Category: Americas

MIL-OSI: Community Bankshares, Inc. Acquires Thomas USAF / Thomas Financial Group to Completely Revolutionize Government-Guaranteed Lending Nationwide

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LAGRANGE, Ga., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Community Bankshares, Inc., one of the fastest-growing financial services companies in the nation, announces its acquisition of Thomas USAF / Thomas Financial Group, a 30-year industry leader in USDA government-guaranteed commercial lending. This acquisition, coming on the heels of the recent launch of Phoenix Lender Services, underscores Community Bankshares’ bold strategy to redefine the financial services landscape and expand its leadership in innovative lending solutions for rural and underserved markets across the United States.

A Future-Focused Partnership

“This is not just an acquisition — it’s a reimagining of what’s possible in government-guaranteed lending,” said Jeremy Gilpin, Chairman of the Board of Community Bankshares, Inc. “By combining the proven track record of Thomas Financial Group as a top USDA originator and packager with the cutting-edge capabilities of Phoenix Lender Services and lending expertise of Community Bank & Trust, we’re setting a new standard for how rural and underserved markets can access capital and thrive.”

The acquisition builds on Community Bankshares’ strategic vision of redefining how lending capital is provided across America in a manner that promotes business stability and encourages community prosperity.

Jeremy Gilpin and Chris Hurn bring more than 60 years of combined experience in government-guaranteed lending. Together, they have assembled a powerhouse leadership team within the Community Bankshares companies that is certain to shake up the industry. Their shared vision, innovative strategies, and proven success in government-guaranteed lending sets the stage for a transformative era in rural economic development and business financing.

A Legacy of Leadership

Founded by visionary entrepreneur Mike Thomas, Thomas USAF / Thomas Financial Group has been a pioneer in leveraging USDA and SBA lending programs to empower small businesses and revitalize communities. Consistently ranked as one of the top originators and packagers of USDA and SBA loans in the nation, the company has facilitated over $5 billion in financing to businesses across diverse industries, helping them navigate complex lending scenarios and achieve their financial goals.

“Founding Thomas Financial was not just about lending—it was about giving rural and underserved communities a fighting chance to grow and thrive,” said Mike Thomas, Founder of Thomas Financial Group. “As I hand the reins to the brilliant Jeremy Gilpin and the exceptional leadership at Community Bankshares, I am proud of the legacy we leave behind and confident in the transformative impact this partnership will have nationwide.”

Mike Thomas will remain actively engaged with the organization to assist with Governmental Affairs, playing a key role in shaping its strategic direction. Leveraging his decades of experience and extensive industry relationships, Mr. Thomas will focus on advocating for rural and underserved markets, as well as small businesses, to strengthen the company’s leadership in the government-guaranteed lending sector. His ongoing involvement ensures that Thomas Financial Group, along with the entire Community Bankshares family of companies, remains at the forefront of legislative initiatives, policy development, and strategic partnerships with government agencies.

“This acquisition reflects our unwavering commitment to transforming access to capital in underserved markets,” said Gilpin. “With the expertise of Thomas Financial Group and our shared values, we are building a new era of opportunity for businesses and communities nationwide.”

Community Bankshares is now positioned as a leader in addressing current challenges faced by small businesses and rural economies, particularly as they navigate a rapidly evolving financial landscape. The partnership will also ensure the continued legacy of excellence established by Thomas Financial Group, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Bankshares.

“We are poised to lead one of the most innovative and forward-thinking organizations in the government-guaranteed lending sector nationwide,” said Chris Hurn, President of Community Bankshares. “This collaboration not only enhances our capacity to serve businesses across the spectrum, from startups to established enterprises, but it also reaffirms our commitment to championing economic growth in rural and underserved markets. Together, we will ensure these communities remain integral to the progress and prosperity of our nation’s economy.”

For more information about Thomas Financial Group, visit www.ThomasFinancialGroup.com.

About Thomas Financial Group

Thomas Financial Group, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is now a subsidiary of Community Bankshares, Inc. and a nationally recognized leader in commercial lending solutions. Specializing in USDA and SBA programs, the company has a proven track record of empowering businesses, strengthening rural and underserved communities, and advancing government-guaranteed lending.

About Community Bankshares, Inc.

Headquartered in LaGrange, Georgia, Community Bankshares, Inc. is the parent company of Community Bank & Trust and a network of financial service subsidiaries. Phoenix Lender Services (PHX) is a subsidiary of Community Bankshares, Inc. Whose mission is redefining the way lending capital is provided across America, in a manner that promotes business stability and encourages community prosperity. The company serves a diverse clientele across the nation, fostering growth, opportunity, and collaboration.

Media Contact:

Hannah Williams
Uproar by Moburst for Community Bankshares Inc
hannah.williams@moburst.com

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Applied Rating Index Year-End and Q4 2024 Released
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Toronto, ON., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® today announced the year-end and fourth quarter of 2024 results of the Applied Rating Index™, the Canadian insurance industry’s premium rate index. In Q4 2024, average premiums for both Personal Auto lines and Personal Property lines increased year over year. Quarter over quarter, premium rate change increased for Personal Auto and increased for Personal Property compared to Q3 2024.

For Personal Auto, all provinces experienced an increase year over year, with Alberta seeing the highest at 12.7% and the Atlantic Provinces the lowest at 9.0%. For Personal Property lines, all provinces experienced an increase in premium rate change year over year. Ontario saw the highest premium rate change at 9.0% and the Atlantic Provinces experienced the lowest at 4.4%.

Key findings for Q4 2024 include:
- Personal Auto: In Q4 2024, Personal Auto premium rate change increased 11.3% versus Q4 2023. Personal Auto premium rate change increased 3.9% versus Q3 2024.
- Personal Property: In Q4 2024, Personal Property premium rate change increased 7.3% versus Q4 2023. Personal Property premium rate change increased 2.1% versus Q3 2024.
- Provinces: Across Personal Auto, all provinces experienced increased premium rate change year over year with Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces seeing 12.7%, 11.1%, 9.3% and 9.0% respectively. Relative to Q3 2024, all provinces experienced an uptrend in premium rate change. Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces saw significant increases in premium rate change quarter over quarter with 1.4%, 4.2%, and 5.5% and 3.3% respectively.
  Personal Property lines experienced increased year-over-year premium rate change year across all provinces. Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic provinces, and Saskatchewan & Manitoba saw increases in premium rate change year over year with 7.1%, 4.7%, 9.0%, 8.6%, 4.4% and 7.9% respectively. Relative to Q3 2024, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic provinces and Saskatchewan & Manitoba all saw increases quarter over quarter of 2.0%, 1.3%, 1.9%, 6.5%, 1.7% and 2.4% respectively.
“Coming out of the most destructive season in Canadian history for insured losses, the Q4 2024 results show that the premium rate index continues to climb for both Personal Auto and Personal Property, demonstrating sustained market conditions,” said Steve Whitelaw, senior vice president and general manager, Applied Systems. “As we begin 2025, the Applied Rating Index will continue tracking premium rate changes and serving as a guide for renewal and pricing decisions.”

The Applied Rating Index is a data-driven report of current conditions and trends for Personal Auto and Personal Property (Homeowners) insurance premium rates. Analyzing quotes completed, the Applied Rating Index measures the increase or decrease in average premium rate trends across Canada. The Applied Rating Index is the most complete depiction of the premium rate trends being experienced by consumers, brokerages, and their insurers across the Canadian market.

Access the complete quarterly report here.

# # #

Applied Rating Index is a trademark of Applied Systems, Inc. All data is fully anonymized when aggregating and analyzing the Applied Rating Index.

About Applied Systems
Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

The MIL Network –
January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI: BCB Bancorp, Inc. Earns $3.3 Million in Fourth Quarter 2024; Reports $0.16 EPS and Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.16 Per Share

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BAYONNE, N.J., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BCB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), (NASDAQ: BCBP), the holding company for BCB Community Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $3.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2024, and $6.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024 were $0.16, compared to $0.36 in the preceding quarter and $0.35 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Net income and earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2024, without giving effect to the Company’s unrealized losses on equity investments and the loss on sale of non-performing loans, were $4.1 million and $0.24, respectively.

The Company also announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share. The dividend will be payable on February 24, 2025 to common shareholders of record on February 7, 2025.

“We took a number of positive actions during 2024 that have strengthened our balance sheet position. We meaningfully reduced our exposure to wholesale funding and continue to work hard on replacing higher cost funding with core deposits. Additionally, we have strengthened our capital position through positive retained earnings, favorable capital actions and selective loan growth. We have been prudently building up our CECL reserves to address asset quality issues. As we tackle and remediate credit quality issues, we are also positioning the Bank to gradually start lending and booking new business with both existing and new customers,” stated Michael Shriner, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Executive Summary

Total deposits were $2.751 billion at December 31, 2024 compared to $2.725 billion at September 30, 2024.
Net interest margin was 2.53 percent for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 2.58 percent for the third quarter of 2024, and 2.57 percent for the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Total yield on interest-earning assets was 5.33 percent for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 5.44 percent for the third quarter of 2024, and 5.33 percent for the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Total cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 3.57 percent for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 3.62 percent for the third quarter of 2024, and 3.45 percent for the fourth quarter of 2023.
The efficiency ratio for the fourth quarter was 62.1 percent compared to 53.2 percent in the prior quarter, and 61.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The annualized return on average assets ratio for the fourth quarter was 0.36 percent, compared to 0.72 percent in the prior quarter, and 0.63 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The annualized return on average equity ratio for the fourth quarter was 4.0 percent, compared to 8.3 percent in the prior quarter, and 7.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The provision for credit losses was $4.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $2.9 million for the third quarter of 2024, and $1.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) as a percentage of total loans was 1.15 percent at December 31, 2024 compared to 1.11 percent at the prior quarter-end and 1.01 percent at December 31, 2023.
Total loans receivable, net of the allowance for credit losses, of $2.996 billion at December 31, 2024, decreased 8.6 percent from $3.280 billion at December 31, 2023.

Balance Sheet Review

Total assets decreased by $233.3 million, or 6.1 percent, to $3.599 billion at December 31, 2024, from $3.832 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in total assets was due to a decrease in loans of $283.4 million, offset by an increase of $37.8 million in cash and cash equivalents. The decrease in loans was primarily from loan sales and payoffs/paydowns that exceeded loan originations.

Total cash and cash equivalents increased by $37.8 million, or 13.5 percent, to $317.3 million at December 31, 2024, from $279.5 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to loan sales and payoffs/paydowns that exceeded loan originations.

Loans receivable, net, decreased by $283.4 million, or 8.6 percent, to $2.996 billion at December 31, 2024, from $3.280 billion at December 31, 2023. Total loan decreases during the period included decreases of $187.4 million in commercial real estate multi-family loans, $57.4 million in construction loans, $29.4 million in commercial business loans, $8.4 million in residential 1-4 family loans, and $1.4 million in consumer loans. Home equity loans increased $438 thousand. The allowance for credit losses on loans increased $1.2 million to $34.8 million, or 77.8 percent of non-accruing loans and 1.15 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2024, as compared to an allowance for credit losses on loans of $33.6 million, or 178.9 percent of non-accruing loans and 1.01 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2023.

Total investment securities increased by $14.3 million, or 14.8 percent, to $111.2 million at December 31, 2024, from $96.9 million at December 31, 2023, as excess liquidity has been deployed into the securities portfolio.

Deposits decreased by $228.2 million, or 7.7 percent, to $2.751 billion at December 31, 2024, from $2.979 billion at December 31, 2023. A majority of the decline was due to a decrease in certificates of deposit of $193.5 million. The reduction in certificates of deposit was mainly caused by the withdrawal of brokered deposits which was partially offset by an increase in retail time deposits.

Total borrowings decreased by $12.1 million to $498.3 million at December 31, 2024 from $510.4 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease in borrowings was primarily due to the maturity of $18.0 million of FHLB debt that was paid off during 2024. The weighted average interest rate of the Company’s outstanding FHLB advances was 4.35 percent at December 31, 2024 and 4.21 percent at December 31, 2023. The weighted average maturity of such FHLB advances as of December 31, 2024 was 0.97 years. The interest rate of the Company’s subordinated debt balances was 9.25 percent at December 31, 2024 and 8.36 percent at December 31, 2023.

Stockholders’ equity increased by $9.9 million, or 3.1 percent, to $323.9 million at December 31, 2024, from $314.1 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in retained earnings of $5.9 million, or 4.4 percent, to $141.9 million at December 31, 2024 from $135.9 million at December 31, 2023.

Fourth Quarter 2024 Income Statement Review

Net income was $3.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and $6.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Bank recorded $2.2 million more in loan loss provisioning, and net interest income declined by $1.7 million. Non-interest income was also lower by $2.3 million. Offsetting these declines was a decrease in non-interest expense of $2.2 million. The Bank also recorded $1.3 million less for income tax provisioning.

Net interest income decreased by $1.7 million, or 7.2 percent, to $22.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, from $23.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in net interest income resulted from lower interest income, offset by lower interest expense.

Interest income decreased by $3.1 million, or 6.1 percent, to $46.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, from $49.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The average balance of interest-earning assets decreased $226.6 million, or 6.1 percent. The rate of return remained flat at 5.33 percent.

Interest expense declined $1.3 million, to $24.5 million, for the fourth quarter of 2024, from $25.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $247.2 million, or 8.3 percent. The average yield on these liabilities was 3.57 percent, versus 3.45 percent from one year earlier.

The net interest margin was 2.53 percent for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to 2.57 percent for the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 was the result of the increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The yield on interest earning assets remained the same from one year earlier.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company recognized $4.1 million in net charge-offs compared to $233 thousand in net charge offs for the fourth quarter of 2023. The Bank had non-accrual loans totaling $44.7 million, or 1.48 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2024 as compared to $18.8 million, or 0.57 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses on loans was $34.8 million, or 1.15 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2024, and $33.6 million, or 1.01 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2023. The provision for credit losses on loans was $4.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $1.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Management believes that the allowance for credit losses on loans was adequate at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Non-interest income decreased by $2.3 million to $938 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2024 from $3.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in total non-interest income was related to losses on equity investments of $661 thousand in the 2024 quarter as compared to a gain on such investments of $1.1 million in the 2023 quarter, as well as the recordation of a $570 thousand loss on the sale of a non-performing loan during the fourth quarter.

Non-interest expense decreased by $2.2 million, or 13.3 percent, to $14.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 from $16.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in these expenses for the fourth quarter of 2024 was driven by lower salaries and benefits expense, which declined $857 thousand. The fourth quarter of 2023 salaries and benefits included a previously disclosed one-time payment of $1.17 million to a former executive officer. Professional fees, regulatory assessment fees and advertising and promotional costs also declined by $388 thousand, $373 thousand, and $191 thousand, respectively.

The income tax provision decreased by $1.3 million, or 48.4 percent, to $1.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The provision was $2.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The consolidated effective tax rate was 29.0 percent for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 29.9 percent for the fourth quarter of 2023.

Year-to-Date Income Statement Review

Net income decreased by $10.9 million, or 36.8 percent, to $18.6 million for the twelve months of 2024 from $29.5 million for the twelve months of 2023. The decrease in net income was driven, primarily, by lower net interest income of $12.0 million, or 11.6 percent, and an increase in the provision for credit losses by $5.5 million.

Net interest income decreased by $12.0 million, or 11.6 percent, to $92.0 million for the first twelve months of 2024 from $104.1 million for the twelve months of 2023. The decrease in net interest income resulted from an increase in interest expense of $17.7 million, partly offset by an increase in interest income of $5.6 million.

Interest income increased by $5.6 million, or 3.0 percent, to $194.0 million for the twelve months of 2024, from $188.4 million for the twelve months of 2023. The increase was due to an increase of 22 basis points on interest earning assets, from 5.16 percent to 5.38 percent. Offsetting this, somewhat, was a decrease in average interest earning assets of $47.5 million, for the comparable period, which was comprised of a decrease in average loans of $84.8 million offset by an increase in average other interest-earning assets of $37.6 million.

Interest expense increased by $17.7 million, or 21.0 percent, to $102.0 million for 2024, from $84.3 million for 2023. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities of 64 basis points to 3.57 percent for the twelve months of 2024, from 2.93 percent for the twelve months of 2023. Offsetting this was a decrease in average interest bearing liabilities of $18.5 million over the same comparable time period.

Net interest margin was 2.55 percent for the twelve months of 2024, compared to 2.85 percent for the twelve months of 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin compared to the prior period was largely the result of an increase in the cost of the Bank’s interest-bearing liabilities.

During the twelve months of 2024, the Company experienced $10.4 million in net charge offs compared to $704 thousand in net charge offs for the same period in 2023. The provision for credit losses was $11.6 million for the twelve months of 2024 compared to $6.1 million for the same period in 2023.

Non-interest income decreased by $1.1 million to $2.9 million for the twelve months of 2024 from $4.1 million for the twelve months of 2023. The decrease was due to losses on sales of loans of $5.3 million. This was offset by realized and unrealized gains or losses on equity investments, which were $3.7 million greater, and income on Bank-owned Life Insurance (BOLI), which was $883 thousand higher, for the comparable period. The realized and unrealized gains or losses on equity investments are based on prevailing market conditions.

Non-interest expense decreased by $3.5 million, or 5.7 percent, to $57.1 million for the twelve months of 2024 from $60.6 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease in operating expenses for 2024 was driven primarily by decreases in salaries and employee benefits of $2.6 million and advertising and promotional costs of $485 thousand. The 2023 salaries and benefits expense included the payment to a former executive described above.

The income tax provision decreased by $4.3 million, or 36.6 percent to $7.6 million for the twelve months of 2024 from $12.0 million for the same period in 2023. The consolidated effective tax rate was 29.1 percent for the twelve months of 2024 compared to 28.9 percent for the twelve months of 2023.

Asset Quality

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company recognized $4.1 million in net charge offs, compared to $233 thousand in net charge offs for the fourth quarter of 2023.

The Bank had non-accrual loans totaling $44.7 million, or 1.48 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2024, as compared to $18.8 million, or 0.57 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses on loans was $34.8 million, or 1.15 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2024, and $33.6 million, or 1.01 percent of gross loans, at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses on loans was 77.8 percent of non-accrual loans at December 31, 2024, and 178.9 percent of non-accrual loans at December 31, 2023.

About BCB Bancorp, Inc.

BCB Bancorp, Inc. is a New Jersey corporation established in 2003, and is the holding company parent of BCB Community Bank. The Company has not engaged in any significant business activity other than owning all of the outstanding common stock of the Bank. Established in 2000 and headquartered in Bayonne, N.J., the Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of BCB Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCBP). The Bank has twenty-three New Jersey branch offices in Bayonne, Edison, Hoboken, Fairfield, Holmdel, Jersey City, Lyndhurst, Maplewood, Monroe Township, Newark, Parsippany, Plainsboro, River Edge, Rutherford, South Orange, Union, and Woodbridge, New Jersey, and four New York branch offices in Hicksville and Staten Island, New York. The Bank provides businesses and individuals a wide range of loans, deposit products, and retail and commercial banking services. For more information, please go to www.bcb.bank.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release, like many written and oral communications presented by BCB Bancorp, Inc., and our authorized officers, may contain certain forward-looking statements regarding our prospective performance and strategies within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of said safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “strive,” “try,” or future or conditional verbs such as “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

The most significant factor that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements include the ongoing impact of higher inflation levels and higher interest rates concerns, all of which could impact economic growth and could cause a reduction in financial transactions and business activities, including decreased deposits and reduced loan originations, our ability to manage liquidity and capital in a rapidly changing and unpredictable market, and supply chain disruptions.. Other factors that could cause future results to vary materially from current management expectations as reflected in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the global impact of the military conflicts in the Ukraine and the Middle East; unfavorable economic conditions in the United States generally and particularly in our primary market area; the Company’s ability to effectively attract and deploy deposits; the impact of any future pandemics or other natural disasters; changes in the Company’s corporate strategies, the composition of its assets, or the way in which it funds those assets; shifts in investor sentiment or behavior in the securities, capital, or other financial markets, including changes in market liquidity or volatility; the effects of declines in real estate values that may adversely impact the collateral underlying our loans; increase in unemployment levels and slowdowns in economic growth; our level of non-performing assets and the costs associated with resolving any problem loans including litigation and other costs; the impact of changes in interest rates and the credit quality and strength of underlying collateral and the effect of such changes on the market value of our loan and investment securities portfolios; the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio; changes in the quality and composition of the Bank’s loan and investment portfolios; changes in our ability to access cost-effective funding; deposit flows; legislative and regulatory changes, including increases in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, insurance rates; monetary and fiscal policies of the federal and state governments; changes in tax policies, rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities; demands for our loan products; demand for financial services; competition; changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets; changes in management’s business strategies; changes in consumer spending; our ability to retain key employees; the effects of any reputational, credit, interest rate, market, operational, legal, liquidity, or regulatory risk; expanding regulatory requirements which could adversely affect operating results; civil unrest in the communities that we serve; and other factors discussed elsewhere in this report, and in other reports we filed with the SEC, including under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our other periodic reports that we file with the SEC.

Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purpose only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.

Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Reported amounts are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). This press release also contains certain supplemental Non-GAAP information that the Company’s management uses in its analysis of the Company’s financial results. The Company’s management believes that providing this information to analysts and investors allows them to better understand and evaluate the Company’s financial results for the periods in question.

The Company provides measurements and ratios based on tangible stockholders’ equity and efficiency ratios. These measures are utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and, therefore, the Company’s management believes that such information is useful to investors. For a reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release, see “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.


	Statements of Income – Three Months Ended,
	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024		December 31, 2023		Dec 31, 2024 vs. Sept 30, 2024		Dec 31, 2024 vs. Dec 31, 2023
Interest and dividend income:	(In thousands, except per share amounts, Unaudited)
Loans, including fees	$	41,431		$	42,857	$	43,893	-3.3	%	-5.6	%
Mortgage-backed securities		473			303		293	56.1	%	61.4	%
Other investment securities		978			994		991	-1.6	%	-1.3	%
FHLB stock and other interest-earning assets		3,771			4,472		4,527	-15.7	%	-16.7	%
Total interest and dividend income		46,653			48,626		49,704	-4.1	%	-6.1	%

Interest expense:
Deposits:
Demand		5,866			5,686		5,015	3.2	%	17.0	%
Savings and club		156			146		177	6.8	%	-11.9	%
Certificates of deposit		12,218			13,670		13,308	-10.6	%	-8.2	%
		18,240			19,502		18,500	-6.5	%	-1.4	%
Borrowings		6,219			6,079		7,282	2.3	%	-14.6	%
Total interest expense		24,459			25,581		25,782	-4.4	%	-5.1	%

Net interest income		22,194			23,045		23,922	-3.7	%	-7.2	%
Provision for credit losses		4,154			2,890		1,927	43.7	%	115.6	%

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		18,040			20,155		21,995	-10.5	%	-18.0	%

Non-interest income income (loss) :
Fees and service charges		1,187			1,196		1,445	-0.8	%	-17.9	%
(Loss) gain on sales of loans		(554	)		35		11	-1682.9	%	-5136.4	%
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments		(661	)		1,132		1,029	-158.4	%	-164.2	%
Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income		636			652		597	-2.5	%	6.5	%
Other		330			112		69	194.6	%	378.3	%
Total non-interest income		938			3,127		3,228	-70.0	%	-70.9	%

Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		7,117			7,139		7,974	-0.3	%	-10.7	%
Occupancy and equipment		2,483			2,591		2,606	-4.2	%	-4.7	%
Data processing and communications		1,754			1,681		1,721	4.3	%	1.9	%
Professional fees		599			618		987	-3.1	%	-39.3	%
Director fees		269			351		274	-23.4	%	-1.8	%
Regulatory assessment fees		769			666		1,142	15.5	%	-32.7	%
Advertising and promotions		212			182		403	16.5	%	-47.4	%
Other real estate owned, net		–			–		4	0.0	%	-100.0	%
Other		1,164			701		1,457	66.0	%	-20.1	%
Total non-interest expense		14,367			13,929		16,568	3.1	%	-13.3	%

Income before income tax provision		4,611			9,353		8,655	-50.7	%	-46.7	%
Income tax provision		1,339			2,685		2,593	-50.1	%	-48.4	%

Net Income		3,272			6,668		6,062	-50.9	%	-46.0	%
Preferred stock dividends		475			475		182	-0.0	%	160.7	%
Net Income available to common stockholders	$	2,797		$	6,193	$	5,880	-54.8	%	-52.4	%

Net Income per common share-basic and diluted
Basic	$	0.16		$	0.36	$	0.35	-54.9	%	-52.9	%
Diluted	$	0.16		$	0.36	$	0.35	-54.9	%	-53.0	%

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic		17,056			17,039		16,876	0.1	%	1.1	%
Diluted		17,108			17,064		16,884	0.3	%	1.3	%

	Statements of Income – Twelve Months Ended,
	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			Dec 31, 2024 vs. Dec 31, 2023
Interest and dividend income:	(In thousands, except per share amounts, Unaudited)
Loans, including fees	$	172,046		$	169,559		1.5	%
Mortgage-backed securities		1,378			880		56.6	%
Other investment securities		3,953			4,226		-6.5	%
FHLB stock and other interest-earning assets		16,632			13,695		21.4	%
Total interest and dividend income		194,009			188,360		3.0	%

Interest expense:
Deposits:
Demand		22,158			16,915		31.0	%
Savings and club		620			620		0.0	%
Certificates of deposit		55,442			39,157		41.6	%
		78,220			56,692		38.0	%
Borrowings		23,768			27,606		-13.9	%
Total interest expense		101,988			84,298		21.0	%

Net interest income		92,021			104,062		-11.6	%
Provision for credit losses		11,570			6,104		89.5	%

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		80,451			97,958		-17.9	%

Non-interest income:
Fees and service charges		4,717			5,334		-11.6	%
(Loss) gain on sales of loans		(5,325	)		36		-14891.7	%
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on equity investments		379			(3,361	)	-111.3	%
Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income		2,634			1,751		50.4	%
Other		535			251		113.1	%
Total non-interest income		2,940			4,088		-28.1	%

Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		28,229			30,827		-8.4	%
Occupancy and equipment		10,247			10,340		-0.9	%
Data processing and communications		6,960			6,968		-0.1	%
Professional fees		2,416			2,735		-11.7	%
Director fees		1,151			1,083		6.3	%
Regulatory assessments		3,530			3,585		-1.5	%
Advertising and promotions		863			1,348		-36.0	%
Other real estate owned, net		–			7		-100.0	%
Other		3,725			3,698		0.7	%
Total non-interest expense		57,121			60,591		-5.7	%

Income before income tax provision		26,270			41,455		-36.6	%
Income tax provision		7,647			11,972		-36.1	%

Net Income		18,623			29,483		-36.8	%
Preferred stock dividends		1,832			702		160.9	%
Net Income available to common stockholders	$	16,791		$	28,781		-41.7	%

Net Income per common share-basic and diluted
Basic	$	0.99		$	1.71		-42.1	%
Diluted	$	0.99		$	1.70		-42.0	%

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic		17,007			16,870		0.8	%
Diluted		17,018			16,932		0.5	%

Statements of Financial Condition	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			Dec 31, 2024 vs. Sept 30, 2024		Dec 31, 2024 vs. Dec 31, 2023
ASSETS	(In Thousands, Unaudited)
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions	$	14,075		$	12,617		$	16,597		11.6	%	-15.2	%
Interest-earning deposits		303,207			230,506			262,926		31.5	%	15.3	%
Total cash and cash equivalents		317,282			243,123			279,523		30.5	%	13.5	%

Interest-earning time deposits		735			735			735		–		–
Debt securities available for sale		101,717			98,169			87,769		3.6	%	15.9	%
Equity investments		9,472			10,133			9,093		-6.5	%	4.2	%
Loans held for sale		–			250			1,287		-100.0	%	-100.0	%
Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses on loans of $34,789, $34,693 and $33,608, respectively		2,996,259			3,087,914			3,279,708		-3.0	%	-8.6	%
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”) stock, at cost		24,272			24,732			24,917		-1.9	%	-2.6	%
Premises and equipment, net		12,569			12,008			13,057		4.7	%	-3.7	%
Accrued interest receivable		15,176			16,496			16,072		-8.0	%	-5.6	%
Deferred income taxes		17,181			17,370			18,213		-1.1	%	-5.7	%
Goodwill and other intangibles		5,253			5,253			5,253		0.0	%	0.0	%
Operating lease right-of-use asset		12,686			13,438			12,935		-5.6	%	-1.9	%
Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”)		76,040			75,404			73,407		0.8	%	3.6	%
Other assets		10,476			8,745			10,428		19.8	%	0.5	%
Total Assets	$	3,599,118		$	3,613,770		$	3,832,397		-0.4	%	-6.1	%

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

LIABILITIES
Non-interest bearing deposits	$	520,387		$	528,089		$	536,264		-1.5	%	-3.0	%
Interest bearing deposits		2,230,471			2,196,491			2,442,816		1.5	%	-8.7	%
Total deposits		2,750,858			2,724,580			2,979,080		1.0	%	-7.7	%
FHLB advances		455,361			466,424			472,811		-2.4	%	-3.7	%
Subordinated debentures		42,961			67,042			37,624		-35.9	%	14.2	%
Operating lease liability		13,139			13,878			13,315		-5.3	%	-1.3	%
Other liabilities		12,874			13,733			15,512		-6.3	%	-17.0	%
Total Liabilities		3,275,193			3,285,657			3,518,342		-0.3	%	-6.9	%

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized		–			–			–		–		–
Additional paid-in capital preferred stock		24,723			29,763			25,043		-16.9	%	-1.3	%
Common stock: no par value, 40,000 shares authorized		–			–			–		0.0	%	0.0	%
Additional paid-in capital common stock		200,935			200,605			198,923		0.2	%	1.0	%
Retained earnings		141,853			141,770			135,927		0.1	%	4.4	%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(5,239	)		(5,678	)		(7,491	)	-7.7	%	-30.1	%
Treasury stock, at cost		(38,347	)		(38,347	)		(38,347	)	0.0	%	0.0	%
Total Stockholders’ Equity		323,925			328,113			314,055		-1.3	%	3.1	%

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	3,599,118		$	3,613,770		$	3,832,397		-0.4	%	-6.1	%

Outstanding common shares		17,063			17,048			16,904

	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2024						2023
	Average Balance		Interest Earned/Paid		Average Yield/Rate (3)		Average Balance		Interest Earned/Paid		Average Yield/Rate (3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans Receivable⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	$	3,081,846	$	41,431	5.38	%	$	3,311,946	$	43,893	5.30	%
Investment Securities		110,447		1,451	5.26	%		93,638		1,284	5.48	%
Other Interest-earning assets⁽⁶⁾		309,804		3,771	4.87	%		323,064		4,527	5.61	%
Total Interest-earning assets		3,502,097		46,653	5.33	%		3,728,648		49,704	5.33	%
Non-interest-earning assets		124,554						124,809
Total assets	$	3,626,651					$	3,853,457
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand accounts	$	551,971	$	2,682	1.94	%	$	578,890	$	2,184	1.51	%
Money market accounts		380,136		3,184	3.35	%		359,366		2,832	3.15	%
Savings accounts		254,093		156	0.25	%		288,108		177	0.25	%
Certificates of Deposit		1,048,341		12,218	4.66	%		1,140,656		13,307	4.67	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,234,541		18,240	3.27	%		2,367,020		18,500	3.13	%
Borrowed funds		508,113		6,219	4.90	%		622,860		7,282	4.68	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,742,654		24,459	3.57	%		2,989,880		25,782	3.45	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities		560,345						557,156
Total liabilities		3,302,999						3,547,036
Stockholders’ equity		323,652						306,420
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,626,651					$	3,853,457
Net interest income			$	22,194					$	23,922
Net interest rate spread⁽¹⁾					1.76	%					1.88	%
Net interest margin⁽²⁾					2.53	%					2.57	%

^{(1) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on average interest-earning assets and the average cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.}
^{(2) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.}
^{(3) Annualized.}
^{(4) Excludes allowance for credit losses.}
^{(5) Includes non-accrual loans.}
^{(6) Includes Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock.}

	Year Ended December 31,
		2024						2023
	Average Balance		Interest Earned/Paid		Average Yield/Rate (3)		Average Balance		Interest Earned/Paid		Average Yield/Rate (3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans Receivable⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	$	3,196,538	$	172,046	5.38	%	$	3,281,334	$	169,559	5.17	%
Investment Securities		99,733		5,331	5.35	%		100,000		5,106	5.11	%
Other interest-earning assets⁽⁶⁾		308,248		16,632	5.40	%		270,659		13,695	5.06	%
Total Interest-earning assets		3,604,519		194,009	5.38	%		3,651,993		188,360	5.16	%
Non-interest-earning assets		124,441						123,652
Total assets	$	3,728,960					$	3,775,645
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand accounts	$	553,013	$	9,701	1.75	%	$	658,023	$	8,426	1.28	%
Money market accounts		372,205		12,457	3.35	%		334,353		8,489	2.54	%
Savings accounts		264,430		620	0.23	%		305,778		620	0.20	%
Certificates of Deposit		1,153,235		55,442	4.81	%		980,617		39,157	3.99	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,342,883		78,220	3.34	%		2,278,771		56,692	2.49	%
Borrowed funds		511,916		23,768	4.64	%		594,564		27,606	4.64	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,854,799		101,988	3.57	%		2,873,335		84,298	2.93	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities		554,037						602,691
Total liabilities		3,408,836						3,476,026
Stockholders’ equity		320,124						299,618
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,728,960					$	3,775,644
Net interest income			$	92,021					$	104,062
Net interest rate spread⁽¹⁾					1.81	%					2.22	%
Net interest margin⁽²⁾					2.55	%					2.85	%

^{(1) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on average interest-earning assets and the average cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.}
^{(2) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.}
^{(3) Annualized.}
^{(4) Excludes allowance for credit losses.}
^{(5) Includes non-accrual loans.}
^{(6) Includes Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock.}

	Financial Condition data by quarter
	Q4 2024			Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q1 2024			Q4 2023

	(In thousands, except book values)
Total assets	$	3,599,118		$	3,613,770		$	3,793,941		$	3,849,195		$	3,832,397
Cash and cash equivalents		317,282			243,123			326,870			352,448			279,523
Securities		111,189			108,302			94,965			96,189			96,862
Loans receivable, net		2,996,259			3,087,914			3,161,925			3,226,877			3,279,708
Deposits		2,750,858			2,724,580			2,935,239			2,991,659			2,979,080
Borrowings		498,322			533,466			510,710			510,573			510,435
Stockholders’ equity		323,925			328,113			320,732			320,131			314,055
Book value per common share¹	$	17.54		$	17.50		$	17.17		$	17.24		$	17.10
Tangible book value per common share²	$	17.23		$	17.19		$	16.86		$	16.93		$	16.79

	Operating data by quarter
	Q4 2024			Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q1 2024			Q4 2023
	(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
Net interest income	$	22,194		$	23,045		$	23,639		$	23,143		$	23,922
Provision for credit losses		4,154			2,890			2,438			2,088			1,927
Non-interest income (loss)		938			3,127			(3,234	)		2,109			3,228
Non-interest expense		14,367			13,929			13,987			14,838			16,568
Income tax expense		1,339			2,685			1,163			2,460			2,593
Net income	$	3,272		$	6,668		$	2,817		$	5,866		$	6,062
Net income per diluted share	$	0.16		$	0.36		$	0.14		$	0.32		$	0.35
Common Dividends declared per share	$	0.16		$	0.16		$	0.16		$	0.16		$	0.16

	Financial Ratios(3)
	Q4 2024			Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q1 2024			Q4 2023
Return on average assets		0.36	%		0.72	%		0.30	%		0.61	%		0.63	%
Return on average stockholders’ equity		4.04	%		8.29	%		3.52	%		7.46	%		7.91	%
Net interest margin		2.53	%		2.58	%		2.60	%		2.50	%		2.57	%
Stockholders’ equity to total assets		9.00	%		9.08	%		8.45	%		8.32	%		8.19	%
Efficiency Ratio⁴		62.11	%		53.22	%		68.55	%		58.76	%		61.02	%

	Asset Quality Ratios
	Q4 2024			Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q1 2024			Q4 2023
	(In thousands, except for ratio %)
Non-Accrual Loans	$	44,708		$	35,330		$	32,448		$	22,241		$	18,783
Non-Accrual Loans as a % of Total Loans		1.48	%		1.13	%		1.01	%		0.68	%		0.57	%
ACL as % of Non-Accrual Loans		77.8	%		98.2	%		108.6	%		155.4	%		178.9	%
Individually Analyzed Loans		83,399			66,048			60,798			65,731			54,019
Classified Loans		152,714			98,316			87,033			97,739			85,727

^{(1) Calculated by dividing stockholders’ equity, less preferred equity, to shares outstanding.}
^{(2) Calculated by dividing tangible stockholders’ common equity, a non-GAAP measure, by shares outstanding. Tangible stockholders’ common equity is stockholders’ equity less goodwill and preferred stock. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures by quarter.”}
^{(3) Ratios are presented on an annualized basis, where appropriate.}
^{(4) The Efficiency Ratio, a non-GAAP measure, was calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the total of net interest income and non-interest income. See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures by quarter.”}

	Recorded Investment in Loans Receivable by quarter
	Q4 2024			Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q1 2024			Q4 2023
	(In thousands)
Residential one-to-four family	$	239,870		$	241,050		$	242,706		$	244,762		$	248,295
Commercial and multi-family		2,246,677			2,296,886			2,340,385			2,392,970			2,434,115
Construction		135,434			146,471			173,207			180,975			192,816
Commercial business		342,799			371,365			375,355			378,073			372,202
Home equity		66,769			67,566			66,843			65,518			66,331
Consumer		2,235			2,309			2,053			2,847			3,643
	$	3,033,784		$	3,125,647		$	3,200,549		$	3,265,145		$	3,317,402
Less:
Deferred loan fees, net		(2,736	)		(3,040	)		(3,381	)		(3,705	)		(4,086	)
Allowance for credit losses		(34,789	)		(34,693	)		(35,243	)		(34,563	)		(33,608	)

Total loans, net	$	2,996,259		$	3,087,914		$	3,161,925		$	3,226,877		$	3,279,708

	Non-Accruing Loans in Portfolio by quarter
	Q4 2024			Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q1 2024			Q4 2023
	(In thousands)
Residential one-to-four family	$	1,387		$	410		$	350		$	429		$	270
Commercial and multi-family		32,973			27,693			27,796			12,627			8,684
Construction		586			586			586			3,225			4,292
Commercial business		10,530			6,498			3,673			5,916			5,491
Home equity		231			123			43			44			46
Consumer		–			20			–			–			–
Total:	$	45,707		$	35,330		$	32,448		$	22,241		$	18,783

	Distribution of Deposits by quarter
	Q4 2024			Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q1 2024			Q4 2023
	(In thousands)
Demand:
Non-Interest Bearing	$	520,387		$	528,089		$	523,816		$	531,112		$	536,264
Interest Bearing		553,731			527,862			549,239			552,295			564,912
Money Market		395,004			366,655			371,689			361,791			370,934
Sub-total:	$	1,469,122		$	1,422,606		$	1,444,744		$	1,445,198		$	1,472,110
Savings and Club		252,491			255,115			258,680			272,051			284,273
Certificates of Deposit		1,029,245			1,046,859			1,231,815			1,274,410			1,222,697
Total Deposits:	$	2,750,858		$	2,724,580		$	2,935,239		$	2,991,659		$	2,979,080

	Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures by quarter

	Tangible Book Value per Share
	Q4 2024			Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q1 2024			Q4 2023
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	$	323,925		$	328,113		$	320,732		$	320,131		$	314,055
Less: goodwill		5,253			5,253			5,253			5,253			5,253
Less: preferred stock		24,723			29,763			28,403			27,733			25,043
Total tangible common stockholders’ equity		293,949			293,097			287,076			287,145			283,759
Shares common shares outstanding		17,063			17,048			17,029			16,957			16,904
Book value per common share	$	17.54		$	17.50		$	17.17		$	17.24		$	17.10
Tangible book value per common share	$	17.23		$	17.19		$	16.86		$	16.93		$	16.79

	Efficiency Ratios
	Q4 2024			Q3 2024			Q2 2024			Q1 2024			Q4 2023
	(In thousands, except for ratio %)
Net interest income	$	22,194		$	23,045		$	23,639		$	23,143		$	23,922
Non-interest income (loss)		938			3,127			(3,234	)		2,109			3,228
Total income		23,132			26,172			20,405			25,252			27,150
Non-interest expense		14,367			13,929			13,987			14,838			16,568
Efficiency Ratio		62.11	%		53.22	%		68.55	%		58.76	%		61.02	%

CONTACT:	MICHAEL SHRINER,
	PRESIDENT & CEO
	JAWAD CHAUDHRY,
	EVP & CFO
	(201) 823-0700

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI: 1GLOBAL taps Nokia voice and packet core solutions to enhance network operations in existing markets, expand new ones
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release

1GLOBAL taps Nokia voice and packet core solutions to enhance network operations in existing markets, expand new ones
- Deal swaps out competitors and includes Nokia Evolved Packet Core (EPC), Nokia IMS Voice Core, and Nokia NetGuard security solutions.
- EPC will be deployed in eight countries, including Australia, the UK, and the US, while Nokia IMS Voice Core will be rolled out in three markets, including the Netherlands.
XX January 2025

Espoo, Finland – 1GLOBAL, a leading communications services provider and MVNO active in nine major markets across the globe, has selected Nokia core and security solutions to help the operator enhance and optimize network operations in existing markets like the UK and US, while rolling out services in new territories such as Brazil, South America’s largest telecoms market.

Hakan Koç, co-Founder & CEO of 1GLOBAL, said: “Our mission at 1Global is to offer device and communications solutions that connect people, networks, and devices instantly and at scale anywhere around the world. We are pleased to partner with Nokia to further strengthen 1GLOBAL’s network operations. This will enable us to roll out new services that elevate our network quality and the overall customer experience more quickly, securely, and flexibly. Technological excellence and delivering value to our customers are at the heart of everything we do at 1Global. Nokia shares this vision, which makes them a great partner for us as we execute the next phase of 1Global’s ambitious growth strategy.”

1GLOBAL will use several Nokia products to enhance its networks, including Nokia Evolved Packet Core, Nokia IMS Voice Core, and Nokia NetGuard security solutions. 1GLOBAL will employ Nokia Evolved Packet Core to more effectively manage data traffic running through its networks, including internet access and data calls. It will be deployed in several markets, including Australia, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US.

Nokia IMS Voice Core, a fully cloud-native architecture with flexible scaling, will improve 1GLOBAL’s time to market and provisioning of new voice, video, and messaging services. Nokia IMS Voice Core will help 1GLOBAL optimize its network management through automation while providing the company with the flexibility to choose the infrastructure of its choice, a key pillar of Nokia’s multi-cloud strategy.

1GLOBAL will also utilize NetGuard Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to protect against rising cyber threats. NetGuard EDR is a telco-specific threat detection product that provides real-time, automated monitoring of network infrastructure for rapid detection and mitigation of security incidents.

Erez Sverdlov, Vice President, Cloud and Network Services Market Leader for Europe at Nokia, said: “We are thrilled to take this important step of providing 1GLOBAL with several Nokia solutions that will upgrade its core network infrastructure and applications to be fully cloud-native, and deliver a more advanced, secure, and reliable network experience for its subscribers.”

About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale.

Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

About 1 Global

1GLOBAL empowers its partners and clients with transformative technologies, strategic communications solutions and future-proof connectivity. By pioneering global connectivity solutions, 1GLOBAL leads the new generation of digital transformation with a suite of products designed to revolutionize communication and compliance across borders. Every offering reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence for Enterprise Clients, IoT Customers, Mobile Operators, Financial Institutions and many more global businesses.

Media inquiries
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Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

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The MIL Network –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Energy Expands Intellectual Property Portfolio with Acquisition of Key Worldwide Patents for Composite Moderator for Nuclear Reactor Systems
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, N.Y., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today highlighted additional important patents recently acquired from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC), which augment protections for NANO Nuclear’s modular microreactor technologies under development.

Patent No. US 11,264,141 B2, titled “Composite Moderator for Nuclear Reactor Systems,” relates to the design and construction of composite moderators with a view towards improving safety and waste management by addressing graphite oxidation found in conventional, individual moderator systems. Additionally, the patented advanced design reduces waste and structural deterioration, enabling the moderator to serve throughout the fuel’s lifecycle without requiring replacement in the reactor core. This intellectual property is expected to enhance the protections for NANO Nuclear’s own proprietary advanced portable ZEUS and ODIN microreactors, as well the KRONOS MMR^™ and LOKI MMR^™ reactors, all of which are currently in development.

The U.S. patent is accompanied by related patents issued in Canada, the Russian Federation, Japan, The People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea and by the European Patent Office. An application with the World Intellectual Property Organization is currently in progress. Today’s announcement follows last week’s announcement of NANO Nuclear’s acquisition of patents from USNC supporting modular transportable reactors with variable operations and multiple core configurations and applications, including the generation of electric power and process heat.

Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear expands intellectual property portfolio to protect proprietary advanced portable ZEUS and ODIN microreactors, as well the KRONOS MMR^™ and LOKI MMR^™ reactors, all of which are currently in development.

“As our technical teams continue their deeper exploration of the various nuclear technology patents we acquired from USNC, the benefits that these pivotal patents will provide to our development plans becomes more apparent,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Regarding the composite moderator patent highlighted today, this innovative design is expected to reduce the maintenance requirements of our modular, portable nuclear reactors while improving overall performance. We believe it will also play a key role in eliminating excess waste byproducts, enabling NANO Nuclear to build cleaner, more robust and cost-effective energy systems.”

“The addition of this world-class intellectual property to our portfolio is key in the development and eventual deployment of our innovative, portable and secure nuclear energy systems,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Improving the functionality of these critical parts enables us to cut down the waste produced during operation and create a safer and more efficient product. These important patents not only create the potential to improve performance but also underscores our commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design.”

About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. NANO Nuclear is also developing patented stationary KRONOS MMR^™ Energy System and space focused, portable LOKI MMR^™.

Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR^™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:
Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the recently acquired intellectual property described herein. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

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- NANO Nuclear Energy Inc.
The MIL Network –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/USA – The Franciscans martyred because they refused to approve polygamy will be beatified

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Tuesday, 28 January 2025

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – They refused to approve the practice of polygamy among baptized Native Americans. For this they became martyrs. Four centuries after the events of 1597 in the coastal villages of Georgia, Pope Francis has authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the Decree regarding the recognition of the martyrdom of the Servants of God Pedro da Corpa, Blas Rodríguez de Cuacos, Miguel de Añón, Antonio de Badajoz and Francisco de Veráscola.They were five religious of the Order of Friars Minor who were killed in the territory of the current diocese of Savannha in the United States of America “out of hatred of the faith”. All of them were Spanish and had set out as missionaries to spread the Gospel among the Guale people who lived on the coast of Georgia. In their villages polygamy was practiced.Friar Pedro de Corpa, who set out for the New Continent in 1587, arrived in the village of Tolomato (near present-day Darien) and, together with his confreres, decided to baptize an adult Guale only if he had entered into a monogamous marriage.Everything seemed to be going well but, as can be read on the official website of the Ordo Fratrum Minorum, which has published a detailed biography of the five missionaries after the announcement of the recognition of martyrdom, when a young local warrior named Juanillo, who had been baptized and already married, decided to take a second wife. The warrior, a nephew of the tribal chief, was to take charge of the village. In the end, Juanillo decided to ignore the warnings of Friar Pedro da Corpa regarding his baptismal obligation, left the mission and joined forces with other natives of the interior region against the Franciscan. In the first days of September 1597, the warriors attacked Friar Pedro in his hut, killing him with an axe.The hatred of the faith, as laid down in the decree published today, soon turned against the other four Friars Minor who lived in the other villages. The second to die was Friar Blas Rodríguez de Cuacos. At the time of the events, he was working in the village of Tupiquí, near what is now Eulonia. When he found himself facing the group of armed natives, knowing that his death was imminent, he asked for permission to celebrate his last Mass. This was granted, and at the end of the service he too was killed with an axe blow and his body was left in the forest to be eaten by the animals.Friar Miguel de Añón was a missionary on the island of Santa Catalina, along with lay brother Antonio de Badajoz. The chief warned the latter of the uprising that was spreading against the friars, but he did not flee, preferring to stay in the village with Friar Miguel. Both endured their martyrdom, which was preceded by much torture, in faith. Their bodies were buried in the village chapel. The last of the five Franciscans to be martyred was Friar Francisco de Veráscola. He was entrusted with the new mission on the island of Asao, now San Simón, opposite the present city of Brunswick, Georgia. His imposing stature and physical strength earned him the nickname “the Cantabrian giant”. This quality made him popular with the Guale youth, with whom he competed in wrestling and ball games. At the time of the death of his companions, he was not present: he had travelled by canoe to San Agustín to collect material for the chapel. When he arrived in Asao, he was immediately attacked by insurgents who killed him with an axe blow.Centuries later, in the diocese of Savannah, just over forty years ago, in 1981, the process for the beatification and canonization of these martyrs began, initiated by the American bishops. Now the decree recognizing the martyrdom of the five religious has been published. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 27/1/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: A Mite-y Use of Electricity

Source: US State of Connecticut

Mites who hitchhike on the beaks of hummingbirds use a surprising method to help them on their journey: electricity.

These hummingbird flower mites feed on nectar and live within specific flowers for their species. When it is time to seek out a new flower, they hitch a ride via hummingbirds, but for years researchers have not been sure exactly how these tiny, crawling arachnids quickly disembark at the right flower. Researchers, including Carlos Garcia-Robledo, associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, are closer to answering these questions, and they published their results in PNAS.

Garcia-Robledo studies aspects of the evolutionary and life histories of organisms and how they respond to climate change, including this puzzling behavior.

Illustration showing how electric charges help mites move between flowers via hummingbirds. The pluses and minuses show the nature of the electric charges. (Illustration courtesy of Marley Peifer)

“When hummingbirds visit multiple flowers, you usually see the mites going down their beaks only when they touch the first flower,” says Garcia-Robledo. “I thought that was interesting and wondered why the mites were not going to the second or third flower.”

For years, researchers have proposed that the mites use a smell signal, but after some experimentation to test this theory, Garcia-Robledo was not convinced.

“I knew that it was not maybe the smell that played a major role in this because if you bring the mites to a laboratory, they don’t care much about smells of flowers and so on. I knew it had to be something else.”

Then, after reading a story about research into how ticks are pulled onto clothing by static electricity, and a chance lunch meeting while working at the La Selva Research Station in Costa Rica, everything came together.

“I was reminded of the weird observation about the mites, and I thought maybe something electrostatic was happening there,” he says. “These mites are so tiny that they live at another level of perception, so of course, even little electric fields are important for them. This could help explain the mystery of how they can be fast enough to hitchhike on this family of birds.”

Just by chance, Garcia-Robledo was having lunch with friends and co-authors Konstantine Manser and Diego Dierick. Manser was at the time a Ph.D. student at the University of Bristol in the laboratory that produced the tick static research. Diego Dierick is a scientist at the Organization for Tropical Studies, and an electronics whiz collaborating in many projects at La Selva Research Station. Garcia-Robledo proposed they test his theory on the hitchhiking hummingbird flower mites.

“Diego and Kosta said that it was super easy and that we should try. We built the devices the next day and brought the first mite from a flower to test it. We turned on the device, and instantaneously, they started to respond. That’s how we figured out that they were using static electricity,” says Garcia-Robledo.

With that immediate success, the researchers were inspired to experiment further with a power source that only generated static electricity and test whether the mites were attracted to statics or the frequency that it was transmitting. They discovered that when the field was only static electricity, the mites did not respond, yet they did when the field was modulated.

“The mites respond to the bouncing of a signal that is associated with the size, geometry, and vibration of the hummingbirds, which reach frequencies between 20 and 160 Hz,” Garcia-Robledo says.

As the hummingbirds beat their wings, they generate a charge, and their bodies become supercharged. So, just like how you may get a small static shock after walking across a room and touching a door handle, the first flower seems to be the one where mites have the electric potential to embark or disembark quickly.

In another experiment, Garcia-Robledo tested how the mites recognize very small positive electrical charges. He experimented with a very simple and effective device composed of a glass tube, and wire where the wire would be touched by either an aluminum or copper plate to generate a charge. The glass tube held the mite, and when the device was charged, the mites responded by running toward the positive pole at both higher and lower electrical fields, but only when it was transmitting a frequency of 120 Hz.

“You just charge the little arena, and then instantaneously, the mite is attracted only if you have this little bounce of the signal, and they go to the positive charge even if you have these super tiny charges. The little bounce the second that you touch, it is enough for them to know where to go, and they just go,” says Garcia-Robledo.

Each of the 19 mite species at La Selva is attracted to specific set of flowers, and they somehow know when they have arrived at the right flower and that it’s time to jump on or hop off their hummingbird shuttle.

“We think that there may be some specificity in the electric signals or different charges for flowers,” says Garcia-Robledo. “That’s one possibility. We found that there is a structure in the front legs that they used to perceive these electric charges and frequencies. The next step is that we have many of these mites, and they have different structures, and different species of mites have different structures in their legs. Potentially, they can detect different frequencies.”

Besides signaling when to get off, these electric charges help the mites quickly board their speedy chaperones. Just like the study looking at how ticks hitch a statically charged ride onto clothing, the mites are pulled up from the flower to the hummingbird beaks via the bird’s positive charge.

“When the mites are attracted by that electric field, we found they are one of the fastest terrestrial organisms for a few milliseconds,” Garcia-Robledo says. “This is the most surprising thing because the mites were not just responding to electrostatics, they are responding to an actual signal generated by an organism. That was super surprising. This may be the first kind of like case where these organisms are using, at the same time, electricity to locate organisms that they are using for transportation, but also for transportation itself.”

Funding was provided by the National Science Foundation, Dimensions of Biodiversity – 1737778 and Organismal Responses to Climate change – 2222328.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Engineering Professor Earns Nation’s Highest Honor for Early-Career Scientists

Source: US State of Connecticut

On Jan. 14, UConn civil engineering Professor Arash E. Zaghi was among nearly 400 individuals honored by President Biden with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). This is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers who are in the early phases of their careers. Jill Wegrzyn, an associate professor in the UConn Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, also received this award.

Established by President Clinton in 1996, PECASE recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers. The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology.

Zaghi, who joined the UConn faculty in 2011, is a professor in the College of Engineering. At the beginning of his career, his research focused primarily on bridge design and resilience against earthquakes and other disasters.

But after his diagnosis with dyslexia and ADHD at age 32, he knew he wanted to get involved with supporting neurodiverse learners. Building on his own experience, Zaghi quickly identified a major problem with mainstream narratives of neurodiversity.

“My diagnosis opened my eyes to the unique strengths often overlooked in individuals like myself,” Zaghi says. “As I delved into the literature, I discovered mixed perspectives. Some studies suggest that people with ADHD tend to be more creative and willing to take risks. These are precisely the skills we need to address the complex, large-scale challenges of our time. This realization sparked my commitment to redefining neurodiversity as a strength and to creating environments where diverse ways of thinking are celebrated and harnessed for innovation.”

Now, Zaghi’s work specifically centers on countering the “deficit” model of neurodiversity, which focuses on the challenges neurodiverse students face in traditional learning environments and promoting the “strengths-based” model. Instead of regarding neurodiversity as a problem to be solved, this model encourages the view of neurodiversity as a unique strength. For example, research (including Zaghi’s own) has suggested that neurodiverse students tend to excel in areas such as creativity, pattern-recognition, and problem-solving. Many also demonstrate higher than average academic ability.

My diagnosis opened my eyes to the unique strengths often overlooked in individuals like myself.

These are all the qualities, Zaghi thinks, that the fields of engineering – and science more broadly – should be embracing and actively recruiting.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) agrees. In 2017, Zaghi was awarded the prestigious NSF CAREER Award for his project “Promoting Engineering Innovation through Increased Neurodiversity by Encouraging the Participation of Students with ADHD.” In 2021, he followed it with an NSF Mid-Career Advancement award for a project using artificial intelligence to develop personalized assistive tools to enhance the participation of neurodiverse students in STEM education.

Zaghi’s latest honor, the PECASE, is another national recognition of the powerful potential of his work. It is the crowning jewel of a research career studded with similar accolades, most relating to promoting neurodiverse learning through a strengths-based approach.

“We are very proud of Prof. Arash Zaghi for winning this presidential award and for his pioneering research in supporting neurodiverse students to improve their learning outcome and future careers,” says JC Zhao, Dean of the UConn College of Engineering. “Arash’s research and outreach will shift the paradigm and also bring visibility to a generally misunderstood group of students who can be as successful as Arash himself.”

Throughout this career, Zaghi has been able to steadily expand the breadth of his work in supporting neurodiverse education. His earliest projects in this realm had a very specific focus – for example, supporting students with ADHD in engineering.

Over time, and thanks to collaborations with other researchers at UConn and elsewhere, Zaghi’s focus was able to grow beyond engineering to include STEM as a whole. It has also grown to include other types of neurodiversity, like dyslexia and autism, and address different age groups, from K-12 learners to graduate students.

With UConn neuroscientist Fumiko Hoeft, Zaghi is co-PI on the TRANSdisciplinary Convergence in Educational Neuroscience Doctoral (TRANSCEND) training program, an interdisciplinary training program devoted to rethinking educational neuroscience. He is also the co-PI on the UConn INCLUDE project, which supports neurodiversity in the College of Engineering.

The recognition for his work as a champion of neurodiversity is gratifying, Zaghi says, but he can remember a time just ten years ago when the idea of a strengths-based approach was considered “so radical.”

When he submitted his first proposal to the NSF, Zaghi recalls, he was told, “This is so far out of the mainstream that I have no idea how the panel is going to react.”

“We were extremely fortunate that the NSF invested in us,” he says. “I think that’s a great story of how bold research pays off. The NSF is there to support high-risk, high-payoff research, and they supported that ‘crazy idea.’ Now, here we are – with the amount of visibility, I think we have substantially contributed to changing the narrative from a deficit perspective to a strengths-based one.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Law Library’s Newly Published Legal Report Titled, “Access to Information for Persons with Disabilities in Selected Jurisdictions”

Source: US Global Legal Monitor

The Law Library of Congress recently published a multinational report, Access to Information for Persons with Disabilities in Selected Jurisdictions, which provides individual surveys of selected jurisdictions and gives an overview of their legislation on access to information for persons with disabilities. Providing access constitutes one of the human rights protections specifically guaranteed under article 21 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Our research surveyed 27 jurisdictions, namely, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Congo (Democratic Republic), Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

This report surveys how the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, notably, if a jurisdiction’s constitution expressly protects persons with disabilities. It further describes the rights to information, in particular legal information, access to justice, and culture, and includes current legislative proposals as they concern persons with disabilities. The report also surveys which jurisdictions offer publicly funded libraries that specifically serve the blind and visually impaired.

A majority of the jurisdictions surveyed are parties to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled and the jurisdictions have adopted legislation and procedures to make convenience copies of copyrighted material available to persons with disabilities. Several jurisdictions are also part of networks facilitating such access, such as the Accessible Books Consortium, or provide access to Bookshare.

The report is accompanied by maps and a table of primary resources. The maps reflect our findings on surveyed jurisdictions with the first map describing whether jurisdictions expressly protect persons with disabilities in their constitutions. The second map illustrates whether the jurisdiction has specific legislation that addresses access to information for persons with disabilities. Additional maps show which countries have ratified the Marrakesh Treaty and what countries have designated “NLS-style” libraries, specifically mandated to provide access and services to persons with disabilities.

The report supported the Law Library’s Human Rights Day Webinar on Laws Governing Accessibility from Around the World.

We invite you to review our report, here.

The report is an addition to the Law Library’s Legal Reports (Publications of the Law Library of Congress) collection, which includes over 4,000 historical and contemporary legal reports covering a variety of jurisdictions, researched and written by foreign law specialists with expertise in each area. To receive alerts when new reports are published, you can subscribe to email updates for Law Library Reports (click the “subscribe” button on the Law Library’s website). The Law Library also regularly publishes articles related to human rights and civil liberties in the Global Legal Monitor.

Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Reinstates Service Members Discharged for Refusing the COVID Vaccine

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
RESINSTATING THE UNJUSTLY DISCHARGED: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to reinstate service members who were dismissed for refusing the COVID vaccine, with full back pay and benefits.
The Executive Order directs the Secretary of Defense to reinstate all members of the military (active and reserve) who were discharged for refusing the COVID vaccine and who request to be reinstated.
Those who are reinstated will receive their former rank and full back pay with benefits.

CORRECTING AN INJUSTICE: In spite of the scientific evidence, the Biden Administration discharged healthy service members—many of whom had natural immunity and dedicated their entire lives to serving our country—for refusing the COVID vaccine. Government redress of these wrongful dismissals is overdue.
From 2021 to 2023, the Biden Administration and former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discharged over 8,000 troops solely due to their COVID-19 vaccination status.
Such dismissals likely had a chilling effect on recruitment, with the Department of Defense missing its collective recruiting targets by around 41,000 recruits in FY2023.
After the vaccine mandate was repealed in 2023, only 43 of the more than the 8,000 troops dismissed elected to return to service under the Biden Administration and Secretary Austin.

CHARTING A NEW COURSE FORWARD: In 2024, President Trump declared that “there should have never been a [COVID vaccine] mandate. That should have never happened.”
President Trump went on to lament that, due to the mandate, “we’ve lost some of our best people in the military too.”
President Trump duly promised in 2024 that he “will rehire every patriot who was fired from the military with…backpay. They will get their backpay…”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Directs the Building of the Iron Dome Missile Defense Shield for America

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
DEFEND THE UNITED STATES AGAINST MISSILE ATTACK: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to Build the Iron Dome for America.
The Executive Order directs implementation of a next-generation missile defense shield for the United States against ballistic, hypersonic, advanced cruise missiles, and other next-generation aerial attacks.
With the goal of providing for the common defense of American citizens, this Order accelerates the development and deployment of Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor Layers, proliferated space-based interceptors, a Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, capabilities to defeat salvoes prior to launch, non-kinetic missile defense capabilities, and underlayer and terminal-phase intercept capabilities.
It also secures the supply chains for all components of the Iron Dome.

The Executive Order directs a review of theater missile defense posture to defend United States troops deployed abroad and an increase in cooperation on missile defense technology development, capabilities, and operations with partners and allies.
ADDRESSING VULNERABILITIES BY MODERNIZING AN OUTDATED SYSTEM:
The threat of attack by ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles remains a catastrophic threat facing the United States.
Over the past 40 years, rather than lessening, the threat from next-generation strategic weapons—including hypersonic—has become more complex with the development of next-generation delivery systems by our adversaries.
Notwithstanding this increasing threat, United States homeland missile defense policy has been limited to staying ahead of rogue nation threats and accidental or unauthorized missile launches.
THE IRON DOME WILL FURTHER THE GOALS OF PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH: By empowering the United States with a second-strike capability, the Iron Dome will deter adversaries from attacks on the homeland.
President Trump is fulfilling his promises: “I will direct our military to begin construction of the great Iron Dome missile defense shield, which will be made all in the USA.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores Merit and Lethality to America’s Armed Forces

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
ELIMINATING RACE- AND SEX-BASED DISCRIMINATION WITHIN THE ARMED FORCES: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to restore merit and lethality to America’s fighting force.
The Executive Order bans the use of discriminatory race- or sex-based preferences by any element of the Armed Forces, the Department of Defense, or the Department of Homeland Security.
This Order also abolishes any remnant of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) bureaucracy within the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.

The Secretary of Defense will task the Department of Defense with conducting an internal review of all instances of race- or sex-based discrimination based on Department of Defense DEI initiatives.
This Order also requires the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to review the curriculum at the United States Service Academies and other academic institutions to ensure these institutions eliminate radical DEI and gender ideologies.

ENDING AN ERA OF ASSAULT ON MILITARY DISCIPLINE AND CULTURE: Foreign adversaries are strengthening their fighting forces every day while the United States has deliberately been focused on radical ideology like DEI. The world is watching.
Prior to harmful changes introduced by the Obama and Biden administrations, the United States military offered equality of opportunity to every American capable of and interested in serving their country. Yet these two administrations exploited the military in favor of identity politics—harming our national defense, undermining the non-political nature of our military, and eroding morale and recruitment.
Due to this “woke” assault, the Services together logged their lowest recruiting records since 1940 with a 41,000-troop shortfall in 2023.

Today’s Order moves our military away from this dark period and renews esprit de corps, readiness, and focus. It returns the Pentagon to the warfighter.
This Order also combats ideologies that seek to divide our Armed Forces by race, sex or other immutable characteristics and thus tear at cohesion and military efficacy.
RESTORING A WARFIGHTING MINDSET: The Armed Forces of the United States exist to preserve our freedom and the American way of life.
President Trump is committed to a merit-based system of sex-neutral policies and colorblind recruitment, promotion, and retention that will return our military to greatness.
President Trump vowed to get rid of the “woke” generals who prioritize social experiments over warfighting. He stated in his 2024 reelection campaign that “…[y]ou can’t have a woke military…You need people that want to win. They want to win wars. That’s what their purpose is, to win wars, not to be woke… but we do have great military.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ensures Military Excellence and Readiness

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
PRIORITIZING SERVICEMEMBER INTEGRITY, LETHALITY, AND HEALTH: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Department of Defense to update its guidance regarding trans-identifying medical standards for military service and to rescind guidance inconsistent with military readiness.
The Executive Order will require the Secretary of Defense to do the following:
Update all Department of Defense medical standards to ensure they prioritize readiness and lethality.
Take action to end the use of invented and identification-based pronouns in the Department of Defense.

The Executive Order also prohibits males from using or sharing sleeping, changing, or bathing in facilities designated for females.
The provisions in the Executive Order also apply to the Coast Guard.
The Executive Order revokes Biden Administration Executive Order 14004 and all policies, directives, and guidance pursuant to that order.
Executive Order 14004 called for accommodating “gender identity” in the military—to the detriment of military readiness and unit cohesion.

RESTORING SANITY IN OUR MILITARY: During the Biden Administration, the Department of Defense allowed gender insanity to pervade our military organizations, family, and culture. This included not only permitting the military to increase the number of individuals not physically or mentally prepared to serve, but also ordering the Department of Defense to pay for servicemembers’ transition surgeries, as well as those of their dependent children—at a cost of millions of dollars to the American taxpayer.
The United States imposes rigorous standards on all military servicemembers to ensure they are prepared to take on the challenges required of them.
Fitness, health, welfare, and readiness standards must ensure that our military members are able to deploy, fight, and win.
On the battlefield there can be no accommodation for anything less than resilience, strength, and the ability to withstand extraordinary physical demands.
Individuals who are unable to meet these requirements are unable to serve in the military. This has been the case for decades.

Unit cohesion requires high levels of integrity and stability among servicemembers.
It can take a minimum of 12 months for an individual to complete treatments after transition surgery, which often involves the use of heavy narcotics.
During this period, they are not physically capable of meeting military readiness requirements and require ongoing medical care. This is not conducive for deployment or other readiness requirements.

A LETHAL FIGHTING FORCE: President Trump’s priority to have a ready, able, and lethal military will remain a core tenant of his second term.
During his first term in 2018, President Trump’s Department of Defense took action to ensure trans-identifying servicemembers did not serve in capacities that undermined unit cohesion and lethality.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UConn Researchers Partner with Bioplastics Company to Examine Biodegradable Plastics

Source: US State of Connecticut

Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with the United Nations Environment Programme estimating between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems each year. A partnership between UConn marine sciences researchers and a leading bioplastics manufacturer is showing promise in addressing this issue.

A recent study published in the Journal of Polymers and the Environment found that Mater-Bi, a starch-based polymer produced by Italian company Novamont, degraded by as much as nearly 50% over nine months in a marine environment—significantly more than traditional plastics.

Novamont, which has a U.S. office in Shelton, collaborated with the UConn team to evaluate the product’s biodegradation.

The study was led by Hannah Collins, a marine sciences Ph.D. candidate. Collins and her co-author, Larissa Tabb ’22 (CLAS), highlighted research done as part of the Marine Environmental Physiology Laboratory under the guidance of her advisor, professor and head of marine sciences Evan Ward.

“I’ve always been interested in how marine animals interact with their environment,” Collins says. “When our lab started looking at microplastics, it was clear how pervasive and damaging this problem is.”

Collins says the findings could have meaningful implications for reducing plastic pollution in aquatic environments. For example, products like Mater-Bi could replace traditional plastics used in aquatic structures, such as kelp farm lines, to reduce the possibility of plastic pollution.

The tank set up for the experiment at John S. Rankin Laboratory on the Avery Point campus. (Contributed by Hannah Collins.)

“We’ve seen the pictures of sea turtles with plastic around their heads,” she says. “We have a lot of evidence of the negative effects of plastic pollution.”

Collins, who grew up visiting Cape Cod and the beaches of Long Island Sound, has long been fascinated by marine life. After earning a degree in biology from Gettysburg College and working in Alaska’s salmon fisheries, she decided to combine her passion for marine organisms and the environment, first in her master’s program and now for her Ph.D.

She says the collaboration with Novamont has helped her feel like she is making a difference in addressing marine pollution. It also provided her with hands-on experience examining real-world product applications.

Biodegradable plastics like Mater-Bi degrade much faster than traditional plastics, reducing risks to aquatic environments. However, Collins notes that many of these products are often tested under controlled conditions, not in real-world marine environments.

Students spent nine months monitoring degradation of Mater-Bi

Collins’ research on Mater-Bi was conducted in a semi-controlled environment at the John S. Rankin Laboratory on the Avery Point campus. The lab filters seawater from the surrounding area to keep large organisms, like crabs, out. This allowed Collins and her team to test how much the product degraded in natural conditions while ruling out the impact of interference from those large organisms.

Samples of the bags used in the experiment. (Contributed by Hannah Collins).

Her team tested samples of a Mater-Bi compostable bag, a traditional plastic bag, and a known biodegradable plastic in the lab. Every two weeks, they checked and measured how much each sample degraded by either mass or area. After nine months, they found that the Mater-Bi samples lost between 25% and 47% of their mass or area. Additionally, they found that the rate of degradation increased during warmer months.

“Microbial activity tends to increase in warmer conditions, which likely contributed to the faster degradation rates we observed,” Collins says.

A Mater-Bi sample at the end of the experiment. (Contributed by Hannah Collins).

Collins says she is hopeful that these findings could lead to future uses of Mater-Bi in aquaculture, especially for products where temporary or disposable materials are often used, such as oyster grow-out bags or kelp farming lines.

“If something breaks loose, it won’t persist in the water for decades,” she says.

Collins and Tabb have maintained connections with Novamont. Collins will attend the World Aquaculture Conference in New Orleans this March, where she hopes to connect industry leaders with biodegradable products like those produced by Novamont.

“Addressing plastic pollution requires a range of solutions,” she says. “Biodegradable plastics are just one piece of the puzzle.”

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Innovation Quest Turns Students into Entrepreneurs

Source: US State of Connecticut

If there is one thing that Gaofei Zhang learned from a night-time equestrian class at UConn on a bitter cold evening is that a warm, comfortable pair of boots is one of life’s necessities.

“After that night, I tried a lot of brands of boots,’’ says Zhang, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Allied Health Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural History (CAHNR). “They either weren’t warm or weren’t waterproof, or they were slippery or stiff or hard to clean. I didn’t understand why you’d call them ‘snow boots’ if they aren’t good in the snow!’’

Zhang has a home in Mongolia where the temperature drops as low as minus-30 degrees. The locals create warm and comfortable work boots, but they aren’t stylish. Zhang thought she could adopt their footwear expertise and merge it with something fashionable, including multi-colored fur and beads.

“As an international student, I didn’t know anything about how to start a company and I was not brave enough to create it on my own,’’ she says. Last year she brought her idea to Innovation Quest (iQ), a UConn entrepreneurship program and competition that helps students develop their ideas into thriving startups. IQ provides workshops, mentoring, and startup funding for the most promising ideas.

Today, Zhang’s unique, handcrafted boots, marketed under the name MOGSki, are ready to go to market, and the 15 styles of boots and apres-ski accessories are drawing interest from many boutiques. Elegant and chic, they are made of sheep, mink, or cow hide and lined with shearling for added warmth.

Innovation Quest Workshops Begin on Feb. 4; Students Vie for $30,000 in Funding

Zhang is one of more than 2,500 UConn students who have participated in iQ since its inception 14 years ago. The program is open to UConn graduate and undergraduate students from any field of study.

IQ is run by Kevin Gardiner ’06 MBA, an adjunct professor in business and engineering. He has held management positions at both startups and long-established companies, including Macy’s, Oracle, and Welcome Commerce.

“We’re definitely looking for someone who has grit, someone who isn’t going to give up,’’ he says. “As an entrepreneur, you get far more ‘no’s’ than ‘yeses,’ and that’s something that you have to accept. I also look for someone with a passion for the problem they are tackling. When the iQ judges see that, they know they’ve got an entrepreneur whom they can bet on.”

This year’s event will begin with a kickoff workshop at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb, 4, followed by workshops on Feb. 12, Feb. 26, and March 5. All the workshops are virtual for the convenience of students. Participants may sign up at innovationquest.uconn.edu.

IQ had a 22% increase in participation last year, over 2023, and that’s a trend that Gardiner hopes to see continue.

Previous participants have created everything from stuffed animals to clothing to personal care items to businesses engaged in environmental cleanup. Gardiner says that in recent years, students seem particularly interested in health tech, mobile apps, and AI-related companies, but all good idea are welcome.

Last year’s first-place award went to Ph.D. candidate John Toribio, whose company Zemi Labs is creating wearable garments that provide biomechanical data, including heart and muscle performance.

“UConn continues to provide more and more opportunities for student entrepreneurs, and we continue to evolve this program,’’ Gardiner says. “We welcome students who just want to dip a toe in the water, as well as those who are fully committed to creating a business.’’

The iQ program has more than 50 expert mentors and more than half of them have been associated with the program since the beginning. Every year, iQ adds new advisers, all passionate about working with students.

“I want all students to feel welcome,’’ Gardiner says. “We have four virtual workshops to help students understand entrepreneurship. Are you ready to launch a business? If not, what do you need to get ready? We want anyone, even those with a more remote interest, to attend and learn.’’

After the workshops are completed, students can submit a formal application to enter the competition and compete for a share of $30,000 in funding. Final presentations are April 14 in Storrs and the top three startup companies will be announced. Many of the previous participants have gone on to start their companies or to pursue an entrepreneurial career.

Zhang Developed Business Expertise, Confidence

For Zhang, the last year has been enormously gratifying, both personally and professionally.

“IQ has been an incredible journey for me. It’s not only helped sharpen my presentation skills but also expanded my knowledge across so many areas—product positioning, sales, marketing, tax, finance, IP, law, storytelling, and more,’’ she says.

“The competition broadened my perspectives, strengthened my courage and determination, and provided invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities,’’ she says. “It’s truly been one of the most impactful milestones in my entrepreneurial journey, directly pushing forward the progress of my startup.’’

She says she would tell anyone considering entrepreneurship to give it a try.

“I would tell other entrepreneurs to be fearless in exploring new ideas and to use your own experiences to solve problems,’’ she says. “Be adaptable, build a network, find mentors, be persistent, and be open to both failures and successes.’’

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Fengate and eMAX Health announce partnership to drive innovation in healthcare technology

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fengate Private Equity, a division of Fengate Asset Management (“Fengate”), is pleased to announce a new platform investment through its partnership with eMAX Health (“eMAX” or “the Company”). Fengate is managing this investment on behalf of the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPFCEC).

The existing management team, led by Founder and President, Julian Casciano, will continue to lead eMAX and remain significant investors in the Company alongside Fengate. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2004 by Julian Casciano, eMAX has grown into a recognized leader in the fields of real-world evidence development research, market access, and patient services. The Company features an experienced team of research scientists, healthcare experts, and key opinion leaders, supported by advanced data management and technology-enabled solutions. The Company’s proprietary platforms— MAVA, EMRClaims+, and HealthPACER— are at the forefront of tech-enabled pharmaceutical commercialization.

“We are delighted to support Julian, a dynamic founder with an ambitious vision for eMAX, and help fuel the Company’s continued growth,” said Maxim Tcherner, Principal at Fengate Private Equity. “eMAX has rapidly scaled, establishing a leading position in a fragmented industry, all while staying true to its client-centric culture. The investment is strongly aligned with our strategy of partnering with exceptional management teams and providing differentiated services in high-growth sectors. eMAX will be a valuable addition to Fengate’s healthcare portfolio.”

“eMAX is excited to partner with Fengate as the Company enters its next phase of growth. We will be able to accelerate new product development across high-demand tech-enabled services, enhance our portfolio of innovative capabilities, and significantly expand customer account management,” said Julian Casciano, Founder and President of eMAX Health. “With our aligned values and ambition, I believe the Fengate partnership will help our customers improve the lives of patients around the world.”

North Point Mergers and Acquisitions served as financial advisors and Coviello Weber & Dahill LLP served as legal advisors to eMAX. Torys LLP served as legal advisor to Fengate.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Gea Koleva
Marketing and Communications Manager
Fengate Asset Management
Gea.Koleva@fengate.com
289-834-3728

About eMAX Health

eMAX Health, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, is a leader in market access innovation, real-world evidence development research, and digitally connected patient access and outcomes monitoring solutions. eMAX Health serves as a partner of choice to the largest global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Learn more at www.emaxhealth.net/.

About Fengate Asset Management

Fengate is a leading alternative investment manager, with more than $10 billion of capital commitments under management, focused on private equity, infrastructure, and real estate strategies. With offices and team members across Canada and the United States, Fengate leverages 50 years of entrepreneurial experience to deliver excellent investment results on behalf of its clients. Fengate Private Equity, a division of Fengate Asset Management, is a differentiated investment platform supporting the growth ambitions of entrepreneurs through transformative capital. Learn more at www.fengate.com.

About the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada
Established in 1972, the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPFCEC) is one of the fastest growing multi-employer pension funds across Canada, voted top 10 pension funds by Benefits Canada. With a diverse investment portfolio and over $12 billion in assets, LPFCEC has yielded positive returns for the plan, great work opportunities for LiUNA members, and has created many needed institutions across North America through a broad range of investments. Learn more at www.lpfcec.org.

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rapsodo Partners with MLB All-Star Jeff McNeil

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapsodo, the company known for giving athletes the tools they need to play like never before, announces its partnership with Jeff McNeil, a two-time Major League Baseball All-Star and second baseman for the New York Mets. Also known as the “Flying Squirrel” for diving after balls on the diamond, McNeil has been training with Rapsodo for the last few years.

“Rapsodo and technology in sports is great. It has helped improve my game, like the last few weeks I used Rapsodo golf to help me choose between my old Callaway driver versus a new one to prepare for this tournament,” McNeil said. “The best part is that I’ve been able to use Rapsodo for golf and baseball. I use it before every game in the batting cage looking at the numbers. It helps me understand which pitches I can do the most damage on – hit the hardest or furthest, so it has been a big part of my game.”

McNeil’s passions lie beyond baseball; he’s also an avid golf player. Not only does he train with Rapsodo’s diamond sports ball flight monitors to perfect his swing, but he also uses Rapsodo’s Mobile Launch Monitor 2 Pro (MLM2PRO) to level up his golf game. With the MLM2PRO, McNeil practices his skills and improves his game anytime, anywhere, by tracking key performance metrics on golf courses as well as simulated courses and ranges.

He will put his golf skills to the test at the LPGA Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions from January 30 to February 2, 2025. Here, the top amateur golfers are invited to participate in the main Pro-Am tournament. McNeil made his debut during this tournament last year, where he won the celebrity field after scoring 138 points using a modified Stableford format.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Jeff McNeil, a multi-sport athlete who constantly pushes the boundaries of performance,” said Katrina Hartwell, Rapsodo U.S. general manager. “Jeff exemplifies how our technology can drive success across different sports, and we’re proud to support athletes like him in reaching their full potential, whether on the diamond or the golf course.”

Click here for high-resolution photos and videos.

For more information on Rapsodo’s technology, visit Rapsodo.com.

About Rapsodo
Rapsodo defies limits with affordable, professional-grade technology to enhance the way athletes play across the world. Used by MLB teams, NCAA Division I Champions, and elite PGA coaches, Rapsodo technology has earned multiple MyGolfSpy’s Best Of Golf Awards and the Official Player Development Partner of USA Baseball, affirming Rapsodo’s leadership in golf, baseball, and softball tech. Do what you didn’t think was possible. Play Without Limits. Play with Rapsodo. Discover more at Rapsodo.com.

Media Contact:
Matt Greenfield
Uproar by Moburst for Rapsodo
matthew.greenfield@moburst.com

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bannix and VisionWave Announce filing of a registration statement on Form S-4

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bannix Acquisition Corp. (“Bannix”) (NASDAQ: BNIX), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, and VisionWave Technologies, Inc. (“VisionWave”), a company specializes in the development, testing, and commercialization of advanced technologies for defense, surveillance, and homeland security applications., today announced that VisionWave Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bannix (“VisionWave Holdings”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) of a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”).

The Registration Statement contains a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the proposed business combination between VisionWave and Bannix. While the Registration Statement has not yet become effective and the information contained therein is subject to change, it provides important information about VisionWave, VisionWave Holdings, Bannix, and the proposed business combination.

CEO and Chairman of Bannix Douglas Davis, commented, “We are thrilled to reach this milestone with VisionWave as we continue the partnership. The potential of in the defense sector is immense, and this partnership positions the combined company for success. We are confident VisionWave is poised to be a leading player and are eager to continue on the path ahead.”

Transaction Overview

Under the terms of the merger agreement entered into by Bannix and VisionWave, among others, with respect to the proposed business combination, Bannix and VisionWave will merge with subsidiaries of VisionWave Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bannix that was formed for the proposed transaction (the “Merger”), with Bannix and VisionWave becoming direct wholly owned subsidiaries of VisionWave Holdings. At the effective time of the Merger, stockholders of Bannix and VisionWave immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will receive shares of VisionWave Holdings common stock.

About Bannix Acquisition Corp.

Bannix Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a Special Purpose Acquisition Company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

About VisionWave Technologies Inc.

VisionWave Technologies Inc. is at the forefront of revolutionizing defense capabilities by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous solutions across air, ground, and sea domains. Its state-of-the-art innovations— ranging from high-resolution radars and advanced vision systems to radio frequency (RF) sensing technologies are seeking to redefine operational efficiency and precision for military and homeland security applications worldwide. From tactical ground vehicles to precision weapon control systems, VisionWave leads the development of reliable, high-performance technologies that transform defense strategies and deliver superior results, even in the most challenging environments. With headquarters in the U.S. and strategic partnerships in Canada and the United Arab Emigrants, VisionWave is uniquely positioned to serve global markets, offering cutting-edge defense solutions that address the evolving needs of security forces across the world.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to Bannix and VisionWave, including statements regarding VisionWave’s business plans and growth strategies, market opportunities, and financial prospects. In some cases, you can identify forward looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “target,” “seek” or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to:

(i) the risk that the previously disclosed proposed business combination (the “proposed transaction”) may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of Bannix’s securities; (ii) the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed by Bannix’s business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by Bannix; (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including the approval of the proposed transaction by Bannix’s stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals; (iv) the failure to obtain adequate financing to support the future working capital needs of VisionWave and the combined company; (v) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Bannix or VisionWave related to the merger agreement and the proposed transaction; (vi) changes to the proposed structure of the proposed transaction that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the proposed transaction; (vii) the ability to maintain the listing of Bannix’s securities on Nasdaq; (viii) the price of Bannix’s securities, including volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which VisionWave operates, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting VisionWave’s business and changes in the combined capital structure; and (viii) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Bannix’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K that are available on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at www.sec.gov and other documents filed, or to be filed with the SEC by Bannix and that may be found in the Registration Statement. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. There may be additional risks that neither Bannix nor VisionWave presently know or that Bannix or VisionWave currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that will be described in the definitive proxy statement to be filed by VisionWave Holdigns with the SEC, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed by Bannix and VisionWave Holdings from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward looking statements, and Bannix, VisionWave and VisionWave Holdings assume no obligation and, except as required by law, do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither Bannix, VisionWave Holdings nor VisionWave gives any assurance that either Bannix or VisionWave will achieve its expectations.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, VisionWave Holdings filed with the SEC the Registration Statement on Form S-4, and after the Registration Statement is declared effective, VisionWave Holdings will mail a definitive proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed transaction to its stockholders. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed transaction and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed transaction. VisionWave Holdings and Bannix may file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC, and Bannix’s stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and the amendments thereto, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents filed in connection with the proposed transaction, as these materials will contain important information about VisionWave, VisionWave Holdings, Bannix and the proposed transaction. When available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials for the proposed transaction will be mailed to stockholders of Bannix as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed transaction and the other matters to be voted upon at a meeting of Bannix’s stockholders to be held to approve the proposed transaction and such other matters. Such stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Bannix Acquisition Corp., 300 Delaware Avenue, Suite 210#301, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 or via email at doug.davis@bannixacquisition.com.

Participants in Solicitation

Bannix, VisionWave Holdings and VisionWave, and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management, and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Bannix’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Bannix’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction, including the names of such persons and a description of their respective interests, is set forth in Bannix’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed transaction may be obtained by reading the Registration Statement regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available. Stockholders will be able to obtain copies of the documents described in this paragraph that are filed with the SEC, once available, without charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Bannix Acquisition Corp., 300 Delaware Avenue, Suite 210#301, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 or via email at doug.davis@bannixacquisition.com.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed transaction and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Bannix, VisionWave Holdings or VisionWave, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act.

Contacts

Bannix Acquisition Corp.
Douglas Davis, CEO
(302) 305-479

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Press Briefing by the White House Press Secretary

Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

The White House

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJOgsQQYDY4

MIL OSI Video –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI: Angus Gold Extends New High-Gold Zone at Dorset West, Intersects 3.2 g/t Au over 13.7 metres including 16.2 g/t Au over 2.0 metres, Golden Sky Project, Wawa

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Angus Gold Inc. (TSX-V: GUS | OTC: ANGVF) (“Angus” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce assay results from eleven (11) exploration holes that were completed on the Dorset Zone as part of its 2024 Fall drilling program at the Golden Sky Project in Wawa, Ontario. The new high-grade gold zone on Dorset’s west end, where Angus previously intersected 7.0 g/t Au over 12.4 metres in Hole GS-24-136, approximately 500 metres to the west of the historical Dorset resource (see News Release of May 7, 2024), is now defined over 100 metres of strike length. In addition, with these drilling results, the Dorset Gold Zone has now been intersected along 2 kilometres of strike length.

Highlights:

High-Grade Dorset West gold mineralization is now defined over 100m of strike length:
- 13.7 metres of mineralization grading 3.2 g/t Au, including 2.0 metres of 16.2 g/t Au in Hole GS24-171;
- 8.0 metres of mineralization grading 1.6 g/t Au, including 2.9 metres of 3.9 g/t Au in Hole GS24-172;
- 2.1 metres of mineralization grading 5.3 g/t Au, in Hole GS24-173;
- 9.1 metres of mineralization grading 4.3 g/t Au, including 3.7 metres of 7.2 g/t Au in Hole GS24-179
Dorset Gold Trend now defined for 2 kilometres of strike length of continuous mineralization.
15,000 metres of drilling planned for the Golden Sky Project in 2025.
Fully funded 2025 exploration budget.

Breanne Beh, Chief Executive Officer of Angus, states: “We are extremely pleased with the continued delivery of step-out results from our new high-grade Dorset West Zone. We have now defined this new zone over 100m of strike-length and are excited to be returning to the area to begin our 2025 drilling campaign, announced on January 14, 2025. The Dorset Gold Trend has grown from 750 metres of strike length to 2 kilometres since Angus acquired the project in 2020. We continue to be encouraged with the consistency of the mineralization and look forward to expanding the zone as we continue to explore the entirety of the 7.0 kilometres of potential strike length of the shear zone that hosts the Dorset Deposit.”

The goal of the Dorset West fall drill program was to complete step-out holes to the east and west of the high-grade intercept of 7.0 g/t Au over 12.4 metres in Hole GS-24-136. Eleven (11) holes were completed, eight (8) of which returned gold intersections and three (3) of which hosted visible gold. The most notable intercepts were in GS-24-171 and GS-24-179. GS-24-171, a 50-metre step-out to the west of GS-24-136, returned 13.7 metres grading 3.2 g/t Au including 2.0 metres of 16.2 g/t Au. GS-24-179, a 75m step-out west of GS-24-136, returned 9.1 metres grading 4.3 g/t Au including 3.7 metres grading 7.2 g/t Au. The gold mineralization in both of these holes was hosted in quartz veins within a metasedimentary rock package, the same geologic setting as the mineralization in GS-24-136. These results begin to show consistency in this new high-grade zone that is completely open to the west with minimal historic drilling completed along the structural corridor for 2 kilometres.

Selected drill results from the 11 holes at the Golden Sky drilling program are, as follows:

Hole Number	From (m)	To (m)	Length (m)	Au g/t	Area
GS-24-171	121.9	122.7	0.8	2.2	Dorset West
GS-24-171	209.2	222.9	13.7	3.2
including	220.9	222.9	2.0	16.2
GS-24-171	252.7	255.0	2.3	1.7
GS-24-172	86.1	90.1	4.0	1.1	Dorset West
including	87.10	87.60	0.5	2.3
GS-24-172	244.0	252.0	8.0	1.6
including	247.7	250.6	2.9	3.9
GS-24-173	221.9	224.0	2.1	5.3	Dorset West
GS-24-176	187.7	188.6	0.9	5.3	Dorset West
GS-24-176	200.5	201.5	1.0	8.2	Dorset West
GS-24-179	105.9	106.4	0.5	2.2	Dorset West
GS-24-179	204.0	213.1	9.1	4.3
including	208.0	211.7	3.7	7.2

(1) Assay results presented over core length. Additional drilling will be necessary to constrain the true width of the mineralized envelope of the gold system.

The 2025 drilling campaign at the Golden Sky project is planned to be 15,000 metres and will test targets along the Dorset Zone mineralized structural corridor in addition to the BIF Gold Zone and the Eagle River Splay exploration area.

Figure 1: Dorset West Fall 2024 Drill Results Map

Figure 2: Dorset Structural Corridor Map

The Golden Sky Project
The 100%-owned Golden Sky Project is located within the Mishibishu Lake Greenstone Belt of Northern Ontario, which is host to Wesdome’s high-grade Eagle River and the Mishi open-pit gold mines. The Company’s 290-square-kilometres land package is located approximately 50 kilometres west of the town of Wawa and is situated immediately between the two Wesdome mines.

The ongoing drill program on the Golden Sky Project is focused on the Dorset Gold Zone, which hosts a historic gold resource; the BIF Zone, a new gold zone discovery in a large banded iron formation; as well as the Eagle River Splay deformation zone, which shows potential for another extensive gold system. Angus’ drill programs on the near-surface Dorset Gold Zone have been successful at extending the strike length of the previously modelled zone from 750 metres to 1.7 kilometres. The Dorset Gold Zone historic estimated resource (using a 0.50 g/t Au cut-off) consists of an indicated resource of 40,000 ounces of gold (780,000 tonnes grading 1.4 g/t Au), and an inferred resource of 180,000 ounces of gold (4,760,000 tonnes grading 1.2 g/t Au). For greater details on the Golden Sky Project, please refer to the NI 43-101 technical report for the Golden Sky Project entitled, ’NI 43-101 Technical Report Wawa Property Ontario, Canada’ dated February 18, 2020, and available on the Company’s SEDAR profile.

Qualified Person
The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Breanne Beh, P.Geo, who is a “Qualified Person” as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and Chief Geologist for the Company.

Quality Control
During the last drilling program, assay samples were taken from the NQ core by sawing the drill core in half, with one-half sent to a certified commercial laboratory and the other half retained for future reference. A strict QA/QC program was applied to all samples; which includes insertion of mineralized standards and blank samples for each batch of 20 samples. The gold analyses were completed by fire-assay with an atomic absorption finish on 50 grams of materials. Repeats were carried out by fire-assay followed by gravimetric testing on each sample containing 3.0 g/t gold or more.

About Angus Gold:
Angus Gold Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of highly prospective gold properties. The Company’s flagship project is the Golden Sky Project in Wawa, Ontario. The Project is immediately adjacent to the Eagle River Mine of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.

On behalf of Angus Gold Inc.,

Breanne Beh
President and Chief Executive Officer

INQUIRIES:
Lindsay Dunlop, Vice President Investor Relations
Email: info@angusgold.com
Phone: 647-259-1790
Company Website: www.angusgold.com

TSXV: GUS | USOTC: ANGVF

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, or “plan”. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management’s expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the ability to anticipate and counteract the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the business of the Company, including without limitation the effects of COVID-19 on the capital markets, commodity prices supply chain disruptions, restrictions on labour and workplace attendance and local and international travel, failure to receive requisite approvals in respect of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Company’s public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Figures accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f6f7570-eb7e-4755-9872-9285c63d2fac
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db616132-c341-48ef-b341-7bc6280b6078

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces Final January 2025 Distribution Rate for Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. announced today the final January 2025 distribution rates for Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund.

The following table reflects the final distribution amounts for the month of December. Ex-distribution date is January 29, 2025.

Open-End Fund	Ticker Symbol	Final distribution per unit	Record Date	Payable Date	Distribution Frequency
Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units	MNU.U	US $ 0.3689	01/29/2025	02/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units	MNY	$0.3003	01/29/2025	02/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units	PSA	$0.1286	01/29/2025	02/04/2025	Monthly
Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units	PSU.U	US $ 0.3464	01/29/2025	02/04/2025	Monthly

About Purpose Investments Inc.

Purpose Investments Inc. is an asset management company with more than $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

For further information, please contact:
Keera Hart
Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
905-580-1257

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New ‘global growth team’ appointed by Trade Secretary
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has today been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment.
A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has today [28 January] been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment as the Government pulls every lever available to drive economic growth under its Plan for Change.

The 32 parliamentarians, drawn from across the political spectrum, have been assigned target markets across six continents and tasked with identifying trade and investment opportunities for businesses and championing the UK as a destination of choice for investment in those markets.

Each market has been identified as presenting significant potential for growing UK trade and Trade Envoys are appointed on their ability, relevant skills and experience. This can be based on their respective markets or UK sector knowledge, including previous government-to-government experience, as well as their commitment to the UK’s growth mission.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth, the number one mission of this Government and a key part of our Plan for Change.

That’s why I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth.

They will work closely with the Department for Business and Trade. The announcement comes ahead of the new Trade Strategy in Spring, which will prioritise rebuilding our relationship with the EU and seizing opportunities to access new markets further afield.

Alongside bolstering exports, attracting investments, and removing trade barriers, the government is also resuming trade talks with FTA partners, including – so far – the GCC, Switzerland and South Korea.

The news comes as Trade Minister Douglas Alexander is in South Africa today as part of a multi-leg visit to the region to strengthen trade links and create opportunities for UK businesses.

The new appointments are:

Afzal Khan MP appointed to Türkiye

Alex Sobel MP appointed to Ukraine

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP appointed to Ghana

Ben Coleman MP appointed to Morocco & Francophone West Africa

Calvin Bailey MP appointed to Southern Africa

Carolyn Harris MP appointed to New Zealand

Dan Carden MP appointed to Mexico

David Pinto-Duschinsky MP appointed to Switzerland & Lichtenstein

Fabian Hamilton MP appointed to Southern Cone

Flo Eshalomi MP appointed to Nigeria

George Freeman MP appointed to Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei

Lord Iain McNicol of West Kilbride appointed to Jordan, Kuwait & the Palestine Territories

Lord Ian Austin of Dudley appointed to Israel

Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath appointed to Ethiopia

Jess Morden MP appointed to Central America

Lord John Alderdice appointed to Azerbaijan & Central Asia

Lord John Hannett of Everton appointed to Sri Lanka

Lord John Speller of Smethwick appointed to Australia

Josh MacAlister MP appointed to Brazil

Kate Osamor MP appointed to East Africa

Matt Western MP appointed to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Mohammad Yasin MP appointed to Pakistan

Naz Shah MP appointed to Indonesia & ASEAN

Paulette Hamilton MP appointed to Commonwealth Caribbean

Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester appointed to Taiwan

Lord Roger Liddle appointed to Andean

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan appointed to South Africa

Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster appointed to Bangladesh

Sarah Olney MP appointed to North Africa

Sharon Hodgson MP appointed to Japan

Lord Tom Watson of Wyre Forest appointed to Republic of Korea

Yasmin Qureshi MP appointment to Egypt

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Published 28 January 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of Poland Andrzej Duda

Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, on the margins of a commemorative event to mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp in Oświęcim, Poland.

The Prime Minister and the President paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to remembering the Holocaust, educating against Holocaust denialism and distortion, and combatting antisemitism and all forms of hate across the globe.

As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears its three-year mark, the two leaders condemned Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression and reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Trudeau and President Duda recognized the strong and continued co-operation between their countries in support of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Duda also reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional security, particularly on NATO’s Eastern Flank.

The two leaders underscored the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Poland and discussed additional areas for further co-operation, including in the nuclear sector.

Associated Links

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: RecycLiCo Battery Materials Engages Carmot Strategic Group and Penney Capital for Grants and Cooperative Funding Consultation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SURREY, British Columbia, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. (“RecycLiCo” or the “Company”), (TSX.V: AMY | OTCQB: AMYZF| FSE: ID4), a pioneer in the field of lithium-ion battery recycling technology, is pleased to announce that it has engaged Penney Capital and Carmot Strategic Group, Inc. to assist in the company’s efforts to identify, and qualify for, government funding opportunities that could be used to further RecycLiCo’s critical mineral recovery activities in the U.S. and Canada, including research to enhance and find new applications for its current intellectual property and know-how and the continued exploitation of its upcycling technology.

Carmot Strategic and Penney Capital advisory companies have won multiple federal grants to develop domestic sources of Critical Minerals, from mining and processing to advanced materials manufacturing, as well as developing innovative financial instruments to integrate these materials into U.S. supply chains.

“We are very pleased to have Carmot Strategic and Penney Capital working with us,” said Richard Sadowsky, RecycLiCo’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. “Critical mineral recovery and reuse are becoming increasingly important, especially in terms of national security. The RecycLiCo Board has mandated that we explore new ways to exploit our recovery expertise and, at the same time, continue to offer high-quality upcycling of battery materials. We hope, with Carmot and Penney’s assistance, to establish relationships with government agencies that will support increases in the pace of both R&D and deployment.”

About RecycLiCo

RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. is a battery materials company specializing in sustainable lithium-ion battery upcycling and materials production. RecycLiCo has developed advanced technologies that efficiently recover battery-grade materials from lithium-ion batteries, addressing the global demand for environmentally friendly solutions in energy storage. With minimal processing steps and up to 99% extraction of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. RecycLiCo’s hydrometallurgical process turns lithium-ion battery waste into battery-grade cathode precursor, lithium hydroxide, and lithium carbonate for direct integration into the re- manufacturing of new lithium-ion batteries.

About Penney Capital

Founded in 2017 by President & CEO Clark Penney, Penney Capital excels at navigating, connecting, and expanding new development opportunities and large-investment infrastructure projects.

Prior to founding Penney Capital, Clark Penney began his career working on energy and defense committees with the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C. and with the president pro tempore. Later, he branched into the finance industry for over 10 years: co-founding Cypress Wealth Management, a private wealth management firm now with over $1 billion in assets under management and offices in Alaska and California, where he remains a partner.

Today, Penney Capital’s resume includes leading economic development with The State of Alaska, new development projects worth over $2 billion, and other areas of expertise including resource development, financial technology firms, cryptocurrency, campaigns, wireless technology, and manufacturing.

About Carmot Strategic Group

Established in 2008 by Daniel McGroarty, Carmot Strategic Group, Inc. is an issues management firm focused on Critical Mineral development, based in the Washington, D.C. area.

A recognized subject matter expert on Critical Minerals, Daniel McGroarty serves on the advisory boards of several companies developing U.S.-based Critical Mineral projects. He has testified on Critical Mineral issues before both U.S. Senate and House committees on energy and natural resources and served a term as Independent Advisory Board Member of the Critical Materials Institute, the Department of Energy’s Energy Innovation Hub. Prior to establishing his consulting practice, he served in senior positions in the U.S. Government, as special assistant at the White House and Presidential appointee at the Department of Defense.

For more information, please contact:
Teresa Piorun
Senior Corporate Secretary
Telephone: 778-574-4444
Email: InvestorServices@RecycLiCo.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain “forward-looking statements”, which are statements about the future based on current expectations or beliefs. For this purpose, statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward–looking statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate or true. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Deepseek: China’s gamechanging AI system has big implications for UK tech development

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Feng Li, Chair of Information Management, Associate Dean for Research & Innovation, Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London

Koshiro K

DeepSeek sent ripples through the global tech landscape this week as it soared above ChatGPT in Apple’s app store. The meteoric rise has shifted the dynamics of US-China tech competition, shocked global tech stock valuations, and reshaped the future direction of artificial intelligence (AI) development.

Among the industry buzz created by DeepSeek’s rise to prominence, one question looms large: what does this mean for the strategy of the third leading global nation for AI development – the United Kingdom?

The generative AI era was kickstarted by the release of ChatGPT on November 30 2022, when large language models (LLMs) entered mainstream consciousness and began reshaping industries and workflows, while everyday users explored new ways to write, brainstorm, search and code. We are now witnessing the “DeepSeek moment” – a pivotal shift that demonstrates the viability of a more efficient and cost-effective approach for AI development.

DeepSeek isn’t just another AI tool. Unlike ChatGPT and other major LLMs developed by tech giants and AI startups in the USA and Europe, DeepSeek represents a significant evolution in the way AI models are developed and trained.

Most existing approaches rely on large-scale computing power and datasets (used to “train” or improve the AI systems), limiting development to very few extremely wealthy market players. DeepSeek not only demonstrates a significantly cheaper and more efficient way of training AI models, its open-source “MIT” licence (after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where it was developed) allows users to deploy and develop the tool.

This helps democratise AI, taking up the mantle from US company OpenAI – whose initial mission was “to build artificial general intelligence (AGI) that is safe and benefits all of humanity” – enabling smaller players to enter the space and innovate.

By making cutting-edge AI development accessible and affordable to all, DeepSeek has reshaped the competitive landscape, allowing innovation to flourish beyond the confines of large, resource-rich organisations and countries.

It has also set a new benchmark for efficiency in its approach, by training its model at a fraction of the cost, and matching – even surpassing – the performance of most existing LLMs. By employing innovative algorithms and architectures, it is delivering superior results with significantly lower computational demands and environmental impact.

Why DeepSeek matters

DeepSeek was conceived by a group of quantitative trading experts in China. This
unconventional origin holds lessons for the UK and US.

While the UK – particularly London – has long attracted scientific and technological excellence, many of the highest achieving young graduates have tended to disproportionately opt for careers in finance, something that has come the expense of innovation in other critical sectors such as AI. Diversifying the pathways for Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) professionals could yield transformative outcomes.

The UK government’s recent and much-publicised 50-point action plan on AI offers glimpses of progressive intent, but also displayed a lack of boldness to drive real change. Incremental steps are not sufficient in such a fast-moving environment. The UK needs a new plan – one that leverages its unique strengths while addressing systemic weaknesses.

Firstly, it’s important to recognise that the UK’s comparative advantage lies in its leading interdisciplinary expertise. World-class universities, thriving fintech and dynamic professional services and creative sectors offer fertile ground for AI applications that extend beyond traditional tech silos. The intersection of AI with finance, law, creative industries and medicine presents opportunities to lead in some niche but high-impact areas.

The UK’s funding and regulatory frameworks are due an overhaul. DeepSeek’s development underscores the importance of agile, well-funded ecosystems that can support big, ambitious “moonshot” projects. Current UK funding mechanisms are bureaucratic and fragmented, favouring incremental innovations over radical breakthroughs, at times stifling innovation rather than nurturing it. Simplifying grant applications and offering targeted tax incentives for AI startups would represent a healthy start.

Finally, it will be critical for the UK to keep its talent in the country. The UK’s AI sector faces a brain drain as top talent gravitates toward better-funded opportunities in the US and China. Initiatives such as public-private partnerships for AI research development can help anchor talent at home.

DeepSeek’s rise is an excellent example of strategic foresight and execution. It doesn’t merely aim to improve existing models, but redefines the very boundaries of how AI could be developed and deployed – while demonstrating efficient, cost-effective approaches that can yield astounding results. The UK should adopt a similarly ambitious mindset, focusing on areas where it can set global standards rather than playing catch-up.

AI’s geopolitics cannot be ignored either. As the US and China compete with one another, the UK has a critical role to play as the trusted intermediary and ethical leader in AI governance. By championing transparent AI standards and fostering international collaboration, the UK can punch above its weight on the global stage.

DeepSeek’s success should serve as a wake-up call. Britain has the talent, institutions and entrepreneurial spirit to be a significant leading player in AI – but it must act decisively, and now.

It is time to remove token gestures and embrace bold strategies that move the needle and position the UK as a leader in an AI-driven future. This moment calls for action, not just more conversation.

DeepSeek has raised the bar. It is now up to the UK to meet it.

Feng Li does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Deepseek: China’s gamechanging AI system has big implications for UK tech development – https://theconversation.com/deepseek-chinas-gamechanging-ai-system-has-big-implications-for-uk-tech-development-248387

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Preview Sky-Mapping Space Telescope Ahead of Launch

Source: NASA

NASA will host a news conference at 12 p.m. EST Friday, Jan. 31, to discuss a new telescope that will improve our understanding of how the universe evolved and search for key ingredients for life in our galaxy.
Agency experts will preview NASA’s SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) mission, which will help scientists better understand the structure of the universe, how galaxies form and evolve, and the origins and abundance of water. Launch is targeted for no earlier than Thursday, Feb. 27.
The news conference will be hosted at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Watch live on NASA+, as well as JPL’s X and YouTube channels. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
Laurie Leshin, director, NASA JPL, will provide opening remarks. Additional briefing participants include:

Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director, Astrophysics Division, NASA Headquarters
James Fanson, project manager, SPHEREx, NASA JPL
Beth Fabinsky, deputy project manager, SPHEREx, NASA JPL
Jamie Bock, principal investigator, SPHEREx, Caltech
Cesar Marin, SPHEREx integration engineer, Launch Services Program, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida

To ask questions by phone, members of the media must RSVP no later than two hours before the start of the event to: rexana.v.vizza@jpl.nasa.gov. NASA’s media accreditation policy is available online. Questions also can be asked on social media during the briefing using #AskNASA.
The SPHEREx observatory will survey the entire celestial sky in near-infrared light to help answer cosmic questions involving the birth of the universe, and the subsequent development of galaxies. It also will search for ices of water and organic molecules — essentials for life as we know it — in regions where stars are born from gas and dust, as well as disks around stars where new planets could be forming. Astronomers will use the mission to gather data on more than 450 million galaxies, as well as more than 100 million stars in our own Milky Way galaxy.
The space observatory will share its ride on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, which will lift off from Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Central California.
The SPHEREx mission is managed by NASA JPL for the agency’s Astrophysics Division within the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The principal investigator is based at Caltech in Pasadena, California, which manages NASA JPL for the agency.
The spacecraft is supplied by BAE Systems. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute contributed the non-flight cryogenic test chamber. Mission data will be publicly available through IPAC at Caltech.
For more information about the mission, visit:
https://nasa.gov/spherex
-end-
Alise FisherHeadquarters, Washington202-358-2546alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov
Val Gratias / Calla CofieldJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-393-6215 / 626-808-2469valerie.m.gratias@jpl.nasa.gov / calla.e.cofield@jpl.nasa.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Station Science Top News: Jan. 24, 2025

Source: NASA

Reducing reliance on resupply missions
Resupply of life support elements such as air, water, food, clothing, and hygiene items will be impractical on missions to the Moon and beyond. This research assessed current use and resupply of these elements on the International Space Station and outlines technologies needed for sustained human presence in space, such as 3D printing maintenance parts, systems for laundering clothes, and improved recovery and recycling of elements.
Researchers analyzed the types and mass of elements supplied from Earth to the station and astronaut feedback from various studies and interviews. The paper also used data from ISS Internal Environments, a wide-ranging investigation that samples various aspects of the space station environment in support of many types of research.

Verifying a technique for analyzing emulsions
This paper presents a review of examining the behavior of emulsions (suspensions of particles in a liquid) in microgravity using a technique called diffusing wave spectroscopy. Results offer insights that could support development of technologies to improve living environments and foods for crew members on future missions.
FSL Soft Matter Dynamics – PASTA studied the dynamics of droplets in emulsions. Accurate study and characterization of the effects of additives on emulsion stability is possible in microgravity. Emulsions have applications in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fuels, paints and coatings, chemical processing, and materials.

EEG measurements and predicting cognitive changes in spaceflight
Researchers used an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brainwave activity during a relaxed, wakeful state in crew members and found no significant differences before, during, and after flight. These types of measurements could serve as biomarkers of brain health status, helping to predict changes in cognitive performance and the need for prevention and countermeasure strategies during future missions.
Studies have shown that spaceflight can affect key cognitive and motor skills such as task management, attention, and movement speed and accuracy. Neurowellness in Space Ax-1 tested using a portable, easy to use EEG headset to measure ongoing and task-related brain activity in microgravity. The data could help predict and monitor neural changes on future space missions.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hear the experts give the real facts on California water

Source: US State of California 2

Jan 27, 2025

LOS ANGELES — Scientists, water managers, state leaders, and experts throughout the state are calling out the federal administration’s ongoing misinformation campaign on water management in California. Here is a snapshot of what water leaders and media are saying in California and nationally:

State water officials and water districts weigh in

Association of California Water Agencies: “Water supply has not hindered firefighting efforts. Reservoirs in California are at or above average storage levels for this time of year, thanks in part to years of proactive water management.”

Deven Upadhyay, Metropolitan Water District: “The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has enough water in storage to meet roughly three years of water demand. We can deliver what our agencies need.”

Marty Adams, former general manager and chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power or DWP: “ There’s way more water in local storage than you could ever fight a fire with.”

Jennifer Pierre, general manager, State Water Contractors: “The policies currently in place overseeing the movement of California water maximize supply in compliance with the law and based on best available science.”

Leading state researchers and university professors

Tom Holyke, Fresno State University political science and water policy professor: “There is no ‘valve…’”

Letitia Grenier, director of the Public Policy Institute of California’s Water Policy Center: “The transfer of water from Northern California to Southern California is not related to water availability to fight the fires in the Los Angeles area. Currently, reservoirs in the Los Angeles area are mostly full.”

Stephanie Pincetl, director of the California Center for Sustainable Communications at UCLA: “We’re finger pointing away from the problem. We have really no lack of water. What we have is an infrastructure that is not made to fight cataclysmic fires, biblical-size fires.”

Community voices push back on misinformation

Peter Gleick, hydro-climatologist and co-founder of the Pacific Institute: “[Trump’s order on California water policy] is what you get when you mix bluster, ignorance, and disinformation. There are no ‘enormous amounts of water’ that can be redirected legally, economically, or environmentally to different users in California ….”

John Buse, general counsel for the Center for Biological Diversity: “It’s difficult to explain what he’s talking about because nobody knows what he’s talking about. The idea of a valve and water will just flow is preposterous.”

Mark Gold, water scarcity director for the Natural Resources Defense Council and a board member of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: “Tying Bay-Delta management into devastating wildfires that have cost people’s lives and homes is nothing short of irresponsible, and it’s happening at a time when the Metropolitan Water District has the most water stored in its system in the history of the agency. It’s not a matter of having enough water coming from Northern California to put out a fire….”

“Los Angeles has access to more than enough water to fight the fires. I can say with great authority, we have as much water stored as any time in the history of our agency.”

LA Water Keeper: “There is no need to increase water deliveries from the Bay-Delta or any other source from which LA imports water for the region to be able to fight the current fires.”

Miles Johnson, Columbia Riverkeeper: “That idea [of a valve] is completely far-fetched and detached from reality.”

Jason Wise @jasonjourneyman, water and environment influencer: “LA has plenty of water, reservoirs are near full because of the last two years of heavy rain. Anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to score political points off a tragedy.”

State and national elected leaders defend California water, rebuke false claims

Senator Alex Padilla: “Trump is fixated on false claims about California’s water supply. And he’s using it to withhold disaster aid from wildfire victims…Let’s get one easy thing out of the way. There’s no ‘valve’ that needs to be turned.”

California State Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan: “I hope while Trump is in California he takes us to the giant faucet that he says releases all the water. I chair the state Natural Resource Committee and I’d love to see it. It’s got to be huge. We could turn it on together.”

Fact checks in the media

✅ POLITIFACT: “Experts said that statewide, there are no major reservoirs that have been dry for more than 15 years, and most of California’s reservoirs are above their historic average storage.”

✅ New York Times: In California Fires, Trump Blames Newsom for Withholding Water. Experts Say He’s Wrong

✅ Wall Street Journal: The LA Fires have sparked waves of criticism and misinformation. Here’s what really happened with the fire hydrants and California’s water system.

✅ Washington Post: Trump says a ‘valve’ can fix California’s water. It’s not that easy

✅ Los Angeles Times: Trump wants to alter California water policy. Experts say it could do harm

✅ The Guardian: ‘Chaos agent’ Trump revives California water wars as experts warn of turmoil

✅ Calmatters: Fact check: Donald Trump’s claims about LA fires and water

✅ USA Today: Of fish and men: Trump’s California water order takes aim at Newsom and troubled smelt

✅ Capital Public Radio: Conspiracies are rife about water and the LA fires. Here’s what experts say

✅ KQED: Trump again wades into California water use fight, drawing skepticism from experts

✅ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Fact check: Trump’s blame claims about wildfire response

✅ Associated Press: Trump targets California water policy as he prepares to tour LA fire damage

Get the facts

FACT: California pumps as much water now as it could under prior Trump-era policies.

FACT: Water reservoirs in Southern California are at record levels. There is no shortage of water in Southern California.

FACT: Most of Southern California’s water does not come from Northern California. In fact, Southern California gets roughly a third of its water from Northern California, a third from the Colorado River, and a third from local sources.

FACT: State water operations have nothing to do with the local fire response in Los Angeles. The federal administration’s statements have been repeatedly fact-checked and debunked.

FACT: There is no spigot to magically make water appear at a wildfire, despite the administration’s false claims.

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DCCA NEWS RELEASE: SAFETY AROUND ELECTRIC UTILITY POLES AND POWER LINES
Source: US State of Hawaii

DCCA NEWS RELEASE: SAFETY AROUND ELECTRIC UTILITY POLES AND POWER LINES

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

DIVISION OF CONSUMER ADVOCACY

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

NADINE Y. ANDO

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

MICHAEL ANGELO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SAFETY AROUND ELECTRIC UTILITY POLES AND POWER LINES

Public Urged to Report Safety Hazards Around Electric Utility Poles and Power Lines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 27, 2025

HONOLULU — The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Division of Consumer Advocacy (DCA), urges residents take appropriate action in case of emergencies involving downed power lines or sparking near electric utility poles. Residents are also encouraged to report non-emergency concerns, such as vegetation overgrowth near power lines, which can pose safety hazards.

Residents should call 911 immediately if they observe downed power lines or sparking near a utility pole. The electric utility will then be notified by 911 dispatchers and a troubleshooter will be dispatched.

For non-emergency concerns, such as vegetation overgrowth on power lines or damage, residents should contact their local electric utility directly.

Emergency Concerns:
- Downed Power Lines or Sparking Near a Utility Pole: If you witness downed power lines or sparking, call 911 immediately. Never touch a downed power line or attempt to move it, and always assume it is energized. Once 911 is called, dispatchers will notify the electric utility, and a troubleshooter will be sent. For after-hours emergencies, always contact 911 first, then report it to your electric utility’s trouble line.
Emergency Contact Information:
- Hawaiian Electric
  - O‘ahu: 1-855-304-1212
  - Maui: 808-871-7777
  - Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi: 1-877-871-8461
  - Hawai‘i Island: 808-969-6666
- KIUC
  - Kaua‘i: 808-246-4300
Non-Emergency Safety Concerns:
- Vegetation Concerns or Equipment Issues Near/On Electric Utility Poles or Power Lines: If you see overgrown vegetation near power lines or have safety concerns related to electric utility equipment on utility poles (power lines, transformers, etc.), please report them to the relevant electric utility company. This document can assist with identifying electric utility equipment.
- Contacting Electric Utility Providers: Once the electric utility company has been notified, a troubleshooter will assess the risk and, if necessary, remove the potential hazard. Response times vary based on the amount of volume being managed at that time.
Non-Emergency Contact Information:
- Hawaiian Electric
  - For vegetation concerns or questions regarding tree trimming and inspection, please contact:
- KIUC
  - Members are encouraged to take photos and email a report to [email protected] with as much information on the location of the problem as possible. You can also send a message through Facebook Messenger with photos and location information. Reports can be made by phone to 808-246-4300, but specific information on the location and a description of the problem will be necessary.
Safety Reminders:
- Never touch a downed power line or attempt to move it.
- Always assume a downed line is energized.
- Never plant vegetation below or close to power lines.
- Keep vegetation trimmed away from your home to prevent contact with power lines.
- If you see sparking or smoke near a utility pole, call 911 and report it immediately to your local electric utility company.
The Division of Consumer Advocacy is a state agency that plays a vital role in safeguarding the interests of consumers of regulated public utility services. Representing a broad spectrum of customers across various utility and transportation sectors, DCA advocates before the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission. DCA comprises a diverse team of professionals committed to ensuring the safe, reliable, and equitable delivery of utility services at affordable rates, while aligning with the state’s policy objectives.

###

Media Contact:

Communications Office

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Phone: 808-586-2760

Email: [email protected]

MIL OSI USA News –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: DOD Media Release: HAWAI‘I AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO CONDUCT EXERCISE SENTRY ALOHA

Source: US State of Hawaii

DOD Media Release: HAWAI‘I AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO CONDUCT EXERCISE SENTRY ALOHA

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

STATE OF HAWAI‘I

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

HAWAI‘I DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

KA ʻOIHANA PILI KAUA

OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN F. LOGAN

ADJUTANT GENERAL

KA ʻAKUKANA KENELALA

BRIGADIER GENERAL PHILLIP L. MALLORY

DEPUTY ADJUTANT GENERAL

KA HOPE ʻAKUKANA KENELALA

HAWAI‘I AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO CONDUCT EXERCISE SENTRY ALOHA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 27, 2025

#2025-001

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawai‘i – The Hawai‘i Air National Guard (HIANG) will be hosting a Sentry Aloha fighter exercise from Wednesday, Jan. 29 through Feb. 12. O‘ahu residents, particularly along the island’s southern coast, may see an increase in military aircraft during takeoffs and landings at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The public may hear more jets and there is a possibility of short flight delays.

Sentry Aloha is an ongoing series of exercises hosted by the HIANG’s 154th Wing enabling tailored, cost-effective, and realistic combat training for Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force, and other Department of Defense services. It provides U.S. warfighters with the skill sets necessary to perform homeland defense and overseas combat missions.

Sentry Aloha exercises have been conducted by the HIANG for more than 20 years. This iteration of the exercise, Sentry Aloha 25-1, will involve approximately 800 personnel and over 28 aircraft from four states.

Visiting units include the F-35C Lightning II’s from California, and KC-135 Stratotankers from Washington and Mississippi. The visiting aircraft will take part in simulated combat exercises with the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons’ Hickam-based “Hawaiian Raptors.”

The 199th Fighter Squadron is part of the 154th Wing, the largest wing in the Air National Guard. The Hawai‘i Air National Guard comprises nearly 2,500 personnel whose federal mission is to be trained and available for active duty Air Force operational missions.

# # #

Media contact:

Maj. (Ret.) Jeffrey D. Hickman

Director, Public Affairs

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense

Office: 808-441-7000

Direct: 808-779-8008

Email: [email protected]

MIL OSI USA News –

January 28, 2025

Category: Americas

Students spent nine months monitoring degradation of Mater-Bi

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Why DeepSeek matters

State water officials and water districts weigh in

Leading state researchers and university professors

Community voices push back on misinformation

State and national elected leaders defend California water, rebuke false claims

Fact checks in the media

Get the facts

Recent news

DCCA NEWS RELEASE: SAFETY AROUND ELECTRIC UTILITY POLES AND POWER LINES

DOD Media Release: HAWAI‘I AIR NATIONAL GUARD TO CONDUCT EXERCISE SENTRY ALOHA