intelligence are being integrated into economic activity and analyzing the implications for how the economy will evolve.
    Let me now return to the longer-term question of how AI will affect the labor market. Debate about machines replacing workers is nothing new, and even artificial intelligence is not particularly new either. AI has, in some form, arguably been around for decades. Computer scientists have been developing machine learning algorithms for many years, and these algorithms have been widely used in commercial applications, such as fraud detection and advertising. Speech and facial recognition are already ubiquitous. These more long-standing forms of AI are continuing to improve, driving progress in domains ranging from finance to medical diagnosis, and becoming so deeply embedded in our daily lives that we scarcely notice them anymore.
    But GenAI promises to go much further. Unlike traditional machine learning techniques, which often focus on relatively simple prediction and classification tasks, the large language models that have emerged in recent years can generate new content—anything from news articles to computer code to images and video to customer service dialogue. Emerging forms of “agentic” AI can undertake complex, multistep tasks—for example, taking a customer through a transaction and then placing an automated order. As AI continues to develop, it will increasingly be combined with physical technologies like autonomous vehicles and advanced robotics, further extending its ability to interact with the real world. And AI may be shaping up to become what the esteemed economist Zvi Griliches called an “invention of a method of inventing” that speeds up the research and development process itself.2
    Growing evidence indicates that AI will be a “general purpose technology”—such as railroads, electricity, or computers—which is characterized by widespread adoption, complementary progress in many downstream applications, and ongoing improvement in the core technology.3 Past general purpose technologies have dramatically improved productivity. So, against this background, the natural question is, what about AI?
    In trying to understand how AI might transform work, it’s useful to consider how it could be applied in individual occupations, each of which comprises a range of tasks that vary in their susceptibility to automation. Like past waves of information technology, AI will substitute for human labor in some tasks, complement human labor in other tasks, and spur the creation of new tasks that humans will perform, at least initially.4 The net effects of AI on employment, both in the aggregate and across demographic and education groups, will depend on the relative size of these offsetting effects.
    A pessimistic view is that AI and robotics could become so capable and cost effective as to render most human labor obsolete, culminating in mass unemployment. Such concerns about technological advances are hardly a novel development. At least since the Luddites of the early 19th century tried to disable textile looms, people have feared that machines would bring about steep declines in employment, wages, and human welfare.5
    Economists have long been skeptical of that view, which suffers from the “lump of labor fallacy”—the presumption that there’s a fixed amount of work to be done, so if machines do it, humans will not.6 New technologies do eliminate some existing occupations, and not all workers benefit from technological change. But technology also creates new occupations, and the many waves of technological advances over the centuries haven’t rendered humans obsolete. For example, many of the tasks that were performed by humans in the 1950s are now performed by computers and robots, and yet the unemployment rate is similar to what it was back then, while the labor force participation rate is higher overall.
    However, the amazing potential capabilities and breadth of applications associated with AI—many of which are already apparent—make it worth asking whether this time may be different. AI holds enormous promise of faster economic growth, advances in human health, and a higher standard of living. But alongside the kinds of labor market disruptions seen in past episodes of revolutionary technological change, we will need to consider the possibility of more sweeping changes in the way we work.
    A Scenario ApproachIn a previous speech, I outlined two hypothetical scenarios describing how AI could evolve.7 In the first scenario, we see only incremental adoption that primarily augments what humans do today but still leads to significant and widespread productivity gains. In the second scenario, we see profound change, in which we extend human capabilities with far-reaching consequences.
    Today, I will apply the same approach to analyze the potential effects of AI on the labor market. Of course, there is tremendous uncertainty about how AI will evolve and how it will affect the economy, as well as society more broadly. Amid this uncertainty, a scenario-based approach can give us a framework for thinking about the potential effects of AI on employment, real wages, and productivity, as well as for considering the possible role that government could play in influencing this transition.
    Scenario 1: Incremental ProgressLet’s start with the “gradual” scenario, in which new AI technologies are adopted at a brisk, but not a breathless, pace or advance quickly at first and then plateau—perhaps because of constraints imposed by computing resources, the exhaustion of novel training data, and rising energy consumption.
    Under this scenario, AI primarily operates by automating some—but not all—tasks within many occupations. We’ve seen some of this task substitution happen already: Computer programmers rely on AI copilots to write code, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks, while customer support agents can use chatbots to improve and expedite their responses.8 Lawyers draw on GenAI to conduct legal research, while AI-powered safety features improve the performance of human automobile drivers.
    Under this scenario, as foundational models improve, novel use cases are discovered, and businesses continue to integrate AI into their operations, more and more occupations will be affected, and many jobs will use AI tools more intensively. As these technologies improve, even incremental change may allow AI to become accurate and cheap enough to replace some occupations altogether. It’s hard to make predictions at this stage. But a plausible conjecture is that we could see, for example, fewer human programmers, lawyers, or commercial drivers. At the same time, most current occupations would persist in this scenario—albeit in modified and more productive forms.
    Beyond existing occupations, general purpose technologies also encourage the creation of new occupations, fueled by new products and novel ways of doing business. It’s difficult to envision the novel jobs that will replace the ones we might lose to an incremental AI scenario. But one possibility is that the future could bring us managers of AI agents, specialists in human–AI collaboration, ethicists, safety experts, and large numbers of people involved in adopting, maintaining, and educating about AI tools. Technology, and how we use a particular innovation, evolves in unpredictable ways, and we should expect to be surprised.
    Under this scenario, jobs remain plentiful, real wages are buoyed by productivity gains, and employment and labor force participation remain high and could even rise, if strong wage growth entices new labor market entrants and if improvements in health care increase work capacity among older or disabled individuals. If the widespread adoption of AI proceeds gradually, then workers will have time to adjust, reducing the disruption to the labor market—though, as with previous general purpose technologies, AI would likely imply that some groups of workers experience a painful process of dislocation and transition.
    Retraining could help here. A recent survey carried out by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that many businesses plan to retrain their workers to use AI rather than laying them off.9 In some cases, AI may disrupt career ladders by automating many entry-level tasks—such as reviewing legal documents or drafting code—that were historically performed by early-career workers. But if labor demand changes slowly enough, students and workers are more likely to have time to predict which skills will be marketable and to make and recoup human capital investments before their skills become obsolete.
    What about the effect of AI on inequality? Some research suggests that GenAI may help less-productive workers catch up to their more-productive peers.10 That said, the AI economy will likely put a premium on digital skills, facility with new technologies, and adaptability. The precedent of the computer revolution suggests that highly educated workers may benefit most, boosting wage inequality—a phenomenon called “skill-biased technological change.”11 Another possibility is that the labor share of income could decline, if capital owners benefit more than wage earners—for example, because the gains accruing from AI adoption go to large, highly capitalized firms whose technical capabilities, consumer networks, and training data allow them to develop state-of-the-art AI techniques.
    Scenario 2: TransformationNow let’s consider an alternative scenario in which AI completely transforms the economy. As I described in my earlier speech, in this transformative scenario, humans employ AI to unleash their imagination and creativity—combined with robust investment in research and development—to make rapid breakthroughs that have the potential to improve our lives. With growth propelled by swift technological progress, society’s resources would be vastly expanded, AI would spur revolutionary advances in health, and many individuals would enjoy more time for leisure activities.
    Indeed, transformative AI could bring about a state of affairs that John Maynard Keynes famously envisioned almost a hundred years ago, one in which there are “ever larger and larger classes and groups of people from whom problems of economic necessity have been practically removed.”12 At the same time, transformative AI could imply a much smaller role for human labor—a development that would entail sweeping social changes and profound challenges for government.
    Under this scenario, AI would take over a broad range of existing jobs. As economist Anton Korinek writes, “AI systems advance toward mastering all forms of cognitive work that can be performed by humans, including new tasks that don’t even exist yet.”13 Building on developments we are already starting to see, improved chatbots and AI agents would outperform their human counterparts in activities ranging from customer support to medical diagnosis. Along similar lines, advanced robotics could increasingly substitute for human workers in manual and production jobs. Widespread automation would bring many benefits. The availability and quality of many services could increase markedly, and many less-desirable jobs—such as those involving tedious tasks or dangerous working conditions—could be transferred to machines.
    What jobs would exist in this more transformative scenario? As in the more gradual scenario—and just as has happened in the past, when earlier general purpose technologies were adopted—we would see the emergence of new occupations. These would notably include jobs that involve managing the new AI-dominated economy. In addition, some existing occupations would likely persist, at least for some time. This would be the case for three key reasons. First, some jobs may prove especially hard to automate. For example, plumbers and mechanics rely on physical dexterity and adaptability to situations—attributes that machines may find difficult to replicate, or to replicate cheaply. Second, in some contexts, consumers may insist on a human touch. Patients may still want human doctors and therapists, while parents may want human teachers and caregivers to look after their children. Third, even when AI has the technical capability to carry out tasks, some jobs are likely to be protected by laws and regulations. For example, legal and political systems would likely continue to insist on human judges and elected officials. Eventually, however, an increasing share of current jobs may be automated. The technological frontier is moving quickly, consumers’ preferences may change as they become more comfortable interacting with AI, and the regulatory landscape could evolve to provide broader roles for AI.
    It’s difficult to say how many jobs will exist under transformative AI. On the one hand, it’s possible that—as has happened so often in the past—the economy will find inventive new ways to keep most people employed. On the other hand, there are concerns that some workers could experience a large enough decline in their earnings potential that paid work may no longer be an available option. Employment and labor force participation could fall; displaced workers may grapple with a loss of daily routines, social connectedness, and the meaning they derived from employment. The risk of a significant decline in employment looms large in many people’s concerns about AI, and it’s important for policymakers to be attentive to that risk.
    Even if AI ultimately creates as many jobs as it eliminates, we should expect that the transition will be difficult. Existing firms would likely reorganize their production, laying off workers in the process. They could also lose market share to technologically sophisticated start-ups, which could scale up with a minimal number of human workers managing AI subordinates.14 Many displaced workers would have obsolete skills, and skill mismatch could lead to a structural increase in unemployment as these workers retool for new occupations. It is possible that unemployment might rise only temporarily. It is also possible, however, that more sustained increases could be observed. That would be the case if technology continued to evolve too quickly for many workers to keep up, leading to continual churn and ongoing dislocation.
    How might transformative AI affect income inequality? Both traditionally high-wage occupations, such as lawyers and financial professionals, and lower-wage occupations, such as factory and retail workers, could be automated, and it is difficult to predict how AI would affect wage structures. But the largest wage gains would likely go to the highest-skilled workers, as they would be best positioned to implement frontier technologies and help oversee the AI economy. In addition, if capital owners are the main beneficiaries, the labor share of income could decline precipitously.
    Transformative AI could bring about profound improvements in living standards, leisure opportunities, and human health. At the same time, society would confront profound distributional changes and potential challenges. Much would depend on how broadly the economic benefits are shared, how policymakers respond, and how society adapts to the rapid pace of change.
    How Will We Know Which Future We Are Living in?The world looks very different across these two scenarios. As AI spreads throughout the economy, how will we know which world we’re living in, particularly in view of the likelihood that AI adoption will proceed at different rates in different occupations and industries?
    First, we will need to track how many businesses are using AI and how it is affecting their operations. Recent surveys give different impressions about AI adoption thus far, but they consistently show rapid increases in usage over time.15
    Second, we will need to monitor AI’s evolving technological capabilities. AI developers test their models against human performance in benchmark activities like standardized tests and visual tasks. Results of these tests will continue to provide important clues about which activities, and thus which occupations, are at risk of being automated. Along these lines, economists have already developed measures of occupations’ exposure to automation. They have based these measures on the characteristics of the tasks involved in different occupations.16 Of course, as the set of tasks that AI can perform expands, these measures can be updated accordingly.
    A third way to judge how AI is changing the economy is that data on job openings will likely be a leading indicator of changes in labor demand. What kinds of jobs are employers creating? What skills do they cite in job ads?17
    And, lastly, job growth by occupation and industry is likely to reflect the emerging effects of AI. So far, the imprint of AI is difficult to discern in the employment statistics, but that is likely to change. It may be difficult to disentangle the effects of AI from the other determinants of employment growth, especially in real time. But in the event of truly sweeping changes in the occupational structure, the effects of AI should show up in the data.
    Looking AheadWhat do these two scenarios imply for society? In scenario 1, the issues that society has to address will be more straightforward. Policymakers will have to decide how to regulate emergent technologies, education and training programs will have to be tailored to shifts in labor demand, and some labor market regulations may need to be updated. In scenario 2, the issues that society will need to address will be more profound. Questions will include how to ensure that the economic gains associated with AI are broadly shared across individuals and households, and how to adapt social institutions to a world in which many more individuals in their prime working years may be working less. Fortunately, although this second scenario would entail many difficult challenges, it also implies a world in which society has many more resources to deploy against those challenges.
    Those are some of the big questions that society may need to grapple with in the future, and most of these questions are not those that will be primarily addressed by monetary policymakers. As a central banker, I can speak more specifically about how structural changes in the economy related to AI could affect monetary policy considerations—in particular, the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate to promote maximum employment and stable prices. Monetary policy considerations could be affected in many ways; I will limit myself to two prominent possibilities.
    First, AI may require monetary policymakers to reassess our estimates of the natural rate of unemployment, which informs our assessment of the cyclical state of the economy and thus the appropriate stance of monetary policy. The natural rate, which we call u*, is the unemployment rate that corresponds to the maximum level of employment that can be maintained without producing undesirably high inflation. Among other things, u* depends on the efficiency with which matches are formed between workers and firms, and it could rise if shifts in labor demand across industries and occupations lead to skill mismatch and lengthy unemployment spells as workers retrain and switch careers. The natural rate also depends on the demographic composition of the labor force, which AI could affect. If AI shifts the workforce toward groups that have higher labor force attachment but lower unemployment rates (such as college graduates), the result could be downward pressure on u*. It should be stressed that u* is never directly observed and is difficult to discern in real time. But economists use a wide range of models to estimate the natural rate, and we can use those models to see how u* is changing as AI is adopted more widely.18
    Another related consideration relevant for monetary policy is how economic changes due to AI will affect the neutral interest rate, or r*, which is the level of the real interest rate consistent with the economy being at its potential and inflation being at our 2 percent objective. Economic theory suggests that a permanently higher growth rate of productivity, of the kind that might arise under either AI scenario, tends to raise r*. When that happens, a higher real interest rate would be required to deliver any desired monetary policy stance. A challenge that we face is that it is difficult to work out in real time how r* is evolving. But we can make judgments about developments in the behavior of r* by monitoring the relationship between economic activity and interest rates and by using financial market information to estimate longer-run real interest rates.
    ConclusionI’ll return to the broader point and conclude. AI is poised to transform our economy, likely in profound ways. But the speed and extent of that transformation are not yet clear. AI is likely to boost productivity, increase scientific discovery, and transform the nature of work. How these developments unfold will have important implications for society and for central bankers.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. See page 502 in Zvi Griliches (1957), “Hybrid Corn: An Exploration in the Economics of Technological Change,” Econometrica, vol. 25 (October), pp. 501–22. See also Iain M. Cockburn, Rebecca Henderson, and Scott Stern (2019), “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Innovation: An Exploratory Analysis,” in Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb, eds., The Economics of Artificial Intelligence: An Agenda (Chicago: University of Chicago Press), pp. 115–48, and Martin Neil Baily, David M. Byrne, Aidan T. Kane, and Paul E. Soto (forthcoming), “Generative AI at the Crossroads: Light Bulb, Dynamo, or Microscope,” Brookings Institution working paper. Return to text
    3. The term “general purpose technology” is typically abbreviated to GPT. To avoid confusion with ChatGPT, I will continue to use the longer term. For a definition and discussion of past general purpose technologies, see Timothy F. Bresnahan and Manuel Trajtenberg (1995), “General Purpose Technologies ‘Engines of Growth’?” Journal of Econometrics, vol. 65 (January), pp. 83–108. For a discussion of whether earlier AI techniques already meet these criteria, see Avi Goldfarb, Bledi Taska, and Florenta Teodoridis (2023), “Could Machine Learning Be a General Purpose Technology? A Comparison of Emerging Technologies Using Data from Online Job Postings,” Research Policy, vol. 52 (January), 104653. For a discussion of GenAI specifically, see Tyna Eloundou, Sam Manning, Pamela Mishkin, and Daniel Rock (2023), “GPTs Are GPTs: An Early Look at the Labor Market Impact Potential of Large Language Models,” (PDF) March 17 (revised August 22). For a contrasting view that AI will have only modest effects on productivity over the next 10 years, see Daron Acemoglu (2025), “The Simple Macroeconomics of AI,” Economic Policy, vol. 40 (January), pp. 13–58. Return to text
    4. See Daron Acemoglu and Pascual Restrepo (2019), “Automation and New Tasks: How Technology Displaces and Reinstates Labor,” Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 33 (Spring), pp. 3–30. Return to text
    5. As David Autor writes, “There have been periodic warnings in the last two centuries that automation and new technology were going to wipe out large numbers of middle class jobs. The best-known early example is the Luddite movement of the early 19th century, in which a group of English textile artisans protested the automation of textile production by seeking to destroy some of the machines.” See page 3 in David H. Autor (2015), “Why Are There Still So Many Jobs? The History and Future of Workplace Automation,” Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 29 (Summer), pp. 3–30. Return to text
    6. For example, see textbook discussions of automation and unemployment by Paul A. Samuelson (1964), Economics: An Introductory Analysis, 6th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill), pp. 333–37; and James D. Gwartney and Richard Stroup (1982), Economics: Private and Public Choice, 3rd ed. (New York: Academic Press), pp. 518–19. Return to text
    7. See Michael S. Barr (2025), “Artificial Intelligence: Hypothetical Scenarios for the Future,” speech delivered at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York, February 18. See also Anton Korinek and Donghyun Suh (2024), “Scenarios for the Transition to AGI,” NBER Working Paper Series 32255 (Cambridge, Mass.: National Bureau of Economic Research, March). Return to text
    8. For evidence that GenAI increases the productivity of human programmers, see Sida Peng, Eirini Kalliamvakou, Peter Cihon, and Mert Demirer (2023), “The Impact of AI on Developer Productivity: Evidence from GitHub Copilot,” (PDF) February 13. For similar evidence regarding customer support agents, see Erik Brynjolfsson, Danielle Li, and Lindsey Raymond (2025), “Generative AI at Work,” Quarterly Journal of Economics, vol. 140 (May), pp. 889–942. Return to text
    9. See Jaison R. Abel, Richard Deitz, Natalia Emanuel, and Benjamin Hyman (2024), “AI and the Labor Market: Will Firms Hire, Fire, or Retrain?” Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Liberty Street Economics (blog), September 4. Among surveyed businesses in New York and New Jersey, about half of businesses that planned to use AI within the next six months expected to retrain their current staff to use AI. Return to text
    10. See Shakked Noy and Whitney Zhang (2023), “Experimental Evidence on the Productivity Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence,” Science, July 13, vol. 381 (6654), pp. 187–92. Return to text
    11. See Claudia Goldin and Lawrence F. Katz (2008), The Race between Education and Technology (Cambridge: Harvard University Press). Return to text
    12. See page 372 in John Maynard Keynes (1930), “Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren,” in Essays in Persuasion (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1963), pp. 358–73. Return to text
    13. See page 9 in Anton Korinek (2024), “The Economics of Transformative AI,” (PDF) Reporter, no. 4 (Cambridge, Mass.: National Bureau of Economic Research), pp. 9–12. Return to text
    14. See Erin Griffith (2025), “A.I. Is Changing How Silicon Valley Builds Start-Ups,” New York Times, February 20. See also Microsoft (2025), 2025: The Year the Frontier Firm Is Born, Work Trend Index Annual Report, April 23, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/2025-the-year-the-frontier-firm-is-born. Return to text
    15. For a summary of recent survey evidence on AI adoption, see Leland Crane, Michael Green, and Paul Soto (2025), “Measuring AI Uptake in the Workplace,” FEDS Notes (Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, February 5). Across six firm-level surveys, the share of respondents using some form of AI ranges widely—from 5 to 40 percent—likely in part reflecting differences in sample composition, question wording, and the period over which AI usage is measured. Across 10 individual-level surveys, usage of GenAI generally ranges between 20 and 40 percent, with much higher rates among computer programmers. Return to text
    16. For examples of this approach, see Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael A. Osborne (2017), “The Future of Employment: How Susceptible Are Jobs to Computerisation?” Technological Forecasting and Social Change, vol. 114 (January), pp. 254–80; Erik Brynjolfsson, Tom Mitchell, and Daniel Rock (2018), “What Can Machines Learn, and What Does It Mean for Occupations and the Economy?” AEA Papers and Proceedings, vol. 108 (May), pp. 43–47; Edward W. Felten, Manav Raj, and Robert Seamans (2018), “A Method to Link Advances in Artificial Intelligence to Occupational Abilities,” AEA Papers and Proceedings, vol. 108 (May), pp. 54–57; and Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin, and Rock, “GPTs Are GPTs” (see note 3). Return to text
    17. See Daron Acemoglu, David Autor, Jonathon Hazell, and Pascual Restrepo (2022), “Artificial Intelligence and Jobs: Evidence from Online Vacancies,” Journal of Labor Economics, vol. 40 (April), pp. S293–340. Return to text
    18. See Brandyn Bok, Richard K. Crump, Christopher J. Nekarda, and Nicolas Petrosky-Nadeau (2023), “Estimating Natural Rates of Unemployment: A Primer,” (PDF) Working Paper Series 2023-25 (San Francisco: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, August). One approach for estimating u* is to aggregate across demographic groups that differ in their average unemployment rates over long periods. Another common approach is to estimate state-space models that incorporate a Phillips curve relationship between unemployment and inflation, as in Thomas Laubach (2001), “Measuring the NAIRU: Evidence from Seven Economies,” Review of Economics and Statistics, vol. 83 (May), pp. 218–31. In addition, assessments of the natural rate can be informed by models that yield estimates of matching efficiency, such as Regis Barnichon and Andrew Figura (2015), “Labor Market Heterogeneity and the Aggregate Matching Function,” American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, vol. 7 (October), pp. 222–49; and Hie Joo Ahn and Leland D. Crane (2020), “Dynamic Beveridge Curve Accounting,” Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2020-027 (Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, March). Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Toobit in Dubai: Championing Crypto Culture as CFN Official Sponsor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a city known for its innovation and world-class events, Toobit‘s sponsorship of Crypto Fight Night (CFN) Dubai 2025 on 1 May this year showcased the exciting connection between blockchain, entertainment, and community building.

    Held in conjunction with TOKEN2049, CFN Dubai 2025 combined sports and blockchain, attracting a global audience during one of the busiest weeks in the crypto calendar.

    Not unlike TOKEN2049, the event also provided a powerful platform for athletes, creators, and crypto leaders to unite—reflecting the qualities of resilience, precision, and performance that align with Toobit’s vision for the digital asset space.

    Crypto Culture Comes Alive

    Alongside co-sponsors memecoin BONK, stablecoin Solstice, and blockchain venture Ghaf Studios, the award-winning exchange’s presence at CFN Dubai 2025 is perhaps also representative of where and how crypto subculture is headed. No longer confined to sterile conference halls or technical panels, blockchain is finding expression in arenas, festivals, and entertainment venues.

    A large part of that is due to crypto’s inherent demographic. Mostly young, digitally native, and culturally fluent, this generation is building their identities around the assets they’re investing in. They want to see their values reflected in the events that merge tech, lifestyle, and high-energy storytelling. And CFN Dubai 2025 delivered exactly that.

    It was also an opportunity to engage directly with users, creators, and builders in one of the world’s most energized digital hubs. By supporting the event and introducing crypto to the wider sports demographic, the cryptoasset platform was able to enhance the visibility of blockchain applications, reaching over 20,000 concurrent viewers across the official livestream and separate watch parties hosted by the sponsors.

    The Highlight

    A highlight of CFN Dubai 2025 was the match between Brian Rose, “The OG”, and Modrick Buck, “The Warrior”.

    Brian, 53, is an American-born British podcaster based in London. He is a digital finance advocate and even ran for Mayor of London. Brian hosts London Real, a podcast and former YouTube channel he started in 2011. He made his debut entrance into pro boxing during the match.

    29-year-old Modrick Buck, a young musician and boxer, faced Brian in the ring. In the blue corner, he was eager to add another win to his professional record.

    “The Warrior” was not able to get the first round knockout that he predicted, with “The OG” holding strong till the end of the match.

    After three intense rounds, Modrick Buck claimed a tight victory with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 28-29 from the three judges.

    Built on Partnerships

    Despite having no operations nor office in Dubai, Toobit’s attendance at TOKEN2049 and CFN Dubai this year was one stop on a broader journey across the globe.

    Earlier, the digital asset exchange sponsored Web3 Amsterdam, an annual event that brings together Web3 enthusiasts, innovators, and industry leaders to explore the latest trends and foster collaboration in the Netherlands.

    Toobit is set to grace the picturesque city again later this month as a platinum sponsor of Dutch Blockchain Week 2025, continuing its expanding presence in one of Europe’s most innovative blockchain hubs.

    The exchange has also recently been named Best Crypto Exchange MENA 2025 at the World Business Outlook Awards.

    With a newly acquired Polish license issued by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF), Toobit’s regulatory path continues to evolve alongside their global user base, empowering users and communities with real tools, transparent systems, and meaningful participation.

    What’s Next for Toobit?

    Global expansion continues to be on the cards for Toobit, who has prioritized building its foundations over the promises of hype often found in crypto.

    The exchange uses a transparent system, with a publicly verified proof-of-reserves that is independently checked by third-party firms. These include blockchain security experts like Hacken, Beosin, and Elliptic, who conduct regular security assessments.

    CFN Dubai 2025 brought this vision to life. From the fighters in the ring to the fans in the stands, the event displayed the same resilience and strategy that define successful traders and teams in the Web3 space.

    Toobit is not just building technology. True to its motto of giving “A Bit More Than Crypto”, it’s shaping the communities behind it as a fast-growing global crypto exchange.

    As crypto enters a new era of global adoption, Toobit remains focused on providing a secure, seamless, and user-friendly trading experience.

    Disclaimer: Toobit does not currently offer any virtual asset services in the UAE and is not licensed by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Toobit will only provide such services, if any, in Dubai after receiving required licenses from VARA.

    About Toobit

    Toobit is where the future of crypto trading unfolds—an award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built for those who thrive exploring new frontiers. With deep liquidity and cutting-edge technology, Toobit empowers traders worldwide to navigate the digital asset markets with confidence. We offer a fair, secure, seamless, and transparent trading experience, ensuring every trade is an opportunity to discover what’s next.

    For more information about Toobit, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Instagram

    Contact: Davin C.
    Email: market@toobit.com
    Website: www.toobit.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Toobit. 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.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ZA Miner Launches Cloud Mining Platform to Help Users Earn Passive Income Securely and Easily

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZA Miner Image.

    MIDDLESEX, United Kingdom, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As interest in digital assets continues to expand, ZA Miner launches its cloud-based crypto mining service, offering users a practical and secure way to earn passive income. With cloud mining, users can participate in cryptocurrency mining operations without owning physical hardware, making daily returns more accessible to a wider range of investors.

    Regulated and Transparent Crypto Mining

    ZA Miner is registered and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring all services meet strict compliance and operational standards. By prioritizing safety and transparency, ZA Miner provides a secure environment where users can mine digital assets with peace of mind. The platform eliminates the need for technical knowledge, expensive equipment, or ongoing maintenance costs.

    Simple Setup and Flexible Contracts

    ZA Miner is designed for both beginners and experienced crypto investors. Getting started is quick and easy:

    • $150 Welcome Credit – New users receive a trial balance to experience the mining process risk-free.
    • Flexible Mining Contracts – A range of contract terms are available to suit different budgets and goals.
    • Consistent Daily Returns – Users earn stable income throughout the contract period.
    • Live Dashboard Access – Investors can monitor mining performance, earnings, and withdrawals in real time.

    ZA Miner contracts.

    Full Control and Easy Withdrawals

    Users maintain full control of their funds with the ability to withdraw or convert earnings at any time. Each contract clearly displays expected returns, helping users make informed decisions based on their financial objectives. The platform’s interface is intuitive, allowing users to view profit projections, contract status, and account activity.

    Meeting the Demand for Passive Crypto Income

    As more investors look to diversify their portfolios, ZA Miner stands out as a reliable solution. Its compliant framework, user-friendly features, and low entry barrier make it an appealing choice for those interested in passive crypto income. Whether you’re new to digital assets or already active in the space, ZA Miner offers an efficient path to participate in cloud mining.

    About ZA Miner

    ZA Miner is a UK FCA-regulated cloud mining platform offering secure, transparent services for individuals seeking consistent passive income through crypto mining.

    Media Contact:
    SHEIKH, Anisah Fatema
    ZA FUNDINGS LTD
    info@zaminer.com
    https://www.zaminer.com/

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c2362595-f20c-428e-852d-45c0f3a9f57b

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charity regulator criticises charity over repeated breaches

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Charity regulator criticises charity over repeated breaches

    The Charity Commission has issued an Official Warning.

    The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, has issued the Oxford Initiative for British Islam with an Official Warning after the charity failed to file accounting records on time for five consecutive years.

    The charity – a  think tank and research institute – was 397 days late filing its 2019 accounts, 32 days late filing its 2020 accounts, 367 days late filing its 2021 accounts, 282 days late filing its 2022 accounts, and 74 days late filing its most recent accounts (and other records), for the financial year ended 31 December 2023.

    Charities are given 10 months after the end of their financial year to file. The charity’s failures to do so amount a breach of trust or duty, or misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity. The Official Warning notes that the charity is to take steps to ensure all future annual accounting records are submitted to the Commission within the statutory deadline, and that failure to do so may lead to further regulatory action.

    The regulator opened a regulatory compliance case involving the charity in April 2024, after concerns were raised that the charity’s Chair made a number of concerning comments in an interview, including drawing a comparison between Zionism and Nazism and saying politicians should be “identified” if they have family links to Judaism or Zionism because “the public should know that [they] are not objective and unbiased.”

    The trustees told the Commission that the Chair made the comments in a personal capacity, not on behalf of the charity. The Commission recognises the importance of freedom of expression for those leading charities but also expects trustees to be aware of the potential impact of comments on their charity’s reputation.

    In this case the Commission concluded that the trustees failed to take sufficient action to distinguish the charity’s identity from the Chair’s comments in a personal capacity, in order to protect the charity’s reputation. The Chair’s name is often publicly associated with the charity, as it was in reporting of these comments. The Commission has therefore issued regulatory guidance requiring the trustees to implement effective written policies and procedures to manage situations in future.

    The Commission is also critical of the trustees’ cooperation with its officials during the compliance case. The regulator expended considerable resources chasing the trustees and its delegates for responses, in pursuit of crucial information. This resulted in the Commission having to exercise its powers on two occasions to compel the trustees, by way of a legal order, to provide both answers to questions and certain documents.

    Steve Roake, Assistant Director of Investigations and Compliance at the Charity Commission said:

    The law requires all trustees to meet core duties and responsibilities, including to prepare and submit financial reporting documents on time, to protect their charity’s reputation and good name, and to cooperate with the Commission’s enquiries.

    Sadly, our case involving the Oxford Initiative for British Islam found that the trustees repeatedly failed to meet their legal duties and responsibilities, putting the charity at risk of harm. We also found that the trustees did not take sufficient steps to distance their charity from comments made by its Chair, and are critical of the trustees for this failure.

    We hope the trustees will learn lessons from these incidents to improve the charity’s governance for the future.

    The Charity Commission’s case opened in April 2024 and concluded in April 2025.

    Ends

    Notes to editors:

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Nagano Tonic Complaints Explained: 2025 Nagano Lean Body Tonic User Reviews Analysed & Verified

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    • Why Nagano Lean Body Tonic Is Making Waves in 2025’s Natural Weight Loss Scene
    • Nagano Tonic Complaints: What’s Really Behind the Negative Reviews?
    • Metabolic Biohacking & Thermogenesis: Unlocking Your Body’s Natural Fat-Burning Power
    • Appetite, Digestion, and Energy: The Science Behind EGCG, Inulin, Ashwagandha, and Bitter Melon
    • The Hidden Saboteurs of Weight Loss: Cravings, Stress, Fatigue, and Gut Imbalances
    • Inside the Formula: Ingredient Profile, Claimed Benefits & Where It May Fall Short
    • Cost, Guarantees & Where to Buy: What to Know Before Ordering from the Official Nagano Website
    • Your Top Questions Answered: Side Effects, Results Timeline, Dosage & More
    • Transparency First: Disclaimers, Safety Notes & Smart Supplement Shopping Tips

    Nagano Tonic Complaints Investigated – 2025 User Reviews Verified

    Nagano Lean Body Tonic is emerging as a popular clean-label supplement in 2025, promoted for its natural support of metabolism, appetite control, and energy levels. This article offers a balanced, in-depth look at verified customer reviews, reported complaints, and the science behind its ingredients.

    While it’s not a miracle solution, many users describe steady fat loss, improved energy, and fewer cravings with consistent use. Formulated with well-researched compounds like green tea extract (EGCG), inulin, ashwagandha, and bitter melon, the tonic promotes a holistic approach to weight management by addressing metabolism, digestion, and stress.

    Sold exclusively through the official website, it’s backed by a 180-day money-back guarantee. This review aims to help readers decide whether this trending fat-burning formula delivers real results, without the hype or hidden drawbacks.

    Introduction To Nagano Lean Body Tonic

    In the evolving world of natural weight loss solutions, few products have stirred as much conversation in 2025 as Nagano Lean Body Tonic. Marketed as a metabolism-boosting formula inspired by traditional Japanese wellness principles, this powdered supplement has drawn attention not only for its fat-burning claims but also for a rising number of user reviews, ranging from enthusiastic praise to critical feedback. As interest grows, so does the need for a clear, honest assessment before clicking “buy.”

    Nagano Tonic’s appeal lies in its clean, natural ingredient lineup and its promise to combat stubborn fat, enhance energy, and support wellness—all without synthetic stimulants. But with increased visibility comes scrutiny. Some users have voiced concerns about effectiveness, delayed results, and taste, highlighting the importance of real user experiences in understanding the full picture.

    This article takes a deep dive into the 2025 reviews of Nagano Lean Body Tonic, weighing both the pros and the cons. We’ll also explore common obstacles to lasting weight loss—and how this tonic claims to address them through a modern “biohacking” approach. Biohacking involves optimizing your biology through lifestyle, nutrition, and supplementation—something this formula claims to support through ingredients aimed at metabolism, cravings, and energy levels.

    In a crowded wellness market, transparent, up-to-date analysis is essential. That’s what you’ll find here: a detailed, unbiased, and SEO-friendly breakdown covering everything from ingredient science to pricing and policies, so you can decide whether Nagano Lean Body Tonic is truly worth your time and trust.

    Understanding The Common Weight Loss Challenges

    In 2025, weight loss remains anything but simple. More people are beginning to understand that there’s no universal fix, especially as metabolic health, hormones, and daily habits become more central to long-term success. For those who’ve cycled through countless fat-burning pills, fad diets, and intense workouts only to see minimal or fleeting results, frustration is mounting. To evaluate whether Nagano Lean Body Tonic is a viable solution, it’s essential to first unpack the real challenges of today’s weight loss landscape.

    Why Belly Fat Remains So Stubborn

    For countless men and women, abdominal fat is more than just an aesthetic concern—it’s a deeply persistent issue tied to stress, aging, and a sluggish metabolism. This is one of the hardest areas to lose fat, often resisting even the most disciplined efforts. The search for deeper, metabolism-driven solutions has become a priority.

    That’s where emerging ideas like “thermogenic activation” and “metabolic biohacking” come into play. These modern approaches mark a shift from crash diets to science-informed, natural methods that work with the body, not against it. Nagano Tonic embraces this shift by aiming to realign the body’s metabolic rhythm with plant-based ingredients inspired by traditional Japanese herbal practices. The goal? To promote more efficient fat-burning and sustained wellness.

    While the tonic isn’t a medical treatment, its formula includes natural compounds linked to energy enhancement and metabolic support, factors that could help reduce stubborn fat when combined with healthy habits.

    Cravings, Appetite, and the Dieting Dilemma

    Uncontrolled cravings are a major obstacle to achieving sustainable weight loss. Whether it’s late-night snacking, stress-eating, or blood sugar dips, many people find themselves locked in a cycle of overindulgence followed by guilt and diet restarts. Even the most disciplined low-calorie plans can unravel under the pressure of hunger and emotional triggers.

    This is where natural appetite-regulating ingredients are gaining ground. Compounds like inulin (a gut-friendly prebiotic fiber) and ashwagandha (an adaptogen known for stress balance)—both found in Nagano Tonic—are drawing attention for their potential to curb excessive hunger and support mood stability. While results vary by individual, this approach represents a welcome shift: fueling the body instead of depriving it.

    The Energy-Motivation Connection Often Overlooked

    Fatigue is one of the most underrated barriers to weight loss. When energy runs low, so does motivation to cook, exercise, or stick to goals. Recognizing this link is a game-changer. Instead of relying on caffeine-heavy stimulants that create temporary highs followed by crashes, many health-conscious users are now turning to natural tonics that support daily vitality more sustainably.

    Enter antioxidant-rich superfoods like Camu Camu, Mangosteen, and EGCG from green tea. These aren’t miracle ingredients, but they may contribute to cleaner, more consistent energy when paired with balanced routines. Nagano Lean Body Tonic leans into this philosophy, combining plant-based energy support with a metabolism-friendly formula, offering users a gentler, more holistic alternative to traditional weight loss aids.

    Gut Health, Inflammation, and the Weight Loss Connection

    In 2025, a growing body of research continues to highlight a key—but often overlooked—factor in weight loss resistance: gut health. Imbalances in gut microbiota can lead to chronic inflammation, bloating, sluggish digestion, and intensified sugar cravings—all of which hinder fat loss efforts. As awareness grows, prebiotics and digestive-friendly compounds are gaining mainstream attention. Nagano Lean Body Tonic taps into this trend with ingredients like inulin and ginger, both recognized for their potential to support digestive health and promote a healthier internal environment.

    While these natural compounds are not a replacement for medical treatment, they may serve as a valuable part of a broader wellness routine. The emerging concept of the gut-brain-weight axis—how digestion, mental health, and metabolism are interconnected—is becoming a cornerstone in modern weight management. Formulas that address this triad holistically are earning recognition for their multi-pronged approach to wellness.

    Why Addressing These Core Issues Matters

    Understanding the real barriers to weight loss is more than just identifying what’s going wrong—it’s about aligning with solutions that work with your body, not against it. Nagano Lean Body Tonic appears tailored to meet these challenges, blending the time-tested wisdom of Eastern wellness practices with today’s nutritional science. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking to rebalance their system naturally, without turning to harsh stimulants or restrictive regimens.

    In the next section, we’ll explore how Nagano Tonic carves its place in a saturated wellness market—and whether its ingredient transparency, natural claims, and user experiences support the promises found on its official website.

    Kickstart Your Wellness Journey Naturally with Nagano Lean Body Tonic

    Looking for a cleaner, smarter way to boost metabolism and cut cravings? Nagano Lean Body Tonic may be the modern, natural solution to help you reset and energize from within.

    Read our full analysis to see what real users are saying and whether it truly supports weight loss

    Introducing Nagano Lean Body Tonic

    The surge in interest around Nagano Lean Body Tonic in 2025 is far from accidental. In a market dominated by synthetic diet pills and fleeting health fads, more consumers are gravitating toward clean-label supplements rooted in traditional practices and backed by evolving science. As a powdered drink mix, Nagano Tonic distinguishes itself with a combination of ancient herbal wisdom and functional, metabolism-supporting ingredients.

    But the big question remains: does it actually live up to the hype?

    This section breaks down what the product is, what’s inside it, and how it positions itself as a natural solution to today’s most common weight loss hurdles. You’ll also see how it compares to the flood of detox teas, thermogenic fat burners, and trendy metabolism blends currently crowding the shelves.

    What Exactly Is Nagano Lean Body Tonic?

    Nagano Lean Body Tonic is a powdered dietary supplement designed to be stirred into water or your favorite beverage. It contains a carefully selected mix of fruits, herbs, roots, and adaptogenic botanicals—many inspired by Japanese wellness rituals. Rather than being just another fat-burning formula, Nagano presents itself as a multi-functional wellness tonic aimed at supporting metabolism, reducing cravings, and promoting cleaner, sustained energy.

    Unlike conventional fat burners that rely heavily on caffeine or synthetic appetite suppressants, this tonic opts for a gentler approach. It embraces functional nutrition—working in harmony with your body to restore metabolic balance without overloading your system.

    This reflects a broader 2025 shift toward Eastern-inspired fat-loss strategies, which prioritize internal balance and long-term vitality over short-term gimmicks. Nagano Tonic positions itself at this crossroads: ancient herbal tradition meeting modern nutritional needs.

    Curious To Know More? Visit The Official Nagano Tonic Website Here

    Core Ingredients And Their Functional Benefits

    While the complete ingredient list can be found on the official website (leanbodytonic.com), below is a closer look at the standout components that give Nagano Lean Body Tonic its unique edge over conventional weight loss supplements.

    Camu Camu

    This Amazonian superfruit is revered for its exceptionally high Vitamin C content. Frequently associated with immune support and antioxidant activity, Camu Camu is thought to help reduce oxidative stress, a factor that can contribute to fatigue and stubborn weight gain.

    EGCG (from Green Tea Extract)

    One of the most researched thermogenic compounds in the natural wellness space, EGCG may support fat oxidation and healthy metabolic function, especially when paired with an active lifestyle and balanced nutrition. While not a magic bullet, it remains a valuable asset in the broader metabolic support toolkit.

    Mangosteen

    Southeast Asian herbal traditions often turn to mangosteen for its xanthones—powerful antioxidants believed to support the body’s inflammatory response. Its detox-friendly profile and potential to assist with systemic balance are why it’s featured in many modern wellness blends, including Nagano.

    Ashwagandha

    This revered adaptogen is known for helping the body manage stress and regulate cortisol levels, an important factor given that elevated cortisol is often linked to abdominal fat accumulation. Its calming, balancing effects may also support better emotional eating habits and energy stability.

    Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon)

    A staple in Eastern medicine, bitter melon has long been used for its potential effects on blood sugar and appetite control. While its intense flavor may not appeal to everyone, its metabolic support properties make it a strategic addition to the Nagano formula.

    Inulin

    This prebiotic fiber plays a dual role—supporting gut health and increasing satiety. By fostering a healthier digestive environment and helping users feel fuller longer, inulin may help cut down on snacking and improve weight control outcomes.

    Other Key Ingredients: Eleuthero Root, Cinnamon Cassia, Ginger, Acerola, and Alfalfa Leaf

    These additional botanicals contribute more than just flavor. They offer a range of potential benefits, including antioxidant protection, digestive comfort, and gentle metabolic regulation. While not headline ingredients, their presence reflects a comprehensive, wellness-first formulation strategy.

    Disclaimer: Effects of natural ingredients can vary significantly between individuals. Nagano Lean Body Tonic is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, particularly if managing existing health conditions or taking medication.

    Tap To Get Details Of All The Ingredients Used In Nagano Lean Body Tonic From The Official Website

    A Clean-Label Choice For The Conscious Consumer

    In today’s wellness landscape, where artificial additives are increasingly questioned, Nagano Lean Body Tonic sets itself apart with its commitment to clean, plant-based ingredients. By avoiding preservatives, stimulants, and synthetic fillers, the tonic appeals to health-conscious individuals who prefer natural thermogenic support over chemically engineered alternatives.

    Additionally, the product is non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and manufactured in a GMP-certified facility, as stated by the brand. These quality assurances resonate with modern consumers seeking transparency, ethical sourcing, and evidence of good manufacturing standards.

    How Does Nagano Tonic Align With Consumer Expectations?

    What sets Nagano Lean Body Tonic apart isn’t just its ingredient list—it’s the way the formula aims to support multiple facets of weight wellness:

    • Naturally encourages metabolic activity (without synthetic stimulants)
    • Supports stress management with adaptogenic herbs
    • It may help curb cravings thanks to digestion-friendly prebiotics
    • Caters to a clean-living, holistic lifestyle

    These benefits resonate strongly with the mindset of today’s health-conscious consumer, especially in 2025, where sustainable transformation has overtaken fad diets and quick-fix solutions. The tonic’s approach aligns with the growing demand for natural, effective alternatives that address body, mind, and lifestyle in unison.

    Investigating Customer Complaints And Reviews

    As with any supplement that earns buzz, Nagano Lean Body Tonic has its fair share of both advocates and critics. As usage grows, so does the flood of online reviews, social media chatter, Reddit discussions, and blog breakdowns. For curious shoppers, it’s essential to sort through the noise and get a clear picture of what users are actually experiencing.

    In this section, we break down some of the most common criticisms, highlight verified customer success stories, and explore why reactions can differ so much between individuals. Given how often terms like “Nagano Tonic scam,” “real results after 30 days,” or “does it really work?” appear in search results, an unbiased investigation is more than helpful—it’s necessary.

    Top Reported Complaints: What You Should Know

    Although many buyers report positive changes, several recurring complaints stand out. These issues aren’t deal-breakers, but they offer valuable context for prospective users.

    1. Results Can Take Time

    Perhaps the most frequent criticism involves the pace of visible results. Users hoping for dramatic fat loss in just a few days may find themselves disappointed early on.

    “I didn’t feel much difference in the first two weeks, but by week four I noticed more energy and less bloating. Still, it’s not some instant miracle,” wrote one Reddit user in a health thread.

    This gradual improvement is typical of plant-based, clean-label formulas that avoid harsh stimulants or extreme fat-blocking compounds. Like many natural wellness products, consistency and patience are key to unlocking benefits.

    2. Taste and Mixability Concerns

    While many people enjoy the tonic’s slightly fruity, herbal flavor, others describe it as “an acquired taste.” Some report that the texture can be gritty or clumpy, especially when mixed with cold water.

    Tip: Users often find better mixability with warm water or when blending the tonic into smoothies, citrus juice, or herbal tea for a smoother experience.

    3. Not Sold on Major Retail Platforms

    Another point of frustration is the tonic’s limited distribution. It’s sold exclusively through the official website, which prevents access via Amazon, Walmart, or third-party wellness sites. While this helps protect the formula’s integrity, it can be inconvenient for those used to broader availability.

    Important Note: Always purchase from the official site to avoid counterfeit or expired products. Unauthorized resellers may offer imitations or tampered formulations.

    Verified Positive Reviews: What Real Users Say Works

    Now let’s flip the script and explore the growing number of users who report noticeable improvements while using Nagano Lean Body Tonic as part of their daily wellness routine. These testimonials often include boosted energy, reduced bloating, fewer cravings, and gradual but steady fat loss over time.

    1. A Clean Energy Boost—Without the Crash

    A standout benefit reported by many users is an increase in natural energy, especially in the morning hours after taking the tonic.

    “I’ve basically replaced my coffee. It gives me a clean, steady lift with no jitters or mid-morning crashes,” shared one user in a 2025 feedback summary.

    This effect may be attributed to ingredients like green tea extract (rich in EGCG), ginger, and the adaptogen Ashwagandha—all known for promoting balanced, stimulant-free vitality.

    2. Better Appetite Control and Reduced Cravings

    Numerous users say they experienced fewer urges to snack, especially on sugary or processed foods, after consistently taking the tonic for several weeks.

    While it’s difficult to pinpoint exact causes without clinical data, the presence of prebiotic fiber (inulin), cinnamon cassia, and bitter melon may support satiety and blood sugar stability, reducing cravings naturally.

    Disclaimer: These results reflect individual experiences and are not guaranteed. Speak with a healthcare provider for tailored health advice.

    3. Sustainable, Long-Term Results with Consistent Use

    Those who incorporated Nagano Tonic daily, especially alongside light movement, mindful eating, or walking, were more likely to report positive changes.

    “After 8 weeks, I lost 9 pounds. It didn’t happen overnight, but my clothes fit better and my energy is up. This feels like something I can stick with,” noted one verified buyer.

    This reflects the product’s alignment with modern wellness trends that favor long-term body recomposition over dramatic quick fixes.

    See what current users are reporting about their experience with Nagano Tonic, available on the official website

    Why Mixed Reviews Exist, Even When Results Are Positive

    It’s important to understand that supplement performance can vary widely. Factors like diet, stress, sleep, hormone balance, and activity level all play a role in how effective any supplement may be for a given person. Misleading social media ads can also create unrealistic expectations, leading some users to feel disappointed if they don’t experience rapid changes.

    That’s why transparent, balanced reviews like this are essential for setting realistic expectations.

    A Grounded Solution in a Market Full of Hype

    All things considered, Nagano Lean Body Tonic seems to deliver meaningful support for many users, especially those who value consistency, clean ingredients, and holistic health. While no product is perfect, most complaints revolve around personal preferences or timing, not the safety or integrity of the product itself.

    With roots in traditional Japanese wellness and modern metabolic science, the tonic presents itself as a clean, non-GMO, naturally supportive tool in your health toolkit.

    The Science Behind Nagano Lean Body Tonic

    Today’s health-conscious consumer seeks more than just weight loss—they want holistic, natural solutions that support full-body wellness. Nagano Lean Body Tonic steps up to this demand by offering a blend of plant-based compounds rooted in both science and traditional Japanese health practices.

    Let’s dive into the key functions of the formula and how its ingredients may work synergistically to support metabolism, cravings, digestion, and stress resilience.

    1. Metabolic Activation Through Thermogenesis

    A major focus of Nagano Tonic is enhancing metabolic activity via natural thermogenesis—the process of using stored fat as energy. Key ingredients include:

    Green Tea Extract (EGCG):
    EGCG, a potent catechin in green tea, has been shown to support fat oxidation and energy expenditure, especially during physical activity. It’s a well-studied, non-stimulant thermogenic agent found in many effective wellness supplements.

    Note: These effects are based on early-stage studies and user testimonials. Results will vary.

    Ginger + Cinnamon Cassia:
    Known for their warming, digestive, and circulation-boosting properties, these herbs help create an environment that supports metabolic efficiency and energy transformation.

    2. Nutrient-Dense Antioxidants for Systemic Health

    Camu Camu + Mangosteen:
    These antioxidant-rich superfruits are known for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are now recognized as roadblocks to optimal metabolism. Camu Camu also delivers a significant dose of vitamin C, supporting immune and mitochondrial function.

    3. Appetite Control and Satiety Support

    Inulin (Prebiotic Fiber):
    Naturally found in chicory root, inulin promotes fullness, supports digestion, and may slow glucose absorption. It also feeds healthy gut bacteria, key players in appetite and weight regulation.

    Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia):
    Used traditionally for blood sugar support, bitter melon may help reduce sugar-related cravings by encouraging a healthy insulin response.

    Disclaimer: Bitter melon is still being evaluated in scientific studies. Consult your provider before use if you have blood sugar concerns.

    4. Stress Reduction for Weight Stability

    Stress often triggers overeating and belly fat accumulation. The adaptogens in Nagano Tonic help address this root cause:

    Ashwagandha:
    One of the most well-known adaptogens, it may help lower cortisol levels and reduce emotional eating or fatigue associated with chronic stress.

    Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng):
    Included to support sustained energy and resilience under pressure, this adaptogen helps keep mental and physical fatigue at bay without overstimulating the body.

    5. Gut Health: The Missing Link in Weight Wellness

    Gut health influences metabolism, inflammation, and even mood. By including gut-supportive ingredients like inulin, digestive herbs, and superfruit antioxidants, Nagano Tonic aims to support a healthier internal environment that fosters fat metabolism and emotional well-being.

    Note: This tonic is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Results vary and are not guaranteed.

    The Synergy That Sets It Apart

    What makes Nagano Tonic stand out isn’t one “miracle” ingredient—it’s the harmony of its components. From metabolism and appetite to stress and gut balance, this formula addresses multiple dimensions of wellness. That’s what makes it a good fit for consumers looking for something smarter than another crash diet or caffeine pill.

    In a world filled with synthetic fat burners and exaggerated claims, Nagano Lean Body Tonic offers a gentler, functional path to feeling better, inside and out.

    Curious About How Nagano Tonic Works? Dive Into The Details

    How To Add Nagano Tonic To Your Routine?

    Ease of use is crucial for long-term success, and Nagano Lean Body Tonic fits easily into modern wellness routines.

    Daily Usage Guide:

    • Dosage: One scoop daily
    • How to Mix: Stir into 6–8 oz of water, juice, or smoothies
    • When to Take: Morning, preferably before food
    • Duration: Use consistently for 30–60 days to evaluate effects

    Many users take it alongside light morning movement, meditation, or as part of a clean breakfast routine. It can also be used to support intermittent fasting plans, as it’s low in calories and often described as a metabolic primer.

    Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, especially if pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition.

    Pairing Nagano Tonic With Healthy Habits

    One of the key reasons wellness-minded users appreciate Nagano Lean Body Tonic is that it doesn’t require an intense lifestyle overhaul. Still, when paired with purposeful habits, the tonic’s benefits may be noticeably amplified.

    1. Prioritize Morning Hydration

    Since the tonic is mixed with liquid, starting your day with it naturally encourages better hydration. Hydrating early supports digestion, detoxification, and nutrient delivery—all of which are foundational to healthy metabolism.

    Tip: Follow your tonic with an extra glass (16–20 oz) of water to activate your system and support gut function from the start of the day.

    2. Stick to a Whole-Foods Diet

    Nagano Tonic complements—rather than replaces—a nutritious diet. The best outcomes are often reported by those who focus on:

    • Lean proteins (chicken, lentils, eggs)
    • Fiber-rich greens (kale, spinach, broccoli)
    • Slow-burning carbs (quinoa, oats, brown rice)
    • Healthy fats (nuts, olive oil, avocado)

    This type of eating pattern supports metabolic function while reducing inflammation and bloating.

    3. Keep Your Body Moving

    While Nagano doesn’t promise results without movement, it works well alongside light physical activity. Even short daily walks, stretching, or 20-minute workouts can complement the tonic’s natural energy-boosting and fat-burning support.

    These simple efforts can elevate energy, improve hormone function, and reinforce consistent progress.

    4. Layer in Stress Relief

    With stress-regulating ingredients like ashwagandha and eleuthero root already in the mix, adding stress-management habits can further support emotional balance and weight goals. Try:

    • Short breathing sessions or meditation
    • Scented candles or diffusers (lavender, eucalyptus)
    • Tech-free wind-down routines in the evening

    Managing cortisol naturally supports fat metabolism, especially around the midsection.

    Consistency Makes The Difference

    Unlike stimulant-heavy fat burners, Nagano Lean Body Tonic takes a gentler, cumulative approach. It’s designed for long-term metabolic balance rather than short bursts of unsustainable energy.

    Most successful users report visible improvements after 60–90 days of steady use alongside other healthy practices. The focus here is on sustainable progress, not overnight changes.

    Note: Your results will depend on your personal routine, diet, and lifestyle. Nagano is meant to support, not replace, foundational wellness practices.

    Creating A Wellness Ritual That Works

    Nagano Tonic can do more than just assist weight goals—it can anchor positive routines. Whether it becomes part of your breakfast ritual, your pre-walk boost, or a cue for mindful eating, this kind of habit stacking builds momentum.

    By integrating it into your existing structure, you can design a supportive routine that aligns with your wellness goals in a realistic, manageable way.

    Purchasing And Guarantee Details

    Understanding the product is only half the equation—it’s also important to know how the purchase process works. Here’s what to expect when buying Nagano Lean Body Tonic.

    Where To Purchase?

    The tonic is exclusively available through its official website. This ensures you’re getting the genuine product with the correct formulation, not a knockoff. Avoid third-party retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or eBay. These listings are often unauthorized and can carry expired or counterfeit products.

    Buying directly also unlocks exclusive discounts, bulk deals, and updated shipping options.

    Pricing Plans Of Nagano Tonic

    As of now, Nagano Tonic offers three standard packages:

    • Single Bottle: $79 for a 30-day supply
    • Best Value (6 Bottles): $234 total ($39/bottle) 180-day supply
    • Popular (3 Bottles): $177 total ($59/bottle) 90-day supply

    Each order includes usage instructions, and the more you buy, the more you save.

    Tap To Order Nagano Lean Body Tonic From The Official Website

    180-Day Risk-Free Guarantee

    Nagano Tonic is backed by a no-questions-asked, 180-day money-back guarantee. You can try the supplement for up to six months and request a refund, even if the bottles are opened or used.

    Refund Policy Highlights:

    • Valid for all order sizes (1, 3, or 6 bottles)
    • Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility
    • Contact customer service within 180 days for refund instructions

    This generous guarantee shows the brand’s confidence and allows users to evaluate the product at their own pace.

    How To Request A Return?

    To start a refund, contact customer service by email or phone and send the product back to the fulfillment center.

    Contact Details:

    • Email: support@leanbodytonic.com
    • Phone: (863) 591-4284
    • Return Address: 285 Northeast Ave, Tallmadge, OH 44278, USA

    Return Tips:

    • Use trackable shipping
    • Include your order ID and original packaging
    • Keep a copy of your shipping receipt

    Nagano Lean Body Tonic Reviews: Final Thoughts

    In a crowded market of stimulant pills and fad diets, Nagano Lean Body Tonic offers a grounded, holistic alternative. It combines Eastern botanicals and modern science to gently support metabolism, digestion, and energy, without harsh side effects. After reviewing customer testimonials, examining common complaints, and analyzing its ingredients, one thing is clear: Nagano is not a magic bullet, but it is a helpful ally for those pursuing lasting change.

    What makes Nagano stand out is its multifaceted approach. It supports metabolism through ingredients like green tea, ginger, and other thermogenic; helps control cravings with inulin fiber and bitter melon; and enhances stress resilience through adaptogens such as ashwagandha and eleuthero root.

    Additionally, it promotes gut health and digestion, factors often overlooked in weight loss and provides non-stimulant energy support for sustained daily wellness. This thoughtful blend is ideal for individuals seeking not only fat loss but also better mood, improved energy, and enhanced daily performance.

    Used in combination with smart lifestyle habits such as staying hydrated, eating whole foods, getting sufficient sleep, and staying active, Nagano Lean Body Tonic can offer a meaningful edge in your wellness journey.

    Email: support@leanbodytonic.com

    Disclaimer: The information shared about Nagano Lean Body Tonic has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results may vary from person to person. Before starting Nagano Lean Body Tonic—especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing a medical condition—please consult with your healthcare provider.

    This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you choose to purchase through them. Always make informed decisions in partnership with a qualified medical professional when considering any supplement as part of your wellness routine.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5d24aa16-706a-4dbc-8890-71918ce0232f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/063f8cdd-1952-46cb-9a72-030ae0393ad7

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/989f78bb-7775-4f64-b791-ede0d85430d6

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Himax to Debut Breakthrough Ultra-Luminous Miniature Dual-Edge Front-lit LCoS Microdisplay at SID Display Week 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAINAN, Taiwan, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, today announced the unveiling of its miniature ultra-luminous Dual-Edge Front-lit LCoS microdisplay at Display Week 2025. Organized by the Society for Information Display (SID), Display Week is one of the premier symposiums and exhibitions in the display industry and taking place May 11–16, 2025 in San Jose. Himax Senior Director, Simon Fan-Chiang will deliver an in-depth presentation on this cutting-edge technology during Session 3 of the symposium on May 13.

    Himax’s proprietary Dual-Edge Front-lit LCoS microdisplay integrates both the illumination optics and LCoS panel into an exceptionally compact form factor, as small as 0.09 c.c., and weighing only 0.2 grams, while targeting up to 350,000 nits brightness and 1 lumen output at just 250mW maximum total power consumption, demonstrating unparalleled optical efficiency. With a 720×720 resolution and 4.25µm pixel pitch, it delivers outstanding clarity and color vibrancy in a miniature footprint. The microdisplay’s compact and power-efficient design enables significantly smaller form factors without compromising brightness, clarity, or color, redefining the boundaries of high-performance miniature optics. With industry-leading compact form factor, superior brightness and power efficiency, it is ideally suited for next-generation AR glasses and head-mounted displays where space, weight, and thermal constraints are critical.

    “We are proud to introduce our state-of-the-art Dual-Edge Front-lit LCoS microdisplay, a true milestone in display innovation,” said Jordan Wu, CEO of Himax. This achievement is the result of years of rigorous development, delivering an industry-leading combination of ultra-compact size, extremely lightweight design, high brightness, and exceptional power efficiency to meet the demanding needs of AR device makers. We believe this breakthrough technology will be a game-changer for next-generation AR applications.”

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.

    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,603 patents granted and 389 patents pending approval worldwide as of March 31, 2025.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Company Contacts:

    Karen Tiao, Head of IR/PR
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Egg packers prosecuted for switching ‘best before’ dates

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Egg packers prosecuted for switching ‘best before’ dates

    Egg packers prosecuted following APHA investigations

    Criminals re-packing of eggs with fake ‘best before’ dates have been stopped and prosecuted, following investigations carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors.

    The prosecutions, which took place between January and March 2025, involved multiple offences under the Egg Marketing Regulations. These included the unlawful re-packing of eggs with altered or extended ‘best before’ dates and breaches of required labelling standards and followed work by Animal and Plant Health Agency’s Egg Marketing Inspectors in conjunction with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Counter Fraud and Investigation Team.

    • On 31 March 2025, Phillip Hoyland of Summerley Top Farm, Derbyshire pleaded guilty to fraud charges. The charges arose following routine inspections carried out by APHA EMIs and a subsequent investigation by Defra’s Counter Fraud and Investigation Team. Mr Hoyland was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.

    • On 24 March 2025, Barradale Eggs Ltd of Ashford, Kent, was prosecuted at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court. The case followed an inspection by an APHA EMI, who identified that a batch of eggs had been re-packed and the original ‘best before’ date extended—contrary to egg marketing legislation. The company was found guilty of one offence and was ordered to pay a fine of £466 and costs of £85.

    • Field Farm Eggs, based in South Newbald, East Yorkshire, was prosecuted at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 24 February 2025, following inspections conducted by an APHA EMI in December 2023. The inspections revealed that a batch of class A eggs had been re-packed and the ‘best before’ date unlawfully extended.The defendant was found guilty of two offences and fined £1,000, with a victim surcharge of £400 and costs of £85.

    • Holyfield Farm Fresh Eggs Ltd, based in north London, pleaded guilty to three charges at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Monday 20 January 2025 following inspections by an APHA EMI which found the original ‘best before’ date had been extended by four days. The court issued a fine of £2,000 (reduced from £3,000 due to an early guilty plea) and awarded £200 for prosecution costs.

    Aled Edwards, Head of England Field Delivery, Animal and Plant Health Agency said:  

    It’s essential that consumers can trust the eggs they purchase are fresh, safe to eat, and clearly and accurately labelled.

    These cases demonstrate our robust enforcement procedures; across the country we have 35 EMIs who work in our field delivery teams and have the important role of ensuring regulations in the egg industry are adhered to. I welcome these sentences from the courts and hope they will act as a deterrent to others.

    Every egg packaging centre, regardless of scale, must comply with all relevant legislation, including comprehensive environmental and animal welfare rules. 

    The cases are the latest example of robust collective action by APHA, Defra and the EMIs to prevent offences which breach the required labelling standards to maintain the highest food labelling standards in this country so that consumers have confidence in the food that they buy.

    Anyone who has serious concerns about the welfare of livestock is always urged to report issues immediately to the APHA so that urgent action can be taken by telephoning 03000 200 301 or emailing customeradvice@apha.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Australia: JACET Charges – Child abuse – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) has charged a 28-year-old man with child abuse offences in Alice Springs.

    On Wednesday 7 May 2025, NT JACET received an urgent referral from the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

    The following day, detectives and federal agents from NT JACET, with support from Alice Springs Domestic Violence & Child Abuse Taskforce, executed a lawful search on a residence resulting in the seizure of large quantities of child abuse material. Police will allege that the man also abused a child, aged under 5-years-old, who was known to him. 

    The 28-year-old male has been charged with the following:

    1. Sexual intercourse with child under 10 x 1
    2. Gross indecency with child under 14 x 2
    3. Produce child abuse material for use via a carriage service x 3
    4. Possess or control child abuse material
    5. Access child abuse material
    6. Transmit child abuse material

    He has been remanded to appear in Alice Springs Court on 10 July 2025.

    NT Police Force Detective Superintendent Paul Lawson said, “The crimes committed by this individual are abhorrent.

    “Preying on the most vulnerable members of our community who cannot defend themselves. 

    “I want to commend the seamless collaboration with our international and federal partners to target this offender and bring him before the court.

    “If you abuse a child or procure, access and transmit child abuse material, we will find you, and you will be prosecuted.

    “We will continue to work tirelessly to protect children from harm.”

    AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said the AFP and its law enforcement partners across Australia were committed to protecting children from sexual predators.

    “Offenders cannot hide behind a screen when they carry out these reprehensible and hideous acts,” Supt Davis said.

    “Our message to online offenders has not changed – if you possess, produce or transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chengdu Michelin-starred restaurant opens flagship store in Hong Kong as first step to go global (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Chengdu Michelin-starred restaurant opens flagship store in Hong Kong as first step to go global  
    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, “We are delighted to welcome Chengdu Restaurant to Hong Kong’s dynamic food and beverage landscape. Their entry into our city reflects Hong Kong’s appeal as a launchpad for premium brands seeking global reach and regional influence. It also adds to our rich diversity of culinary offerings and strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a world-class dining destination.”
     
    The Chengdu Restaurant brand, operated in Hong Kong under the Xiangtianxia Group, is a Sichuan-based diversified catering and lifestyle enterprise. Originating from Chengdu, widely regarded as China’s culinary capital, the brand has gained acclaim for its refined Sichuan cuisine and was one of the first Michelin-starred restaurants in Southwest China.
     
         The Chief Executive Officer of the Xiangtianxia Group, Mr Mario He, said that the brand has looked into a few places for its international expansion and finally decided to settle in Hong Kong due to its strategic location, vibrant culinary scene, and its unique role as a global gateway between Mainland China and international markets.
     
    He said, “Hong Kong is not only a global financial hub but also a cultural and gastronomic bridge connecting East and West. Our flagship in Central will serve as the global headquarters for the Chengdu Restaurant brand and a springboard for regional and international growth. We are excited to bring the essence of Sichuan’s food culture to diners in Hong Kong and beyond.”
     
    He added, “With a deep commitment to showcasing the richness of Chinese culinary culture on a global stage, we have chosen Hong Kong to leverage its unmatched connectivity and business infrastructure to accelerate our international growth. As part of our expansion plan, the Group is already in discussions for a second outlet and plans to build an international talent team based in the Hong Kong office.”
     
    Located in Lan Kwai Fong in Central, the new restaurant aims to present an elevated Sichuan dining experience by blending Sichuan and Cantonese culinary artistry with Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan culture. The outlet will serve signature cold dishes, grilled delicacies, seafood, soups, and Sichuan specialties, tailored for the local market while preserving the brand’s hallmark authenticity and craftsmanship.
     
         The Xiangtianxia Group operates over 600 restaurants across seven countries and 33 cities and has developed more than 30 consumer dining brands. Its restaurant portfolio includes Chengdu Restaurant, a two-time Michelin One Star winner, and Daxi Sichuan Cuisine, a Michelin-recommended brand.
     
    For more information about Chengdu Restaurant, please visit www.cqxtx.com.cn 
    To get a copy of the photos, please visit
    www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720325979894Issued at HKT 15:17

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI China: Sports events fuel tourism consumption in China

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

    When Jiang Xiaojuan and her husband boarded a plane for a journey of around 3,500 kilometers, they were not just headed on holiday; they were pursuing a shared passion: badminton.

    The couple from Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang region, flew to the coastal city of Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province, to catch the 2025 Sudirman Cup, held during China’s bustling May Day “golden week” holiday.

    The couple instinctively knew that spectating would not be enough, which is why they had packed their rackets into their suitcases.

    Wang Zhiyi of China competes in the women’s singles match against An Se Young of South Korea during the final match between China and South Korea at BWF Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province, May 4, 2025. (Xinhua/Sun Fei)

    “Xiamen has plenty of badminton courts and a vibrant local scene,” Jiang told Xinhua outside the stadium, shortly after cheering for China’s win in the final. “As soon as we landed, we joined a local group and played three matches.”

    For Jiang, blending sports with travel was the perfect getaway: “It’s good for both body and mind,” she said with a grin.

    A new trend of sports-driven tourism is emerging in China as more travelers are building their itineraries around tournaments, marathons and championship games. Cities are seizing the opportunity, leveraging major events to boost hotel bookings, catering consumption and cultural exploration.

    The government is backing this trend. National action plans released in March and April highlighted the integration of sports, culture, and tourism as a strategic pillar for stimulating domestic consumption, calling for more high-quality sports programs and distinctive events.

    Xiamen’s hosting of this year’s Sudirman Cup was a prime example. Running from April 27 to May 4, the tournament coincided with the country’s five-day May Day holiday, attracting crowds of badminton fans alongside regular holiday tourists.

    Local businesses saw a noticeable boost, with hotels across the city reporting higher bookings than the previous year. Shen Xiaoyan of Le Meridien Xiamen said the hotel hosted several groups in town for the competition. To attract more guests, the hotel offered bundled packages with perks like complimentary shuttle service to the arena and free court time.

    The city didn’t rely solely on the matches. “We rolled out ‘sports-plus’ packages to enrich the visitor experience,” said Chen Lan, deputy head of Xiamen’s sports bureau. Initiatives like “Walk with the Champions” city tours and campus visits by athletes added layers of experience beyond stadiums.

    More people are prioritizing health and leisure amid rising living standards, said Li Peigong, president of Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance. “A combination of sports and travel has become a go-to solution that caters to a wide range of needs.”

    This shift aligns with China’s broader development strategy to become a leading sporting nation by advancing competitive sports, encouraging mass participation, and developing its sports industry — all in parallel.

    With annual growth surpassing 10 percent over the past years, the sports industry has emerged as a key driver of consumption, innovation, and employment in the country.

    In 2024 alone, Xiamen hosted 40 high-level sports events, generating more than 2.6 billion yuan (about 361 million U.S. dollars) in revenues.

    Meanwhile, Shanghai is setting the pace for sports-driven consumption. In March, the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix drew a record-breaking 220,000 spectators, exceeding last year’s attendance. Of those, 15 percent were overseas visitors, with 60 percent traveling to Shanghai specifically for the race, doubling the number from the previous year.

    But the excitement didn’t stop at the racetrack. F1 fans flowed into Shanghai’s buzzing neighborhoods, dining at upscale restaurants, shopping in luxury boutiques, and browsing duty-free stores.

    “Ticket sales rose by 30 percent compared to 2023,” said Yang Yibin, chairman of Shanghai Juss Sports Development Group. “This isn’t just a race — it’s an invitation to discover China.”

    In 2024, Shanghai hosted 178 major sporting events, raking in 11.38 billion yuan. When including related spending on tourism, dining, and shopping, the total soared to nearly 31 billion yuan.

    Experts argue that sports tourism is helping lesser-known destinations stay competitive in an increasingly crowded travel market. This ensures steady visitor flow while offering fresh, engaging experiences, said Zou Xinxian, a professor at Beijing Sport University.

    “Sports help activate destination brands and build unique, recognizable identities,” Zou said. Sports events like marathons enable cities to showcase their local culture in dynamic, participatory ways.

    Over the May Day holiday, sports events were seamlessly woven into local culture to attract visitors.

    In Jilin, a 10-kilometer warm-up marathon took place alongside a traditional kite festival at the scenic Chagan Lake, with runners passing through villages rich in ethnic character. Meanwhile, in Yunnan, a large-scale sports carnival featuring a variety of competitions drew athletes and tourists alike to its stunning natural landscapes.

    Li Peiyao, a researcher at Jilin University, sees a broader shift in consumer behavior: from buying things to seeking meaningful experiences.

    “Sporting events don’t just bring people together,” said Li. “They help foster connection, cultural identity, and shared memories.”

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: BloFin leads the pack at TOKEN2049 with 1,000+ attendees at Whale’s Rave and major growth highlights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At this year’s TOKEN2049, BloFin joins top exchanges including OKX, Binance, and KuCoin as a Title Sponsor, marking another milestone in its global expansion and industry recognition. From a Platinum Sponsor last year to a Title Sponsor this year, BloFin’s elevation in status reflects the brand’s growing ambition and commitment to the cryptocurrency industry. The company has also made significant strides in its offerings, showcasing multiple brand advancements, including launching sub-accounts, achieving ISO 27001 certification, and becoming the fourth exchange in the industry to complete the Unified Trading Account feature.

    BloFin’s presence was prominent throughout the venue, from the entrance and exclusive registration counter to the welcome bags and key areas across the event space. The team engaged with industry leaders, partners, traders, and KOLs, fostering insightful conversations and building meaningful relationships to drive future crypto growth.

    Finny Takes the Spotlight: BloFin’s Mascot Shines as the Star of TOKEN2049

    A standout moment at TOKEN2049 was the official debut of Finny, BloFin’s newly unveiled mascot. Designed as a meme-worthy space whale, Finny quickly became a crowd favorite and a visual symbol of BloFin’s unique brand identity. Finny symbolized BloFin’s commitment to protecting whales and embodied the brand’s aspirations to the moon. With its captivating design, Finny became the event’s most talked-about character, further solidifying BloFin’s connection with the crypto community.

    The First-ever Whale’s Rave: Arcadia Side Event of TOKEN2049 Concludes Successfully, Marking the Beginning of Exciting Collaborations with Luke Belmar

    The Whale’s Rave: Arcadia event, presented by BloFin, quickly became the most talked-about side event of TOKEN2049 Dubai 2025, drawing nearly 1,000 attendees worldwide. This year also marked a historic collaboration between BloFin and renowned crypto investor Luke Belmar, taking the event to its peak and pushing its excitement to new heights.

    Whale’s Rave: Arcadia was this exclusive event’s first edition, leaving an indelible mark on every attendee. The event redefined what crypto industry gatherings could look like, featuring premium whale-tier merchandise, an exclusive Whale’s Club-only gift, and the debut of BloFin’s beloved mascot Finny. BloFin also showcased a series of brand-defining performances, further solidifying the brand’s position as an innovator within the space.

    In line with its continued growth, BloFin unveiled its all-new 2025 merchandise collection, designed exclusively for the crypto elite. The collection features eight unique items, including the coveted BloFin Top Whales Necklace and Ring Bundle, Whale’s Trading Journal, Gym Bag, Finny T-shirts, and exclusive Whale Club-only merchandise for VIP traders.

    “We are incredibly excited about the success of the first-ever Whale’s Rave,” said Matt, CEO of BloFin. “It was an unforgettable moment to celebrate with our global community and partners. We were also pleased to share major product updates, including our Unified Trading Account, Sub-Account features, and the upcoming BloFin Card. We look forward to seeing everyone again in Singapore.” “It was the most fun and craziest party of the week!” as described by BeInCrypto and CoinTelegraph.

    As the flames of the event burned bright, BloFin remains focused on its mission to create unforgettable experiences for its community and build a future where Whales Are Made.

    With sights set on TOKEN2049 Singapore, BloFin is preparing to elevate its presence further, headlined by a large-scale, thousand-person celebration and deeper engagement with industry leaders. As BloFin expands its global reach and solidifies its role at the forefront of digital finance, the world can anticipate the next bold chapter from the brand that continues to prove: this is where whales are made.

    Follow BloFin X(Twitter)|InstagramYouTubeTelegram

    About BloFin

    ​BloFin is a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange that specializes in futures trading. The platform offers 480+ USDT-M perpetual pairs, spot trading, copy trading, API access, unified account management, and advanced sub-account solutions. Committed to security and compliance, BloFin integrates Fireblocks and Chainalysis to ensure robust asset protection. By partnering with top affiliates, BloFin delivers scalable trading solutions, efficient fund management, and enhanced flexibility for professional traders. ​As the constant sponsor of TOKEN2049, BloFin continues to expand its global presence, reinforcing its position as the place “WHERE WHALES ARE MADE.” For more information, visit BloFin’s official website at https://www.blofin.com.

    Contact:
    Annio W.
    annio@blofin.io

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by BloFin. 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.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers pre-recorded remarks at the event on ”Unlocking Energy Transition Finance towards Inclusivity and Sustainability in ASEAN”

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered pre-recorded remarks at the event on “Unlocking Energy Transition Finance towards Inclusivity and Sustainability in ASEAN,” jointly organised by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to ASEAN. The event serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners, and relevant stakeholders in advancing energy transition finance, including initiatives such as power grid interconnection. In his remarks, SG Dr. Kao underscored ASEAN’s commitment to mobilising finance for energy transition to ensure affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy access for all, while contributing to the region’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions and realising global climate goals. He further emphasised the importance of working together to pool resources, harmonise standards, and co-develop financing solutions that are scalable, inclusive, and tailored to the region’s specific needs.
     

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers pre-recorded remarks at the event on ”Unlocking Energy Transition Finance towards Inclusivity and Sustainability in ASEAN” appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: WA Airports Get $66.7M For Safety & Capacity Upgrades From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    05.08.25
    WA Airports Get $66.7M For Safety & Capacity Upgrades From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding
    Cantwell announces $45.4M for Sea-Tac Airport, $7.3M for Tri-Cities Airport, $6.5M for Spokane Airport, nearly $4M for San Juan County airports; Other airports receive funding in Bellingham, Deer Park, Auburn, Richland, Anacortes, Odessa, & Bremerton
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced that 12 airports across the State of Washington received a total of $66,758,406 in Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG).
    Enacted by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program provides $14.5 billion nationwide in funding over five years. Sen. Cantwell was instrumental in securing funding for the AIG program and Airport Terminal Program (ATP) in the 2021 BIL.
    AIG funding announced today includes:
    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:  $45,400,000
    Tri-Cities Airport:  $7,366,530
    Spokane International Airport: $6,537,017
    Orcas Island Airport: $3,153,888
    Bellingham International Airport: $2,000,000
    Friday Harbor Airport: $834,000
    Deer Park Airport: $585,000
    Auburn Municipal Airport: $395,125
    Richland Airport: $180,500
    Anacortes Airport: $137,000
    Odessa Municipal Airport: $110,000
    Bremerton National Airport: $59,346
    Sea-Tac Award: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will receive $45,400,000 for the Concourse S reconstruction project. This grant funds structural, seismic, and building system upgrades that have reached the end of their useful lives. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of design and pre-construction.
    “Sea-Tac is a vital hub for our region’s economy, and this investment will help ensure it remains safe, modern, and resilient,” said Senator Cantwell. “These upgrades to the S Concourse, the international doorway for travelers in the Pacific Northwest, will support the airport’s continued growth while creating good-paying jobs.”
    Tri-Cities Award: Tri-Cities Airport will receive $7,366,530 for its terminal expansion project. This grant funds an additional baggage make-up area to accommodate more passengers. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design and construction. Last October, Sen. Cantwell visited the airport to tour the project.
    “Tri-Cities Airport is in the midst of a decade-long terminal redevelopment plan, and this funding adds to previous federal investments to speed up expansion of its outdated terminal and baggage handling infrastructure,” said Sen. Cantwell. “As passenger traffic continues to break records, this investment ensures the airport can meet future demand while supporting local jobs and economic development that benefit the region.”
    Spokane Award: Spokane International Airport will receive $6,537,017 for its TREX terminal expansion project. This grant funds construction of three gates and related areas, loading dock access road, fencing, and gates.
    “This funding is another win for Spokane International Airport’s terminal expansion project,” said Sen. Cantwell. ”The Inland Northwest’s main air travel hub continues to break records, serving more than 4.2 million passengers in 2024, the most ever. Expanding Concourse C by over 70,000 square feet and adding new gates will significantly enhance the airport’s capacity and passenger experience.”
    San Juan County Awards:
    Orcas Island Airport will receive $3,153,888 to rehabilitate 14,000 square yards of the existing northern and central portions of the Terminal Apron pavement to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris.
    Friday Harbor Airport will receive a total of $834,000 for two projects. The airport will receive $486,000 to construct a new 10,000-square-foot sponsor-owned hangar for aircraft storage. The airport will also receive $348,000 project to expand an existing pump fuel facility.
    “This funding is a critical investment in the safety and sustainability of Orcas Island and Friday Harbor Airports, key gateways to the San Juans,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Rehabilitated runways will make flights into Orcas Island safer and smoother. Aircraft owners will be able to lease space at Friday Harbor Airport’s new hangar and buy more fuel at their expanded pump, generating more operating revenue for the airport. These projects will set the airports up to serve San Juan County visitors and residents for decades to come.”
    Other Awards:
    Bellingham International Airport will receive $2,000,000 for a project to rehabilitate 6,700 feet of existing paved Runway 16/34 to maintain its structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design.
    Deer Park Airport will receive $585,000 toward construction of a new 347-foot Taxilane AS-1, 475-foot Taxilane AS-2, 369-foot Taxilane AS-3, and 312-foot Taxilane AS-4 to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
    Auburn Municipal Airport will receive $395,125 for multiple infrastructure improvements including a new automated weather observing system (AWOS-IIIPT) to provide site-specific weather information and a new electrical generator and replace an existing airport rotating beacon that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant funds a portion of phase 2, which consists of construction.
    Richland Airport will receive $180,500 to expand the existing main apron by adding 6,040 square yards to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design.
    Anacortes Airport will receive $137,000 for runway safety improvements including a new lighted wind cone navigational aid to provide pilots with critical airfield information, a runway end identifier lights system and precision approach path indicator system, and reconstructing the runway signage that has reached the end of its useful life. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of construction.
    Odessa Municipal Airport will receive $110,000 to acquire and install a replacement wind cone navigational aid to provide pilots with critical airfield information. This grant funds phase 2, which consists of construction.
    Bremerton National Airport will receive $59,346 to conduct an environmental study required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act for the proposed Eastside Development Area project, which includes taxiway infrastructure, lighting, hangar, and cargo development.
    Sen. Cantwell worked hard to secure funding for air travel infrastructure nationwide as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With her support, the infrastructure package provided a total of $25 billion for airport improvements, including $5 billion for the Airport Terminal Program and $15 billion in Airport Infrastructure Grants. In 2023, airports across the state of Washington received nearly $200 million in federal funding through a combination of AIG, ATP, and the Airport Improvement Program, and in 2024, Washington state airports received over $133 million in federal funding.
    In addition, Sen. Cantwell also helped to secure over $217 million in Airport Rescue Grants for Washington airports to help them weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Last May, Sen. Cantwell additionally shepherded the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which reauthorized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for five years. The new law included top Cantwell priorities including enhancing safety oversight, strengthening workforce development, boosting next-generation aviation innovation, and codifying consumer protections.

    Airport

    Amount

    City

    County

    Seattle-Tacoma International

    $           45,400,000

    Seattle

    King

    Tri-Cities

    $             7,366,530

    Pasco

    Franklin

    Spokane International

    $             6,537,017

    Spokane

    Spokane

    Orcas Island

    $             3,153,888

    Eastsound

    San Juan

    Bellingham International

    $             2,000,000

    Bellingham

    Whatcom

    Deer Park

    $                585,000

    Deer Park

    Spokane

    Friday Harbor

    $                486,000

    Friday Harbor

    San Juan

    Auburn Municipal

    $                395,125

    Auburn

    King

    Friday Harbor

    $                348,000

    Friday Harbor

    San Juan

    Richland

    $                180,500

    Richland

    Benton

    Anacortes

    $                137,000

    Anacortes

    Skagit

    Odessa Municipal

    $                110,000

    Odessa

    Lincoln

    Bremerton National

    $                  59,346

    Bremerton

    Kitsap

    TOTAL

    $          66,758,406

     
     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Cenovus reports voting results of annual meeting of shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) held its annual meeting of shareholders on May 8, 2025. Each matter voted on is described in greater detail in the Corporation’s 2025 Management Information Circular dated March 12, 2025.

    Shareholders voted as follows on the matters before the meeting:

    Appointment of Auditor

    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, was reappointed as auditor of the Corporation.

    Votes for Votes withheld
    Number Percent Number Percent
    1,479,069,159 99.58 6,198,457 0.42


    Election of Directors

    Each of the following 14 nominees proposed by management were elected directors of the Corporation:

    Nominee Votes for Votes against
      Number Percent Number Percent
    Stephen E. Bradley 1,436,654,782 99.47 7,633,157 0.53
    Keith M. Casey 1,433,735,075 99.27 10,553,916 0.73
    Michael J. Crothers 1,433,314,572 99.24 10,975,197 0.76
    James D. Girgulis 1,437,307,360 99.52 6,982,411 0.48
    Jane E. Kinney 1,431,229,021 99.10 13,059,246 0.90
    Eva L. Kwok 1,426,200,877 98.75 18,086,892 1.25
    Melanie A. Little 1,432,129,625 99.16 12,159,363 0.84
    Richard J. Marcogliese 1,429,056,098 98.95 15,233,673 1.05
    Chana L. Martineau 1,437,677,888 99.54 6,611,881 0.46
    Jonathan M. McKenzie 1,433,520,858 99.25 10,766,914 0.75
    Claude Mongeau 1,408,344,566 97.51 35,944,425 2.49
    Alexander J. Pourbaix 1,417,365,414 98.14 26,924,356 1.86
    Frank J. Sixt 1,154,291,947 79.92 289,997,821 20.08
    Rhonda I. Zygocki 1,419,942,305 98.31 24,347,463 1.69

    Cenovus welcomes Chana Martineau to the Board of Directors. Ms. Martineau is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation, and brings more than 30 years of financial strategy and management experience to the Board.

    As part of Cenovus’s leadership succession plan, effective at the conclusion of the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, Alex Pourbaix moved to the role of non-independent Chair of the Board of Directors. Claude Mongeau continues in the role of Lead Independent Director.

    Non-Binding Advisory Vote on the Corporation’s Approach to Executive Compensation

    An advisory resolution was passed to accept the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation.

    Votes for Votes against
    Number Percent Number Percent
    1,405,612,741 97.32 38,667,029 2.68


    Cenovus Energy Inc.

    Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is committed to maximizing value by developing its assets in a safe, responsible and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

    Find Cenovus on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

    Cenovus contacts

    Investors

    Investor Relations general line

    403-766-7711

    Media

    Media Relations general line

    403-766-7751

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI New York Announces Arrests as Part of National Crimes Against Children Operation: Restore Justice

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    The FBI New York Field Office participated in the arrests of seven subjects as part of the nationwide Operation Restore Justice. This coordinated enforcement operation by all 55 FBI field offices was a sweeping five-day FBI initiative to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators across the country.

    “The FBI is relentless in our commitment to combatting child exploitation and abuse,” stated Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “The FBI New York Field Office will never cease in its mission to apprehend anyone who preys on these vulnerable members of society.” 

    The cases were investigated by the FBI/NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, in partnership with the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. Significant investigative assistance was also provided by the FBI Boston Field Office, the FBI Detroit Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, New York City Department of Probation, the Pennsylvania State Police, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Newburgh Police Department, Town of Wallkill Police Department, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. “These arrests would not have been possible without the assistance from our local and federal law enforcement partners,” said ADIC Raia.

    Last week alone, the FBI arrested 205 subjects and rescued 115 children across the country during the surge of resources deployed for Operation Restore Justice. The subjects arrested in this operation included those in positions of public trust—law enforcement, members of the military, and teachers. Others are your neighbors, proving criminal activity can be found even in the most familiar places. They’re accused of various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.

    But our work didn’t just happen last week. Throughout the entire month of April, the FBI, along with our state and local law enforcement partners, additionally arrested more than 190 perpetrators on charges related to crimes against children. With nearly 400 arrests in one month, these actions are the direct result of the FBI’s continued efforts to track down and stop sexual predators before they can harm more victims. 

    This operation was the result of a dedicated and targeted effort, reflecting countless hours of work by hundreds of special agents, intel analysts, and other FBI personnel. It further emphasizes the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Bureau works relentlessly to investigate these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention, community education, and the FBI’s never-ending pursuit of criminals who exploit our children. 

    The FBI proactively identifies individuals involved in child sexual exploitation and the production of child sexual abuse material through our far-reaching, nationwide network of personnel and law enforcement partners. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program provides a rapid, proactive, and comprehensive capacity to counter all threats of abuse against children. This capacity leverages partnerships within the FBI’s 89 Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) across the country. 

    Additionally, the FBI has intelligence analysts assigned to address the VCAC threat, both at Headquarters and the field. The FBI also leads a Violent Crimes Against Children International Task Force, which includes nearly 100 international task force officers representing over 60 countries to expand our ability to address the threat worldwide. 

    The FBI also partners with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. In further partnership and collaboration with NCMEC, the FBI launched the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) in 2004 to identify individuals involved in the sexual abuse of children and the production of child sexual abuse material. To date, ECAP has identified 36 individuals. 

    For more information about the crimes investigated by the FBI as well as the variety of resources we provide to protect and keep children safe, please visit: 

    As always, the FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspect crime against a child to 911 and local law enforcement immediately, as well as the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at tips.fbi.gov, or by contacting your local FBI field office.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Wintrust Financial Corporation Announces Pricing of $425 Million Preferred Stock Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROSEMONT, Ill., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wintrust Financial Corporation (“Wintrust”) (Nasdaq: WTFC) today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of 17 million depositary shares with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (the “Depositary Shares”) for gross proceeds of $425 million before deducting underwriting discounts and other estimated offering expenses. Each Depositary Share represents a 1/1,000th interest in a share of Wintrust’s 7.875% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series F. The offering is expected to close on May 22, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Wintrust intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the redemption of all or a portion of its outstanding shares of Series D preferred stock and/or Series E preferred stock and the corresponding depositary shares representing interests in the Series E preferred stock, subject to approval from the Federal Reserve.

    Wintrust intends to apply to list the Depositary Shares on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “WTFCN.”

    RBC Capital Markets is acting as sole book-running manager and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, Piper Sandler and US Bancorp are acting as co-managers for the offering.

    The offering is being made under an effective shelf registration statement on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Prospective investors should read the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in the registration statement and other documents Wintrust has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about Wintrust and the offering. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the offering may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by contacting RBC Capital Markets, LLC toll free at 1-866-375-6829.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy any 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 such state or jurisdiction.

    About Wintrust

    Wintrust is a financial holding company whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to the completion of the public offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the public offering and the intended use of net proceeds from the public offering. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and certain assumptions made by our management. Investors are cautioned that such statements are predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Wintrust’s expected financial results or other plans, including Wintrust’s intention to consummate the offering and issue the Depositary Shares and Wintrust’s intended use of proceeds from the offering, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” and the forward-looking statement disclosure contained in Wintrust’s preliminary prospectus supplement dated May 8, 2025, Wintrust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in any of Wintrust’s subsequent SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and, except as required by law, Wintrust undertakes no duty to update the information.

    For more information contact:
    Timothy S. Crane, President & Chief Executive Officer
    David A. Dykstra, Vice Chairman & Chief Operating Officer
    (847) 939-9000

    Source: Wintrust Financial Corporation

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamestown man going to prison for to distributing child pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brandon G. Uber, 24, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of distribution of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that in March 2021, Uber sent a Snapchat user image and video files of a 16-year-old minor female victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Uber also received images and videos of child pornography from other users of social media applications. In addition, Uber had online conversations with another known minor female victim, during which he persuaded the victim to create sexually explicit videos of herself to send to him. Uber stored the child pornography he received and distributed on various electronic devices that were seized during the investigation, including two cell phones and two tablets.

    The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.

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    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Homeland Security Committee Democrats Demand Oversight Hearing as Trump Administration Defies Federal Court Orders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), led his Democratic committee colleagues in a letter calling on Chairman Rand Paul to convene an oversight hearing examining the Trump Administration’s refusal to comply with multiple federal court rulings posing a direct challenge to our nation’s constitutional system of checks and balances and rule of law. U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and John Fetterman (D-PA) joined Peters in signing the letter. 
    “President Trump’s actions threaten the system of checks and balances on which our country is founded. As Chairman of HSGAC, and as a steadfast advocate for Congress’ role as a co-equal branch of government, you are uniquely positioned to exercise the Committee’s authority and uphold its responsibility to keep the Administration accountable for these actions,” wrote the senators. 
    The senators’ letter details multiple cases where the Trump Administration has defied federal court orders, including the U.S. Supreme Court.   
    The senators continued: “In each of these instances, the Administration demonstrates its intention to upend our nation’s bedrock principles of checks and balances by placing the Executive Branch above the law and outside the reach of judicial orders.” 
    “These actions paint a grim picture of an Administration that is undermining the core principles of our democracy and violating the rights guaranteed in our Constitution,” the senators cautioned. “If Republican leaders in Congress fail to use their authority to protect our Constitutional rights, then they will embolden the President’s continued violation of the law.” 
    The senators are calling on Chairman Paul to convene a hearing on these concerns with key Administration officials, including Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Attorney General, Pam Bondi, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, Kash Patel and Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, to explain the Administration’s actions. 
    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Energy dimension of the Clean Industrial Deal – 08-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    On 26 February 2025, the European Commission presented the Clean Industrial Deal, a new EU plan to support competitiveness and decarbonisation of EU industry. The Deal focuses mainly on energy-intensive industries and clean technologies (clean tech). Both sectors face high energy prices, intense global competition and complex regulations. The Clean Industrial Deal includes several solutions to address this situation. It aims to bring energy costs down, boost demand for clean products, reduce EU dependency on raw materials, improve circularity and restore domestic manufacturing. Planned legislative initiatives in the energy field include a new electricity grids package, revisions of the energy security framework and Energy Union governance, as well as an Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act and a delegated act on low-carbon hydrogen. Recommendations and guidance documents are also planned, for instance on network charges, energy taxation and the design of long-term instruments for electricity supply. In the short term, the Clean Industrial Deal aims to mobilise over €100 billion through boosting EU-level funding, leveraging private investments and enhancing State aid. The key EU funding sources will be the Innovation Fund, Horizon Europe, InvestEU and a new Industrial Decarbonisation Bank. In the next long-term EU budget, the Competitiveness Fund will support EU investments in research and innovation, industrial deployment and scale-up, manufacturing, clean tech and industrial decarbonisation. The European Parliament is currently working on a resolution on the Clean Industrial Deal. The vote in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is expected in June 2025, while the plenary vote is planned for July 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Supporting the development of a strong and competitive European nuclear energy sector – E-001746/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001746/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

    Fourteen national business organisations from across Europe have recently formed an alliance to promote the development of nuclear energy, signing a joint declaration in Paris. The declaration calls on the European institutions and the Member States to accelerate the industrialisation of the nuclear sector, to strengthen skills development and to ensure a clear and supportive institutional framework, removing barriers and fully applying the principle of technological neutrality.

    The alliance also calls for secure access to both public and private financing, stressing the importance of allowing nuclear energy and related low-carbon solutions to fully benefit from European funding mechanisms, including State aid, funding for Important Projects of Common European Interest, the European Investment Bank, the Innovation Fund and the European Hydrogen Bank.

    Given the strategic importance of nuclear energy for Europe’s decarbonisation, energy sovereignty and industrial competitiveness, what measures does the Commission intend to propose to facilitate the full integration of nuclear energy into EU funding programmes and to create a favourable framework for the development of a strong, secure and competitive European nuclear industry?

    Submitted: 30.4.2025

    Last updated: 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mario Draghi’s report – conclusions on implementation in the context of financing – E-003047/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission adopted the Competitiveness Compass[1] on 29 January 2025. The Compass builds on the Draghi Report[2] by setting out measures to close the innovation gap, a joint roadmap for decarbonisation and competitiveness, and reducing excessive dependencies and increasing security.

    It furthermore sets out horizontal enablers of EU competitiveness. The Competitiveness Compass identifies flagship actions and initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal[3] that will further implement the priorities set out in the Compass.

    Private financing and a refocused EU budget are needed to mobilise investments for competitiveness. On 19 March 2025, the Commission adopted a communication on the Savings and Investments Union[4], a key initiative to improve the way the EU financial system channels savings to productive investments.

    In 2025, the Commission will present a new approach for a modern and reinforced EU budget, which will be simpler, with fewer programmes and a plan for each country linking reforms with investments. The European Competitiveness Fund will make investment in strategic technologies and de-risk private investment.

    Energy prices are central to the competitiveness of EU companies. The Commission adopted an Action Plan for Affordable Energy[5] to bring down energy prices for industry and households.

    The action plan sets out measures to pass on the lower generation cost of fossil-free electricity to consumers, make the energy system more resilient, and unlock investment.

    This is part of the wider Clean Industrial Deal initiative which was adopted on the same day to support two closely linked sectors in the transition to meet the EU’s agreed decarbonisation goals, namely the energy intensive industries and the clean-tech sector.

    • [1] A Competitiveness Compass for the EU, COM(2025) 30 final.
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/draghi-report_en
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0124
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0079
    Last updated: 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hidden connections of more than 100 migratory marine species revealed in interactive map

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lily Bentley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland

    Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock

    From the enormous blue whale to the delicate monarch butterfly, animals of all shapes and sizes migrate across the globe. These migrations connect distant habitats, from the tropics to the poles. They are also crucial to both the health of species making these epic journeys, and the habitats where they live.

    It is hard to visualise these epic, globe-spanning journeys and the habitats they connect. But an interactive map we developed, alongside an international team of scientists from the University of Queensland and Duke University and in partnership with the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, can help.

    Known as Mico (Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean), this map is a valuable conservation tool that demonstrates just how connected our oceans are due to animal migration. It is freely available here, and has just been updated with our newly published research in Nature Communications. This research synthesises thousands of records of more than 100 species of birds, mammals, turtles and fish that connect almost 2,000 crucial habitats.

    Mico brings together the migratory movements of more than 100 migratory marine species, including the Arctic tern.
    Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean/Mico

    An evolving science

    Humans have contemplated animal migrations for millennia. Representations of and theories about these journeys are observable in Stone Age rock art and the writings of Ancient Greek philosophers. Indigenous peoples and local communities have also long relied upon and understood the seasonal movements of culturally important species.

    But for much of human history, identifying specific destinations of migratory species was an inexact science. This has started to change in recent decades, as scientists have developed and deployed animal-borne satellite tags which can record and transmit an animal’s location as it migrates.

    These tags can be very expensive to deploy and collect data from. They also require enormous investments of time and expertise. But they are crucial if we are to understand where migratory species go when they’re outside the range of normal human observations.

    Animal-borne satellite tags can be expensive, but are crucial for understanding where turtles and other migratory animals travel.
    NOAA/NMFS/Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Blog

    The journeys of migratory species also span multiple jurisdictions. This means cooperation between countries is required to ensure they are protected.

    For example, many albatross species receive significant conservation investment at their nesting islands within national jurisdictions. But they are at high risk of being incidentally caught and killed or injured in longline fisheries operating in international waters.

    Synthesising more than 1,300 studies

    For our new study, we reviewed the literature on the movements of marine migratory species from 1990 to 2017. We synthesised the start and end points of migrations reported in more than 1,300 individual studies. These studies covered 109 marine species.

    This information was then aggregated to remove duplicate data and combine sites very near to each other (on a global scale) into one “metasite” to make it easier to display. Each data point is also linked to the study from which it comes. This means you can always find the work of the original team who tagged those animals.

    In synthesising the studies in this manner, we created an interactive map and downloadable dataset estimating the measured migratory connections of the global ocean.

    If you look up the green turtle map, for example, you can see just how much information there is for this highly-studied species. The red links show many tracked movements from breeding to foraging areas within each ocean basin.

    Sperm whales, on the other hand, are globally distributed – you can toggle on the species distribution in the top menu. But we only have information about connectivity for animals in the Atlantic and east Pacific oceans. You can see these sites on the map, mostly in North America and in the Mediterranean.

    Because researchers are yet to track animals in all parts of the globe, the map is missing some information about the migratory movements of key species in particular areas. We are planning updates as more information becomes available.

    Sperm whales are globally distributed, but Mico currently only captures their connectivity in the Atlantic and east Pacific oceans.
    Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean/Mico

    A tool for conservation

    This summary of migratory information is important for improving global conservation.

    Scientists have published many papers on migrations, both of single populations or species, and combining data about taxonomy from several different sources. But these can be difficult to keep up with for managers or policymakers who may not have time to engage with every single piece of emerging scientific literature.

    Our information can help identify stakeholders when planning or managing a conservation project. Many of these stakeholders may be across an ocean basin or even in a different hemisphere.

    The scientific synthesis we provide can help countries take more informed actions to achieve the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s target of conserving a “well-connected” 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030. This is particularly true in the high seas, as a mechanism to implement protected areas outside of national waters is developed under the soon-to-be-ratified High Seas Treaty.

    Various seabirds, including the Amsterdam Albatross, are included in the new research.
    Sergey 402/Shutterstock

    In addition to sharing the enormous scope of work that has been conducted on the migration of large ocean animals over the last decades, our work has already fed into policy processes.

    For example, it has been used by seven United Nations conventions or organisations. We hope to formalise the role of our map as a node of the Convention on Migratory Species’ Atlas of Animal Migration at their next meeting in March 2026.

    More broadly, we hope this work will support better international collaboration to conserve our incredible oceanic migrants for years to come.

    Lily Bentley receives funding from a Queensland-Smithsonian Fellowship on understanding migratory connectivity of seabirds in the Great Barrier Reef. She has presented on the work discussed at policy fora including the Conference of Parties (COP) for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on Migratory Species. She works on the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO; mico.eco) system, which has been previously supported by the German International Climate Initiative (IKI) and UNEP-WCMC.

    Autumn-Lynn Harrison directs the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute’s Migratory Connectivity Project, supported by a gift to the Smithsonian by ConocoPhillips. She is also a Partner Investigator on an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant for understanding migratory connectivity in the ocean.

    Daniel Dunn receives funding to support the development of the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MICO) system from a grant to the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative (GOBI) from the International Climate Initiative (IKI), UNEP-WCMC, and from an Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports the IKI on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag.

    ref. Hidden connections of more than 100 migratory marine species revealed in interactive map – https://theconversation.com/hidden-connections-of-more-than-100-migratory-marine-species-revealed-in-interactive-map-255972

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