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  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer Highlights Veteran Access to Care at SVAC Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    ***Click here to download video. Click here for audio.***
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) held a hearing today to examine and discuss the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care program. Veterans and advocates appeared before the committee to highlight their experiences and the ongoing challenges veterans face when accessing care from VA direct care system and community providers.
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    In a rural state like North Dakota, with limited VA providers and facilities, the Community Care Program is a lifeline for many veterans looking to receive timely care at a location close to their home. However, the VA continues to put up road blocks for veterans trying to utilize this option.
    During the hearing, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) emphasized the workforce shortage the healthcare industry is facing, reiterating the staffing mandate issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that makes it even worse. The rule requires the implementation of new staffing requirements at long-term care facilities which are already understaffed due to a lack of workforce. Cramer said, “Access is not just about the quality of care. It’s about access, period, if the alternative is none.”
    “I think the best way to improve care is competition,” said Cramer. “Whether it’s a competition between the private sector and the public sector, or two private sectors, or two public sector agencies, a little bit of competition is fine. I don’t want to gut the VA’s direct care system […] that said, there are all kinds of barriers to Community Care, a lot of it is the bureaucracy itself.”
    Cramer said even in North Dakota, there are many examples of roadblocks being put up which prevent veterans accessing to Community Care.
    “If we put the choice in the hands of the veteran, the market will determine where they go,” stated Cramer. “The type of care they get will determine where they go, and how long the wait is will determine where they go.”
    “What I’d like to see us do […] is, for many of these critical access hospitals, their margins are very thin,” continued Cramer. “They’re barely hanging in there. Two or three more patients or five more patients in the community might be what keeps that hospital open. If it’s 50 miles to the next hospital, or 350 miles to the VA hospital, that access to critical access hospitals might be the only option that could save a veteran. I’d like to make this automatic.”
    Cramer asked Jim Lorraine, President and Chief Executive Officer of America’s Warrior Partnership, if this proposal was plausible to improve access to care in a very rural place.
    “One of the things that I spoke about was continuity of care and not only continuity of care,” said Lorraine. “As a healthcare provider, I want the family there, I want the physical therapist nearby, I want the staff that does this. And we talk a lot about mental health and substance abuse, but it’s really more than that. We’re talking about access to health care. […] We need to look at what’s the best long-term outcome for a veteran in terms of getting their care. It may be the VA that’s in their community, but it may be your local hospital that the family can be present, the physical therapist is there, the staff is invested and it’s all one.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 28th, 2025 VIDEO: Heinrich Delivers Remarks on the Senate Floor Slamming Trump’s Unlawful Federal Funding Blockade

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) took to the Senate floor this evening to condemn President Trump’s unlawful unilateral blockade of all federal grant funding. In his remarks, Heinrich underscored the magnitude of damage this unlawful decision has already wrought on the lives of thousands of New Mexicans, highlighting the harm and chaos it has created in communities across the state.
    Heinrich also pointed to the illegality of this action, citing the law that Congress passed — the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 — after President Richard Nixon tried to withhold Congressionally appropriated funds.

    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivers remarks on the Senator floor slamming President Trump’s unlawful unilateral blockade of all federal grant funding, January 28, 2025.
    “In an overnight maneuver that would make a dictator envious, President Trump unlawfully and unilaterally froze all federal grant funding. He shut down the housing portal that non-profits and Tribes use to access mortgage financing. He literally shut down the Medicaid reimbursement portal. He threw every town, county, Tribe, nonprofit, health care provider, school, and preschool into total disarray. From our state’s Roundhouse to the classroom to the emergency room, today was chaos. And people want answers,” said Heinrich.
    “The president cannot override, delay, or rescind Congress’s funding laws. Full stop. This has been upheld time and again by the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, the Government Accountability Office, and by the law, specifically the Impoundment Control Act of 1974,” continued Heinrich. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I know how much work goes in to writing and passing our bipartisan funding laws. And I am not going to cede that to ANY administration to be abused.”
    Heinrich called on New Mexicans to share how Trump’s blockade is affecting themselves and their families, “I want to hear from you about Donald Trump’s blockade, and how it is affecting you and your family. If your town’s COPS grant gets frozen, I need to know. If your VA mortgage gets held up, I need to know. If you’re a nonprofit giving services in the areas of violence against women, refuges for people who are battered, and your funding gets held up, these are the stories that I think need to be held up to understand just what is happening in our country right now.”
    Heinrich concluded by calling on his colleagues, “Let’s make sure that whatever we agree to here in this amazing Capitol—that not only passes both chambers but gets signed into law by the President of the United States—that we abide by that. Because only if we all agree to color inside the lines, and act like a democracy, will this remain a democracy.”
    Earlier today, Heinrich also released a statement condemning President Trump’s unlawful direction to unilaterally block all federal grant funding.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Cortez Masto, Rosen, Booker, Gillibrand, Kelly, Blumenthal, Wyden, Schiff, Peters, and Gallego Issue Statement on ICC Sanctions Procedural Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NEv.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) released the following statement on their opposition to a procedural vote on the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.
    “As pro-Israel members committed to protecting and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, and ensuring Israel has every tool to defend itself, we are deeply troubled by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) outrageous political targeting of Israel and its leaders. The Court’s false equivalence of Israel’s defense of its people with Hamas’s barbaric actions on October 7th is an affront to human conscience, deserving of both condemnation and severe consequences. We believe this judicial overreach must be countered forcefully, including through sanctions on those at the ICC directly responsible.
    “Instead of directly punishing those responsible for the ICC’s reckless and irresponsible behavior, the House-passed ICC sanctions bill has overly broad language that would put our allies and U.S. private companies in the crosshairs. While we are eager to support a bill that would swiftly sanction those at the ICC responsible for its anti-Israel actions, in taking up the House bill today, Senate Republicans took a flawed, partisan approach. Despite our efforts, the bill’s sponsors did not allow us to make this bill stronger and more targeted. This is why we made the difficult decision to vote against a procedural motion on their bill, after serious consideration of the far-reaching, unintended consequences it would have. We urge our Republican colleagues to return to the negotiating table and reach a bipartisan agreement so that we can stand together in support of Israel through more targeted and effective legislation.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Illegal Trump Shutdown Causing Pain Across the Country

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) took to the Senate floor today to speak about the Trump Administration’s recent decision to freeze all federal grants, ignoring Article I of the Constitution.
    “There is real pain starting today because of this funding freeze. Schools, child care facilities, fire departments, community health centers, domestic violence shelters all of them will instantly lose their funding at 5 p.m. today because somebody said, ‘we’re fiscal conservatives,’” said Senator Schatz. “You want to enact a fiscally conservative appropriations bill? Pass a law.”
    “If you’re a disaster survivor in North Carolina or Louisiana, or California or Texas or Florida or Maui, you don’t know what happens next,” he continued. “If you’re a low-income family that relies on the Women, Infants, and Children Program to get healthy meals for your kids, if you live in a remote area like Wai?anae or Lana?i in Hawai‘i, and you go to a community health center to fill your prescriptions or to get a checkup, this freeze on funding means you don’t get help.”
    Schatz concluded, “What is happening today is unconstitutional. It is also against statutory law. But most importantly, it is causing pain across the country.”
    The full text of Senator Schatz’s remarks, as delivered, is below. Video is available here.
    Mr. President, the government shutdown that Donald Trump just ordered is illegal and unconstitutional. He is not a king and we do not live in a monarchy. It is Congress’s authority to decide on federal funding. The power of the purse is the foundational funding of the Article I branch. Everybody talks like that. Everybody says those things. But now we are all put to the test – Democrats and Republicans. Are we going to forfeit all of our power?
    We’re the elected branch. We make the laws. And the President of the United States just ordered a funding freeze for stuff he doesn’t feel like funding. That is literally not how it works. And today, the White House Press Secretary was asked about specific, popular, essential programs. And you know what she said?
    She said, “Have those people talk to Russ Vought and make an appeal to him.” Now there’s a couple of problems with that. First of all, Russ Vought doesn’t get to decide in an appropriations law, which parts of the law to follow and which parts not to follow. Second of all, let’s be really clear about this. Russ Vought is not a government employee right now.
    He’s a nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget. And so we’re supposed to have, I don’t know, Medicaid recipients, VA home loan recipients, nursing homes, education organizations, health care organizations, transportation contractors appeal mercy to the king. “Will you please release these dollars?”
    That’s not how the American system works. This is illegal.
    There is real pain starting today because of this funding freeze. Schools, child care facilities, fire departments, community health centers, domestic violence shelters all of them will instantly lose their funding at 5 p.m. today because somebody said, “we’re fiscal conservatives.”
    You want to enact a fiscally conservative appropriations bill? Pass a law. Pass a law.
    I also would like to select the federal funding, which I agree with and fund that, and select the funding that I disagree with and defund that. But I’m not a monarch and neither is Donald Trump.
    We’re hearing from so many constituents across the country, and I had a bit of a time delay because it’s earlier in Hawai‘i, but all of my colleagues were getting incoming texts and calls and panicked people. This isn’t about some arcane government program. This is like basic stuff. People are like staged to do construction and told not to show up for work.
    Some of these construction projects are in places where you only have a narrow window during which you can even do construction, so a 90-day freeze means wait till next year. I don’t care what the law says, wait till next year.
    If you’re a disaster survivor in North Carolina or Louisiana, or California or Texas or Florida or Maui, you don’t know what happens next.
    If you’re a low-income family that relies on the women, infants, and Children program to get healthy meals for your kids, if you live in a remote area like Wai?anae or Lana?i in Hawai‘i, and you go to a community health center to fill your prescriptions or to get a checkup, this freeze on funding means you don’t get help.
    People are you know how long it takes to get a home loan, VA home loan, or any other kind of home loan. People are showing up to get their VA home loans and saying, “not today”. You might be like 45 days from closing. You’re a veteran. You’re entitled to this thing under the law. Russ Vought, not a member of the federal government yet, has decided you don’t get your home loan today.
    What an embarrassing abdication of the role of the Congress.
    All of this high-minded talk from my fellow appropriators about, you know, there’s two parties. There’s really three parties in the Congress. It’s the old joke. Democrats, Republicans, and appropriators. Right. And the idea is that the appropriators are the adults in the room, the appropriators are the adults in the room, and they’re not going to let nonsense, unconstitutional, illegal acts happen because we’re the ones that control the purse strings.
    And I want to make one final point in addition to all the pain that’s being caused: My goodness, the door swings both ways in Washington.
    Imagine a progressive president reaching into the federal budget after an appropriations bill is passed and saying, “You know what? I don’t like that thing. I don’t like that other thing. I don’t like this one. I don’t like that one. I’m in charge”.
    What are we even here for? And so this is not going to be business as usual. I will tell you one thing. I have never in my 13 years withheld my unanimous consent. I’ve used a little leverage. Everybody does.
    But we better get this straight on a bipartisan basis. Not because I want to score partisan points, not because I want to characterize Donald Trump in one way or the other, but because we all worked so hard and made real sacrifices to get to this place so we could have a position of responsibility to uphold the Constitution of the United States.
    What is happening today is unconstitutional. It is also against statutory law. But most importantly, it is causing pain across the country.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz, Cruz, Murphy, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Keep Kids Safe, Healthy, off Social Media

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced bipartisan legislation to keep kids off social media and help protect them from its harmful impacts. The Kids Off Social Media Act would set a minimum age of 13 to use social media platforms and prevent social media companies from feeding algorithmically-targeted content to users under the age of 17. In addition to Schatz, Cruz, Murphy, and Britt, the Kids Off Social Media Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and John Curtis (R-Utah).
    “There is no good reason for a nine-year-old to be on Instagram or Snapchat. The growing evidence is clear: social media is making kids more depressed, more anxious, and more suicidal. Yet tech companies refuse to anything about it because it would hurt their bottom line. This is an urgent health crisis, and Congress must act with the boldness and urgency it demands,” said Senator Schatz. “Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue, and our bipartisan coalition – which includes several parents of kids and teenagers – represents the millions of parents across the country who’ve long been asking for help.”
    “Every parent I know is concerned about the online threats to kids—from predators to videos promoting self-harm, risky behavior, or low self-esteem. Many families have suffered due to Big Tech’s failure to take responsibility for its products. The Kids Off Social Media Act addresses these issues by supporting families in crisis and empowering teachers to better manage their classrooms. I am proud to work with Senator Schatz on this bipartisan legislation to combat the harms social media poses to children, especially in schools. As Chairman of the Commerce Committee, I am confident we can swiftly move this legislation and similar measures through committee and urge Congress to heed the calls of parents everywhere by delivering this bill to President Trump’s desk to help protect America’s youth,” said Senator Cruz.
    “Everyone knows how harmful social media can be to kids. As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how these platforms use intentionally addictive algorithms to spoon-feed young people horrifying content glorifying everything from suicide to eating disorders. Yet these companies have proven they will choose profits over the wellbeing of our kids unless we force them to do otherwise. This bipartisan legislation will finally hold social media companies accountable,” said Senator Murphy.
    “There’s no doubt our country is in the throes of a mental health crisis, and the rise of social media usage among children and teenagers is inextricably tied to this issue,” said Senator Britt. “As a mom, this is something my own kids and their friends have to contend with every day. And as a Senator, I know our nation has to contend with it to safeguard the next generation. Putting in place commonsense guardrails that protect our kids from the dangers of social media is critical for their future and America’s future. I’m committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put parents in the driver’s seat and enact commonsense, age-appropriate solutions to tackle this generational challenge.”
    No age demographic is more affected by the ongoing mental health crisis in the United States than kids, especially young girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 57 percent of high school girls and 29 percent of high school boys felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, with 22 percent of all high school students—and nearly a third of high school girls—reporting they had seriously considered attempting suicide in the preceding year.
    Studies have shown a strong relationship between social media use and poor mental health, especially among children. From 2019 to 2021, overall screen use among teens and tweens (ages 8 to 12) increased by 17 percent, with tweens using screens for five hours and 33 minutes per day and teens using screens for eight hours and 39 minutes. Based on the clear and growing evidence, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in 2023, calling for new policies to set and enforce age minimums and highlighting the importance of limiting the use of features, like algorithms, that attempt to maximize time, attention, and engagement.
    “Social media can take a serious toll on kids’ mental health and wellbeing, and it’s critical those problems don’t go unaddressed,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to protect children’s safety, mental health, and wellbeing online.”
    “Parents across North Carolina are rightly concerned about the mental health crisis impacting the next generation. I’m proud to join this bipartisan bill to set commonsense limits and help protect children from harmful habits that rob them of their attention and undermine their development. I thank Senators Cruz and Schatz for leading this effort,” said Senator Budd.
    “Children in Maine and across the country deserve protection from the potential harm posed by social media – especially during their most vulnerable years,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Kids Off Social Media Act would limit the harmful impacts of social media by establishing reasonable guardrails such as age minimums for new accounts and restrictions on targeting content to children under the age of 17. Our children deserve to grow up in a safe and supportive environment – and that doesn’t define the harsh tone proliferating on online platforms – so this bipartisan legislation will ensure this protection for generations to come.”
    “Parents across the country have seen the negative impact of unrestricted social media use on their children’s mental and physical health,” said Senator Warner. “I’m proud join this bipartisan effort to help better protect kids and teens online with simple, commonsense guardrails.”
    “As a father and grandfather, I’ve witnessed firsthand how deeply the pressures and challenges of the digital age impact our children’s mental health and well-being,” said Senator Curtis. The Kids Off Social Media Act isn’t about taking something away; it’s about giving our kids back their childhoods and protecting their development during these critical years. By limiting harmful algorithms and enforcing a reasonable age threshold, this legislation is a vital step in fostering an environment where young people can thrive with fewer distractions and healthier minds. Utah has always valued family and community above all, and I’m proud to support bipartisan efforts like this that put kids first,” said Senator Curtis.
    Specifically, the Kids Off Social Media Act would:
    Prohibit social media platforms from allowing children under the age of 13 to create or maintain social media accounts;
    Prohibit social media companies from pushing targeted content using algorithms to users under the age of 17;
    Provide the FTC and state attorneys general authority to enforce the provisions of the bill; and
    Follow existing CIPA framework, with changes, to require schools to work in good faith to limit social media on their federally-funded networks, which many schools already do.
    Parents overwhelmingly support the mission of the Kids Off Social Media Act. A survey conducted by Count on Mothers shows that over 90 percent of mothers agree that there should be a minimum age of 13 for social media. Additionally, 87 percent of mothers agree that social media companies should not be allowed to use personalized recommendation systems to deliver content to children. Pew finds similar levels of concern from parents, reporting that 70 percent or more of parents worry that their teens are being exposed to explicit content or wasting too much time on social media, with two-thirds of parents saying that parenting is harder today compared to 20 years ago—and many of them cited social media as a contributing factor.
    The Kids Off Social Media Act is supported by Public Citizen, National Organization for Women, National Association of Social Workers, National League for Nursing, National Association of School Nurses, KidsToo, Count on Mothers, American Federation of Teachers, American Counseling Association, National Federation of Families, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Parents Television and Media Council, Tyler Clementi Foundation, Parents Who Fight, Conservative Ladies of America, David’s Legacy Foundation, Digital Progress, HAS Coalition, Parents Defending Education Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
    The full text of the bill is available here. For more information on the Kids Off Social Media Act, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Urges Colleagues To Pass Resolution Condemning President Trump’s Pardons Of The January 6 Insurrectionists Who Assaulted Police Officers At The U.S. Capitol

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 28, 2025
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke in favor of U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s (D-WA) resolution condemning President Trump’s pardons of the January 6 insurrectionists who assaulted the brave police officers defending the U.S. Capitol that day. The resolution was rejected by Senate Republicans.
    “For many of us, it’s personal. We were here on the Senate Floor on January 6, 2021. Vice President Pence was presiding. I was sitting at this very desk. A few minutes after two o’clock, the Secret Service came in and literally removed him from his chair. We knew there were demonstrations outside, but we didn’t know how serious or how violent they’d become,” Durbin said.
    “The insurrectionist mob was taking over the Capitol. Thousands of people were storming into this building not for peaceful demonstration by any means, but sadly for violence and destruction. That day was the worst day I can recall in the history of the Senate in terms of our respect for this building that has become a symbol not only for the United States, but for the world—for peace and democracy. And I thought of those poor Capitol police who were asked to defend us with their lives. They were asked to risk their lives for us, and they did. Some of the things that were done to them were outrageous. You’ve seen the videotape. We saw [the footage] as they tore down building structures, as they beat up on these cops, as many of them faced death, and we knew at the time it was that serious. The grimmest reality of those riots was the subsequent death of five of the law enforcement officers and the injuries to approximately 140 others, many of whom still pay a price to this day.”
    Last week, President Trump, who incited the violence, commuted the sentences of 14 individuals and granted full, complete, and unconditional pardons to approximately 1,500 others convicted of offenses related to the January 6th attack. Many of the perpetrators have shown a stunning lack of remorse following their violent assaults on the brave members of the U.S. Capitol Police and D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department who protected the Capitol that day.
    “For example, last August, David Dempsey, just a few hours after receiving a 240-month prison sentence for attacking police on January 6 with a flagpole, crutches, pepper spray, and pieces of furniture, called into a gathering of supporters outside the D.C. jail. In reference to Trump’s opponents, Mr. Dempsey said, ‘Don’t celebrate too hard, man, because that sentence is only going to last like six months…’ Devlyn Thompson attempted to throw a speaker at police officers—which ended up hitting and injuring a fellow rioter—and hit a police officer with a metal baton, according to court documents. Daniel ‘D.J.’ Rodriguez, a California man who drove a stun gun into an officer’s neck during one of the most violent clashes of the Capitol riot, was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison before President Trump granted him clemency. Andrew Taake pepper-sprayed police officers and hit one with a metal whip. He was supposed to serve 74 months at a federal prison in Beaumont, Texas, but he was pardoned by President Trump,” said Durbin.
    “As Winston Churchill said once, ‘Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it,’” Durbin continued. “That is why we must continue sounding the alarm on the violence and chaos of that day to ensure that it never happens again. We must also be clear that violence for political purposes is never, never acceptable and has no place in a democracy.”
    Durbin concluded, “The men and women who bravely defended the members of this body deserve better—and we should honor them for their heroic efforts on that day, not excuse the thugs who attacked this body and the ideals it represents… I thank Senator Murray for introducing this important resolution condemning President Trump’s pardons of the January 6 insurrectionists who assaulted our brave law enforcement officers, and I am disgusted that our Republican colleagues won’t join us in honoring the men and women who risk their lives every single day for us.”
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s production of cattle, sheep, poultry remains stable in 2024

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s production of cattle, sheep and poultry remained generally stable in 2024, while pig production declined, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

    In 2024, the country’s production of pork, beef, mutton and poultry meat reached 96.63 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 0.2 percent.

    Specifically, beef output rose 3.5 percent year on year to 7.79 million tonnes last year, while mutton output reached 5.18 million tonnes, down 2.5 percent.

    Poultry meat production increased 3.8 percent year on year, and pork production dipped 1.5 percent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees robust increase in electric vehicle charging facilities

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China saw a significant surge in electric vehicle charging facilities in 2024, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

    By the end of last year, the total number of electric vehicle charging poles in the country had reached 12.82 million, marking a 49.1 percent year-on-year increase.

    Of these, public charging poles accounted for approximately 3.58 million, while private charging poles neared 9.24 million.

    In 2024, China added more than 4.22 million electric vehicle charging poles.

    The expansion of charging facilities comes amid surging demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China, with both production and sales surpassing 12 million units in 2024.

    China has maintained its position as the world’s leading NEV market for 10 consecutive years. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Renewable energy accounts for 56 pct of China’s total installed capacity

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The newly installed capacity of renewable energy in 2024 accounted for 86 percent of China’s total newly installed power capacity, while the cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy made up a record high of 56 percent of the nation’s total, according to new data from the National Energy Administration (NEA).

    The NEA data released Monday showed that China’s renewable energy sector added a new installed capacity of 373 million kilowatts in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 23 percent. Hydropower and wind power contributed 13.78 million kilowatts and 79.82 million kilowatts, respectively, while solar power and biomass power increased by 278 million kilowatts and 1.85 million kilowatts.

    By the end of 2024, the cumulative installed capacity of the country’s renewable energy reached 1.889 billion kilowatts, a 25 percent increase from the previous year. Hydropower accounted for 436 million kilowatts, wind power for 521 million kilowatts, solar power for 887 million kilowatts, and biomass power for 46 million kilowatts.

    Last year was the second year that China’s cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy power generation has exceeded 50 percent of the country’s total installed capacity. By the end of 2023, the renewable energy power generation capacity in China surpassed half of the total installed capacity for the first time in history.

    Meanwhile, China’s renewable energy generation also reached 3.46 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2024, with a year-on-year rise of 19 percent, accounting for about 35 percent of the total electricity generated. T

    The combined power generation from wind and solar energy amounted to 1.83 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2024, a 27 percent increase from 2023. The figure is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of the tertiary industry in 2024, and surpasses the residential electricity consumption, which stood at 1.49 trillion kilowatt-hours.

    As China strives to achieve its dual carbon goals, the country is vigorously developing a green economy, with renewable energy as one of the engines. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, SH30, Bennydale

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 30 is blocked after a truck rolled dislodging a powerline around 12:56pm.

    The driver received minor injuries.

    The road is expected to remain blocked for the next 1-2 hours and motorists are advised to take an alternate route. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Improving Mornington traffic flow

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    Major infrastructure upgrades will see the Mornington roundabout replaced with traffic lights to improve road safety and traffic flow. The project will also include the construction of new ramps connecting the Tasman Highway with Gordons Hill Road.

    The Albanese and Rockliff Governments have committed $100 million ($80 million and $20 million respectively) to the Mornington Roundabout Upgrade project, which will increase safety and efficiency through the known pinch point.

    Objectives will be met by a multi-stage solution of improvements along the South Arm and Tasman Highways near Mornington.

    The staged approach for planning, design and construction will be done over the coming years to minimise the impact on road users.

    Work will start with building ramps to connect Gordons Hill Road with the Tasman Highway, allowing cars better access to Rosny from the highway while reducing traffic volumes at the Mornington roundabout.

    Community consultation and design work on the ramps project will start this year, with construction planned for late 2026.

    Once finished, other improvements near the Mornington roundabout will begin.

    These future stages include:

    • Replacing the Mornington roundabout with traffic lights. Traffic lights were chosen as the best option of all considered, as they will improve traffic flow in all directions and will have fewer impacts and a smaller footprint;
    • Moving the off ramp from the Tasman Highway to South Arm Highway onto Cambridge Road, improving safety and travel efficiency both on the Tasman Highway and at the Mornington roundabout intersection;
    • Moving and changing the Mornington Road intersection with South Arm Highway. The intersection is located very close to the Mornington roundabout intersection, and this can cause queuing and safety issues; and
    • Safer access to bus stops by improving crossing points for people who walk, wheel or ride in the area.

    The exact locations or layouts of these projects are yet to be decided, with further work required to develop design concept plans and engage with the community.

    For more information, visit the Transport website here, following RoadsTAS on Facebook, or sign up to the State Roads email newsletter at transport.tas.gov.au/roadworks/stay_up_to_date.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “The Mornington roundabout is a headache for local residents, causing congestion and safety concerns, which is why we invested an additional $50 million in our recent Budget to get this fixed.

    “This is one of many priority projects we are working closely on with the Tasmanian Government to make the everyday lives of locals that little bit easier.”

    Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent:

    “This set of projects will improve safety and traffic flow for all those who travel through the Mornington area and beyond.

    “Community consultation was a key part of developing this program. Through our consultation process we heard access to and from Mornington Road can be difficult. Moving this intersection will help with the flow of traffic through this area.

    “We also know that queuing on the westbound Tasman Highway off-ramp to South Arm Highway regularly spills onto the Tasman Highway and so moving the ramp will provide more separation between the off-ramp and the Mornington roundabout intersection.

    “These changes will assist in the continuing growth in this region.”

    Quotes attributable to Member for Franklin Julie Collins:

    “It’s long been known that the Mornington roundabout has been a dangerous stretch of road and as the Federal Member for Franklin, I have long been advocating for these vital upgrades.

    “That is why the Albanese Labor Government has backed road safety and traffic flow and delivered $80 million towards the upgrade of this infrastructure project over our past two Federal Budgets.

    “I’m pleased to see the Tasmanian Government start to get on with works on this project and look forward to the local community benefiting from improved safety and traffic flow.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic violence – Yirkkala

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 38-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Yirkkala on Monday night.

    At 9.55pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports that a 38-year-old male had been assaulted by his relative.

    The offender allegedly assaulted the victim with a blunt object, resulting in serious injuries to his head.

    The victim was conveyed to the Gove District Hospital, and subsequently transferred to Royal Darwin Hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

    Police attended and established a crime scene.

    The 38-year-old offender was arrested yesterday morning and remains in custody.

    Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone who witnessed the incident to call police on 131 444 and quote reference P25027509. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    Support services for those affected by domestic or family violence are available, including 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photo and Video Chronology — January 28, 2025 — Episode 7 of Kīlauea eruption

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Photo and Video Chronology — January 28, 2025 — Episode 7 of Kīlauea eruption

    Episode 7 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption started during the early evening on January 27 and ended abruptly at 10:47 a.m. HST on January 28.

    Each episode of Halemaʻumaʻu lava fountaining since December 23, 2024, has continued for 13 hours to 8 days and episodes have been separated by pauses in eruptive activity lasting less than 24 hours to 12 days.

    Episode 7 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began at 6:42 p.m. HST on January 27, and continued through the night. Lava fountains fed a small flow onto the crater floor. This timelapse video is from the KWcam, which is located on the west caldera rim and looks east across Kaluapele (Kīlauea summit caldera) within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. 

    Get Our News

    These items are in the RSS feed format (Really Simple Syndication) based on categories such as topics, locations, and more. You can install and RSS reader browser extension, software, or use a third-party service to receive immediate news updates depending on the feed that you have added. If you click the feed links below, they may look strange because they are simply XML code. An RSS reader can easily read this code and push out a notification to you when something new is posted to our site.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marines with 12th LAAB Execute a Tactical Air Surveillance Raid on Wake Island

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan  –  

    CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN—U.S. Marines with 12th Littoral Anti-Air Battalion executed their first operational training on Wake Island from December 16 to 19, 2024, just days after the battalion’s activation ceremony. During the training, Marines executed a tactical air surveillance raid, which included a communications training exercise and the deployment of an AN/TPS-80 Radar.

    While at Wake Island, the Marines participated in a memorial ceremony alongside U.S. Airmen with Eleventh Air Force Detachment 1 to honor the Marines, Sailors, and civilians who lost their lives during the Battle of Wake Island. The battalion’s motto, “Vigilance Above, Valor Below,” was evident in their training, symbolizing their focus on vigilance in forward air surveillance and honoring the valor of those who defended Wake Island during World War II.

    “Being able to conduct this training at Wake Island is a powerful tribute to those who served here before us,” said Maj. John Boehles, the commander of 12th LAAB’s air control battery. “This exercise not only tested our operational skills but reminded us of the sacrifices made here, connecting our present mission to the valor of those who defended this ground.”

    Marines reflected on the historical significance of the Battle of Wake Island during the memorial ceremony. “Standing at the site where so many Marines sacrificed their lives was humbling,” said Staff Sgt. Ricky Thomas, an air support operations operator with 12th LAAB. “It reminded me why we do what we do – honoring their legacy through our mission today.”

    The unit fought in the Battle of Wake Island as the 1st Defense Battalion, responsible for coastal and air defense of advanced naval bases. It was deactivated in 1977 and has now been reactivated as one of the three subordinate elements of 12th Marine Littoral Regiment.

    The 12th LAAB is organized, trained, and equipped to support sea control and sea denial operations within contested maritime spaces. As part of a modernized force, it integrates with the U.S. Navy, other Joint Force elements, and allied and partner forces.

    “This training directly supports U.S. efforts to maintain regional stability and deter potential adversaries within the Indo-Pacific,” said Lt. Col. Caton, the commanding officer of 12th LAAB. “The battalion’s ability to deploy swiftly and conduct air surveillance just days after activating speaks to our unit’s enduring capabilities and strategic reach.”

    As a key element of 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, the 12th LAAB is responsible for air control, air defense, air surveillance, and early warning. This training on Wake Island marks the first of many future operations and highlights the Marines’ capability and lethality within the first island chain.

    As the Marines of 12th LAAB continue to refine their abilities, they remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. This training marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that builds on a proud legacy while paving the way for future innovation and success.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Lower inflation in the December quarter boosts chances of an interest rate cut

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra

    ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

    Australia’s headline inflation rate dropped to a three-year low of 2.4% in the December quarter, according to the Consumer Price Index, adding to pressure for an interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank as soon as next month.

    Since it peaked at 7.8% in December 2022, inflation has now fallen for seven out of eight quarters.

    The closely watched core inflation measure dropped sharply to 3.2% from 3.6%, below market expectations, but the central bank is concerned about how sustainable the fall in inflation will be. Strength in the labour market is also weighing against the need for a cut in interest rates.

    The long-running quarterly measure of the CPI is a better indicator than the more volatile monthly version. But the monthly rate is currently very similar; it ended the year at 2.5%.

    Why did inflation fall?

    A main reason headline inflation fell was the electricity rebates, which led to the price of electricity falling by 25.2% during 2024.

    The fall in global oil prices, which led to petrol prices dropping 7.9% during 2024, also contributed to the decline in inflation.

    The rental market is easing, with rents slowing from growth of 7.3% during 2023 to 6.4% during 2024. Increases in Commonwealth Rent Assistance contributed to the deceleration. This still leaves a lot of families facing rental stress.

    Home builders offering discounts have moderated the “new dwellings” component of the CPI. It increased by only 2.9% during 2024, a marked deceleration from the growth rates of around 20% seen in 2022.

    Urban transport fares also fell during 2024.

    Working against the downward trend were increases to the tobacco excise, in addition to the standard indexation, which led to tobacco prices rising by 12.2% during 2024.

    Insurance costs continue to rise, increasing by 11% during 2024. If the Californian fires lead to insurers revising up their assessment of the risks posed by climate change, insurance premia could rise further.

    The decline in the Australian dollar, while not as alarming as some media reports would suggest, would have added to the price of some goods, particularly those imported from the United States or whose price is denominated in US dollars.



    Read more:
    The Australian dollar has hit a 5 year low. Sounds bad but don’t panic

    The decline in inflation may be a pleasant surprise to the half of voters who were expecting inflation to get worse.

    The “underlying” rate of inflation, which looks through temporary measures such as the electricity subsidies and is the preferred measure of the central bank, has also declined. It is now 3.2%.

    Australia’s inflation performance is similar to that in comparable countries. It is slightly lower than inflation in the United Kingdom (2.5%) and the same as in the euro area. It is higher than in New Zealand (2.2%) and Canada (1.8%).

    The fall in inflation to a rate significantly below the 3.5% at which wages are increasing means that the cost of living crisis is abating, although not yet over.

    The quarterly increases in the CPI during 2024 were 1.0% in March and June and 0.2% in September and December. As the large increases in the first half of 2024 are replaced, the annual rate should drop further in coming quarters.

    What does it mean for interest rates?

    The current Reserve Bank board meets next on February 18. By the following meeting, on April 1, the decisions will be taken by the new monetary policy board, which will have two new members.



    Read more:
    The Reserve Bank will now have a separate board just to set interest rates. Here’s why that’s significant

    This is the second consecutive quarter that inflation has been within the Reserve Bank’s medium-term target band of 2–3%. It is now just below the mid-point of the band.

    Inflation is also below the Bank’s latest forecasts of 2.6% (and 3.4% for the “underlying” rate).

    But the bank has stated it will only cut interest rates when “members are confident that inflation is moving sustainably towards target”.

    Inflation that is low just because of temporary electricity subsidies may not be regarded as ‘sustainable’. That is why the Bank places more emphasis on the underlying inflation measure. While not yet within the target band, underlying inflation has been steadily heading there and is now only just above it. This may be enough to give the Bank board members the confidence they seek. Financial markets now think so.

    The government would dearly like to see rates coming down before the election, likely to be in April or May. It faces a nervous wait.

    John Hawkins was formerly a senior economist at the Reserve Bank and Treasury.

    – ref. Lower inflation in the December quarter boosts chances of an interest rate cut – https://theconversation.com/lower-inflation-in-the-december-quarter-boosts-chances-of-an-interest-rate-cut-246987

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Syracuse Man Admits to Illegally Possessing a Rifle at a Gas Station

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard Bradley, age 36, of Syracuse, New York, pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Bradley admitted that, on September 9, 2024, he possessed a loaded rifle in his vehicle, which was parked at a gas station in East Syracuse. Bradley inadvertently fired the rifle several times, but did not strike anyone. As a result of his prior felony conviction for Criminal Mischief, Bradley could not lawfully possess a firearm.

    Sentencing is scheduled for June 10, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Bradley faces up to fifteen years in federal prison, along with a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of up to three years. He also could be fined up to $250,000, and will be required to forfeit the assault rifle to the United States. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    ATF and the Manlius Police Department are investigating the case with assistance from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USINDOPACOM Deputy Commander Travels to Brunei

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei  –  

    U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, traveled to Brunei Jan. 22-24, reinforcing the strong U.S.-Brunei relationship.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: First Savings Financial Group, Inc. Reports Financial Results for the First Fiscal Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSFG – news) (the “Company”), the holding company for First Savings Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $6.2 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to net income of $920,000, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Excluding nonrecurring items, the Company reported net income of $4.3 million (non-GAAP measure)(1) and net income per diluted share of $0.62 (non-GAAP measure)(1) for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to $920,000, or $0.13 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The core banking segment reported net income of $6.4 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $4.0 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Excluding nonrecurring items, the core banking segment reported net income of $4.5 million, or $0.64 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 (non-GAAP measure)(1) compared to $4.0 million, or $0.59 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

    Commenting on the Company’s performance, Larry W. Myers, President and CEO, stated “We are pleased with the first fiscal quarter, which included a bulk sale of first lien home equity lines of credit and continued improvement in our net interest margin. The bulk sale is part of a strategic initiative to transition the first lien home equity line of credit business to an originate for sale model during fiscal 2025 in order to enhance noninterest income, moderate the loan to deposit ratio, decrease reliance on noncore funding, and generate capital. The surplus capital generated from the bulk sale and potential future flow sales may be used to retire high-cost subordinated debt and repurchase Company common shares. We are optimistic regarding the remainder of fiscal 2025 as we continue to focus on asset quality, select loan growth opportunities, and capital and liquidity management. We’ll continue to evaluate options and strategies that we believe will maximize shareholder value.”

    (1) Non-GAAP net income and net income per diluted share exclude certain nonrecurring items. A reconciliation to GAAP and discussion of the use of non-GAAP measures is included in the table at the end of this release.

    Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

    Net interest income increased $1.3 million, or 9.6%, to $15.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. The tax equivalent net interest margin for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 2.75% as compared to 2.69% for the same period in 2023. The increase in net interest income was due to a $3.8 million increase in interest income, partially offset by a $2.4 million increase in interest expense. A table of average balance sheets, including average asset yields and average liability costs, is included at the end of this release.

    The Company recognized a reversal of provision for credit losses for loans and securities of $490,000 and $7,000, respectively, and a provision for unfunded lending commitments of $46,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to a provision for credit losses for loans of $470,000 and reversal of provision for unfunded lending commitments of $58,000 for the same period in 2023. The reversal of provisions during the 2024 period was due primarily to the bulk sale of approximately $87.2 million of home equity lines of credit during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, which resulted in the reversals of $980,000 in allowance for credit losses for loans and $129,000 in allowance for unfunded lending commitments. The Company recognized net charge-offs totaling $119,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, of which $52,000 was related to unguaranteed portions of SBA loans, compared to net charge-offs of $9,000 in 2023. Nonperforming loans, which consist of nonaccrual loans and loans over 90 days past due and still accruing interest, decreased $374,000 from $16.9 million at September 30, 2024 to $16.6 million at December 31, 2024.

    Noninterest income increased $3.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was due primarily to a $2.5 million net gain on sale of loans due to the aforementioned bulk loan sale and $403,000 in net gains on equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2024 with no corresponding gains for 2023.

    Noninterest expense decreased $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease was due primarily to decreases in compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment and professional fee expenses of $487,000, $405,000 and $385,000, respectively. These decreases were primarily due to the cessation of national mortgage banking operations in the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

    The Company recognized income tax expense of $848,000 for the three months ended December 30, 2024 as compared to income tax benefit of $476,000 for the same period in 2023. The increase is due primarily to higher taxable income in the 2024 period, due primarily to the aforementioned net gain on sale of loans. The effective tax rate for 2024 was 12.0%. The effective tax rate is well below the statutory tax rate primarily due to the recognition of investment tax credits related to solar projects in both the 2024 and 2023 periods.

    Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024

    Total assets decreased $61.6 million, from $2.45 billion at September 30, 2024 to $2.39 billion at December 31, 2024. Net loans held for investment decreased $79.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 due primarily to the $87.2 million bulk sale of residential real estate home equity line of credit loans.

    Total liabilities decreased $60.5 million due primarily to decreases in total deposits of $48.1 million, which included a decrease in brokered deposits of $72.1 million and a decrease in FHLB borrowings of $6.6 million. The decrease in brokered deposits and FHLB borrowings was due primary to repayments as a result of the aforementioned bulk loan sale. As of December 31, 2024, deposits exceeding the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 per insured account were 31.1% of total deposits and 13.7% of total deposits when excluding public funds insured by the Indiana Public Deposit Insurance Fund.

    Total stockholders’ equity decreased $1.1 million, from $177.1 million at September 30, 2024 to $176.0 million at December 31, 2024, due primarily to a $6.6 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss, partially offset by an increase in retained net income of $5.2 million. The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss was due primarily to increasing long-term market interest rates during the three months ended December 31, 2024, which resulted in a decrease in the fair value of securities available for sale. At December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024, the Bank was considered “well-capitalized” under applicable regulatory capital guidelines.

    First Savings Bank is an entrepreneurial community bank headquartered in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which is directly across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky, and operates fifteen depository branches within Southern Indiana. The Bank also has two national lending programs, including single-tenant net lease commercial real estate and SBA lending, with offices located predominately in the Midwest. The Bank is a recognized leader, both in its local communities and nationally for its lending programs. The employees of First Savings Bank strive daily to achieve the organization’s vision, We Expect To Be The BEST community BANK, which fuels our success. The Company’s common shares trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “FSFG.”

    This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are not historical facts; rather, they are statements based on the Company’s current expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance. Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” and similar expressions.

    Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to the Company’s actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, changes in general economic conditions; changes in market interest rates; changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; legislative and regulatory changes; and other factors disclosed periodically in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this report or made elsewhere from time to time by the Company or on its behalf. Except as may be required by applicable law or regulation, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    Contact:
    Tony A. Schoen, CPA
    Chief Financial Officer
    812-283-0724

    FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
    (Unaudited)
           
           
      Three Months Ended
    OPERATING DATA: December 31,
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)   2024       2023  
           
    Total interest income $ 32,449     $ 28,655  
    Total interest expense   16,987       14,542  
           
    Net interest income   15,462       14,113  
           
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans   (490 )     470  
    Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments   46       (58 )
    Credit for credit losses – securities   (7 )     –  
           
    Total provision (credit) for credit losses   (451 )     412  
           
    Net interest income after provision (credit) for credit losses   15,913       13,701  
           
    Total noninterest income   6,103       2,782  
    Total noninterest expense   14,943       16,039  
           
    Income before income taxes   7,073       444  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   848       (476 )
           
    Net income $ 6,225     $ 920  
           
    Net income per share, basic $ 0.91     $ 0.13  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic   6,851,153       6,823,948  
           
    Net income per share, diluted $ 0.89     $ 0.13  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted   6,969,223       6,839,704  
           
           
    Performance ratios (annualized)  
    Return on average assets   1.02 %     0.16 %
    Return on average equity   14.07 %     2.42 %
    Return on average common stockholders’ equity   14.07 %     2.42 %
    Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)   2.75 %     2.69 %
    Efficiency ratio   69.29 %     94.93 %
           
              QTD
    FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA: December 31,
    		   September 30,
    		   Increase
    (In thousands, except per share data)   2024       2024     (Decrease)
               
    Total assets $ 2,388,735     $ 2,450,368     $ (61,633 )
    Cash and cash equivalents   76,224       52,142       24,082  
    Investment securities   242,634       249,719       (7,085 )
    Loans held for sale   24,441       25,716       (1,275 )
    Gross loans   1,905,199       1,985,146       (79,947 )
    Allowance for credit losses   20,685       21,294       (609 )
    Interest earning assets   2,234,258       2,277,512       (43,254 )
    Goodwill   9,848       9,848       –  
    Core deposit intangibles   357       398       (41 )
    Loan servicing rights   2,661       2,754       (93 )
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   183,239       191,528       (8,289 )
    Interest-bearing deposits (retail)   1,212,527       1,180,196       32,331  
    Interest-bearing deposits (brokered)   437,008       509,157       (72,149 )
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   295,000       301,640       (6,640 )
    Subordinated debt and other borrowings   48,642       48,603       39  
    Total liabilities   2,212,708       2,273,253       (60,545 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (17,789 )     (11,195 )     (6,594 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   176,027       177,115       (1,088 )
               
    Book value per share $ 25.48     $ 25.72       (0.24 )
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) (1)   24.00       24.23       (0.23 )
               
    Non-performing assets:        
    Nonaccrual loans – SBA guaranteed $ 4,444     $ 5,036     $ (592 )
    Nonaccrual loans   12,124       11,906       218  
    Total nonaccrual loans $ 16,568     $ 16,942     $ (374 )
    Accruing loans past due 90 days   –       –       –  
    Total non-performing loans   16,568       16,942       (374 )
    Foreclosed real estate   444       444       –  
    Total non-performing assets $ 17,012     $ 17,386     $ (374 )
               
    Asset quality ratios:        
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of total gross loans   1.09 %     1.07 %     0.01 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of nonperforming loans   124.85 %     125.69 %     (0.84 %)
    Nonperforming loans as a percent of total gross loans   0.87 %     0.85 %     0.02 %
    Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets   0.71 %     0.71 %     0.00 %
               
    (1) See reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures for additional information relating to calculation of this item.
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED):
    The following non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company provide information useful to investors in understanding the Company’s performance. The Company believes the financial measures presented below are important because of their widespread use by investors as a means to evaluate capital adequacy and earnings. The following table summarizes the non-GAAP financial measures derived from amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and reconciles those non-GAAP financial measures with the comparable GAAP financial measures.
             
      Three Months Ended
    Net Income December 31,
    (In thousands)   2024       2023  
             
    Net income attributable to the Company (non-GAAP) $ 4,308     $ 920  
    Plus: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect   1,869       –  
    Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, loans, net of tax effect   735       –  
    Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, unfunded commitments, net of tax effect   97       –  
    Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares), net of tax effect   302        
    Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability, net of tax effect   (296 )      
    Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale, net of tax effect   (790 )      
    Net income attributable to the Company (GAAP) $ 6,225     $ 920  
             
    Net Income per Share, Diluted    
             
    Net income per share attributable to the Company, diluted (non-GAAP) $ 0.62     $ 0.13  
    Plus: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect   0.26       –  
    Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, loans, net of tax effect   0.11       –  
    Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, unfunded commitments, net of tax effect   0.01       –  
    Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares), net of tax effect   0.04        
    Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability, net of tax effect   (0.04 )      
    Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale, net of tax effect   (0.11 )      
    Net income per share, diluted (GAAP) $ 0.89     $ 0.13  
             
    Core Bank Segment Net Income    
    (In thousands)      
             
    Net income attributable to the Core Bank (non-GAAP) $ 4,452     $ 4,048  
    Plus: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect   1,869       –  
    Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, loans, net of tax effect   735       –  
    Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, unfunded commitments, net of tax effect   97       –  
    Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares), net of tax effect   302       –  
    Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability, net of tax effect   (296 )     –  
    Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale, net of tax effect   (790 )     –  
    Net income attributable to the Core Bank (GAAP) $ 6,369     $ 4,048  
             
    Core Bank Segment Net Income per Share, Diluted
             
    Core Bank net income per share, diluted (non-GAAP) $ 0.64     $ 0.59  
    Plus: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit, net of tax effect   0.26       –  
    Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, loans, net of tax effect   0.11       –  
    Plus: Reversal of provision for credit losses, unfunded commitments, net of tax effect   0.01       –  
    Plus: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares), net of tax effect   0.04       –  
    Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability, net of tax effect   (0.04 )     –  
    Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale, net of tax effect   (0.11 )     –  
    Core Bank net income per share, diluted (GAAP) $ 0.91     $ 0.59  
             
               
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended    
    Efficiency Ratio   2024      
    (In thousands)   2024       2023      
               
    Net interest income (GAAP) $ 15,462     $ 14,113      
               
    Noninterest income (GAAP)   6,103       2,782      
               
    Noninterest expense (GAAP)   14,943       16,039      
               
    Efficiency ratio (GAAP)   69.29 %     94.93 %    
               
    Noninterest income (GAAP) $ 6,103     $ 2,782      
    Less: Gain on sale of loans, home equity lines of credit   (2,492 )     –      
    Less: Gain on sale of equity securities (Visa Class B-2 shares)   (403 )     –      
    Noninterest income (Non-GAAP)   3,208       2,782      
               
    Noninterest expense (GAAP) $ 14,943     $ 16,039      
    Less: Adjustments to sick pay contingent liability   (395 )     –      
    Less: Compensation expense associated with loan sale   (1,053 )     –      
    Noninterest expense (Non-GAAP) $ 13,495     $ 16,039      
               
    Efficiency ratio (excluding nonrecurring items) (non-GAAP)   72.28 %     94.93 %    
               
    Tangible Book Value Per Share December 31,
    		   September 30,
    		   Increase
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)   2024       2024     (Decrease)
               
    Stockholders’ equity (GAAP) $ 176,027     $ 177,115     $ (1,088 )
    Less: goodwill and core deposit intangibles   (10,205 )     (10,246 )     41  
    Tangible stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 165,822     $ 166,869     $ (1,047 )
               
    Outstanding common shares   6,909,173       6,887,106     $ 22,067  
               
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 24.00     $ 24.23     $ (0.23 )
               
    Book value per share (GAAP) $ 25.48     $ 25.72     $ (0.24 )
               
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED): As of
    Summarized Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31,
    		   September 30,
    		   June 30,
    		   March 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands, except per share data)   2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
                       
    Total cash and cash equivalents $ 76,224     $ 52,142     $ 42,423     $ 62,969     $ 33,366  
    Total investment securities   242,634       249,719       238,785       240,142       246,801  
    Total loans held for sale   24,441       25,716       125,859       19,108       22,866  
    Total loans, net of allowance for credit losses   1,884,514       1,963,852       1,826,980       1,882,458       1,841,953  
    Loan servicing rights   2,661       2,754       2,860       3,028       3,711  
    Total assets   2,388,735       2,450,368       2,393,491       2,364,983       2,308,092  
                       
    Retail deposits $ 1,395,766     $ 1,371,724     $ 1,312,997     $ 1,239,271     $ 1,180,951  
    Brokered deposits   437,008       509,157       399,151       548,175       502,895  
    Total deposits   1,832,774       1,880,881       1,712,148       1,787,446       1,683,846  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   295,000       301,640       425,000       315,000       356,699  
                       
    Common stock and additional paid-in capital $ 28,382     $ 27,725     $ 27,592     $ 27,475     $ 27,397  
    Retained earnings – substantially restricted   178,526       173,337       170,688       167,648       163,753  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (17,789 )     (11,195 )     (17,415 )     (17,144 )     (13,606 )
    Unearned stock compensation   (973 )     (901 )     (999 )     (1,096 )     (1,194 )
    Less treasury stock, at cost   (12,119 )     (11,851 )     (11,866 )     (11,827 )     (11,827 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   176,027       177,115       168,000       165,056       164,523  
                       
    Outstanding common shares   6,909,173       6,887,106       6,883,656       6,883,160       6,883,160  
                       
                       
      Three Months Ended
    Summarized Consolidated Statements of Income December 31,   September 30,
    		   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands, except per share data)   2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
                       
    Total interest income $ 32,449     $ 32,223     $ 31,094     $ 30,016     $ 28,655  
    Total interest expense   16,987       17,146       16,560       15,678       14,542  
    Net interest income   15,462       15,077       14,534       14,338       14,113  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans   (490 )     1,808       501       713       470  
    Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments   46       (262 )     158       (259 )     (58 )
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – securities   (7 )     (86 )     84       23       –  
    Total provision (credit) for credit losses   (451 )     1,460       743       477       412  
                       
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   15,913       13,617       13,791       13,861       13,701  
                       
    Total noninterest income   6,103       2,842       3,196       3,710       2,782  
    Total noninterest expense   14,943       12,642       12,431       11,778       16,039  
    Income before income taxes   7,073       3,817       4,556       5,793       444  
    Income tax expense (benefit)   848       145       483       866       (476 )
    Net income   6,225       3,672       4,073       4,927       920  
                       
                       
    Net income per share, basic $ 0.91     $ 0.54     $ 0.60     $ 0.72     $ 0.13  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic   6,851,153       6,832,626       6,832,452       6,832,130       6,823,948  
                       
    Net income per share, diluted $ 0.89     $ 0.53     $ 0.60     $ 0.72     $ 0.13  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted   6,969,223       6,894,532       6,842,336       6,859,611       6,839,704  
                       
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended
    Noninterest Income Detail December 31,   September 30,
    		   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands)   2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
                       
    Service charges on deposit accounts $ 567     $ 552     $ 538     $ 387     $ 473  
    ATM and interchange fees   665       642       593       585       449  
    Net unrealized gain on equity securities   78       28       419       6       38  
    Net gain on equity securities   403       –       –       –       –  
    Net gain on sales of loans, Small Business Administration   711       647       581       951       834  
    Net gain on sales of loans, home equity lines of credit   2,492       –       –       –       –  
    Mortgage banking income   78       6       49       53       89  
    Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   361       363       353       333       329  
    Gain on life insurance   108       –       –       –       –  
    Commission income   210       294       220       220       222  
    Real estate lease income   121       122       154       115       115  
    Net gain (loss) on premises and equipment   45       (4 )     –       120       –  
    Other income   264       192       289       940       233  
    Total noninterest income $ 6,103     $ 2,842     $ 3,196     $ 3,710     $ 2,782  
                       
                       
      Three Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,
    		   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,
    Consolidated Performance Ratios (Annualized)   2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
                       
    Return on average assets   1.02 %     0.61 %     0.69 %     0.92 %     0.16 %
    Return on average equity   14.07 %     8.52 %     9.86 %     13.06 %     2.42 %
    Return on average common stockholders’ equity   14.07 %     8.52 %     9.86 %     13.06 %     2.42 %
    Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis)   2.75 %     2.72 %     2.67 %     2.66 %     2.69 %
    Efficiency ratio   69.29 %     70.55 %     70.11 %     65.26 %     94.93 %
                       
                       
      As of or for the Three Months Ended
      December 31,   September 30,
    		   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,
    Consolidated Asset Quality Ratios   2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
                       
    Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans   0.87 %     0.85 %     0.91 %     0.82 %     0.83 %
    Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets   0.71 %     0.71 %     0.72 %     0.68 %     0.69 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans   1.09 %     1.07 %     1.07 %     1.02 %     1.01 %
    Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans   124.85 %     125.69 %     118.12 %     124.01 %     121.16 %
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans   0.01 %     0.02 %     0.01 %     0.01 %     0.00 %
                       
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended
    Segmented Statements of Income Information December 31,   September 30,
    		   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands)   2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
                       
    Core Banking Segment:              
    Net interest income $ 13,756     $ 14,083     $ 13,590     $ 13,469     $ 13,113  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans   (745 )     1,339       320       909       (49 )
    Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments   (75 )     78       64       (259 )     –  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – securities   (7 )     (86 )     84       23       –  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   14,583       12,752       13,122       12,796       13,162  
    Noninterest income   5,253       2,042       2,474       2,537       1,679  
    Noninterest expense   12,574       10,400       10,192       10,093       10,252  
    Income before income taxes   7,262       4,394       5,404       5,240       4,589  
    Income tax expense   893       301       689       729       541  
    Net income $ 6,369     $ 4,093     $ 4,715     $ 4,511     $ 4,048  
                       
    SBA Lending Segment (Q2):              
    Net interest income $ 1,706     $ 994     $ 944     $ 869     $ 1,003  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses – loans   255       469       181       (196 )     461  
    Provision (credit) for unfunded lending commitments   121       (340 )     94       –       –  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   1,330       865       669       1,065       542  
    Noninterest income   850       800       722       1,173       1,003  
    Noninterest expense   2,369       2,242       2,239       1,685       2,146  
    Income (loss) before income taxes   (189 )     (577 )     (848 )     553       (601 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   (45 )     (156 )     (206 )     137       (131 )
    Net income (loss) $ (144 )   $ (421 )   $ (642 )   $ 416     $ (470 )
                       
    Mortgage Banking Segment: (2)              
    Net interest income (loss) $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –     $ (3 )
    Provision for credit losses – loans   –       –       –       –       –  
    Provision for unfunded lending commitments   –       –       –       –       –  
    Net interest income (loss) after provision for credit losses   –       –       –       –       (3 )
    Noninterest income   –       –       –       –       100  
    Noninterest expense   –       –       –       –       3,641  
    Loss before income taxes   –       –       –       –       (3,544 )
    Income tax benefit   –       –       –       –       (886 )
    Net loss $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –     $ (2,658 )
                       
    (2) National mortgage banking operations were ceased in the quarter ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent immaterial mortgage lending activity is reported within the Core Banking segment.
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended
    Segmented Statements of Income Information December 31,   September 30,
    		   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands, except percentage data)   2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
                       
    Net Income (Loss) Per Share by Segment            
    Net income per share, basic – Core Banking $ 0.93     $ 0.60     $ 0.69     $ 0.66     $ 0.59  
    Net income (loss) per share, basic – SBA Lending (Q2)   (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.09 )     0.06       (0.07 )
    Net loss per share, basic – Mortgage Banking   0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       (0.40 )
    Total net income (loss) per share, basic $ 0.91     $ 0.54     $ 0.60     $ 0.72     $ 0.12  
                       
    Net Income (Loss) Per Diluted Share by Segment          
    Net income per share, diluted – Core Banking $ 0.91     $ 0.59     $ 0.69     $ 0.66     $ 0.59  
    Net income (loss) per share, diluted – SBA Lending (Q2)   (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.09 )     0.06       (0.07 )
    Net loss per share, diluted – Mortgage Banking   0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       (0.40 )
    Total net income (loss) per share, diluted $ 0.89     $ 0.53     $ 0.60     $ 0.72     $ 0.12  
                       
    Return on Average Assets by Segment (annualized) (3)          
    Core Banking   1.09 %     0.71 %     0.83 %     0.80 %     0.73 %
    SBA Lending   (0.55 %)     (1.71 %)     (2.91 %)     1.81 %     (2.11 %)
                       
    Efficiency Ratio by Segment (annualized) (3)            
    Core Banking   66.15 %     64.50 %     63.45 %     63.06 %     69.31 %
    SBA Lending   92.68 %     124.97 %     134.39 %     82.52 %     106.98 %
                       
                       
      Three Months Ended
    Noninterest Expense Detail by Segment December 31,   September 30,
    		   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands)   2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
                       
    Core Banking Segment:              
    Compensation $ 7,245     $ 5,400     $ 5,587     $ 5,656     $ 5,691  
    Occupancy   1,577       1,554       1,573       1,615       1,481  
    Advertising   338       399       253       205       189  
    Other   3,414       3,047       2,779       2,617       2,891  
    Total Noninterest Expense $ 12,574     $ 10,400     $ 10,192     $ 10,093     $ 10,252  
                       
    SBA Lending Segment (Q2):              
    Compensation $ 1,931     $ 1,854     $ 1,893     $ 1,933     $ 1,826  
    Occupancy   59       55       51       58       91  
    Advertising   14       17       12       7       10  
    Other   365       316       283       (313 )     219  
    Total Noninterest Expense $ 2,369     $ 2,242     $ 2,239     $ 1,685     $ 2,146  
                       
    Mortgage Banking Segment: (2)              
    Compensation $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –     $ 2,146  
    Occupancy   –       –       –       –       469  
    Advertising   –       –       –       –       119  
    Other   –       –       –       –       907  
    Total Noninterest Expense $ –     $ –     $ –     $ –     $ 3,641  
                       
    (3) Ratios for Mortgage Banking Segment are not considered meaningful due to cessation of national mortgage banking operations in the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
                       
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED):    
      Three Months Ended
    SBA Lending (Q2) Data December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   March 31,    December 31,
    (In thousands, except percentage data) 2024   2024    2024   2024   2023
                                 
    Final funded loans guaranteed portion sold, SBA $ 10,785     $ 10,880     $ 7,515     $ 15,144     $ 14,098  
                                 
    Gross gain on sales of loans, SBA $ 1,141     $ 1,029     $ 811     $ 1,443     $ 1,303  
    Weighted average gross gain on sales of loans, SBA 10.58 %   9.46 %   10.79 %   9.53 %   9.24 %
                                 
    Net gain on sales of loans, SBA (4) $ 711     $ 647     $ 581     $ 951     $ 834  
    Weighted average net gain on sales of loans, SBA 6.59 %   5.95 %   7.73 %   6.28 %   5.92 %
                                 
                                 
    (4) Inclusive of gains on servicing assets and net of commissions, referral fees, SBA repair fees and discounts on unguaranteed portions held-for-investment.
    SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED): Three Months Ended
    Summarized Consolidated Average Balance Sheets December 31,   September 30,
    		   June 30,   March 31,   December 31,
    (In thousands)   2024       2024       2024       2024       2023  
    Interest-earning assets                
    Average balances:                
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks $ 21,102     $ 16,841     $ 26,100     $ 24,587     $ 20,350  
    Loans   2,010,082       1,988,997       1,943,716       1,914,609       1,857,654  
    Investment securities – taxable   101,960       99,834       101,350       102,699       103,728  
    Investment securities – nontaxable   160,929       158,917       157,991       157,960       159,907  
    FRB and FHLB stock   24,986       24,986       24,986       24,986       24,968  
    Total interest-earning assets $ 2,319,059     $ 2,289,575     $ 2,254,143     $ 2,224,841     $ 2,166,607  
                       
    Interest income (tax equivalent basis):            
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks $ 210     $ 209     $ 324     $ 261     $ 249  
    Loans   29,617       29,450       28,155       27,133       26,155  
    Investment securities – taxable   914       910       918       923       942  
    Investment securities – nontaxable   1,715       1,685       1,665       1,662       1,687  
    FRB and FHLB stock   493       471       519       499       74  
    Total interest income (tax equivalent basis) $ 32,949     $ 32,725     $ 31,581     $ 30,478     $ 29,107  
                       
    Weighted average yield (tax equivalent basis, annualized):          
    Interest-bearing deposits with banks   3.98 %     4.96 %     4.97 %     4.25 %     4.89 %
    Loans   5.89 %     5.92 %     5.79 %     5.67 %     5.63 %
    Investment securities – taxable   3.59 %     3.65 %     3.62 %     3.59 %     3.63 %
    Investment securities – nontaxable   4.26 %     4.24 %     4.22 %     4.21 %     4.22 %
    FRB and FHLB stock   7.89 %     7.54 %     8.31 %     7.99 %     1.19 %
    Total interest-earning assets   5.68 %     5.72 %     5.60 %     5.48 %     5.37 %
                       
    Interest-bearing liabilities              
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 1,671,156     $ 1,563,258     $ 1,572,871     $ 1,549,012     $ 1,389,384  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   315,583       378,956       351,227       333,275       440,786  
    Subordinated debt and other borrowings   48,616       48,576       48,537       48,497       48,458  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 2,035,355     $ 1,990,790     $ 1,972,635     $ 1,930,784     $ 1,878,628  
                       
    Interest expense:                
    Interest-bearing deposits $ 13,606     $ 12,825     $ 12,740     $ 12,546     $ 9,989  
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   2,617       3,521       3,021       2,298       3,769  
    Subordinated debt and other borrowings   764       800       799       833       784  
    Total interest expense $ 16,987     $ 17,146     $ 16,560     $ 15,677     $ 14,542  
                       
    Weighted average cost (annualized):            
    Interest-bearing deposits   3.26 %     3.28 %     3.24 %     3.24 %     2.88 %
    Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   3.32 %     3.72 %     3.44 %     2.76 %     3.42 %
    Subordinated debt and other borrowings   6.29 %     6.59 %     6.58 %     6.87 %     6.47 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   3.34 %     3.45 %     3.36 %     3.25 %     3.10 %
                       
    Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis) $ 15,962     $ 15,579     $ 15,021     $ 14,801     $ 14,565  
    Less: taxable equivalent adjustment   (500 )     (502 )     (487 )     (463 )     (452 )
    Net interest income $ 15,462     $ 15,077     $ 14,534     $ 14,338     $ 14,113  
                       
    Interest rate spread (tax equivalent basis, annualized)   2.34 %     2.27 %     2.24 %     2.23 %     2.27 %
                       
    Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis, annualized)   2.75 %     2.72 %     2.67 %     2.66 %     2.69 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville: Allowing Child Mutilation is “Pure Insanity”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) issued the following statement in support of President Donald Trump’s executive order ending the chemical and surgical mutilation of children:
    “We all know by now that so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ is anything but caring. There’s a reason it’s illegal for kids to buy alcohol, a lottery ticket, or join the military. Allowing our young people whose brains aren’t fully developed to undergo a life-altering, irreversible procedure is pure insanity. This isn’t about politics—this is about good and evil. I’m thankful for President Trump’s commonsense leadership to end this barbaric practice in our country once and for all.” 
    MORE:
     ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Roundtable on Protecting Children and Women’s Sports
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn to Chair Senate Drug Caucus

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) issued the following statement announcing he will serve as chair of the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control during the 119th Congress:
    “Deadly narcotics like fentanyl continue to ravage communities in Texas and across the nation, and an all-of-the-above approach is needed to fully root out these silent killers. I look forward to leveraging this new post to stifle the supply chain of Chinese precursors, target distributors in Latin America, and hold financiers of this deadly trade accountable for the massive loss of innocent American life they’re responsible for.”
    Sen. Cornyn previously served as chair from 2019-2020 and ranking member from 2021-2022. During this time, the Caucus released a landmark report on the public health implications and risks of cannabis use, in addition to hosting hearings on international narcotics trafficking, the role of cartels in the illicit drug trade, and the drug overdose epidemic.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Calls Out Trump’s Overreach with Illegal Federal Funding Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tonight took to the Senate Floor to blast President Trump’s new order to halt the disbursement of trillions of dollars in federal funding, which was issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) but temporarily blocked late this afternoon until Monday by a federal judge. A portion of Senator Welch’s remarks can be found below:
    “This is the test that we face: If we’re United States Senators and we believe that the Constitution is important—not in the abstract—but in the role it has played in preserving and protecting the freedom of all Americans, and we believe that freedom is preserved when there is a check and balance against unbridled power, then we are the ones that have to act in order to protect the well-being of this country against the illegal actions by a President who just doesn’t care, whether it’s legal or it isn’t.
    “He worships power. And he’s creating a new culture—where if you worship community service, if you worship generosity, forgiveness, empathy…you’re a sucker. That’s the emotional message from President Trump. People in Vermont? They want and they do better, when they see injustice, they see suffering and they respond to it. They don’t intensify it.
    “So, we have a decision as United States Senators to stand up for what this institution requires. And that is that we are a separate and coequal branch of government. And when the responsibilities are being subverted by an overreach by the executive, we resist. And we resist because it’s absolutely vital to the well-being of this country that our democracy prevail—three branches of government, checks and balances.
    “But it’s really, fundamentally important to the well-being of the people we represent that their opportunity to live with stability, the ability to help their neighbors, to have confidence that promises are made or promises kept. That we defend the good work, the good will, integrity of the people of Vermont…of all of our 50 states.”
    Watch the video here:
    Read the Vermont Congressional Delegation’s statement on the impact of the order on Vermonters.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Make a splash at these toddler pools this summer

    Source: Auckland Council

    As Auckland temperatures rise, many tots and toddlers will enjoy cooling off in one of the regions’ pools this summer – even if they haven’t learnt the word pool yet. There are many toddler-friendly pools around Auckland ready to help your child make a splash, helping them to stay cool, learn life-long skills and gain confidence in the water.

    Toddler pools and paddling pools are a great way for little ones to get comfortable around water. By having a dedicated pool, toddlers can have fun while learning water skills without the risk of colliding with older children. These pools are especially designed to make the swimming experience more enjoyable for little ones – the shallow water allows them to touch the bottom easily and often these pools are slightly warmer. Make sure to check the opening hours of toddler pools as they may be closed at times when adult pools are open.

    Safety first

    Toddlers are a handful in or out of the water, and safety is crucial when swimming with small children. Pools for toddlers make it easier for adults to focus their attention on little ones in the pool. Never turn your back on a toddler in the water – our safety rules state that a caregiver 17 years and over must be within arm’s reach of children under four at all times.

    Children aged 5-10 must be supervised and adults must be close enough to provide immediate assistance.

    Follow the child-to-adult ratios when supervising your children. One adult should accompany no more than two children aged four and under; for children aged 5-10 the ratio is four children to one adult. Please note that for hygiene reasons children under three must wear a waterproof swimming nappy – an easy way to keep the nappy in place is by dressing your child in togs over the top.

    Learn a life skill

    Babies as young as six months can take part in swimming lessons at Auckland Council’s pool and leisure centres. There is a dedicated babies class for infants aged six months to one year, and for kids aged 1-3 there are three toddler classes, based on your child’s ability to submerge on cue and confidence to swim independently. For kids aged 3-5 there are three dedicated pre-school classes. Unsure which class suits your child? Check out this swim level flow chart or book an assessment.

    Unsure of your toddler’s swimming ability? Book an assessment to make sure you enroll your child in the right swimming class.

    Six toddler pools to try

    There are many toddler pools to choose from around the region, but here are a few of our favourites.

    1. Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre

    Located in Pakuranga, this is the perfect spot for kids and toddlers. The indoor splash pool is 33°C and features a fountain so littlies can play and get used to the feeling of water on their face. The learners’ pool features a wheelchair accessibility ramp and has depth ranges of 0.75m-0.9m. The facility also has an outdoor splashpad, which is another fun way to cool off during summer.

    Opening hours:

    • Toddler splash pool: 30am-5.15pm

    • Splash pad: 10am-6pm (weather dependent, December-March/April)

    2. Albany Stadium Pool

    Toddlers and young ones are well catered for at Albany Stadium Pool. The dedicated toddler pool is heated to 31°C and features a play centre and slide – it’s wheelchair accessible and water wheelchairs are available. There’s also an indoor splash pad, over-the-pool rock climbing wall and a 20m programmes pool for swimming lessons.

    Toddler pool hours:

    • Monday-Friday 30am-7pm

    • Saturday-Sunday 8am-7pm

    Toddlers can enjoy the pool and splash play area at Albany Stadium Pool.

    3. Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre

    This fantastic community facility features a toddlers’ pool heated to a comfy temperature of 32°C. A colourful water feature helps kids have fun while learning important water skills. The 15m learners’ pool is a great option for older children advancing with their swimming, and older kids can also enjoy the outdoor pool in the summer months.

    Toddler pool hours:

    Older children enjoying the learners’ pool at Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre.

    4. Grey Lynn Paddling Pool

    This dedicated outdoor toddler pool is popular with tots during the summer months. The hexagonal pool has a maximum depth of 0.75m, is sheltered from the sun by shade sails and is patrolled by a lifeguard during opening hours. It’s right next to a playground so your kids will stay active wet or dry.

    Toddler pool hours:

    Shade sail offer extra sun protection at the outdoor Grey Lynn Paddling Pool.

    5. Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre

    This all-ages centre features a toddlers’ splash pool with a fun umbrella fountain. The water is heated to a balmy 32°C. The learners’ pool features three lanes making it great for swim lessons, and it can also be accessed by a ramp.

    Toddler pool hours:

    Tots will enjoy the toddler splash pool at Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre, heated to a balmy 32°C.

    6. Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre

    This facility in Māngere is fun central all year round. Indoors there’s a toddlers’ pool that’s 0.3-0.9m deep, and features a friendly orca sculpture and a splash pool with a bubble pit. The learners’ pool has a depth of 0.75-1.1m, great for lessons. Outdoors there’s a splash pad, and for older kids there’s a hydroslide and a dedicated bombing pool so your kids can learn to pop a manu.

    Toddler pool hours:

    Click here for a full list of Auckland Council pools and opening hours

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán Joins Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco to Address Affordable Housing Crisis in Southern California

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Committed to prioritizing solutions for the affordable housing crisis in Southern California, U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán, (CA-44) hosted a roundtable discussion with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) today at The Enclave in Torrance, California. The roundtable brought together affordable housing leaders, community organizations, financial institutions, and other stakeholders throughout the area to discuss how organizations and public-private partnerships could play a pivotal role in solving the housing crisis in Southern California after tens of thousands were displaced by the recent wildfires in the region.

    “Many families in my district, and across Los Angeles County, struggle to afford housing,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán. “This roundtable brings together key partners to explore solutions to increase housing supply, reduce costs, and expand opportunities for homeownership. Together, we can make real progress for our communities.”

    Rep. Barragán has a history of leading on issues related to affordable housing and has secured millions in federal funding for local projects that support affordable housing development, advance homeownership for first time homebuyers and expand supportive housing options. By teaming up with FHLBank San Francisco and its members, she is working to find local solutions to the housing crisis.

    “This roundtable comes at a critical moment for our district, as many families and individuals have been displaced by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. We are proud to partner with Representative Barragán, a dedicated leader and tireless advocate for addressing the housing crisis in Southern California,” said Alanna McCargo, president and chief executive officer of FHLBank San Francisco. “Collaboration is essential to develop innovative solutions that improve affordability, expand housing supply and support the rebuilding of communities impacted by these wildfires. Our Bank is a valuable and trusted community partner that can leverage an extensive network of member financial institutions to help turn these ideas into action.”

    In 2024, FHLBank San Francisco awarded $6.75 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants to support a range of projects in Los Angeles. Statewide, more than $49 million in AHP grants were awarded through its member financial institutions to help address and expedite solutions to California’s affordable housing crisis.

    Attendees at the roundtable included:

    • Dora Leong Gall, A Community of Friends
    • Holly Benson, Adobe communities
    • Andrea Parker, Farmers and Merchants bank
    • Jeremy Empol, FHLBank San Francisco
    • Anabel Cuevas, FHLBank San Francisco
    • Darrell Simien, Habitat for Humanity LA
    • Laura Archuleta, Jamboree
    • Suny Lay Chang, LINC Housing
    • Michael Ruane, National CORE
    • Gerald Phillips, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County
    • Patricia Valladolid, One San Pedro/Century Housing
    • Michael Faulwell, SchoolsFirst FCU
    • Brent Terecero, SchoolsFirst FCU

    FHLBank San Francisco is dedicated to supporting housing initiatives throughout its three-state region, including Arizona, California, and Nevada. Since the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) was created in 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded over $1.35 billion in AHP grants to support the construction, rehabilitation, or purchase of over 154,600 homes affordable to lower-income households, including $61.8 million in 2024 alone. Together, the 11 regional FHLBanks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System are one of the largest privately capitalized sources of grant funding for affordable housing in the United States.

    About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

    The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-owned cooperative supporting local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada to build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions — propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient.

    Contact:
    Tom Flannigan
    tom.flannigan@fhlbsf.com
    415-616-2695

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Leadership at Sony Interactive Entertainment

    Source: Sony

    San Mateo, Calif., January 28 (PST) /Tokyo, January 29 (JST), 2025 – Sony Group Corporation and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), the company behind PlayStation, today announced the appointment of Hideaki Nishino to the role of President and CEO effective April 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Changes to Sony Group’s Management Structure

    Source: Sony

    Tokyo, Japan – Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that Hiroki Totoki, currently Director, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, President, COO and CFO, has been newly appointed as Director, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Rosen Statement on Trump’s Reckless Federal Funding Freeze

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) issued the following statement blasting the Trump Administration’s pause on all federal grants and loans and the dire impact it will have on Nevada.
    “President Trump’s freeze on federal grants and funding has jeopardized key programs that many Nevadans rely on,” said Senator Rosen. “Because of this freeze, there is now chaos and confusion about the status of critical funding needed to support local law enforcement, veterans, businesses, widely used housing programs, and others. Make no mistake, I will fight back against this unconstitutional action and work to ensure that Nevada’s federal funding resumes to continue benefiting Nevadans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Rosen, Booker, Gillibrand, Kelly, Blumenthal, Wyden, Schiff, Peters, Cortez Masto, & Gallego Issue Statement on ICC Sanctions Procedural Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement on their opposition to a procedural vote on the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act.
    “As pro-Israel members committed to protecting and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, and ensuring Israel has every tool to defend itself, we are deeply troubled by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) outrageous political targeting of Israel and its leaders. The Court’s false equivalence of Israel’s defense of its people with Hamas’s barbaric actions on October 7th is an affront to human conscience, deserving of both condemnation and severe consequences. We believe this judicial overreach must be countered forcefully, including through sanctions on those at the ICC directly responsible.
    “Instead of directly punishing those responsible for the ICC’s reckless and irresponsible behavior, the House-passed ICC sanctions bill has overly broad language that would put our allies and U.S. private companies in the crosshairs. While we are eager to support a bill that would swiftly sanction those at the ICC responsible for its anti-Israel actions, in taking up the House bill today, Senate Republicans took a flawed, partisan approach. Despite our efforts, the bill’s sponsors did not allow us to make this bill stronger and more targeted. This is why we made the difficult decision to vote against a procedural motion on their bill, after serious consideration of the far-reaching, unintended consequences it would have. We urge our Republican colleagues to return to the negotiating table and reach a bipartisan agreement so that we can stand together in support of Israel through more targeted and effective legislation.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Statement on Trump Administration Order to Cut Federal Grants and Loans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    Published: 01.28.2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s recent decision to cut federal grants:
    “I am already hearing from my constituents who are worried about funding being cut off for cops and firefighters, childcare, combatting the fentanyl crisis, food for kids, and so much more. We are talking about real people’s lives; real people’s ability to eat, stay safe, or live a healthy life is on the line. I want to be clear, Democrats and Republicans passed laws providing this funding for our kids, families, and communities, and ripping it away is an unconstitutional power grab. I will fight it at every step.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Probes Lutnick for Ties to Crypto Firm with Long Record of Financing Terrorists, Illicit Activity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    January 28, 2025
    Ahead of hearing, Sen. Warren wrote to Lutnick about deep ties to Tether, known as “outlaws’ favorite cryptocurrency”
    “Your record of support for and financial involvement with Tether…raise significant questions about your own personal judgment and the conflicts of interest that you will have if you are confirmed as Commerce Secretary.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Commerce, ahead of his Wednesday confirmation hearing, probing his serious financial conflicts and personal and professional ties to the scandal-ridden cryptocurrency Tether. 
    “In particular, your deep involvement with and support for Tether, a known facilitator of criminal activity that has been described as ‘outlaws’ favorite cryptocurrency’ raises concerns about your judgment and ability to put the interests of the American people ahead of your own financial interests,” wrote Senator Warren.
    Senator Warren requested information about Lutnick’s financial stake in Tether, any conversations with Trump administration officials about Tether, and whether his firm performed due diligence to confirm that Tether is in compliance with “Know Your Customer” rules in the Bank Secrecy Act, international sanctions, and anti-money laundering laws.
    As CEO of Tether’s asset manager, Cantor Fitzgerald, which also reportedly holds a 5 percent stake in the cryptocurrency company, Lutnick played a significant role in Tether’s rise. Despite Tether’s clear ties to criminal activity — including financing North Korean nuclear weapons programs, Mexican drug cartels, Russian arms companies, Middle Eastern terrorist groups, and Chinese manufacturers of chemicals used to make fentanyl — Lutnick “‘vouched’ for Tether when ‘few others would.’”
    Even after Trump’s election win and subsequent decision to nominate Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, Cantor Fitzgerald continued to deepen its ties to Tether, reportedly agreeing to serve as the backbone of Tether’s multi-billion dollar Bitcoin lending program. Lutnick seemingly used his role as Trump Transition co-chair to advance his own interests, including bringing Cantor Fitzgerald lobbyist Jeff Miller to Congressional meetings related to the transition. As Senator Warren noted, “even aides in the Trump administration were questioning [Lutnick’s] continued efforts to mix [his] business interests with [his] duties on the Trump transition team.”
    “You cannot serve as a booster for Tether while impartially fulfilling the Department of Commerce’s mission to ‘create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all communities’ as ‘economic growth has taken on increased importance for national security,’” Senator Warren concluded.
    After President Trump announced his decision to nominate Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary in November, Senator Warren said: “Donald Trump’s pick of a Wall Street CEO for Commerce Secretary is a win for the billionaire class at the expense of working people. The across-the-board tariff plan is a distraction from the MAGA scam to extend tax giveaways for giant corporations and billionaires like Howard Lutnick.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Questions Defense Secretary Hegseth on Trump’s Purported Military Action to “Turn On” California Water

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Questions Defense Secretary Hegseth on Trump’s Purported Military Action to “Turn On” California Water

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) requested Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth clarify President Trump’s January 27th Truth Social post, which claimed that the U.S. military “entered” California and “turned on the water” flowing from Northern California to other parts of the state.
    Even though California is delivering as much water to farms and cities as during the previous Trump Administration, the President claimed that he used his “Emergency Powers” as Commander-in-Chief to send the military to California to turn on the water. Contrary to misinformation circulated by President Trump, Southern California has record water storage on hand. Senator Padilla has pushed back against dangerous misinformation about the state’s water supply, which Trump is attempting to leverage to withhold disaster aid.
    After President Trump was sworn in, federal pumping of water was briefly reduced due to outages for maintenance, which have since been restored to prior pumping levels.   
    “Clarity and transparency on these matters are crucial to ensure that the public is properly informed and that any actions comply with federal laws governing the use of the U.S. military within the United States,” wrote Senator Padilla.
    Padilla asked Secretary Hegseth the following five clarifying questions in response to Trump’s post:
    1. Which units of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to this mission?
    2. Specifically, where in California were they deployed? Please name the specific cities that were “entered” by U.S. Armed Forces, and the names and ownership of any facilities where troops were assigned.
    3. When the President says members of the military “TURNED ON THE WATER,” what specific actions did U.S. servicemembers undertake to accomplish this mission?
    4. To which specific “Emergency Powers” is the President referring to justify this mission?
    5. Compared to the week of January 13, 2025, how much more water is now flowing through the federal pumps?
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Secretary Hegseth,
    I write regarding President Trump’s January 27th post on Truth Social in which he wrote, “The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and, under Emergency Powers, TURNED ON THE WATER flowing abundantly from the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. The days of putting a Fake Environmental argument, over the PEOPLE, are OVER. Enjoy the water, California!!!”
    Given this statement from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, I ask that you respond in writing to the following questions:
    1. Which units of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to this mission?
    2. Specifically, where in California were they deployed? Please name the specific cities that were “entered” by U.S. Armed Forces, and the names and ownership of any facilities where troops were assigned.
    3. When the President says members of the military “TURNED ON THE WATER,” what specific actions did U.S. servicemembers undertake to accomplish this mission?
    4. To which specific “Emergency Powers” is the President referring to justify this mission?
    5. Compared to the week of January 13, 2025, how much more water is now flowing through the federal pumps?
    Clarity and transparency on these matters are crucial to ensure that the public is properly informed and that any actions comply with federal laws governing the use of the U.S. military within the United States.
    I look forward to your prompt response to these questions.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –