NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Safety improvements, barriers coming to Highway 4 near Cathedral Grove

    Drivers are advised that concrete roadside barriers will be installed along the shoulders of Highway 4 through MacMillan Provincial Park over two nights, on Sunday, Jan. 26 and Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

    Single-lane-alternating traffic will be in effect from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. both nights. Drivers should expect minor delays.

    Approximately 200 metres of concrete barriers will be placed on each side of the highway shoulder through the existing no parking areas of Cathedral Grove to reduce ongoing safety challenges faced by drivers and pedestrians when vehicles are illegally parked along the highway during heavy tourist seasons. The roadside barricades will make it safer for pedestrians and help ensure that vehicles are parked in safe, designated parking areas.  

    Drivers travelling through the area overnight should allow extra time to account for possible delays. Drivers are reminded to observe all signs and traffic-management personnel in the area and drive with caution in active construction zones.

    With proper permits and advance notice, over-width vehicles will be able to move through this section of the corridor during construction.

    For up-to-date information about road conditions or any changes to the construction schedule, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Maryland Man Convicted in $20M Insurance Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A federal jury convicted a Maryland man yesterday for conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, money laundering, filing false tax returns and identity theft.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, James Wilson, of Owings Mills, conspired with others to defraud insurance companies by obtaining over 30 life insurance policies for applicants by mispresenting their health, wealth and existing life insurance coverage. The total death benefits from these policies exceeded $20 million.

    Wilson also conspired to defraud individual investors to obtain funds that he then used to pay premiums on fraudulently-obtained life insurance policies. To conceal the fraud, Wilson transferred the fraud through multiple bank accounts, including accounts in the name of trusts. Wilson filed false individual income tax returns for 2018 and 2019, which concealed approximately $5.7 million and $2 million respectively of fraud proceeds.

    Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering; and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing a false tax return. Wilson also faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison for each count of aggravated identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Washington, D.C. Field Office made the announcement.

    IRS-CI investigated the case, with assistance from the Maryland Insurance Administration and Maryland Attorney General.

    Trial Attorneys Shawn Noud and Richard Kelley of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Phelps and Philip Motsay for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall on Newsmax: President Trump Will Bring Manufacturing Jobs Back to the United States

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Newsmax: The Record with Greta Van Susteren to discuss President Trump’s Executive Actions in the first days in office and his economic plans, including the Trump tax cuts, returning manufacturing to the United States, and decreasing the United States’ reliance on trade with China. 
    Additionally, Senator Marshall discussed President Trump’s Executive Orders to remove the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) and requiring NATO countries to pay 5% of their GDP on defense. 

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview. 
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    On President Trump’s tax cuts and plan for economic revival in the United States: 
    “Welcome to the world of Donald Trump. He did talk about decreasing the tax cuts to 15%, and I want Americans to remember what happened when we decreased it from 35% to 21%. I think number one is we saw record growth in federal government tax revenues, but we also saw 401k’s jump as well – so I think that this makes perfect sense to me. President Trump, the great negotiator out there – jobs, jobs, jobs. President Trump is trying to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States.”
    “This is part of President Trump’s America First agenda. If you think about manufacturing, it’s energy cost, and then people – the labor is what determines what we can manufacture, the raw material. So I think he’s kind of thinking about all these pieces of the puzzle…” 
    On manufacturers returning to the Americas from China:
    “A lot of this is dependent upon raw earth materials – so I think you’ve already seen a lot of the manufacturers are bringing that to South America, and then a lot of it’s moving to Vietnam as well. India is doing a lot of it as well. So we need to keep moving those out of the Chinese market. Just like I told my farmers, you cannot depend on China, and I think all these big group purchasing organizations got caught with their pants down during COVID, and have realized that, and are indeed starting to move them back to the Americas.” 
    On President Trump’s executive order removing the United States from the WHO: 
    “We should have gotten out of the WHO years ago. To your point, what you’re describing when the World Health Organization said there was no person-to-person transmission, that COVID was already in three different countries… but yet they were denying it.”
    “I couldn’t agree with you more, the World Health Organization has gotten way outside of what its mission set should be. They should be focusing on clean water, on clean sewage, vaccines as well. But instead, they’re way outside of their mission. And they are bought and paid for by China.”
    On President Trump’s executive order requiring NATO countries to pay 5% of their GDP on defense: 
    “I was over in Belgium recently. NATO has made a huge, huge, incredible office building… and I said to myself, well, how many troops would that have paid for?”
    “[Europe] has over 100,000 of our troops. My son was one of them – just getting back from Poland – in Europe, protecting them. Europe needs to take care of themselves. Italy alone has a GDP the size of Russia. So certainly, Europe should be able to defend themselves against Russia. I don’t understand why we need that much money for NATO either.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Meets with Trump Nominee to Lead Dept. of Labor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, issued the following statement after meeting with Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Labor:

    “I found my meeting with Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, to be constructive. President Trump has worked to rebuild the working class and will make sure they have every opportunity to achieve their individual versions of the American Dream. I look forward to continuing to fight for and protect the rights of American workers and promote economic opportunity for all.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein On President Trump’s Visit to Western North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein On President Trump’s Visit to Western North Carolina

    Governor Stein On President Trump’s Visit to Western North Carolina
    bwood

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein released the following statement regarding President Trump’s visit to western North Carolina:  

    “It’s a positive signal that President Trump made his first visit outside the capital as President to our mountains. I thanked the President for coming and asked for his support of $20 billion in additional disaster relief and for 100% reimbursement of eligible FEMA expenses for another six months.

    “Families, businesses, and communities are struggling and need these urgent resources to help them rebuild. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration in the coming weeks and months to get people what they need to rebuild and recover.”  

    Jan 24, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Targeting the LGBTQ+ Community

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, January 24, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the followed statement regarding President Trump’s recent executive order that targets the LGBTQ+ community: 

    “All individuals, regardless of who they are or who they love, deserve to be recognized and treated equally. Here in California, the LGBTQ+ community is and will continue to be protected under a myriad of state laws and California’s constitution.  

    The United States Constitution also provides for equal protection under the law and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court, have recognized that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people is unlawful. 

    We are keeping a close eye on how this Executive Order is implemented and related actions by the Trump Administration. The President cannot eliminate fundamental rights by Executive Order, nor can he order federal agencies to violate the law. 

    Agencies and entities receiving state funding are reminded that members of the LGBTQ+ community are protected against discrimination and harassment and that our office will be monitoring to ensure the law is followed. 

    I am committed to defending California’s people and values.”

    BACKGROUND AND RESOURCES

    Among other things, California law: 

    • Prohibits gender identity discrimination and harassment and protects LGBTQ+ people and students from discrimination, harassment, hate crimes, and mistreatment, ensures safe and inclusive educational environments, and the right to workplaces that are free from discrimination and harassment.
    • Protects the right of Californians to access gender-affirming healthcare services and permits proactive efforts to overcome the health effects of discrimination. 
    • Provides that people have the right to participate in sex-specific spaces – restrooms and locker-rooms – consistent with their gender identity. 
    • Provides that people have the right to self-select a gender identity of male (M), female (F), or nonbinary (X) to appear on their driver’s license or identification (DL/ID), birth certificate, and death certificate, and to update the designation on their marriage certificate to bride, groom, or neither. 
    • Provides that transgender people have the right to essential health care in state prison facilities. 

    Complaints asserting any violations related to enforcement of the Executive Order can be filed with the California Attorney General’s Office here or the California Civil Rights Department here. In addition, California has a number of resources for the LGBTQ+ community:

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province Appoints Two Judges to Provincial Court

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Lawyers Mark Scott, KC (King’s counsel), of Halifax and Brian Warcop of Lantz have been appointed judges of the Nova Scotia provincial court.

    “Mr. Scott and Mr. Warcop are both highly respected lawyers who bring significant experience to the provincial bench and to the cases that will come before them,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Becky Druhan. “They will join our judiciary in service to Nova Scotians, reflecting our highest ideals of integrity, fairness and compassion.”

    Mr. Scott was called to the Nova Scotia bar in December 1996 and has done criminal defence, appeals and per diem work for both the federal and provincial Crown. In 1998, he was appointed as a Crown attorney in the Halifax office of the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service, where he prosecuted a wide range of criminal offences. Most recently, Mr. Scott served as chief Crown attorney of appeals and special prosecutions. He has conducted more than 150 criminal appeals in both the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada and is a past president of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.

    After being called to the Ontario bar, Mr. Warcop was appointed as an assistant Crown attorney in 2006 by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General. He was called to the Nova Scotia bar in 2015 and worked as a Crown attorney with the public prosecution service from 2015 to 2016. Mr. Warcop then became a partner with a private practice, where he represented clients in criminal matters and also acted as duty counsel for legal aid matters in Halifax. More recently, he returned to work with the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service as a Crown attorney.

    The appointments will fill two vacancies after two provincial court judges were appointed to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court last fall.

    Quick Facts:

    • judges are selected by the government from a list of candidates recommended by a seven-member independent Advisory Committee on Provincial Judicial Appointments
    • appointments to the bench are based on merit and professional excellence
    • gender, language/bilingualism, racial and cultural diversity, geographical representation and commitment to public service are among the criteria for the appointment of judges

    Additional Resources:

    The Provincial Judicial Appointments Guidelines and the application form to apply to become a provincial court judge are available at: https://novascotia.ca/just/Court_Services/

    Information on Nova Scotia courts: https://www.courts.ns.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: FDIC Approves Merger Application for WesBanco Bank, Inc., Wheeling, West Virginia

    Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

    CategoriesBusiness, Commerce, MIL-OSI, United States Federal Government, United States Government, United States of America, US Commerce, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC, US Federal Government, US Insurance Sector, USA

    WASHINGTON — The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) approved a Bank Merger Act (BMA) application submitted by WesBanco Bank, Inc., Wheeling, West Virginia, to acquire and merge with Premier Bank, Youngstown, Ohio. The resulting bank will operate in West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and will operate under the name, WesBanco Bank, Inc.

    When reviewing applications pursuant to the requirements of the BMA, the FDIC considers certain statutory factors, including the competitive effects of the transaction, the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the existing and proposed institutions, the convenience and needs of the communities to be served, the risk to the stability of the U.S. banking or financial system, and the anti-money laundering records of the institutions involved. The FDIC found favorably on those factors as well as additional requirements applicable to the transaction as an interstate merger under section 44 of the Federal Deposit Insurance (FDI) Act.

    The transaction shall not be consummated until all necessary approvals, exemptions, and/or non-objections have been obtained from all relevant federal and state regulatory authorities.

    As noted by FDIC Acting Chairman Travis Hill earlier this week, improving the bank merger approval process is a high priority for the agency going forward.

    ###

    MEDIA CONTACT: 
    mediarequests@fdic.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Howard County Firefighter Larry Roland Duncan

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JANUARY 24, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Howard County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Howard County Firefighter Larry Roland Duncan.

    “Larry Roland Duncan dedicated 23 years of his life to the fire service and answering the call no matter the emergency, including responding to Ground Zero as a member of Missouri Task Force 1,” Governor Mike Kehoe said. “At the New York City site where the Twin Towers once stood, Firefighter Duncan and his Task Force 1 colleagues spent days exposed to toxic contaminants as they scoured the rubble looking for survivors of the terrorist attack. We honor his relentless commitment to serving others, regardless of the risk to himself.”

    Duncan was a Heavy Rigging Specialist with Task Force 1 from 1998 to 2003. Beginning in 1984, he also served as a member of the Cooper County Fire Protect District, Boone County Fire Protection District, and the Howard County Fire Protection District. He died on January 15, 2025, after a long and courageous battle against 9/11-related cancer.

    The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Duncan is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Pillen and Senators Introduce Juvenile Justice Reform Legislation

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Senator Merv Riepe of Omaha introduced LB 556 at the request of the Governor. LB 556 was introduced in response to a dramatic rise in felonies committed by juveniles since 2017. In Douglas County alone, juvenile repeat offenders have increased by 1700% since 2017. 

    “Public safety is the highest calling of government,” said Gov. Pillen. “None of us in Nebraska want to come to the reality that we have young boys committing these violent acts. The reality is that there are violent and even deadly crimes being committed by juveniles as young as 11 and 12 years old. This is hard for us to comprehend in Nebraska. The officers and prosecutors here are seeing the impacts of it firsthand and to say it’s alarming is an understatement.”

    LB 556 changes the criteria for detention to give greater authority to the courts to detain juveniles in a physically restrictive facility for the safety of the juvenile and the community. Furthermore, this legislation will require a court hearing to review juvenile placement unless waived by both parties and lower the minimum age at which a juvenile may be detained from age 13 to age 11.

    For felony arrests of a juvenile, it requires a judge, in consultation with a probation officer, to make a determination about detention. Finally, LB 556 will lower the age at which a juvenile can be charged as an adult for the most serious crimes (Class I, IA, IB, IC, ID, II and IIA felonies) from age 14 to age 12.

    “This bill is not about punishment—it’s about protection: for our communities, our families, and the juveniles themselves,” said Senator Riepe. “By providing safe, secure detention options and empowering judges to make case-specific decisions, we can intervene early, prevent further harm, and offer meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation. Safety and accountability go hand-in-hand, ensuring a balanced approach that reduces crime and builds a safer future for all.”

    Speaking on the importance of addressing the spike in serious criminal offenses by juveniles, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine thanked Governor Pillen for prioritizing this commonsense legislation that will address public safety deficiencies within our current law dealing with juveniles committing very violent crimes. “I’ve seen and met with the victims of these crimes, and I’ve seen the impact it also has on that juvenile,” said Mr. Kleine. “We need better tools to address these issues. The judge will ultimately determine whether detention is appropriate. It’s about fairness, safety, and doing what’s right for the juvenile.”

    Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson added his support for LB 556. “I would like to thank Governor Pillen and Senator Riepe for introducing this commonsense piece of legislation,” said Sheriff Aaron Hanson. “Since 2017’s Juvenile Justice reform efforts, we have seen a 1700% increase in repeat juvenile offenders in Douglas County alone. Current law ties the hands of parents, probation officers, police, prosecutors, and judges when it comes to keeping the public and these offenders safe. This new legislation is a transformative step that will allow Law Enforcement to better protect the public and these juvenile offenders.”

    Governor Jim Pillen

    Senator Merv Riepe

    Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson

    Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor’s Wellness Walk Encourages Health Living

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    .com

     

    Governor’s Wellness Walk Encourages Health Living

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen, UNO Athletic Director Adrian Dowell, Mavericks Head Soccer Coach Donovan Dowling, Mavericks Women’s Soccer Coach Tim Walters, Nebraska Sports Council President Dave Minarik and Husker Women’s Basketball player Callin Hake met at the State Capitol today to talk and walk. The talk, shared in a brief news conference, encouraged Nebraskans to make healthy living a priority in 2025. The walk, multiple laps through the Capitol’s 2nd-floor hallways, provided an example of a simple way to fit physical activity into a busy daily routine.

     

    “I’m a firm believer in the importance of exercise and fitness as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle,” said Gov. Pillen. “Being healthy and getting enough exercise doesn’t have to be hard and can be as simple as walking.”

     

    Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tim Tesmer reported that the rate of adult obesity in Nebraska has increased significantly from 28% in 2011 to 36.6% in 2024, according to the latest data. He also noted that nearly 24% of Nebraskans report they do not get enough physical activity. Additionally, Dr. Tesmer shared that a person’s physical condition is a prime factor in their risk of contracting most major diseases.

     

    “Physical activity is a cornerstone of health and wellness, playing a key role in preventing many chronic health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers,” said Dr. Tesmer. “Whether it is through walking, yoga, or another form of movement, the best time to start is now. The key is to get moving and keep moving.”  

      

    “The Nebraska Sports Council is proud to join Gov. Pillen in promoting healthy lifestyles,” said Dave Minarik, president of the Nebraska Sports Council. “We encourage all Nebraskans to stay motivated by using our free activity tracking program at WellPowerMovement.com.”

     

    The Nebraska Sports Council, which coordinates the Governor’s Walk, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission of providing quality sports competition and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Learn more about the WellPower Movement and the Nebraska Sports Council at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.

    Governor Jim Pillen

    Dave Minarik, president of the Nebraska Sports Council

    Governor Jim Pillen and Nebraska Sports Council President Dave Minarik leading the Wellness Walk

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Government Contractor Convicted of Defrauding FEMA and Georgia-Based Litigation Funding Company

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Following an eight-day trial, Tiffany Brown was found guilty by a jury of defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) in connection with a nearly $156 million contract she was awarded to provide self-heating meals to the residents of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, and for fraudulently obtaining $700,000 in litigation advances from the Litigation Funding Group of Georgia (“LFG”) by falsely claiming that she had settled with a logistics company who failed to deliver the meals to FEMA. 

    “Brown resorted to extraordinary lengths to defraud FEMA during a critical period when individuals were in desperate need of food resources during the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will remain vigilant in pursuing and prosecuting individuals who exploit the devastation caused by natural disasters as an opportunity to commit fraud.”

    “We will continue to investigate and support the prosecution of fraudsters who target vulnerable populations for their own gains,” said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D.

    “Brown greedily deceived the federal government during a natural disaster to enrich herself,” said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue any person who seeks to defraud the government, especially during times of tragedy.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges and other information presented in court: On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Puerto Rico. In its wake, FEMA issued a solicitation for 40 million self-heating meals per week to deliver to the island. Meals requiring a microwave or an external heating source, such as for boiling water, were unacceptable. FEMA issued the meal solicitation because it had exhausted its existing supply of self-heating meals from its own warehouses, primary vendors, and federal agency partners in responding to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma— both Category 4 hurricanes that impacted broad swaths of Texas, Louisiana, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    On September 28, 2017, Brown submitted a proposal to FEMA falsely representing that her Georgia-based company, Tribute Contracting LLC, could provide the necessary self-heating meals. In doing so, Brown misrepresented that Tribute: (a) could deliver 10 million meals per day utilizing 210 trucks; (b) would provide 300,000 meals prepositioned; and (c) had partnered with C.H. Robinson, a major shipping and logistics broker, to meet FEMA’s delivery requirements.

    But Tribute was incapable of delivering 10 million meals, never prepositioned any meals, and did not have the claimed partnership. A FEMA contacting officer spoke with Brown after receiving Tribute’s proposal. The contracting officer knew that U.S.-based manufacturers could not produce the number of meals that Brown claimed in her proposal. In response, Brown falsely represented that she was procuring the self-heating meals from Action Meals, a Canadian manufacturer. Brown sent FEMA a doctored image of an Action Meals package with a fraudulent expiration date.

    Based on her conversation with the contracting officer, Brown submitted a revised proposal falsely representing that she had firm confirmation from her “core suppliers for 30 million self-heating meals in 30 days” and that she could begin delivering one million meals a day beginning on October 7, 2017.

    On October 3, 2017, FEMA awarded Tribute and Brown a $155,982,000 contract requiring the delivery of 30 million self-heating meals between October 7 and October 23, 2017. FEMA had to confirm that Tribute’s proposed meal was “technically acceptable” before approving the delivery. FEMA approved Brown’s proposal in part because it understood that Brown would deliver self-heating meals manufactured by Action Meals. Unbeknownst to FEMA, Brown had not secured a supplier when she was awarded the FEMA contract. After being awarded the contract, Brown repeatedly mispresented to FEMA the status of her suppliers and timing of deliveries.

    On October 19, 2017, FEMA terminated its contract with Brown and Tribute. Before doing so, however, FEMA paid Brown $255,000 based on her submission of fraudulent invoices and bills of ladings claiming that she had successfully delivered 50,000 self-heating meals. Brown in fact had delivered 50,000 non-compliant, dehydrated meals. After FEMA terminated the contract, Brown continued making false representations to FEMA. For example, Brown submitted fraudulent invoices in December 2017 and June 2019 claiming to have purchased tens of thousands of dollars of heaters.

    In March 2019, Brown falsely represented to LFG that she had a tentative $5 million settlement with a logistics company, Total Quality Logistics (“TQL”). Brown claimed that TQL was willing to settle with her because it failed to timely deliver meals to FEMA, which she claimed was the reason FEMA terminated her contract. In truth, TQL obtained a default judgment against Brown for unpaid deliveries.

    To secure the fraudulent litigation financing, Brown provided LFG with a mix of actual and fabricated documents. For instance, she provided the real FEMA contract, but a fraudulent tentative settlement agreement, and fabricated emails between TQL’s general counsel and “Jerry Rosenstein,” Tribute’s purported in-house counsel. Brown further perpetrated the fraud by using her attorney to create the illusion that she was a successful government contractor who was negotiating directly with TQL. Brown later falsely claimed she settled with TQL for $6.5 million, which she evidenced by an agreement that TQL’s CEO supposedly signed. The scheme unraveled when TQL did not pay the $6.5 million, and Brown’s attorney received an email from a “James Wilson,” who was supposedly an in-house attorney at TQL. “James Wilson” wrote that he was willing to release the settlement funds in exchange for $500,000. Investigators later determined that Brown was responsible for creating the fake “Jerry Rosenstein” and “James Wilson” personas.   

    Tiffany Brown, 45, of Atlanta, Georgia is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. by U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr.  Brown was found guilty by a federal jury on January 17, 2025, of 11 counts of major disaster fraud, 17 counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government money, and three counts of money laundering.

    This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Office of Chief Counsel.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex R. Sistla and Jessica C. Morris are prosecuting the case.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: No stone left unturned: 6 tonnes of cocaine and EUR 6 million seized in large drug sting

    Source: Europol

    The Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil), supported by Europol, has dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking network in an investigation involving Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama. The suspects were allegedly involved in the reception and wholesale distribution of cocaine across the EU, as well as in money laundering. The sting was coordinated by Europol’s Operational Taskforce.Network spans Latin America, Europe…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 116 tortoises returned to Tanzania in landmark wildlife trafficking investigation

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    24 January 2025

    Intercepted by Thai customs officials in July 2022, the tortoises will serve as vital evidence to prosecute the smuggler

    SINGAPORE – More than two years after a Ukrainian woman was stopped at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport during an INTERPOL operation with 116 baby tortoises concealed in her luggage, the internationally protected species have been returned to Tanzania as evidence against their smuggler.

    The repatriation of the tortoises signals the final phase of a long-running enquiry into an international wildlife trafficking ring that has led to the arrest of 14 suspects from various countries and tracked down the Ukrainian smuggler after a global investigation.

    A handover ceremony marking the reptiles’ return was held yesterday in Bangkok, attended by high-level officials from Thailand and Tanzania.

    Police Major General Surapan Thaiprasert, Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division at the Royal Thai Police said:

    “Thailand worked closely with INTERPOL and our partners in Tanzania on this significant case. Through our strong detection capabilities, we were able to intercept the smuggler and rescue the tortoises. Their successful return to Tanzania is a testament to our collaborative efforts.”

    A rescued pancake tortoise. The species is critically endangered (CITES Appendix I)

    Rescued radiated tortoises placed in crates for their journey to Tanzania

    The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the largest tortoises in the world. It is a vulnerable species. (CITES Appendix II)

    The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the largest tortoises in the world. It is a vulnerable species. (CITES Appendix II).

    A rescued pancake tortoise. The species is critically endangered (CITES Appendix I).

    A rescued radiated tortoise. The species is critically endangered (CITES Appendix I).

    A rescued pancake tortoise. The species is critically endangered (CITES Appendix I).

    Tanzanian and Thai officials worked together to repatriate all 116 tortoises to Tanzania.

    Tanzanian and Thai officials worked together to repatriate all 116 tortoises to Tanzania.

    A radiated tortoise is carefully placed in a crate for its return to Tanzania.

    A tortoise crate being transferred to its next mode of transport.

    A handover ceremony marking the return of the tortoises was held in Bangkok on 23 January 2025.

    A handover ceremony marking the return of the tortoises was held in Bangkok on 23 January 2025.

    Criminal economy

    The trafficking of endangered tortoises is a significant criminal economy, with species removed from their natural habitats, often to be sold abroad as exotic pets.

    The 116 tortoises recovered in Bangkok included pancake tortoises, radiated tortoises and Aldabra giant tortoises, all of which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

    Many of the tortoises died after being found in the smuggler’s luggage, despite urgent care provided by Thai authorities. All 116 were nevertheless repatriated as evidence.

    Cyril Gout, Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL said:

    “Wildlife trafficking is a serious global threat that disrupts ecosystems and harms communities while enriching organized crime groups. This case demonstrates the resolve of law enforcement internationally to protect vulnerable species, stop illegal wildlife trafficking and bring criminals to justice.  

    “INTERPOL plays a vital role in facilitating coordinated action against wildlife crime and will continue to support our member countries in breaking up wildlife trafficking syndicates.”

    Dismantling a wildlife crime network

    Following her arrest in Bangkok, the Ukrainian smuggler fled Thailand before she could be fully prosecuted. Through intense international police collaboration and an INTERPOL Red Notice, she was located in Bulgaria in March 2023 and extradited to Tanzania three months later.

    Once it was established that the smuggler belonged to a larger wildlife trafficking network, INTERPOL provided investigative and operational support. As a result of these efforts, 14 additional suspects, from countries including Egypt, Indonesia, Madagascar and Tanzania, have so far also been arrested.

    Ramadhan Hamisi Kingai, Director of Criminal Investigation at the Tanzania Police Force said:

    “From the capture of the suspect to the repatriation of the tortoises, these successes were made possible through strong international police cooperation and a collaborative, multi-agency approach facilitated through INTERPOL. Tanzania is firmly committed to addressing wildlife crime and continues to work with other countries to ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Local wildlife officials in Tanzania will quarantine and care for the surviving tortoises before assessing if they can be safely returned to their natural habitats.

    United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other donors.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Toobit Launches Toobit Earn, Offers Over 250,000 USDT in Staking Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, Jan. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global digital asset trading platform Toobit launches today the first phase of Toobit Earn, a new staking platform for its traders to grow their digital assets.

    Developed to address the crypto market’s growing demand for passive income, the introductory stage will see the exchange issuing 7-day USDT 100% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) products. With a total staking pool over 250,000 USDT and an entry point of just 1 USDT, traders can lock in up to 500 USDT and receive rewards on their stake after 7 days.

    “We want traders of all experience levels to participate in the crypto ecosystem,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer of Toobit. “Digital assets have long offered an alternative route to financial success, and Toobit Earn is really just the next step in our journey to empower them with smarter, more accessible opportunities.”

    The leading exchange does not intend to stop with simple APR products; it plans to offer more complex instruments in its coming phases. Members will soon be able to choose from 2 distinct staking products: Flexible Earning, which offers liquidity and dynamic interest rates, and Fixed Earning, which allows users to lock in their assets for higher returns.

    With options ranging across the gamut of popular cryptocurrencies, Toobit Earn is intended as a safe and stable avenue for traders of different risk appetites and experience to earn competitive interest rates on their otherwise idle crypto holdings.

    This is not the exchange’s first easy-to-use financial product. More recently, the exchange made headlines with the launch of its Telegram mini-app.

    For more information about Toobit Earn and how to get started, visit Toobit’s Earn portal at https://www.toobit.com/en-US/earn

    About Toobit
    Toobit is a global crypto exchange dedicated to providing fair and transparent trading experiences. With ample liquidity and market depth, Toobit ensures efficient and secure transactions for traders worldwide and is committed to providing a secure and user-friendly environment for trading a diverse range of digital assets.

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

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

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by “Toobit”. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e50154b8-223e-420a-89c7-b3daeed6aa47

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Announces Over $5 Million to Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to Modernize Virginia Rail and Improve Accessibility

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) will receive $5,836,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. The funding will support upgrades to the Staples Mill Station and improve accessibility, safety, and passenger experience.

    The federal funding will help VPRA finalize improvements to two platforms, one platform canopy, and accessible route improvements at the Staples Mill Station to ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and enhance the safety and passenger experience. VPRA will also use the grant award to support future increased Intercity Passenger Rail (IPR) service, with plans for an additional 10 trains per day to run through the station on top of the current 20 Amtrak trains per day.

    “Staples Mill is the Richmond region’s busiest Amtrak Station and a critical rail hub for Virginia’s Fourth and beyond,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Thanks to this award, the VPRA can now ensure Virginians have reliable, accessible, and enjoyable transportation. I commend the Biden-Harris Administration and the Department of Transportation for their ongoing investments in our nation’s rail system.”

    CRISI supports projects aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. CRISI has made more than $2.4 billion available in CRISI grants for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years. 

    You can read more about the grant awards provided by CRISI here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Applauds Historic Presidential Apology to Tribes for Federal Indian Boarding School Era, Affirms Commitment to Tribal Nations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Seattle, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s historic and formal Presidential apology for the Federal Indian Boarding School era.

    “To have the President of the United States formally acknowledge the harms of our past and issue a direct apology to Tribal nations is powerfully important. It’s long past time for our government to fully come to terms with the horrific legacy of Indian boarding schools, which were designed to systematically strip away Native language, religion, and heritage—in brutal and traumatic ways. The next step is to pass our bipartisan bill to establish a Truth and Healing Commission so that we can help Native families and communities in Washington state and across the country heal from this painful chapter in our nation’s history.

    “Importantly, I am proud to have partnered with the Biden-Harris administration to deliver historic investments in our Tribal communities. As a voice for Washington state’s Tribes in the Senate, I will continue to fight to live up to our commitments to our Tribal partners with action and real, meaningful investments.”

    The bipartisan Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act (S.1723), cosponsored by Senator Murray, would establish a formal commission to investigate, document, and acknowledge the injustices of the federal government’s Indian boarding school policies. These policies include the ordered termination of Native cultures, religions, and languages; the removal and kidnapping of Native children; forced assimilation; and egregious human rights violations. The commission would also develop recommendations for how Congress could provide aid to Native families and communities and provide a forum for victims to speak about their personal experiences.

    For over 150 years, the federal government ran boarding schools that forcibly removed generations of Native children from their homes to boarding schools often far away. Native children at these schools endured physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and, as detailed in the Federal Indian Boarding School Investigative Report by the Department of the Interior (DOI), at least 973 children died in these schools. The federally-run Indian boarding school system was designed to assimilate Native Americans by destroying Native culture, language, and identity through harsh militaristic and assimilationist methods. There were 15 Indian boarding schools in the State of Washington. In April of 2023, as part of her “Road to Healing” tour, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland met with Native survivors of the federal Indian boarding school system and their descendants in Tulalip.

    Murray has been a strong advocate for Tribes in the United States Senate. Over the years, Murray has secured hard-won updates to the Violence Against Women Act to better protect Native women and fought to deliver the largest-ever federal investment in Tribes in the American Rescue Plan to support Tribal communities as they confronted the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

    As Appropriations Chair, Murray protected funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS) despite tough budget caps and fought for a $61.4 million increase in Fiscal Year 2024 to ensure IHS can hire more providers to meet increased patient demand. Importantly, Murray secured advance appropriations for IHS for the upcoming fiscal year to provide more certainty and limit disruptions so the agency can better plan and provide continuity of care for Tribes. Murray has also been a strong advocate of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program. The IHBG is the largest source of federal resources for housing for Tribal communities—providing flexible funding for the construction for new affordable housing, rental assistance, housing improvements and rehabilitation, and other supportive housing-related services. Murray has fought to increase funding for the IHBG program every year, and in Fiscal Year 2024, as Appropriations Chair, she was able to secure a record $1.111 billion for the program—a $324 million increase over Fiscal Year 2023—in the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development spending bill signed into law in March of 2023. Across government spending, Murray has always fought to prioritize the needs of Washington state Tribal communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $1.9 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Ida Relief

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association will receive $1,880,864.92 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for streetlight and utility pole repairs as a result of Hurricane Ida.
    “It is great to see money coming to Louisiana to help our resilient communities continue to recover,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will allow our communities to return to wholeness.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Calls for Independent Audit of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is calling for an independent audit of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system in an effort to increase public transparency and accountability of the higher education system’s financial management practices. The governor today submitted a letter to Comptroller Sean Scanlon requesting that his office conduct the review.

    “Recent reports of controversial spending decisions have raised serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of CSCU’s financial management,” Governor Lamont said. “As CSCU has recently implemented measures such as tuition increases and program reductions to address significant budget shortfalls, it is imperative that the public have complete transparency into how public funds are being utilized.”

    In particular, the governor is calling for the audit to include but not be limited to:

    1. An itemized report of purchases made using procurement cards (P-Cards), identifying vendors and purposes.
    2. A review of all expenditures for meals and entertainment including costs for dining with stakeholders/vendors, conferences and related events.
    3. Information on the use of state-owned vehicles by CSCU personnel, including logs of usage, fuel costs and mileage reimbursement.
    4. Any information regarding tax reporting involving CSCU leadership.
    5. Audit the financial practices of the entire CSCU system, including discretionary spending, travel and procurement activities.
    6. Assess whether public funds have been managed in accordance with state financial policies and in alignment with the educational mission of the CSCU system.

    **Download: Letter from Governor Lamont to Comptroller Scanlon requesting audit of CSCU

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Announces Winners of the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest for K-5 Students

    Source: US State of Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced 12 finalists and two grand prize winners for the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest.

    “I am pleased to announce the finalists of the Third Annual Florida Space Art Contest,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Since the creation of the contest, we have received nearly 6,600 submissions, with a record-breaking number of submissions this year alone. I want to thank all the students who participated, and I look forward to recognizing the finalists.”

    “Seeing the creativity and imagination displayed by these young artists in designing Florida’s future spacesuits is truly inspiring,” said Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida. “Their artwork not only reflects their fascination with space but also highlights the bright future of space exploration. Congratulations to all the talented winners.”

    “Congratulations to this year’s winners and finalists for the Space Art Contest,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Florida is the space capital of the nation, and it is important for students to learn our state’s rich history in space exploration.”

    Earlier this year, Lieutenant Governor Nuñez launched the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest and encouraged all students in grades K-5 across Florida to participate in the contest. Each student was instructed to submit an original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme: Suit Up! Florida’s Space Suit of the Future. The third annual contest received nearly 2,600 submissions.

    Submissions were broken down into two categories: K–2 and 3–5. Six art pieces from each group (12 total) were selected as finalists. Finalists will win two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Two lucky grand prize winners, one selected from each group, will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming mission!

    The 12 finalists for this year’s 2024 Florida Space Art Contest are:

    • Paris McTaw, kindergarten student at Wauchula Elementary School
    • Michelle He, kindergarten student at Academy at the Lakes
    • Jason Ritnour, first grade student at Kenwood Elementary School
    • Vanessa Wesbur, first grade student at Wright Elementary School
    • Gabriel Angeli, second grade student at Lowry Elementary School
    • Penelope Wong, second grade student at Calusa Elementary School
    • Isabella Wesbur, third grade student at Northwest Florida Ballet Academie
    • Sharon Gao, third grade student at Mitchell Elementary School
    • Natalie Kimtia, fourth grade student at Christ’s Church Academy
    • Ethan Jimenez-Almesiga, fourth grade student at Florida Christian School
    • Annabelle Domingo, fifth grade student at John I. Smith K-8 Center
    • Laiona Lai, fifth grade student at Water Spring Elementary School

    The two grand prize winners for this year’s 2024 Space Art Contest are:

    • Gabriel Angeli, second student at Lowry Elementary School
    • Natalie Kimtia, fourth grade student at Christ’s Church Academy

    Our two grand prize winners will have their original art piece flown into space on an upcoming SpaceX mission targeted for this upcoming year!

    “Congratulations to the two grand prize winners,” said Lieutenant Governor Nuñez. “I look forward to recognizing their talent, creativity, and imagination in the near future.”

    Please visit FloridaSpaceArt.com to see the artwork of our finalists. Thank you to our sponsors, and to SpaceX, Space Florida, Florida Department of State Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Department of Education for their contributions to this contest.

    About Space Florida
    ‍Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state’s spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: First Capital, Inc. Reports Quarterly Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CORYDON, Ind., Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Capital, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: FCAP), the holding company for First Harrison Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $2.9 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net income of $3.1 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

    Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

    Net interest income after provision for credit losses increased $415,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. Interest income increased $2.0 million when comparing the periods due to an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets from 3.96% for the third quarter of 2023 to 4.53% for the third quarter of 2024. The average balance of interest-earning assets increased from $1.13 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 to $1.17 billion at September 30, 2024. The increase in the yield was primarily due to an increase in the yield on loans to 6.09% for the third quarter of 2024 compared to 5.74% for the same period in 2023. In addition, the Company’s lower yielding securities continue to mature with proceeds being reinvested in higher yielding loans or federal funds sold. When compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2023, the average balance of the Company’s securities decreased $59.0 million, while the Company’s average loans and federal funds sold balances increased $40.6 million and $58.0 million, respectively, during the quarter ended September 30, 2024. Interest expense increased $1.5 million when comparing the periods due to an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities from 1.30% for the third quarter of 2023 to 1.87% for the third quarter of 2024, in addition to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities from $813.2 million for the third quarter of 2023 to $875.8 million for the third quarter of 2024. The Company had no outstanding advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to $3.3 million with an average rate of 6.03% during the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The Company had average outstanding borrowings under the Federal Reserve Bank’s Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) of $33.6 million and $13.0 million with an average rate of 4.89% and 5.02% during the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As a result of the changes in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the net interest margin increased from 3.02% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 to 3.12% for the same period in 2024.

    Based on management’s analysis of the Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) on loans and unfunded loan commitments, the provision for credit losses increased from $290,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 to $463,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The increase was due to loan growth during the period, the increase in nonperforming assets during the quarter described later in this release, as well as management’s consideration of macroeconomic uncertainty. The Bank recognized net charge-offs of $64,000 and $19,000 for the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

    Noninterest income decreased $147,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. The Company recognized a $196,000 loss on equity securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to a loss of $131,000 for the same quarter in 2023. The Company did not sell any securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The Company recognized a net $63,000 gain on sale of securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2023. During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, the Company sold securities available for sale with a market value of $9.4 million and an amortized cost basis of $9.5 million resulting in a net loss of $94,000. The net loss was more than offset by the $157,000 gain on sale of the Company’s VISA Class B stock in September 2023. In addition, other income decreased $54,000 during the quarter. These were partially offset by increases of $17,000 and $13,000 in ATM and debit card fees and service charges on deposit accounts, respectively.

    Noninterest expense increased $543,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023, due primarily to increases in professional fees and compensation and benefits of $213,000 and $160,000, respectively. The increase in professional fees is primarily due to increased costs associated with the Company’s annual audit and fees being accrued for the Company’s ongoing core contract negotiations. The increase in compensation and benefits is due to standard increases in salary and wages as well as increases in the cost of Company-provided health insurance benefits. In addition, data processing, advertising, and occupancy and equipment expenses increased $51,000, $45,000, and $41,000, respectively.

    Income tax expense decreased $35,000 for the third quarter of 2024 as compared to the third quarter of 2023 primarily due to a decrease in the Company’s taxable income. The effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was 15.6% compared to 15.4% for the same period in 2023.

    Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $8.7 million, or $2.59 per diluted share, compared to net income of $9.7 million, or $2.89 per diluted share, for the same period in 2023.

    Net interest income after provision for credit losses increased $72,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Interest income increased $5.3 million when comparing the two periods due to an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets from 3.80% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 4.37% for the same period in 2024.   The increase in the yield was primarily due to an increase in the yield on loans to 5.99% for the first nine months of 2024 compared to 5.57% for the same period in 2023. In addition, the Company’s lower yielding securities continue to mature with proceeds being reinvested in higher yielding loans or federal funds sold. When compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the average balance of the Company’s securities decreased $49.7 million, while the Company’s average loans and federal funds sold balances increased $50.8 million and $15.5 million, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Interest expense increased $5.0 million as the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased from 0.98% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 1.72% for the same period in 2024, in addition to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities from $805.1 million for the first nine months of 2023 to $846.8 million for the same period of 2024. The Company had average outstanding advances from the FHLB of $2.3 million and $2.6 million with an average rate of 5.69% and 5.49% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company had average outstanding borrowings under the Federal Reserve Bank’s BTFP of $33.1 million and $6.4 million with an average rate of 4.84% and 5.03% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As a result of the changes in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the net interest margin decreased from 3.10% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to 3.09% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    Based on management’s analysis of the ACL on loans and unfunded loan commitments, the provision for credit losses increased from $833,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase was due to loan growth during the period, the increase in nonperforming assets described later in this release, as well as management’s consideration of macroeconomic uncertainty. The Bank recognized net charge-offs of $149,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $380,000 for the same period in 2023.  

    Noninterest income decreased $79,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to the Company recognizing a $270,000 loss on equity securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to an $86,000 loss during the same period in 2023.   This was partially offset by increases of $77,000 and $30,000 from gains on sale of loans and service charges on deposit accounts, respectively.

    Noninterest expenses increased $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023. This was primarily due to increases in professional fees, compensation and benefits, data processing, and other expenses of $424,000, $374,000, $130,000, and $179,000, respectively, when comparing the two periods. The increase in professional fees is primarily due to increased costs associated with the Company’s annual audit and fees being accrued for the Company’s ongoing core contract negotiations. The increase in compensation and benefits is due to standard increases in salary and wages as well as increases in the cost of Company-provided health insurance benefits. The increase in data processing expense is primarily due to increased debit card interchange fees. Increases in other expenses included a $77,000 increase in the Company’s support of local communities through sponsorships and donations, $26,000 in increased dues and subscriptions and $24,000 of additional FDIC insurance assessments for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023.

    Income tax expense decreased $238,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 as compared to the same period in 2023 resulting in an effective tax rate of 15.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 15.4% for the same period in 2023.

    Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023

    Total assets were $1.19 billion and $1.16 billion at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Net loans receivable and total cash and cash equivalents increased $16.2 million and $51.3 million from December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024, respectively, while securities available for sale decreased $28.8 million, during the same period. Deposits were $1.03 billion at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024. The Bank had $33.6 million in borrowings outstanding through the Federal Reserve Bank’s BTFP at September 30, 2024 compared to $21.5 million at December 31, 2023. Nonperforming assets (consisting of nonaccrual loans, accruing loans 90 days or more past due, and foreclosed real estate) increased from $1.8 million at December 31, 2023 to $4.5 million at September 30, 2024.   The increase was primarily due to the nonaccrual classification of two commercial loan relationships totaling $2.6 million. Loans in the relationship are secured by a variety of real estate and business assets.

    The Bank currently has 18 offices in the Indiana communities of Corydon, Edwardsville, Greenville, Floyds Knobs, Palmyra, New Albany, New Salisbury, Jeffersonville, Salem, Lanesville and Charlestown and the Kentucky communities of Shepherdsville, Mt. Washington and Lebanon Junction.

    Access to First Harrison Bank accounts, including online banking and electronic bill payments, is available through the Bank’s website at http://www.firstharrison.com. For more information and financial data about the Company, please visit Investor Relations at the Bank’s aforementioned website. The Bank can also be followed on Facebook.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “could” and “should,” and other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts nor guarantees of future performance; rather, they are statements based on the Company’s current beliefs, assumptions, and expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance.

    Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to the Company’s actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, general economic conditions, including changes in market interest rates and changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; competition; the ability of the Company to execute its business plan; legislative and regulatory changes; the quality and composition of the loan and investment portfolios; loan demand; deposit flows; changes in accounting principles and guidelines; and other factors disclosed periodically in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them, whether included in this press release, the Company’s reports, or made elsewhere from time to time by the Company or on its behalf. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

    Contact:
    Joshua Stevens
    Chief Financial Officer
    812-738-1570

     
    FIRST CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Financial Highlights (Unaudited)
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
    OPERATING DATA 2024   2023   2024   2023
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)              
                   
    Total interest income $ 13,224     $ 11,179     $ 37,279     $ 31,966  
    Total interest expense   4,099       2,642       10,897       5,926  
    Net interest income   9,125       8,537       26,382       26,040  
    Provision for credit losses   463       290       1,103       833  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   8,662       8,247       25,279       25,207  
                   
    Total non-interest income   1,800       1,947       5,722       5,801  
    Total non-interest expense   7,024       6,481       20,781       19,548  
    Income before income taxes   3,438       3,713       10,220       11,460  
    Income tax expense   537       572       1,532       1,770  
    Net income   2,901       3,141       8,688       9,690  
    Less net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest   3       3       10       10  
    Net income attributable to First Capital, Inc. $ 2,898     $ 3,138     $ 8,678     $ 9,680  
                   
    Net income per share attributable to First Capital, Inc. common shareholders:              
    Basic $ 0.87     $ 0.94     $ 2.59     $ 2.89  
                   
    Diluted $ 0.87     $ 0.94     $ 2.59     $ 2.89  
                   
    Weighted average common shares outstanding:              
    Basic   3,347,236       3,345,869       3,345,863       3,347,823  
                   
    Diluted   3,347,236       3,345,869       3,345,863       3,347,823  
                   
    OTHER FINANCIAL DATA              
                   
    Cash dividends per share $ 0.29     $ 0.27     $ 0.83     $ 0.81  
    Return on average assets (annualized) (1)   0.97 %     1.09 %     0.99 %     1.13 %
    Return on average equity (annualized) (1)   10.48 %     13.53 %     10.84 %     14.14 %
    Net interest margin   3.12 %     3.02 %     3.09 %     3.10 %
    Interest rate spread   2.66 %     2.66 %     2.65 %     2.82 %
    Net overhead expense as a percentage of average assets (annualized) (1)   2.35 %     2.25 %     2.38 %     2.28 %
                   
      September 30,   December 31,      
    BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION 2024   2023        
                   
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 89,939     $ 38,670          
    Interest-bearing time deposits   2,695       3,920          
    Investment securities   415,469       444,271          
    Gross loans   639,566       622,414          
    Allowance for credit losses   8,959       8,005          
    Earning assets   1,119,791       1,083,898          
    Total assets   1,189,295       1,157,880          
    Deposits   1,030,249       1,025,211          
    Borrowed funds   33,625       21,500          
    Stockholders’ equity, net of noncontrolling interest   116,775       105,233          
    Allowance for credit losses as a percent of gross loans   1.40 %     1.29 %        
    Non-performing assets:              
    Nonaccrual loans   4,483       1,751          
    Accruing loans past due 90 days   –       –          
    Foreclosed real estate   –       –          
    Regulatory capital ratios (Bank only):              
    Community Bank Leverage Ratio (2)   10.25 %     9.92 %        
                   
    (1) See reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures for additional information relating to the calculation of this item.
    (2) Effective March 31, 2020, the Bank opted in to the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (CBLR) framework. As such, the other regulatory ratios are no longer provided.
                   
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED):    
                   
    This presentation contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management uses these “non-GAAP” measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures allow for better comparability with prior periods, as well as with peers in the industry who provide a similar presentation, and provide a further understanding of the Company’s ongoing operations. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. The following table summarizes the non-GAAP financial measures derived from amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and reconciles those non-GAAP financial measures with the comparable GAAP financial measures.
                                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
                   
    Return on average assets before annualization   0.24 %     0.27 %     0.75 %     0.85 %
    Annualization factor   4.00       4.00       1.33       1.33  
    Annualized return on average assets   0.97 %     1.09 %     0.99 %     1.13 %
                   
                   
    Return on average equity before annualization   2.62 %     3.38 %     8.13 %     10.60 %
    Annualization factor   4.00       4.00       1.33       1.33  
    Annualized return on average equity   10.48 %     13.53 %     10.84 %     14.14 %
                   
                   
    Net overhead expense as a % of average assets before annualization   0.59 %     0.56 %     1.78 %     1.71 %
    Annualization factor   4.00       4.00       1.33       1.33  
    Annualized net overhead expense as a % of average assets   2.35 %     2.25 %     2.38 %     2.28 %
                   

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Havasupai  Tribe

    Source: The White House

    Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Havasupai Tribe and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribal Nation’s efforts in the areas affected by flooding from August 22 to August 23, 2024.

    The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals for the Havasupai Tribe.

    Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

    Federal funding also is available to the Havasupai Tribe and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding.

    Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the Havasupai Tribe.

    Mr. Benigno Bern Ruiz of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. 

    Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribal Nation and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

    Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. 

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Justice congratulates West Virginia’s first youth Master Angler

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    The Master Angler Award is one of the most prestigious achievements for anglers in West Virginia. To achieve this honor, participants must complete six slams, each requiring them to catch a set number of fish species that meet specified length criteria within a designated time period.

    Anglers must legally catch each fish in West Virginia, meet the minimum length for each species, and provide a time-stamped photo of their catch. All slams must be completed within a calendar year to qualify.

    “The goal of our Master Angler program is to challenge anglers to expand their skills, explore new waters, and experience the incredible fishing opportunities West Virginia offers,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said. “Carson’s achievement shows that our next generation of anglers is up for the challenge.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two from Facilities Operations Earn Prestigious Award

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    APPA (formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators) recently awarded two members of UConn’s Facilities Operations staff with a special award. Associate Directors Mickey Gorman and Ryan Steinberg earned the “Effective and Innovative Practices Award” for their presentation entitled “Building Your Workforce from Within: Future Workforce for UConn Facilities Operations.”

    This award recognizes programs and processes that enhance service delivery, lower costs, increase productivity, improve customer service, generate revenue, or otherwise benefit the educational institution.

    The presentation was designed for trainees in Facilities Operations at UConn and for members of the Skilled Trades Apprentice program.

    The award was presented by Lalit Agarwal, President and CEO of APPA, at the Annual Eastern Region of APPA Conference last month in King of Prussia, Pa.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Premium Income Corporation Announces Class A Consolidation Ratio

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: PIC.A; PIC.PR.A) Premium Income Corporation (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that in connection with the special retraction right granted to shareholders arising as a result of the extension of the term of the Fund to November 1, 2031, the Fund is announcing a consolidation of its Class A shares effective the opening of trading on or about November 12, 2024. As more Preferred shares than Class A shares were retracted on the special retraction, the consolidation will ensure that an approximately equal number of Class A shares and Preferred shares will be outstanding immediately following the consolidation. Under the consolidation, each Class A share will be consolidated into approximately 0.67 of a Class A share. The total value of a shareholder’s investment in Class A shares will not change, however, the number of Class A shares reflected in the shareholder’s account will decline and the net asset value per Class A share will increase proportionately. The consolidation is subject to regulatory approval. No fractional shares will be issued and shareholders are not required to take any action for the consolidation to be effective.

    In addition, the Fund is pleased to announce that distributions on the Class A shares will be paid monthly instead of quarterly commencing in November 2024. Monthly distributions are expected to be $0.08 per Class A share or $0.96 per share per annum (compared to the previous rate of $0.81276 per annum). Holders of Class A shares will continue to receive ongoing leveraged exposure to a high-quality portfolio consisting principally of common shares of Bank of Montreal, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, National Bank of Canada and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. Holders of the Preferred shares are expected to continue to benefit from fixed cumulative preferential monthly distributions in the amount of $0.10625 ($1.275 per annum) per Preferred share representing a yield of 8.5% on the original issue price of $15.00 per share.

    For further information, please contact Investor Relations at 416.681.3966, toll free at 1.800.725.7172, email at info@mulvihill.com or visit http://www.mulvihill.com

    John Germain, Senior Vice-President & CFO Mulvihill Capital Management Inc.
    121 King Street West
    Suite 2600
    Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3T9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Onyx Acquisition Co. I Announces Redemption of its Public Shares and Intent to Delist

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, New York, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onyx Acquisition Co. I. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: ONYX), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced that it will redeem all of its outstanding Class A ordinary shares included as part of the units issued in its initial public offering (the “Public Shares”), effective as of the close of business on November 13, 2024, because the Company will not consummate an initial business combination within the time period required by its amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (the “Articles”). Accordingly, the Company will not be seeking a further extension as contemplated by the preliminary proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on October 11, 2024.

    As stated in the Company’s Articles, if the Company is unable to complete an initial business combination by November 5, 2024, the Company will: (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up; (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-Share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Company’s trust account (the “Trust Account”), including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company (less taxes payable and up to US$100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then issued and outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any); and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining shareholders and the board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject in each case to its obligations under Cayman Islands law to provide for claims of creditors, and the requirements of other applicable law.

    The per-share redemption price for the Public Shares is expected to be approximately $11.42 (after taking into account the removal of $100,000 of the accrued interest in the Trust Account for dissolution expenses) (the “Redemption Amount”). The balance of the Trust Account as of October 25, 2024 was approximately $15,315,732.02, inclusive of accrued and unposted interest. In accordance with the terms of the related trust agreement, the Company expects to retain $100,000 of the interest from the Trust Account to pay dissolution expenses.

    As of the close of business on November 13, 2024, the Public Shares will be deemed cancelled and will represent only the right to receive the Redemption Amount.

    The Redemption Amount will be payable to the holders of the Public Shares upon delivery of their shares to the Company’s transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. Beneficial owners of Public Shares held in “street name,” however, will not need to take any action in order to receive the Redemption Amount.

    There will be no redemption rights or liquidating distributions with respect to the Company’s warrants, which will expire worthless.

    The Company’s sponsor has waived its redemption rights with respect to the outstanding founder shares and private placement warrants. After November 13, 2024, the Company shall cease all operations except for those required to wind up the Company’s business.

    Because the Company will not consummate an initial business combination within the periods required under its Articles and Nasdaq Listing Rule IM 5101-2, the Company intends to file a Form 25 with the Commission on November 4, 2024 in order to delist the Company’s securities from the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Company thereafter expects to file a Form 15 with the Commission to terminate the registration of the Company’s securities under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected Redemption Amount and anticipated filings with the Commission. These statements are based on current expectations on the date of this press release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly, including, without limitation,  the risk factors described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2024, in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, and in other reports the Company may file with the Commission from time to time.

    All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    Contact
    Matthew Vodola
    Chief Financial Officer
    973 879 9932
    mvodola@onyxacqu.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Going down a Wikipedia rabbit hole? Science says you’re one of these three types

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Polkinghorne, Adjunct Senior Industry Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University

    Johnson Martin / Unsplash

    If you’ve ever gone to look up a quick fact and just kept browsing from one article (or page, or video), to another, to another – then you know the feeling of “going down a rabbit hole”. This experience of curiosity-led online wandering has become synonymous with the free, user-created encyclopedia Wikipedia.

    Founded in 2001, Wikipedia is today one of the world’s most popular websites. With more users than Amazon, Netflix, TikTok or ChatGPT, the site is a go-to source for people to learn about and discover new interests.

    In new research involving more than 480,000 Wikipedia users in 14 languages across 50 countries, US researchers led by Dale Zhou at the University of Pennsylvania studied three distinctly different ways of going down the Wikipedia rabbit hole. These “curiosity styles” have been studied before, but not in such a large, diverse group of people using Wikipedia “naturalistically”, in daily life.

    The research may help us better understand the nature and importance of curiosity, its connections to wellbeing, and strategies for preventing the spread of false information.

    Wikipedia: first controversial, now mature, always popular

    When Wikipedia was new in the early 2000s, it sparked controversies. People such as librarians and lecturers voiced concerns about Wikipedia’s potential for platforming untrue or incomplete information.

    Today, the factuality of Wikipedia’s existing contents is less concerning than questions of bias, such as which topics the site’s volunteer editors deem noteworthy enough to include. There are global efforts to fill gaps in Wikipedia’s coverage, such as “edit-a-thons” to add entries on historically overlooked scientists and artists.

    Part of what made Wikipedia groundbreaking was how it satisfies people’s intrinsic learning needs by inviting navigation from page to page, luring readers into rabbit holes. This, combined with the site’s participatory approach to creating and verifying pages, sparked its rapid growth. These qualities have also sustained Wikipedia as a predominant everyday information source, globally.

    Research about Wikipedia has also evolved from early studies comparing it to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

    This new study examines data about Wikipedia readers’ activities. It looks at the different “architectural styles of curiosity” people embody when they navigate.

    Busybodys, hunters and dancers

    The new study explores the “knowledge networks” associated with the three main styles of curiosity: busybody, hunter and dancer. A knowledge network is a visual representation of how readers “weave a thread” across Wikipedia articles.

    As the researchers explain:

    The busybody scouts for loose threads of novelty, the hunter pursues specific answers in a projectile path, and the dancer leaps in creative breaks with tradition across typically siloed areas of knowledge.

    Earlier research had shown evidence of busybodies and hunters, and speculated about the existence of dancers. The new study confirms that busybodies and hunters exist in multiple countries and languages. It also details the dancer style, which has been more elusive to document.

    The researchers also identified geographical differences between curiosity styles.

    In all 14 languages studied, busybodies tend to read more about culture, media, food, art, philosophy and religion. Hunters in 12 out of 14 languages tend to read more about science, technology, engineering and maths.

    In German and English, hunters were more drawn to pages about history and society than busybodies. The opposite was true in Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, Dutch and Chinese.

    Dancers were identified by their forward leaps between disparate topics, as well as the diversity of their interests.

    The research team points out we still have much to learn about how curiosity is shaped by local norms. Relating these results to gender, ethnicity, access to education, and other elements will paint a fuller picture.

    Curiosity is beneficial, generally … and we have more to learn

    Overall, this study supports the benefits of freer, broader browsing and reading. Following our curiosity can help us become better informed and expand our worldviews, creativity and relationships.

    At the same time, people sometimes need closure more than they need exploration. This is not a bad thing or a sign of narrow-mindedness. In many situations there are benefits to moving on from information-seeking, and deciding we’ve learned enough for now.

    Endless curiosity can have downsides. This is especially true when it’s motivated not by the joy of learning, but by the discomfort of uncertainty and exclusion. As other research has found, for some people, curiosity can lead toward false information and conspiracy theories. When information has a sense of novelty, or a hint of being hidden by powerful elites, this can make it more appealing, even when it’s not true.

    The new study emphasises that different curiosity styles do not lead simply or universally to creativity or wellbeing. People’s contexts and circumstances vary.

    Each of us, like Goldilocks, can follow our curiosity to find not too much, not too little, but the information that is “just right”. The researchers also hint at evidence for a spectrum of new curiosity styles beyond the main three, which will surely spark more research in future.

    Stay curious and enjoy the rabbit hole

    This study also suggests ways Wikipedia (and sites like it) could better support curiosity-driven exploration. For example, rather than suggesting pages based on their popularity or similarity to other pages, Wikipedia could try showing readers their own dynamic knowledge network.

    As a Wikipedian would say, this new study is noteworthy. It shows how smaller-scale, exploratory research into people’s reading and browsing can be translated to a much larger scale across languages and cultures.

    As AI becomes more influential and the problems of misinformation grow, understanding technologies that shape our access to information – and how we use them – is more important than ever. We know YouTube recommendations can be a radicalising pipeline to extremist content, for example, and ChatGPT is largely indifferent to the truth.

    Studying Wikipedia readers reveals a rich picture of people’s freely expressed, diverse online curiosities. It shows an alternative to technologies built on narrower assumptions about what people value, how we learn, and how we want to explore online.

    Sarah Polkinghorne has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Association for Information Science & Technology, and RMIT University’s School of Global, Urban and Social Studies. She is also affiliated with the University of Alberta, and is a past president of the Canadian Association for Information Science.

    – ref. Going down a Wikipedia rabbit hole? Science says you’re one of these three types – https://theconversation.com/going-down-a-wikipedia-rabbit-hole-science-says-youre-one-of-these-three-types-242018

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement on Clearinghouse Resiliency, Recovery, and Wind-Down

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Today, the Commission approved amendments to help ensure the continuity of clearing services during times of significant stress. I am pleased to support the amendments because they enhance the resiliency of an important part of our market plumbing, clearinghouses, which are fundamental for the capital markets to operate.

    Clearinghouses facilitate what happens after one executes a transaction through the time that it settles. Working on a classic hub-and-spoke model, they sit in the middle of the markets and reduce risks amongst and between counterparties.

    Well-regulated and well-managed clearinghouses also help lower risk for the public.

    Clearinghouses themselves, however, are not without risks. That’s why it’s important to maintain robust risk management with regards to collecting sufficient margin, default management procedures, and liquidity.

    Prudent risk management also means maintaining plans for an unlikely tail event in which a clearinghouse would be unable to provide critical services for its members. Such a failure would undermine the financial system, causing harm to investors and issuers in the markets.

    Today’s amendments add greater detail to current requirements (adopted in 2016) regarding clearinghouses’ plans and the tools they use, if needed, to carry out those plans.

    First, clearinghouses will be required to add policies and procedures specific to intraday exposure. In the age of digitization, markets and member positions can experience major moves within a matter of minutes. For example, the January 2021 “meme-stock” events and recent periods of heightened Treasury volatility revealed the importance of clearinghouses’ ability to respond to volatility.

    While clearinghouses have had to maintain policies and procedures regarding the collection of intraday margin, they will need to monitor intraday exposures, as well as incorporate into their policies and procedures specific circumstances for making intraday margin calls.

    Second, clearinghouses must designate alternative methods to calculate margin in the event that key data are not readily available or reliable. For instance, if a clearinghouse relies on an external vendor for an input to its margin model, they would need to have a plan in the event that the vendor is unable to provide such information.

    Finally, today’s amendments will require clearinghouse recovery and wind-down plans to account for nine specific elements. These elements include describing the clearinghouse’s core services, as well as identifying critical personnel and service providers needed to support them. Additionally, clearinghouses will need to identify scenarios that potentially prevent them from operating, along with the criteria that would trigger a recovery plan and the tools they would use.

    In essence, recovery and wind-down plans should be about ensuring that water continues to flow in our market plumbing even in times of significant stress. Such continuity is critical for our capital markets to function. Nobody would want this plumbing to be backed up.

    Recovery and wind-down planning enhances the resiliency and continuity of our market plumbing. This benefits investors, issuers, and the markets alike.

    In addition to thanking our excellent staff for their work on these matters, I’d like to thank the staff of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for their collaboration. My thanks also to the staff at the Federal Reserve and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

    I’d like to thank the members of the SEC staff who worked on this proposal, including:

    • Haoxiang Zhu, Andrea Orr, Jeff Mooney, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Matt Lee, David Li, Jesse Capelle, Adam Allogramento, Haley Holliday, and Will Miller from the Division of Trading and Markets;
    • Caroline Schulte, Charles Woodworth, Woodrow Johnson, Matthew Pacino, Anne Yang, Lauren Moore, Juan Echeverri, and Gregory Price from the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis;
    • Meridith Mitchell, Robert Teply, Donna Chambers, and Sean Bennett from the Office of the General Counsel;
    • Carrie O’Brien and Katherine Lesker from the Division of Examinations; and
    • Wendy Tepperman and Eric Kirsch from the Division of Enforcement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Red Rocks with Green Spots at ‘Serpentine Rapids’

    Source: NASA

    2 min read

    After discovering and sampling the “leopard spots” of “Bright Angel,” it became apparent that Perseverance’s journey of discovery in this region was not yet finished. Approximately 20 sols (Martian days) after driving south across Neretva Vallis from Bright Angel, the rover discovered the enigmatic and unique red rocks of “Serpentine Rapids.”

    At Serpentine Rapids, Perseverance used its abrading bit to create an abrasion patch in a red rock outcrop named “Wallace Butte.” The 5-cm diameter abrasion patch revealed a striking array of white, black, and green colors within the rock. One of the biggest surprises for the rover team was the presence of the drab-green-colored spots within the abrasion patch, which are composed of dark-toned cores with fuzzy, light green rims.

    On Earth, red rocks — sometimes called “red beds” — generally get their color from oxidized iron (Fe3+), which is the same form of iron that makes our blood red, or the rusty red color of metal left outside. Green spots like those observed in the Wallace Butte abrasion are common in ancient “red beds” on Earth and form when liquid water percolates through the sediment before it hardens to rock, kicking off a chemical reaction that transforms oxidized iron to its reduced (Fe2+) form, resulting in a greenish hue. On Earth, microbes are sometimes involved in this iron reduction reaction. However, green spots can also result from decaying organic matter that creates localized reducing conditions. Interactions between sulfur and iron can also create iron-reducing conditions without the involvement of microbial life.

    Unfortunately, there was not enough room to safely place the rover arm containing the SHERLOC and PIXL instruments directly atop one of the green spots within the abrasion patch, so their composition remains a mystery. However, the team is always on the lookout for similar interesting and unexpected features in the rocks.

    The science and engineering teams are now dealing with incredibly steep terrain as Perseverance ascends the Jezero Crater rim. In the meantime, the Science Team is hanging on to the edge of their seats with excitement and wonder as Perseverance makes the steep climb out of the crater it has called home for the past two years. There is no shortage of wonder and excitement across the team as we contemplate what secrets the ancient rocks of the Jezero Crater rim may hold.

    Written by Adrian Broz, Postdoctoral Scientist, Purdue University/University of Oregon

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Welcomes Chile as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory

    Source: NASA

    Chile signed the Artemis Accords Friday during a ceremony hosted by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, becoming the 47th nation and the seventh South American country to commit to the responsible exploration of space for all humanity.
    “Today we welcome Chile’s signing of the Artemis Accords and its commitment to the shared values of all the signatories for the exploration of space,” said Nelson. “The United States has long studied the stars from Chile’s great Atacama Desert. Now we will go to the stars together, safely, and responsibly, and create new opportunities for international cooperation and the Artemis Generation.”
    Aisén Etcheverry, minister of science, technology, knowledge and innovation, signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Chile. Jennifer Littlejohn, acting assistant secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, and Juan Gabriel Valdés, ambassador of Chile to the United States, also participated in the event.
    “The signing marks a significant milestone for Chile, particularly as our government is committed to advancing technological development as a key pillar of our national strategy,” said Etcheverry. “Chile has the opportunity to engage in the design and development of world-leading scientific and technological projects. Moreover, this collaboration allows us to contribute to areas of scientific excellence where Chile has distinguished expertise, such as astrobiology, geology, and mineralogy, all of which are critical for the exploration and colonization of space.”
    Earlier in the day, Nelson also hosted the Dominican Republic at NASA Headquarters to recognize the country’s signing of the Artemis Accords Oct. 4. Sonia Guzmán, ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the United States, delivered the signed Artemis Accords to the NASA administrator. Mike Overby, acting deputy assistant secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, and other NASA officials attended the event.
    In 2020, the United States, led by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, and seven other initial signatory nations established the Artemis Accords, identifying an early set of principles promoting the beneficial use of space for humanity. The Artemis Accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements including the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data. 
    The commitments of the Artemis Accords and efforts by the signatories to advance implementation of these principles support the safe and sustainable exploration of space. More countries are expected to sign in the coming weeks and months.
    Learn more about the Artemis Accords at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords
    -end-
    Meira Bernstein / Elizabeth ShawHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.shaw@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –