Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI: First Community Bankshares, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results, Quarterly Cash Dividend, and Special Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BLUEFIELD, Va., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Community Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCBC) (www.firstcommunitybank.com) (the “Company”) today reported its unaudited results of operations and other financial information for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The Company reported net income of $13.04 million, or $0.71 per diluted common share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.  Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, was $51.60 million or $2.80 per diluted common share.   

    The Company also declared a quarterly cash dividend to common shareholders of thirty-one cents, $0.31 per common share. The quarterly dividend is payable to common shareholders of record on February 14, 2025, and is expected to be paid on  February 28, 2025. This marks the 40th consecutive year of regular dividends to common shareholders.

    Additionally, the Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend to common shareholders of $2.07 per common share.

    The Company’s capital management plan and philosophy require the maintenance of a strong capital base from which to grow and serve its customers. As part of the capital plan, the Company intends to return current earnings not needed to fund growth in core operations or other uses back to shareholders through regular cash dividends and stock repurchases. To the extent current earnings exceed those capital uses, the Company may declare special dividends from time to time. The Company earned approximately $197.45 million in the last four years, from which it paid regular dividends of $79.68 million, and repurchased shares for $81.95 million.  Since July 1, 2013, the Company earned approximately $415.90 million, from which it paid regular dividends of $174.84 million, special dividends of $8.12 million, and repurchased 9.33 million shares for $232.08 million

    The Board of Directors determined that the Company will have sufficient surplus capital to support anticipated growth opportunities and other needs after payment of the special dividend totaling approximately $37.92 million. This special cash dividend is also payable on February 28, 2025, to shareholders of record February 14, 2025, and may not be indicative of special cash dividend activity in the future.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights

    Income Statement

    • Net income of $13.04 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, was a increase of $1.26 million, or 10.65%, from the same quarter of 2023.  Net income of $51.60 million for the year, was an increase of $3.58 million, or 7.46%, from the same period of 2023.
    • Net interest income decreased $730 thousand compared to the same quarter in 2023, primarily due to increases in rates paid on interest-bearing deposits.
    • Net interest margin of 4.36% was a decrease of 6 basis points over the same quarter of 2023.  The yield on earning assets increased 11 basis points from the same period of 2023 and is primarily attributable to an increase in interest income of $422 thousand.  Interest income on interest-bearing deposits with banks increased $2.91 million and was primarily due to the increase in the average balance of $246.39 million offset by a decrease in yield of 75 basis points.  This increase in interest income was offset by decreases in interest income for loans and securities available-for-sale of $2.04 million and $450 thousand, respectively.  The decreases were primarily due to decreases in the average balance for loans and securities available-for-sale of $159.86 million and $107.16 million offset by increases in yield of 2 basis points and 72 basis points, respectively.  Interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities increased $1.16 million and is primarily attributable to yield.  The yield on interest-bearing liabilities increased 26 basis points when compared with the same period of 2023 and is primarily attributable to increased rates on interest-bearing deposit liabilities.
    • Noninterest income decreased approximately $125 thousand, or 1.19%, when compared to the same quarter of 2023.  Noninterest expense decreased $2.67 million, or 9.98% when compared to the same period of 2023.  The decrease is primarily attributable to litigation expense of $3.00 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Annualized return on average assets (“ROA”) was 1.60% for both the fourth quarter and for the twelve months of 2024 compared to 1.43% and 1.48% for the same periods, respectively, of 2023. Annualized return on average common equity (“ROE”) was 9.89% for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 10.03% for the year compared to 9.39% and 10.02% for the same periods, respectively, of 2023.  Annualized return on average tangible common equity (“ROTCE”) was 14.12% for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 14.48% for the year compared to 13.82% and 14.65% for the same periods, respectively, of 2023.

    Balance Sheet and Asset Quality

    • Consolidated assets totaled $3.26 billion at December 31, 2024.
    • Loans decreased $156.21 million, or 6.07%, from December 31, 2023.  Securities available for sale decreased $111.12 million, or 39.55%, from December 31, 2023.  Deposits decreased $31.08 million, or 1.14%.  The net effect of these balance sheet changes resulted in an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $261.03 million, or 224.22%.
    • The Company did not repurchase any common shares during the fourth quarter of 2024.  The Company repurchased 257,294 common shares during 2024 at a total cost of $8.72 million.
    • Non-performing loans to total loans increased to 0.83% when compared with the same quarter of 2023.  The Company experienced net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2024 of $1.48 million, or 0.24% of annualized average loans, compared to net charge-offs of $883 thousand, or 0.14%, of annualized average loans for the same period in 2023.
    • The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.44% at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.41% at December 31, 2023.
    • Book value per share at December 31, 2024, was $ 28.73, an increase of $1.53 from year-end 2023.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures that provide useful information for financial and operational decision making, evaluating trends, and comparing financial results to other financial institutions. The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this news release include “tangible book value per common share,” “return on average tangible common equity,” “adjusted earnings,” “adjusted diluted earnings per share,” “adjusted return on average assets,” “adjusted return on average common equity,” “adjusted return on average tangible common equity,” and certain financial measures presented on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis. FTE basis is calculated using the federal statutory income tax rate of 21%.  Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as a reconciliation to that comparable GAAP financial measure can be found in the attached tables to this press release.  While the Company believes certain non-GAAP financial measures enhance the understanding of its business and performance, they are supplemental and not a substitute for, or more important than, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to those reported by other financial institutions.

    About First Community Bankshares, Inc.

    First Community Bankshares, Inc., a financial holding company headquartered in Bluefield, Virginia, provides banking products and services through its wholly owned subsidiary First Community Bank. First Community Bank operated 53 branch banking locations in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee as of December 31, 2024. First Community Bank offers wealth management and investment advice and services through its Trust Division and through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Community Wealth Management, which collectively managed and administered $1.62 billion in combined assets as of December 31, 2024. The Company reported consolidated assets of $3.26 billion as of December 31, 2024. The Company’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol, “FCBC”. Additional investor information is available on the Company’s website at www.firstcommunitybank.com.

    This news release may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially. These risks include: changes in business or other market conditions; the timely development, production and acceptance of new products and services; the challenge of managing asset/liability levels; the management of credit risk and interest rate risk; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; changes in banking laws and regulations; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; the impact of natural disasters, extreme weather events, military conflict , terrorism or other geopolitical events; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys Securities and Exchange Commission reports including, but not limited to, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year end. Pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
                 
        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)   2024     2024     2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Interest income                                                        
    Interest and fees on loans   $ 31,637     $ 32,120     $ 32,696     $ 33,418     $ 33,676     $ 129,871     $ 126,727  
    Interest on securities     1,447       1,070       1,211       1,698       1,888       5,426       7,956  
    Interest on deposits in banks     3,348       3,702       2,882       913       438       10,845       2,482  
    Total interest income     36,432       36,892       36,789       36,029       36,002       146,142       137,165  
    Interest expense                                                        
    Interest on deposits     5,099       5,298       4,877       4,365       3,935       19,639       9,341  
    Interest on borrowings                       35       4       35       140  
    Total interest expense     5,099       5,298       4,877       4,400       3,939       19,674       9,481  
    Net interest income     31,333       31,594       31,912       31,629       32,063       126,468       127,684  
    Provision for credit losses     1,082       1,360       144       1,011       1,029       3,597       7,985  
    Net interest income after provision     30,251       30,234       31,768       30,618       31,034       122,871       119,699  
    Noninterest income     10,337       10,452       9,342       9,259       10,462       39,390       37,452  
    Noninterest expense     24,107       24,177       24,897       23,386       26,780       96,567       95,177  
    Income before income taxes     16,481       16,509       16,213       16,491       14,716       65,694       61,974  
    Income tax expense     3,441       3,476       3,527       3,646       2,932       14,090       13,954  
    Net income   $ 13,040     $ 13,033     $ 12,686     $ 12,845     $ 11,784     $ 51,604     $ 48,020  
                                                             
                                                             
    Earnings per common share                                                        
    Basic   $ 0.71     $ 0.71     $ 0.69     $ 0.70     $ 0.64     $ 2.81     $ 2.67  
    Diluted   $ 0.71     $ 0.71     $ 0.71     $ 0.71     $ 0.66     $ 2.80     $ 2.72  
    Cash dividends per common share                                                        
    Regular     0.31       0.31       0.29       0.29       0.29       1.20       1.16  
    Weighted average shares outstanding                                                        
    Basic     18,299,612       18,279,612       18,343,958       18,476,128       18,530,114       18,349,498       17,996,373  
    Diluted     18,418,441       18,371,907       18,409,876       18,545,910       18,575,226       18,430,206       18,027,151  
    Performance ratios                                                        
    Return on average assets     1.60 %     1.60 %     1.58 %     1.60 %     1.43 %     1.60 %     1.48 %
    Return on average common equity     9.89 %     10.04 %     10.02 %     10.18 %     9.39 %     10.03 %     10.02 %
    Return on average tangible common equity(1)     14.12 %     14.46 %     14.54 %     14.82 %     13.82 %     14.48 %     14.65 %

    _____________

    (1)   A non-GAAP financial measure defined as net income divided by average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill and other intangible assets.
         
     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE (Unaudited)
                 
        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    (Amounts in thousands)   2024     2024     2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Noninterest income                                                        
    Wealth management   $ 1,251     $ 1,071     $ 1,064     $ 1,099     $ 1,052     $ 4,485     $ 4,179  
    Service charges on deposits     3,613       3,661       3,428       3,310       3,637       14,012       13,996  
    Other service charges and fees     3,575       3,697       3,670       3,450       3,541       14,392       13,647  
    (Loss) gain on sale of securities                                         (21 )
    Other operating income     1,898       2,023       1,180       1,400       2,232       6,501       5,651  
    Total noninterest income   $ 10,337     $ 10,452     $ 9,342     $ 9,259     $ 10,462     $ 39,390     $ 37,452  
    Noninterest expense                                                        
    Salaries and employee benefits   $ 13,501     $ 13,129     $ 12,491     $ 12,581     $ 12,933     $ 51,702     $ 49,887  
    Occupancy expense     1,329       1,270       1,309       1,378       1,252       5,286       4,967  
    Furniture and equipment expense     1,562       1,574       1,687       1,545       1,489       6,368       5,878  
    Service fees     2,305       2,461       2,427       2,449       2,255       9,642       8,908  
    Advertising and public relations     1,165       967       933       796       843       3,861       3,300  
    Professional fees     295       221       330       372       787       1,218       1,567  
    Amortization of intangibles     535       536       530       530       536       2,131       1,731  
    FDIC premiums and assessments     365       365       364       369       376       1,463       1,511  
    Merger expense                                         2,393  
    Litigation expense                 1,800             3,000       1,800       3,000  
    Other operating expense     3,050       3,654       3,026       3,366       3,309       13,096       12,035  
    Total noninterest expense   $ 24,107     $ 24,177     $ 24,897     $ 23,386     $ 26,780     $ 96,567     $ 95,177  
                                                             
     
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP ADJUSTED EARNINGS (Unaudited)
                 
        Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
        December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2024     2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Adjusted Net Income for diluted earnings per share   $ 13,040     $ 13,033     $ 12,686     $ 12,845     $ 12,314     $ 51,604     $ 49,120  
    Non-GAAP adjustments:                                                        
    Loss (gain) on sale of securities                                         21  
    Merger expense                                         2,393  
    Day 2 provision for allowance for credit losses – Surrey                                         1,614  
    Litigation expense                 1,800             3,000       1,800       3,000  
    Other items(1)           (825 )                       (825 )     (204 )
    Total adjustments           (825 )     1,800             3,000       975       6,824  
    Tax effect           (198 )     432             720       234       1,203  
    Adjusted earnings, non-GAAP   $ 13,040     $ 12,406     $ 14,054     $ 12,845     $ 14,594     $ 52,345     $ 54,741  
                                                             
    Adjusted diluted earnings per common share, non-GAAP   $ 0.71     $ 0.68     $ 0.76     $ 0.69     $ 0.79     $ 2.84     $ 3.04  
    Performance ratios, non-GAAP                                                        
    Adjusted return on average assets     1.60 %     1.53 %     1.75 %     1.60 %     1.77 %     1.62 %     1.68 %
    Adjusted return on average common equity     9.89 %     9.56 %     11.10 %     10.18 %     11.63 %     10.18 %     11.43 %
    Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (2)     14.12 %     13.77 %     16.11 %     14.82 %     17.11 %     14.69 %     16.70 %

    _____________

    (1)   Includes other non-recurring income and expense items.
    (2)   A non-GAAP financial measure defined as adjusted earnings divided by average stockholders’ equity less average goodwill and other intangible assets.
         
     
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS (Unaudited)
           
        Three Months Ended December 31,  
        2024     2023  
        Average             Average Yield/     Average             Average Yield/  
    (Amounts in thousands)   Balance     Interest(1)     Rate(1)     Balance     Interest(1)     Rate(1)  
    Assets                                                
    Earning assets                                                
    Loans(2)(3)   $ 2,421,668     $ 31,717       5.21 %   $ 2,581,528     $ 33,758       5.19 %
    Securities available for sale     167,357       1,474       3.50 %     274,513       1,924       2.78 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     277,678       3,351       4.80 %     31,293       438       5.55 %
    Total earning assets     2,866,703       36,542       5.07 %     2,887,334       36,120       4.96 %
    Other assets     379,566                       379,960                  
    Total assets   $ 3,246,269                     $ 3,267,294                  
                                                     
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                                                
    Interest-bearing deposits                                                
    Demand deposits   $ 663,033     $ 226       0.14 %   $ 697,555     $ 180       0.10 %
    Savings deposits     886,886       3,476       1.56 %     838,455       3,050       1.44 %
    Time deposits     242,899       1,396       2.29 %     254,668       705       1.10 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     1,792,818       5,098       1.13 %     1,790,678       3,935       0.87 %
    Borrowings                                                
    Federal funds purchased                       293       4       5.35 %
    Retail repurchase agreements     995       1       0.05 %     1,090             0.05 %
    Total borrowings     995       1       0.05 %     1,383       4       0.87 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,793,813       5,099       1.13 %     1,792,061       3,939       0.87 %
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     881,767                       931,681                  
    Other liabilities     46,142                       45,819                  
    Total liabilities     2,721,722                       2,769,561                  
    Stockholders’ equity     524,547                       497,733                  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,246,269                     $ 3,267,294                  
    Net interest income, FTE(1)           $ 31,443                     $ 32,181          
    Net interest rate spread                     3.94 %                     4.09 %
    Net interest margin, FTE(1)                     4.36 %                     4.42 %

    _____________

    (1)   Interest income and average yield/rate are presented on a FTE, non-GAAP, basis using the federal statutory income tax rate of 21%.
    (2)   Nonaccrual loans are included in the average balance; however, no related interest income is recorded during the period of nonaccrual.
    (3)   Interest on loans includes non-cash and accelerated purchase accounting accretion of $863 thousand and $792 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
         
     
    AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS (Unaudited)
           
        Year Ended December 31,  
        2024     2023  
        Average             Average Yield/     Average             Average Yield/  
    (Amounts in thousands)   Balance     Interest(1)     Rate(1)     Balance     Interest(1)     Rate(1)  
    Assets                                                
    Earning assets                                                
    Loans(2)(3)   $ 2,481,215     $ 130,196       5.25 %   $ 2,538,361     $ 127,019       5.00 %
    Securities available for sale     171,081       5,547       3.24 %     298,389       8,115       2.72 %
    Interest-bearing deposits     206,629       10,850       5.25 %     46,601       2,485       5.33 %
    Total earning assets     2,858,925       146,593       5.13 %     2,883,351       137,619       4.77 %
    Other assets     374,398                       369,700                  
    Total assets   $ 3,233,323                     $ 3,253,051                  
                                                     
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                                                
    Interest-bearing deposits                                                
    Demand deposits   $ 662,584     $ 796       0.12 %   $ 686,534     $ 405       0.06 %
    Savings deposits     878,584       14,206       1.62 %     847,397       6,781       0.80 %
    Time deposits     246,035       4,636       1.88 %     267,957       2,155       0.80 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     1,787,203       19,638       1.10 %     1,801,888       9,341       0.52 %
    Borrowings                                                
    Federal funds purchased     628       35       5.53 %     2,715       139       5.12 %
    Retail repurchase agreements     1,045       1       0.05 %     1,528       1       0.06 %
    Total borrowings     1,673       36       2.15 %     4,243       140       3.30 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,788,876       19,674       1.10 %     1,806,131       9,481       0.52 %
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     882,700                       926,378                  
    Other liabilities     47,362                       41,477                  
    Total liabilities     2,718,938                       2,773,986                  
    Stockholders’ equity     514,385                       479,065                  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,233,323                     $ 3,253,051                  
    Net interest income, FTE(1)           $ 126,919                     $ 128,138          
    Net interest rate spread                     4.03 %                     4.25 %
    Net interest margin, FTE(1)                     4.44 %                     4.44 %

    _____________

    (1)   Interest income and average yield/rate are presented on a FTE, non-GAAP, basis using the federal statutory income tax rate of 21%.
    (2)   Nonaccrual loans are included in the average balance; however, no related interest income is recorded during the period of nonaccrual.
    (3)   Interest on loans includes non-cash and accelerated purchase accounting accretion of $2.90 million and $2.74 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
         
     
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
                                   
        December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,  
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)   2024     2024     2024     2024     2023  
    Assets                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 377,454     $ 315,338     $ 329,877     $ 248,905     $ 116,420  
    Debt securities available for sale, at fair value     169,849       166,669       129,686       166,247       280,961  
    Loans held for investment, net of unearned income     2,416,089       2,444,113       2,473,268       2,519,833       2,572,298  
    Allowance for credit losses     (34,825 )     (35,118 )     (34,885 )     (35,461 )     (36,189 )
    Loans held for investment, net     2,381,264       2,408,995       2,438,383       2,484,372       2,536,109  
    Premises and equipment, net     48,735       49,654       50,528       51,333       50,680  
    Other real estate owned     521       346       100       374       192  
    Interest receivable     9,207       9,883       9,984       10,719       10,881  
    Goodwill     143,946       143,946       143,946       143,946       143,946  
    Other intangible assets     13,014       13,550       14,085       14,615       15,145  
    Other assets     117,226       115,980       116,230       115,470       114,211  
    Total assets   $ 3,261,216     $ 3,224,361     $ 3,232,819     $ 3,235,981     $ 3,268,545  
                                             
    Liabilities                                        
    Deposits                                        
    Noninterest-bearing   $ 883,499     $ 869,723     $ 889,462     $ 902,396     $ 931,920  
    Interest-bearing     1,807,748       1,789,530       1,787,810       1,779,819       1,790,405  
    Total deposits     2,691,247       2,659,253       2,677,272       2,682,215       2,722,325  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     906       954       894       1,006       1,119  
    Interest, taxes, and other liabilities     42,671       43,460       45,769       45,816       41,807  
    Total liabilities     2,734,824       2,703,667       2,723,935       2,729,037       2,765,251  
                                             
    Stockholders’ equity                                        
    Common stock     18,322       18,291       18,270       18,413       18,502  
    Additional paid-in capital     169,752       168,691       168,272       173,041       175,841  
    Retained earnings     349,489       342,121       334,756       327,389       319,902  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (11,171 )     (8,409 )     (12,414 )     (11,899 )     (10,951 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     526,392       520,694       508,884       506,944       503,294  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,261,216     $ 3,224,361     $ 3,232,819     $ 3,235,981     $ 3,268,545  
                                             
    Shares outstanding at period-end     18,321,795       18,290,938       18,270,273       18,413,088       18,502,396  
    Book value per common share   $ 28.73     $ 28.47     $ 27.85     $ 27.53     $ 27.20  
    Tangible book value per common share(1)     20.16       19.86       19.20       18.92       18.60  

    _____________

    (1 )   A non-GAAP financial measure defined as stockholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by shares outstanding.
         
     
    SELECTED CREDIT QUALITY INFORMATION (Unaudited)
                                   
        December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,  
    (Amounts in thousands)   2024     2024     2024     2024     2023  
    Allowance for Credit Losses                                        
    Balance at beginning of period:                                        
    Allowance for credit losses – loans   $ 35,118     $ 34,885     $ 35,461     $ 36,189     $ 36,031  
    Allowance for credit losses – loan commitments     441       441       746       746       758  
    Total allowance for credit losses beginning of period     35,559       35,326       36,207       36,935       36,789  
    Provision for credit losses:                                        
    Provision for credit losses – loans     1,182       1,360       449       1,011       1,041  
    (Recovery of) provision for credit losses – loan commitments     (100 )           (305 )           (12 )
    Total provision for credit losses – loans and loan commitments     1,082       1,360       144       1,011       1,029  
    Charge-offs     (2,005 )     (1,799 )     (1,599 )     (2,448 )     (2,105 )
    Recoveries     530       672       574       709       1,222  
    Net (charge-offs) recoveries     (1,475 )     (1,127 )     (1,025 )     (1,739 )     (883 )
    Balance at end of period:                                        
    Allowance for credit losses – loans     34,825       35,118       34,885       35,461       36,189  
    Allowance for credit losses – loan commitments     341       441       441       746       746  
    Ending balance   $ 35,166     $ 35,559     $ 35,326     $ 36,207     $ 36,935  
                                             
    Nonperforming Assets                                        
    Nonaccrual loans   $ 19,869     $ 19,754     $ 19,815     $ 19,617     $ 19,356  
    Accruing loans past due 90 days or more     149       176       19       30       104  
    Modified loans past due 90 days or more     135                          
    Total nonperforming loans     20,153       19,930       19,834       19,647       19,460  
    OREO     521       346       100       374       192  
    Total nonperforming assets   $ 20,674     $ 20,276     $ 19,934     $ 20,021     $ 19,652  
                                             
                                             
    Additional Information                                        
    Total modified loans   $ 2,260     $ 2,320     $ 2,290     $ 2,177     $ 1,873  
                                             
    Asset Quality Ratios                                        
    Nonperforming loans to total loans     0.83 %     0.82 %     0.80 %     0.78 %     0.76 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     0.63 %     0.63 %     0.62 %     0.62 %     0.60 %
    Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans     172.80 %     176.21 %     175.88 %     180.49 %     185.97 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.44 %     1.44 %     1.41 %     1.41 %     1.41 %
    Annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans     0.24 %     0.18 %     0.16 %     0.27 %     0.14 %
                                             

    FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
    David D. Brown
    (276) 326-9000

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Qorvo® Announces Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENSBORO, N.C., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Qorvo® (Nasdaq:QRVO), a leading global provider of connectivity and power solutions, today announced financial results for the Company’s fiscal 2025 third quarter ended December 28, 2024.

    On a GAAP basis, revenue for Qorvo’s fiscal 2025 third quarter was $916.3 million, gross margin was 42.7%, operating income was $53.0 million, and diluted earnings per share was $0.43. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 46.5%, operating income was $177.9 million, and diluted earnings per share was $1.61.

    Bob Bruggeworth, president and chief executive officer of Qorvo, said, “Qorvo is executing on a broad set of strategic initiatives to expand margin, generate strong free cash flow, and increase shareholder value. During the December quarter, we continued to successfully support our largest customer, who represented approximately 50% of sales. Within our Android 5G product portfolio, we are narrowing our focus to the higher-value flagship and premium tiers, where customers value Qorvo’s differentiated products. In HPA, we had record Defense & Aerospace quarterly revenue and expect continued strength in the March quarter. As we continue to execute on our growth and diversification strategy, we expect HPA and CSG to deliver double-digit growth in fiscal 2025 and next fiscal year.”

    Financial Commentary and Outlook

    Grant Brown, chief financial officer of Qorvo, said, “Qorvo exceeded the midpoint of our December quarter non-GAAP guidance in revenue, gross margin, and EPS. During the quarter, we took proactive steps to change how we support our Android business. These actions will reduce operating expense and are expected to benefit gross margin in our fiscal 2026. Subsequent to the quarter, we divested our silicon carbide business. These actions, in aggregate, are expected to support a high-40%’s gross margin in seasonally strong quarters of fiscal 2026 and additional gross margin improvement in fiscal 2027.”

    Qorvo’s current outlook for the March 2025 quarter is:

    • Quarterly revenue of approximately $850 million, plus or minus $25 million1
    • Non-GAAP gross margin between 43% and 44%
    • Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share between $0.90 and $1.10

    1 Includes immaterial silicon carbide revenue, versus silicon carbide revenue of approximately $9 million in the December 2024 quarter

    See “Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures” below. Qorvo’s actual quarterly results may differ from these expectations and projections, and such differences may be material.

    Selected Financial Information

    The following tables set forth selected GAAP and non-GAAP financial information for Qorvo for the periods indicated. See the more detailed financial information for Qorvo, including reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP financial information, attached.

    SELECTED GAAP RESULTS
    (In millions, except for percentages and EPS)
    (Unaudited)
                           
      Q3 Fiscal 2025   Q2 Fiscal 2025   Q3 Fiscal 2024   Sequential Change   Year-over-Year Change
    Revenue $ 916.3     $ 1,046.5     $ 1,073.9     $ (130.2 )   $ (157.6 )
    Gross profit $ 391.4     $ 445.3     $ 387.9     $ (53.9 )   $ 3.5  
    Gross margin   42.7 %     42.6 %     36.1 %   0.1 ppt   6.6 ppt
    Operating expenses $ 338.4     $ 435.6     $ 429.4     $ (97.2 )   $ (91.0 )
    Operating income (loss) $ 53.0     $ 9.7     $ (41.6 )   $ 43.3     $ 94.6  
    Net income (loss) $ 41.3     $ (17.4 )   $ (126.9 )   $ 58.7     $ 168.2  
    Weighted-average diluted shares   95.0       94.9       97.2       0.1       (2.2 )
    Diluted EPS (loss per share) $ 0.43     $ (0.18 )   $ (1.31 )   $ 0.61     $ 1.74  
                           
                           
    SELECTED NON-GAAP RESULTS(1)
    (In millions, except for percentages and EPS)
    (Unaudited)
                           
      Q3 Fiscal 2025   Q2 Fiscal 2025   Q3 Fiscal 2024   Sequential Change   Year-over-Year Change
    Revenue $ 916.3     $ 1,046.5     $ 1,073.9     $ (130.2 )   $ (157.6 )
    Gross profit $ 426.3     $ 492.0     $ 470.5     $ (65.7 )   $ (44.2 )
    Gross margin   46.5 %     47.0 %     43.8 %   (0.5) ppt   2.7 ppt
    Operating expenses $ 248.4     $ 279.8     $ 234.0     $ (31.4 )   $ 14.4  
    Operating income $ 177.9     $ 212.2     $ 236.5     $ (34.3 )   $ (58.6 )
    Net income $ 152.8     $ 179.8     $ 205.9     $ (27.0 )   $ (53.1 )
    Weighted-average diluted shares   95.0       95.8       97.8       (0.8 )     (2.8 )
    Diluted EPS $ 1.61     $ 1.88     $ 2.10     $ (0.27 )   $ (0.49 )

    (1) Adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, restructuring-related charges, acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement, gain or loss on assets, other expense or income, gain or loss on investments, and an adjustment of income taxes.

    SELECTED GAAP RESULTS BY OPERATING SEGMENT
    (In millions, except percentages)
    (Unaudited)
      Q3 Fiscal 2025   Q2 Fiscal 2025   Q3 Fiscal 2024   Sequential Change   Year-over-Year Change
    Revenue                  
    HPA $ 171.7     $ 148.3     $ 118.9     15.8 %   44.4 %
    CSG   109.5       146.8       108.9     (25.4 )%   0.6 %
    ACG   635.1       751.4       846.1     (15.5 )%   (24.9 )%
    Total revenue $ 916.3     $ 1,046.5     $ 1,073.9     (12.4 )%   (14.7 )%
    Operating income (loss)                  
    HPA $ 32.6     $ 13.1     $ 1.6     148.9 %   1,937.5 %
    CSG   (11.7 )     (9.0 )     (25.6 )   (30.0 )%   54.3 %
    ACG   161.2       215.1       263.8     (25.1 )%   (38.9 )%
    All other(1)   (129.1 )     (209.5 )     (281.4 )   38.4 %   54.1 %
    Total operating income (loss) $ 53.0     $ 9.7     $ (41.6 )   446.4 %   227.4 %
    Operating income (loss) as a % of revenue                      
    HPA   19.0 %     8.8 %     1.3 %   10.2 ppt   17.7 ppt
    CSG   (10.7 )     (6.1 )     (23.5 )   (4.6) ppt   12.8 ppt
    ACG   25.4       28.6       31.2     (3.2) ppt   (5.8) ppt
    Total operating income (loss) as a % of revenue   5.8 %     0.9 %   (3.9 )%   4.9 ppt   9.7 ppt

    (1) Includes stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, restructuring-related charges, acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement, gain or loss on assets, other expense or income, costs associated with upgrading certain of the Company’s core business systems and other miscellaneous corporate overhead expenses.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to disclosing financial results calculated in accordance with United States (U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this earnings release contains some or all of the following non-GAAP financial measures: (i) non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin, (ii) non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin, (iii) non-GAAP net income, (iv) non-GAAP net income per diluted share, (v) free cash flow, (vi) EBITDA, (vii) non-GAAP return on invested capital (ROIC), and (viii) net debt or positive net cash. Each of these non-GAAP financial measures is either adjusted from GAAP results to exclude certain expenses or derived from multiple GAAP measures, which are outlined in the “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables, attached, and the “Additional Selected Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations” tables, attached.

    In managing Qorvo’s business on a consolidated basis, management develops an annual operating plan, which is approved by our Board of Directors, using non-GAAP financial measures. In developing and monitoring performance against this plan, management considers the actual or potential impacts on these non-GAAP financial measures from actions taken to reduce costs with the goal of increasing gross margin and operating margin. In addition, management relies upon these non-GAAP financial measures to assess whether research and development efforts are at an appropriate level, and when making decisions about product spending, administrative budgets, and other operating expenses. Also, we believe that non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to investors and enable investors to analyze the results of operations in the same way as management. We have chosen to provide this supplemental information to enable investors to perform additional comparisons of our operating results, to assess our liquidity and capital position and to analyze financial performance excluding the effect of expenses unrelated to operations, and stock-based compensation expense, which may obscure trends in Qorvo’s underlying performance.

    We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures offer an additional view of Qorvo’s operations that, when coupled with the GAAP results and the reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide a more complete understanding of Qorvo’s results of operations and the factors and trends affecting Qorvo’s business. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

    Our rationale for using these non-GAAP financial measures, as well as their impact on the presentation of Qorvo’s operations, are outlined below:

    Non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin. Non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin exclude amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring-related charges, acquisition and integration-related costs, and certain other expense (income). We believe that exclusion of these costs in presenting non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin facilitates a useful evaluation of our historical performance and projected costs and the potential for realizing cost efficiencies.

    We view amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, such as the amortization of the cost associated with an acquired company’s research and development efforts, trade names, and customer relationships, as items arising from pre-acquisition activities, determined at the time of an acquisition, rather than ongoing costs of operating Qorvo’s business. While these intangible assets are continually evaluated for impairment, amortization of the cost of purchased intangible assets is a static expense, which is not typically affected by operations during any particular period. Although we exclude the amortization of purchased intangible assets from these non-GAAP financial measures, management believes that it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase price accounting and contribute to revenue generation.

    We believe that presentation of non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin and other non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the impact of stock-based compensation expense assists management and investors in evaluating the period-over-period performance of Qorvo’s ongoing operations because (i) the expenses are non-cash in nature, and (ii) although the size of the grants is within our control, the amount of expense varies depending on factors such as short-term fluctuations in stock price volatility and prevailing interest rates, which can be unrelated to the operational performance of Qorvo during the period in which the expense is incurred and generally are outside the control of management. Moreover, we believe that the exclusion of stock-based compensation expense in presenting non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin and other non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors to understand the impact of the expensing of stock-based compensation to Qorvo’s gross profit and gross margins and other financial measures in comparison to prior periods. We also believe that the adjustments to profit and margin related to restructuring-related charges, and acquisition and integration-related costs do not constitute part of Qorvo’s ongoing operations and therefore the exclusion of these items provides management and investors with better visibility into the actual costs required to generate revenues over time and facilitates a useful evaluation of our historical and projected performance. We believe disclosure of non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin has economic substance because the excluded expenses do not represent continuing cash expenditures and, as described above, we have little control over the timing and amount of the expenses in question.

    Non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin also exclude net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement. In October 2023, a long-term capacity reservation agreement with a foundry supplier was amended. Pursuant to the amendment, Qorvo is no longer obligated to order silicon wafers from the foundry supplier and the agreement was terminated effective December 31, 2023. Included in the net adjustments to our cost of goods sold for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 is a contract termination fee which we paid during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. We believe these net adjustments are not reflective of the performance of our ongoing business.

    Non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin. Non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin exclude stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, restructuring-related charges, net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement, (gain) loss on assets and certain other expense (income). We believe that presentation of a measure of operating expenses, operating income and operating margin that excludes amortization of intangible assets and stock-based compensation expense is useful to both management and investors for the same reasons as described above with respect to our use of non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin. We believe that acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, restructuring-related charges, net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement, (gain) loss on assets and certain other expense (income) do not constitute part of Qorvo’s ongoing operations and therefore, the exclusion of these costs provides management and investors with better visibility into the actual costs required to generate revenues over time and facilitates a useful evaluation of our historical and projected performance. We believe disclosure of non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin has economic substance because the excluded expenses are either unrelated to ongoing operations or do not represent current cash expenditures.

    Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share. Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share exclude the effects of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets, acquisition and integration-related costs, goodwill and other asset impairments, restructuring-related charges, net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement, (gain) loss on assets, certain other expense (income), gain or loss on investments, and also reflect an adjustment of income taxes. The income tax adjustment primarily represents the use of research and development tax credit carryforwards, deferred tax expense (benefit) items not affecting taxes payable, adjustments related to the deemed and actual repatriation of historical foreign earnings, non-cash expense (benefit) related to uncertain tax positions and other items unrelated to the current fiscal year or that are not indicative of our ongoing business operations. We believe that presentation of measures of net income and net income per diluted share that exclude these items is useful to both management and investors for the reasons described above with respect to non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin and non-GAAP operating expenses, operating income and operating margin. We believe disclosure of non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share has economic substance because the excluded expenses are either unrelated to ongoing operations or do not represent current cash expenditures.

    Free cash flow. Qorvo defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities during the period minus property and equipment expenditures made during the period, and free cash flow margin is calculated as free cash flow as a percentage of revenue. We use free cash flow as a supplemental financial measure in our evaluation of liquidity and financial strength. Management believes that this measure is useful as an indicator of our ability to service our debt, meet other payment obligations and make strategic investments. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, net income as a measure of our performance and net cash provided by operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. Additionally, our definition of free cash flow is limited, in that it does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures due to the fact that the measure does not deduct the payments required for debt service and other contractual obligations. Therefore, we believe it is important to view free cash flow as a measure that provides supplemental information to our entire statement of cash flows.

    EBITDA. Qorvo adjusts GAAP net income for interest expense, interest income, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and intangible amortization expense, stock-based compensation and other charges that are not representative of Qorvo’s ongoing operations (including goodwill and other asset impairments, investment activity, acquisition-related costs and restructuring-related costs and certain net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement) when presenting EBITDA. Management believes that this measure is useful to evaluate our ongoing operations and as a general indicator of our operating cash flow (in conjunction with a cash flow statement which also includes among other items, changes in working capital and the effect of non-cash charges).

    Non-GAAP ROIC. Return on invested capital (ROIC) is a non-GAAP financial measure that management believes provides useful supplemental information for management and the investor by measuring the effectiveness of our operations’ use of invested capital to generate profits. We use ROIC to track how much value we are creating for our shareholders. Non-GAAP ROIC is calculated by dividing annualized non-GAAP operating income, net of an adjustment for income taxes (as described above), by average invested capital. Average invested capital is calculated by subtracting the average of the beginning balance and the ending balance of equity plus net debt, less certain goodwill.

    Net debt or positive net cash. Net debt or positive net cash is defined as unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments minus any borrowings under our credit facility and the principal balance of our senior unsecured notes. Management believes that net debt or positive net cash provides useful information regarding the level of Qorvo’s indebtedness by reflecting cash and investments that could be used to repay debt.

    Inventory days on hand. Inventory days on hand is defined as (a) average net inventory for the period, divided by (b) the result of non-GAAP cost of goods sold for the period divided by the number of days in the period.

    Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures. Our earnings release contains forward-looking free cash flow, gross margin, income tax rate and diluted earnings per share. We provide these non-GAAP measures to investors on a prospective basis for the same reasons (set forth above) that we provide them to investors on a historical basis. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measures without unreasonable effort due to variability and difficulty in making accurate projections for items that would be required to be included in the GAAP measures, such as stock-based compensation, acquisition and integration-related costs, restructuring-related charges, gain or loss on assets, goodwill and other asset impairments, gain or loss on investments and the provision for income taxes, which could have a potentially significant impact on our future GAAP results.

    Limitations of non-GAAP financial measures. The primary material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as an analytical tool compared to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are these non-GAAP financial measures (i) may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in our industry, and (ii) exclude financial information that some may consider important in evaluating our performance, thus limiting their usefulness as a comparative tool. We compensate for these limitations by providing full disclosure of the differences between these non-GAAP financial measures and the corresponding GAAP financial measures, including a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP financial measures, to enable investors to perform their own analysis of our gross profit and gross margin, operating expenses, operating income, net income, net income per diluted share and net cash provided by operating activities. We further compensate for the limitations of our use of non-GAAP financial measures by presenting the corresponding GAAP measures more prominently.

    Qorvo will conduct a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET today to discuss today’s press release. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by any interested party at the following URL: https://ir.qorvo.com (under “Events & Presentations”). A telephone playback of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call’s completion and can be accessed by dialing 1-412-317-0088 and using the passcode 8143934. The playback will be available through the close of business February 4, 2025.

    About Qorvo

    Qorvo (Nasdaq:QRVO) supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that make a better world possible. We combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve our customers’ most complex technical challenges. Qorvo serves diverse high-growth segments of large global markets, including automotive, consumer, defense & aerospace, industrial & enterprise, infrastructure and mobile. Visit www.qorvo.com to learn how our diverse and innovative team is helping connect, protect and power our planet.

    Qorvo is a registered trademark of Qorvo, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations and contentions, and are not historical facts and typically are identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should be aware that the forward-looking statements included herein represent management’s current judgment and expectations as of the date the statement is first made, but our actual results, events and performance could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements or publicly announce the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, other than as is required under U.S. federal securities laws. Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those relating to fluctuations in our operating results on a quarterly and annual basis; our substantial dependence on developing new products and achieving design wins; our dependence on several large customers for a substantial portion of our revenue; a loss of revenue if defense and aerospace contracts are canceled or delayed; our dependence on third parties; risks related to sales through distributors; risks associated with the operation of our manufacturing facilities; business disruptions; poor manufacturing yields; increased inventory risks and costs, due to timing of customers’ forecasts; our inability to effectively manage or maintain relationships with chipset suppliers; our ability to continue to innovate in a very competitive industry; underutilization of manufacturing facilities; unfavorable changes in interest rates, pricing of certain precious metals, utility rates and foreign currency exchange rates; our acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic investments failing to achieve financial or strategic objectives; our ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees; warranty claims, product recalls and product liability; changes in our effective tax rate; enactment of international or domestic tax legislation, or changes in regulatory guidance; changes in the favorable tax status of certain of our subsidiaries; risks associated with social, environmental, health and safety regulations, and climate change; risks from international sales and operations; economic regulation in China; changes in government trade policies, including imposition of tariffs and export restrictions; we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt; restrictions imposed by the agreements governing our debt; our reliance on our intellectual property portfolio; claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights; security breaches, failed system upgrades or regular maintenance and other similar disruptions to our IT systems; theft, loss or misuse of personal data by or about our employees, customers or third parties; provisions in our governing documents and Delaware law may discourage takeovers and business combinations that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests; and volatility in the price of our common stock. These and other risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 30, 2024, and Qorvo’s subsequent reports and statements that we file with the SEC, could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any of these forward-looking statements.

    # # #

    Financial Tables to Follow

    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      December 28, 2024   December 30, 2023   December 28, 2024   December 30, 2023
    Revenue $ 916,317     $ 1,073,861     $ 2,849,497     $ 2,828,518  
                   
    Costs and expenses:              
    Cost of goods sold   524,901       685,983       1,680,471       1,721,880  
    Research and development   179,126       164,329       567,778       502,366  
    Selling, general and administrative   90,360       86,914       313,043       296,033  
    Other operating expense   68,905       178,204       220,899       246,516  
    Total costs and expenses   863,292       1,115,430       2,782,191       2,766,795  
                   
    Operating income (loss)   53,025       (41,569 )     67,306       61,723  
    Interest expense   (18,655 )     (17,581 )     (58,343 )     (51,963 )
    Other income, net   14,526       15,359       41,713       34,286  
                   
    Income (loss) before income taxes   48,896       (43,791 )     50,676       44,046  
    Income tax expense   (7,625 )     (83,147 )     (26,426 )     (117,103 )
    Net income (loss) $ 41,271     $ (126,938 )   $ 24,250     $ (73,057 )
                   
    Net income (loss) per share:              
    Basic $ 0.44     $ (1.31 )   $ 0.26     $ (0.75 )
    Diluted $ 0.43     $ (1.31 )   $ 0.25     $ (0.75 )
                   
    Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding:              
    Basic   94,341       97,152       94,942       97,905  
    Diluted   95,031       97,152       95,808       97,905  
     
    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
      December 28, 2024   September 28, 2024   December 30, 2023
               
    GAAP operating income (loss) $ 53,025     $ 9,675     $ (41,569 )
    Stock-based compensation expense   28,384       38,181       21,755  
    Amortization of intangible assets   26,085       29,482       29,787  
    Restructuring-related charges   68,072       34,396       6,075  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   1,382       1,211       2,529  
    Goodwill impairment         96,458       173,414  
    Net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement   (1,253 )     885       51,864  
    Other expense (income)   2,216       1,926       (7,333 )
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 177,911     $ 212,214     $ 236,522  
               
    GAAP net income (loss) $ 41,271     $ (17,435 )   $ (126,938 )
    Stock-based compensation expense   28,384       38,181       21,755  
    Amortization of intangible assets   26,085       29,482       29,787  
    Restructuring-related charges   68,072       34,396       6,075  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   1,382       1,211       2,529  
    Goodwill impairment         96,458       173,414  
    Net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement   (1,253 )     885       51,864  
    Other expense (income)   600       (506 )     (12,252 )
    (Gain) loss on investments   (1,721 )     780       464  
    Adjustment of income taxes   (10,067 )     (3,611 )     59,161  
    Non-GAAP net income $ 152,753     $ 179,841     $ 205,859  
               
    GAAP weighted-average outstanding diluted shares   95,031       94,886       97,152  
    Dilutive stock-based awards         867       666  
    Non-GAAP weighted-average outstanding diluted shares   95,031       95,753       97,818  
               
    Non-GAAP net income per share, diluted $ 1.61     $ 1.88     $ 2.10  
     
    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
    (in thousands, except percentages) December 28, 2024   September 28, 2024   December 30, 2023
    GAAP gross profit/margin $ 391,416   42.7 %   $ 445,306   42.6 %   $ 387,878   36.1 %
    Stock-based compensation expense   5,742   0.6       6,047   0.6       5,575   0.5  
    Amortization of intangible assets   23,462   2.6       25,523   2.4       25,457   2.4  
    Restructuring-related charges   6,931   0.7       15,414   1.4       (250 )  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   1         636   0.1       1    
    Net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement   (1,253 ) (0.1 )     (885 ) (0.1 )     51,864   4.8  
    Non-GAAP gross profit/margin $ 426,299   46.5 %   $ 492,041   47.0 %   $ 470,525   43.8 %
     
      Three Months Ended
    Non-GAAP Operating Income December 28, 2024
    (as a percentage of revenue)  
       
    GAAP operating income 5.8 %
    Stock-based compensation expense 3.1  
    Amortization of intangible assets 2.8  
    Restructuring-related charges 7.4  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs 0.2  
    Net adjustments related to a terminated capacity reservation agreement (0.1 )
    Other expense 0.2  
    Non-GAAP operating income 19.4 %
      Three Months Ended
    Free Cash Flow(1) December 28, 2024
    (in millions)  
       
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 214.1  
    Purchases of property and equipment   (37.8 )
    Free cash flow $ 176.3  

    (1) Free Cash Flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities minus property and equipment expenditures.

    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    ADDITIONAL SELECTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended
      December 28, 2024   September 28, 2024   December 30, 2023
    GAAP research and development expense $ 179,126   $ 201,050   $ 164,329  
    Less:          
    Stock-based compensation expense   13,650     13,468     11,830  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   1     2     2  
    Non-GAAP research and development expense $ 165,475   $ 187,580   $ 152,497  
               
      Three Months Ended
      December 28, 2024   September 28, 2024   December 30, 2023
    GAAP selling, general and administrative expense $ 90,360   $ 107,760   $ 86,914  
    Less:          
    Stock-based compensation expense   8,985     18,488     4,336  
    Amortization of intangible assets   2,623     3,959     4,330  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs       1      
    Non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expense $ 78,752   $ 85,312   $ 78,248  
               
      Three Months Ended
      December 28, 2024   September 28, 2024   December 30, 2023
    GAAP other operating expense $ 68,905   $ 126,821   $ 178,204  
    Less:          
    Stock-based compensation expense   7     178     14  
    Restructuring-related charges   61,141     18,982     6,325  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   1,380     572     2,526  
    Goodwill impairment       96,458     173,414  
    Other expense (income)   2,216     3,696     (7,333 )
    Non-GAAP other operating expense $ 4,161   $ 6,935   $ 3,258  
               
      Three Months Ended
      December 28, 2024   September 28, 2024   December 30, 2023
    GAAP total operating expense $ 338,391   $ 435,631   $ 429,447  
    Less:          
    Stock-based compensation expense   22,642     32,134     16,180  
    Amortization of intangible assets   2,623     3,959     4,330  
    Restructuring-related charges   61,141     18,982     6,325  
    Acquisition and integration-related costs   1,381     575     2,528  
    Goodwill impairment       96,458     173,414  
    Other expense (income)   2,216     3,696     (7,333 )
    Non-GAAP total operating expense $ 248,388   $ 279,827   $ 234,003  
     
    QORVO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (In thousands)
    (Unaudited)
     
      December 28, 2024   March 30, 2024
    ASSETS      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 769,432   $ 1,029,258
    Accounts receivable, net   427,863     412,960
    Inventories   656,216     710,555
    Other current assets   126,917     133,983
    Assets of disposal group held for sale   116,435     159,278
    Total current assets   2,096,863     2,446,034
           
    Property and equipment, net   820,874     870,982
    Goodwill   2,437,234     2,534,601
    Intangible assets, net   332,338     509,383
    Long-term investments   25,692     23,252
    Other non-current assets   250,095     170,383
    Total assets $ 5,963,096   $ 6,554,635
           
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 551,676   $ 589,760
    Current portion of long-term debt       438,740
    Other current liabilities   227,110     113,215
    Liabilities of disposal group held for sale   29,075     88,372
    Total current liabilities   807,861     1,230,087
           
    Long-term debt   1,549,230     1,549,272
    Other long-term liabilities   225,572     218,904
    Total liabilities   2,582,663     2,998,263
           
    Stockholders’ equity   3,380,433     3,556,372
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 5,963,096   $ 6,554,635
     

    At Qorvo®
    Doug DeLieto
    VP, Investor Relations
    1.336.678.7968

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Waterstone Financial, Inc. Announces Results of Operations for the Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAUWATOSA, Wis., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waterstone Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: WSBF), holding company for WaterStone Bank, reported net income of $5.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to net loss of $40,000, or less than $0.01 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Net income per diluted share was $1.01 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net income per diluted share of $0.46 for the year ended December 31, 2023.

    “We are pleased with the company’s performance compared to the prior year and looking to build off of the positives from 2024,” said William Bruss, Chief Executive Officer of Waterstone Financial, Inc. “We achieved loan growth, achieved core deposit growth (excluding brokered certificates of deposit), and continued to maintain strong asset quality metrics. The interest rate environment created challenges for both the Community Banking and Mortgage Banking segments even with the 100 bps cut in the Federal Funds rate during the second half of the year. The Mortgage Banking segment remained profitable due in large part to our continued focus on cost control as funding volumes are still facing headwinds from the higher fixed-rate mortgage rates. Waterstone Financial, Inc. remained active in share repurchases and continued to pay out dividends, as we are committed to shareholder returns.” 

    Highlights of the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

    Waterstone Financial, Inc. (Consolidated)

    • Consolidated net income of Waterstone Financial, Inc. totaled $5.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of $40,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Consolidated return on average assets was 0.94% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to (0.01)% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Consolidated return on average equity was 6.05% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, and (0.05)% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Dividends declared during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, totaled $0.15 per common share.
    • During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased approximately 194,000 shares at a cost (including the federal excise tax) of $2.8 million, or $14.43 per share.
    • Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets was 0.28% at December 31, 2024, 0.25% at September 30, 2024, and 0.23% at December 31, 2023.
    • Past due loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.95% at December 31, 2024, 0.63% at September 30, 2024, and 0.68% at December 31, 2023. 
    • Book value per share was $17.53 at December 31, 2024, and $16.94 at December 31, 2023. 

    Community Banking Segment

    • Pre-tax income totaled $6.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, which represents a $1.4 million, or 26.0%, increase compared to $5.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Net interest income totaled $12.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, which represents a $830,000, or 6.9%, increase compared to $12.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Average loans held for investment totaled $1.68 billion during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, which represents an increase of $21.5 million, or 1.3%, compared to $1.66 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increases in the construction, commercial real estate, and multi-family mortgages. Average loans held for investment decreased $6.3 million compared to $1.69 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in construction and one- to four-family mortgages.
    • Net interest margin increased 17 basis points to 2.42% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2.25% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, which was primarily driven by an increase in weighted average yield on loans receivable and held for sale offset by a result of an increase in weighted average cost of deposits and borrowings as the federal funds rate increases resulted in increased funding rates. Net interest margin increased 29 basis points compared to 2.13% for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, primarily driven by an increase in weighted average yield on loans receivable and held for sale and a decrease in weighted average cost of borrowings. 
    • Past due loans at the community banking segment totaled $12.8 million at December 31, 2024, $8.0 million at September 30, 2024, and $7.9 million at December 31, 2023.
    • The segment had a provision for credit losses related to funded loans of $61,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to a negative provision for credit losses related to funded loans of $17,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The current quarter increase was primarily due to an increase in the qualitative factors primarily related to increases in economic risks related to commercial real estate loans during the quarter offset by a decrease in historical loss rates. The provision for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments was $270,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to a negative provision for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments of $533,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The provision for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, was due primarily to an increase of construction loans that are currently waiting to be funded compared to the prior quarter end.
    • The efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP ratio, was 51.54% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 63.26% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Average core deposits (excluding brokered and escrow accounts) totaled $1.27 billion during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $65.8 million, or 5.4%, compared to $1.21 billion during the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Average deposits increased $28.8 million, or 9.2% annualized, compared to $1.25 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The increases were primarily due to an increase in certificates of deposit balances. The segment had $94.3 million in brokered certificate of deposits at December 31, 2024.

    Mortgage Banking Segment

    • Pre-tax loss totaled $625,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to a $6.0 million of pre-tax loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Loan originations increased $12.3 million, or 2.7%, to $470.7 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $458.4 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Origination volume relative to purchase activity accounted for 82.1% of originations for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 95.7% of total originations for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Mortgage banking non-interest income increased $1.4 million, or 8.9%, to $17.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $16.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Gross margin on loans sold totaled 3.74% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to 3.51% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.
    • Total compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefits decreased $1.1 million, or 7.4%, to $13.8 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $14.9 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The decrease primarily related to decreased salary expense, health insurance expense, and sign-on incentives driven by reduced employee headcount and fewer new branches added over the past year.

    About Waterstone Financial, Inc.

    Waterstone Financial, Inc. is the savings and loan holding company for WaterStone Bank. WaterStone Bank was established in 1921 and offers a full suite of personal and business banking products. The Bank has branches in Wauwatosa/State St, Brookfield, Fox Point/North Shore, Franklin/Hales Corners, Germantown/Menomonee Falls, Greenfield/Loomis Rd, Milwaukee/Oklahoma Ave, Oak Creek/27th St, Oak Creek/Howell Ave, Oconomowoc/Lake Country, Pewaukee, Waukesha, West Allis/Greenfield Ave, and West Allis/National Ave, Wisconsin. WaterStone Bank is the parent company to Waterstone Mortgage, which has the ability to lend in 48 states. For more information about WaterStone Bank, go to http://www.wsbonline.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements or information that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding expected financial and operating activities and results that are preceded by, followed by, or that include words such as “may,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates” or “believes.” Any such statements are based upon current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are subject to important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include changes in interest rates; demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and nontraditional competitors; changes in banking regulation or actions by bank regulators; changes in tax laws; the impact of technological advances; governmental and regulatory policy changes; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; changes in local real estate values; changes in the national and local economies; and other factors, including risk factors referenced in Item 1A. Risk Factors in Waterstone’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and as may be described from time to time in Waterstone’s subsequent SEC filings, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect only Waterstone’s belief as of the date of this press release.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

    Management uses non-GAAP financial information in its analysis of the Company’s performance. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure provides a greater understanding of ongoing operations and enhance comparability of results of operations with prior periods. The Company’s management believes that investors may use this non-GAAP measure to analyze the Company’s financial performance without the impact of unusual items or events that may obscure trends in the Company’s underlying performance. This non-GAAP data should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, and is not a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. Limitations associated with non-GAAP financial measures include the risks that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items included in this measure and that different companies might calculate this measure differently.

    Contact: Mark R. Gerke
    Chief Financial Officer
    414-459-4012
    markgerke@wsbonline.com

    WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (Unaudited)
     
        For The Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        For The Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (In Thousands, except per share amounts)  
    Interest income:                                
    Loans   $ 26,391     $ 24,288     $ 103,066     $ 90,148  
    Mortgage-related securities     1,136       1,081       4,496       4,053  
    Debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments     1,525       1,325       5,606       5,007  
    Total interest income     29,052       26,694       113,168       99,208  
    Interest expense:                                
    Deposits     11,410       8,253       40,573       25,738  
    Borrowings     4,807       6,685       26,427       23,255  
    Total interest expense     16,217       14,938       67,000       48,993  
    Net interest income     12,835       11,756       46,168       50,215  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     367       (435 )     (168 )     656  
    Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses     12,468       12,191       46,336       49,559  
    Noninterest income:                                
    Service charges on loans and deposits     626       328       2,060       1,819  
    Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance     407       337       1,969       1,710  
    Mortgage banking income     17,365       15,830       83,565       75,686  
    Other     607       381       1,708       1,970  
    Total noninterest income     19,005       16,876       89,302       81,185  
    Noninterest expenses:                                
    Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits     18,423       20,061       81,078       84,096  
    Occupancy, office furniture, and equipment     1,579       2,021       7,573       8,323  
    Advertising     727       1,030       3,554       3,779  
    Data processing     1,233       1,212       4,978       4,653  
    Communications     224       269       922       988  
    Professional fees     1,114       907       3,184       2,686  
    Real estate owned     12       1       26       4  
    Loan processing expense     486       756       3,090       3,428  
    Other     1,469       3,405       7,231       11,755  
    Total noninterest expenses     25,267       29,662       111,636       119,712  
    Income (loss) before income taxes (benefit)     6,206       (595 )     24,002       11,032  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     996       (555 )     5,314       1,657  
    Net income (loss)   $ 5,210     $ (40 )   $ 18,688     $ 9,375  
    Income (loss) per share:                                
    Basic   $ 0.28     $ (0.00 )   $ 1.01     $ 0.47  
    Diluted   $ 0.28     $ (0.00 )   $ 1.01     $ 0.46  
    Weighted average shares outstanding:                                
    Basic     18,335       19,380       18,556       20,158  
    Diluted     18,396       19,398       18,589       20,196  
     
    WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
     
        December 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2023  
        (Unaudited)          
    Assets   (In Thousands, except per share amounts)  
    Cash   $ 35,182     $ 30,667  
    Federal funds sold     4,302       5,493  
    Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions and other short term investments     277       261  
    Cash and cash equivalents     39,761       36,421  
    Securities available for sale (at fair value)     208,549       204,907  
    Loans held for sale (at fair value)     135,909       164,993  
    Loans receivable     1,680,576       1,664,215  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) – loans     18,247       18,549  
    Loans receivable, net     1,662,329       1,645,666  
                     
    Office properties and equipment, net     19,389       19,995  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock (at cost)     20,295       20,880  
    Cash surrender value of life insurance     74,612       67,859  
    Real estate owned, net     505       254  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     48,259       52,414  
    Total assets   $ 2,209,608     $ 2,213,389  
                     
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                
    Liabilities:                
    Demand deposits   $ 171,115     $ 187,107  
    Money market and savings deposits     283,243       273,233  
    Time deposits     905,539       730,284  
    Total deposits     1,359,897       1,190,624  
                     
    Borrowings     446,519       611,054  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes     5,630       6,607  
    Other liabilities     58,427       61,048  
    Total liabilities     1,870,473       1,869,333  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity:                
    Preferred stock            
    Common stock     193       203  
    Additional paid-in capital     91,214       103,908  
    Retained earnings     277,196       269,606  
    Unearned ESOP shares     (10,682 )     (11,869 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes     (18,786 )     (17,792 )
    Total shareholders’ equity     339,135       344,056  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,209,608     $ 2,213,389  
                     
    Share Information                
    Shares outstanding     19,343       20,315  
    Book value per share   $ 17.53     $ 16.94  
     
    WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SUMMARY OF KEY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
    (Unaudited)
     
        At or For the Three Months Ended  
        December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2024     2024     2024     2023  
        (Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)  
    Condensed Results of Operations:                                        
    Net interest income   $ 12,835     $ 11,517     $ 10,679     $ 11,137     $ 11,756  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     367       (377 )     (225 )     67       (435 )
    Total noninterest income     19,005       22,552       26,497       21,248       16,876  
    Total noninterest expense     25,267       28,560       30,259       27,550       29,662  
    Income (loss) before income taxes (benefit)     6,206       5,886       7,142       4,768       (595 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)     996       1,158       1,430       1,730       (555 )
    Net income (loss)   $ 5,210     $ 4,728     $ 5,712     $ 3,038     $ (40 )
    Income (loss) per share – basic   $ 0.28     $ 0.26     $ 0.31     $ 0.16     $ (0.00 )
    Income (loss) per share – diluted   $ 0.28     $ 0.26     $ 0.31     $ 0.16     $ (0.00 )
    Dividends declared per common share   $ 0.15     $ 0.15     $ 0.15     $ 0.15     $ 0.15  
                                             
    Performance Ratios (annualized):                                        
    Return on average assets – QTD     0.94 %     0.83 %     1.02 %     0.56 %     -0.01 %
    Return on average equity – QTD     6.05 %     5.55 %     6.84 %     3.56 %     -0.05 %
    Net interest margin – QTD     2.42 %     2.13 %     2.01 %     2.15 %     2.25 %
                                             
    Return on average assets – YTD     0.84 %     0.81 %     0.79 %     0.56 %     0.44 %
    Return on average equity – YTD     5.48 %     5.30 %     5.17 %     3.56 %     2.62 %
    Net interest margin – YTD     2.17 %     2.09 %     2.08 %     2.15 %     2.46 %
                                             
    Asset Quality Ratios:                                        
    Past due loans to total loans     0.95 %     0.63 %     0.76 %     0.64 %     0.68 %
    Nonaccrual loans to total loans     0.34 %     0.32 %     0.33 %     0.29 %     0.29 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     0.28 %     0.25 %     0.25 %     0.23 %     0.23 %
    Allowance for credit losses – loans to loans receivable     1.09 %     1.07 %     1.10 %     1.10 %     1.11 %
     
    WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY AVERAGE BALANCES AND YIELD/COSTS
    (Unaudited)
     
        At or For the Three Months Ended  
        December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2024     2024     2024     2023  
    Average balances   (Dollars in Thousands)  
    Interest-earning assets                                        
    Loans receivable and held for sale   $ 1,819,574     $ 1,870,627     $ 1,859,608     $ 1,805,102     $ 1,797,988  
    Mortgage related securities     168,521       170,221       171,895       172,077       172,863  
    Debt securities, federal funds sold and short term investments     124,658       115,270       107,992       110,431       106,504  
    Total interest-earning assets     2,112,753       2,156,118       2,139,495       2,087,610       2,077,355  
    Noninterest-earning assets     100,627       104,600       104,019       103,815       105,073  
    Total assets   $ 2,213,380     $ 2,260,718     $ 2,243,514     $ 2,191,425     $ 2,182,428  
                                             
    Interest-bearing liabilities                                        
    Demand accounts   $ 92,247     $ 89,334     $ 91,300     $ 87,393     $ 91,868  
    Money market, savings, and escrow accounts     306,478       304,116       293,483       281,171       302,121  
    Certificates of deposit – retail     810,340       786,228       758,252       739,543       735,418  
    Certificates of deposit – brokered     59,254                          
    Total interest-bearing deposits     1,268,319       1,179,678       1,143,035       1,108,107       1,129,407  
    Borrowings     464,964       600,570       622,771       602,724       549,210  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     1,733,283       1,780,248       1,765,806       1,710,831       1,678,617  
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     87,889       91,532       93,637       92,129       102,261  
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities     49,645       49,787       48,315       45,484       56,859  
    Total liabilities     1,870,817       1,921,567       1,907,758       1,848,444       1,837,737  
    Equity     342,563       339,151       335,756       342,981       344,691  
    Total liabilities and equity   $ 2,213,380     $ 2,260,718     $ 2,243,514     $ 2,191,425     $ 2,182,428  
                                             
    Average Yield/Costs (annualized)                                        
    Loans receivable and held for sale     5.75 %     5.65 %     5.54 %     5.46 %     5.36 %
    Mortgage related securities     2.67 %     2.66 %     2.63 %     2.57 %     2.48 %
    Debt securities, federal funds sold and short term investments     4.85 %     5.05 %     4.82 %     4.82 %     4.94 %
    Total interest-earning assets     5.46 %     5.39 %     5.27 %     5.18 %     5.10 %
                                             
    Demand accounts     0.11 %     0.11 %     0.11 %     0.11 %     0.11 %
    Money market and savings accounts     2.00 %     1.94 %     1.89 %     1.79 %     1.64 %
    Certificates of deposit – retail     4.53 %     4.54 %     4.41 %     4.19 %     3.76 %
    Certificates of deposit – brokered     4.18 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     3.58 %     3.53 %     3.42 %     3.26 %     2.90 %
    Borrowings     4.11 %     4.77 %     4.92 %     4.54 %     4.83 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     3.72 %     3.95 %     3.95 %     3.71 %     3.53 %
     
    COMMUNITY BANKING SEGMENT
    SUMMARY OF KEY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
    (Unaudited)
     
        At or For the Three Months Ended  
        December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2024     2024     2024     2023  
        (Dollars in Thousands)  
    Condensed Results of Operations:                                        
    Net interest income   $ 12,886     $ 12,250     $ 11,234     $ 11,598     $ 12,056  
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     331       (302 )     (279 )     105       (550 )
    Total noninterest income     1,595       1,227       1,491       990       894  
    Noninterest expenses:                                        
    Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits     4,883       5,326       5,116       5,360       5,397  
    Occupancy, office furniture and equipment     825       904       983       1,000       916  
    Advertising     204       311       229       174       363  
    Data processing     691       720       687       693       626  
    Communications     89       80       72       65       75  
    Professional fees     196       190       177       208       186  
    Real estate owned     12             1       13       1  
    Loan processing expense                              
    Other     563       602       672       691       628  
    Total noninterest expense     7,463       8,133       7,937       8,204       8,192  
    Income before income taxes     6,687       5,646       5,067       4,279       5,308  
    Income tax expense     1,399       941       718       1,639       1,234  
    Net income   $ 5,288     $ 4,705     $ 4,349     $ 2,640     $ 4,074  
                                             
    Efficiency ratio – QTD (non-GAAP)     51.54 %     60.35 %     62.37 %     65.17 %     63.26 %
    Efficiency ratio – YTD (non-GAAP)     59.58 %     62.58 %     63.77 %     65.17 %     56.86 %
     
    MORTGAGE BANKING SEGMENT
    SUMMARY OF KEY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
    (Unaudited)
     
        At or For the Three Months Ended  
        December 31,     September 30,     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,  
        2024     2024     2024     2024     2023  
        (Dollars in Thousands)  
    Condensed Results of Operations:                                        
    Net interest loss   $ (92 )   $ (760 )   $ (552 )   $ (541 )   $ (367 )
    Provision (credit) for credit losses     36       (75 )     54       (38 )     115  
    Total noninterest income     17,455       21,386       25,081       20,328       16,028  
    Noninterest expenses:                                        
    Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits     13,781       15,930       16,886       14,756       14,881  
    Occupancy, office furniture and equipment     754       953       1,046       1,108       1,105  
    Advertising     523       615       758       740       667  
    Data processing     542       570       549       508       583  
    Communications     135       152       168       161       194  
    Professional fees     917       379       569       520       704  
    Real estate owned                              
    Loan processing expense     486       697       861       1,046       756  
    Other     814       1,261       1,641       617       2,701  
    Total noninterest expense     17,952       20,557       22,478       19,456       21,591  
    (Loss) income before income taxes (benefit) expense     (625 )     144       1,997       369       (6,045 )
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (428 )     194       684       71       (1,827 )
    Net (loss) income   $ (197 )   $ (50 )   $ 1,313     $ 298     $ (4,218 )
                                             
    Efficiency ratio – QTD (non-GAAP)     103.39 %     99.67 %     91.64 %     98.33 %     137.86 %
    Efficiency ratio – YTD (non-GAAP)     97.74 %     96.23 %     94.62 %     98.33 %     116.99 %
                                             
    Loan originations   $ 470,650     $ 558,729     $ 634,109     $ 485,109     $ 458,363  
    Purchase     82.1 %     88.9 %     92.7 %     93.0 %     95.7 %
    Refinance     17.9 %     11.1 %     7.3 %     7.0 %     4.3 %
    Gross margin on loans sold(1)     3.74 %     3.83 %     3.93 %     4.10 %     3.51 %

    (1) Gross margin on loans sold equals mortgage banking income (excluding the change in interest rate lock value) divided by total loan originations

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Micron Announces Investor Event

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU) announced today that company executives will participate at the Wolfe Research Auto, Auto Tech and Semiconductor Conference in New York, New York on Wednesday, February 12, at 6:50 a.m. Mountain time.

    Live webcasts and subsequent replays of presentations can be accessed from Micron’s Investor Relations website at investors.micron.com/.

    About Micron Technology, Inc.  
    We are an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. With a relentless focus on our customers, technology leadership, and manufacturing and operational excellence, Micron delivers a rich portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND and NOR memory and storage products through our Micron® and Crucial® brands. Every day, the innovations that our people create fuel the data economy, enabling advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and compute-intensive applications that unleash opportunities — from the data center to the intelligent edge and across the client and mobile user experience. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), visit micron.com.

    © 2025 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Micron, the Micron logo, and all other Micron trademarks are the property of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Micron Media Relations Contact
    Mark Plungy
    Micron Technology, Inc.
    +1 (408) 203-2910
    mplungy@micron.com

    Micron Investor Relations Contact
    Satya Kumar
    Micron Technology, Inc.
    +1 (408) 450-6199
    satyakumar@micron.com  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Solana Based Meme Coin Launchpad Solana.Pattie.Meme Goes Live

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Birmingham, UK, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pattie.Meme the BSC based meme Launchpad is pleased to announce the Solana Based Launchpad was added and it goes live today at 1:00 pm UTC. The highly anticipated meme coin website is set to democratise the way people can launch, use, engage with and trade meme coins, leveraging off the speed and robustness of Solana, the fastest and most secure blockchain currently in existence.

    Meme coins have become increasingly popular for users to design their own pieces of digital scarcity, allowing users to own and trade their tokens just as you would with physical assets such as sticker trading cards.

    Solana.Pattie.Meme has been built to be the ultimate destination for meme coin creators and enthusiasts, with security at the heart of the platform. Not only is it seamless for anyone to launch their own digital asset, but user tokens are also protected with the aim of creating longer-term value.

    Solana.Pattie.Meme is underpinned by the PATTIE cryptocurrency and has been built specifically to eliminate the risk of developers launching tokens that are subject to “rug pulls”. This is achieved by ensuring newly launched token liquidity is locked and burned and automatically deployed onto Raydium once a market capitalisation of $100k , $17k of liquidity is then deposited in Raydium and burned. In the near future Pattieswap will launch soon their own Solana Based Swap. 

    Revenue generated from fees will be used to buy back and burn the native PATTIE token, making it a deflationary asset that is designed to further enhance the value of the ecosystem.

    About Pattie.Meme Solana

    Solana.Pattie.Meme is at the forefront of meme coin generation allowing users to launch their very own token for as little as $1.25 (0.0055 SOL) Whether it is a meme coin based on a frog, mouse or anything else, Solana.Pattie.Meme facilitates the creation of assets with user protection in mind. Pattie.Meme brings security to people who want to partake in the rapidly growing digital economy.

    SOL: https://solana.pattie.meme
    BSC: https://pattie.meme
    Telegram: https://t.me/pattiememe

    Disclaimer: 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.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: January 28th, 2025 Heinrich: Trump’s Blockade on Federal Funding Pummels New Mexicans and American Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    Published: January 28th, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is condemning President Trump’s unlawful direction to unilaterally blockade all federal grant funding.
    “Our economy, our healthcare system, our schools, our law enforcement and fire departments, our newborns, our elders, our veterans – everyone, everywhere in New Mexico. President Trump is attempting to shove all of this over a cliff,” said Heinrich. “In New Mexico alone, Trump’s blockade on federal funding will make it impossible for thousands to pay rent on February 1st, force tens of thousands of New Mexico students to drop out of college without Pell Grant funding, close hundreds of preschool programs across the state, deprive 7 out of 10 New Mexico children their daily lunch, and cut off federal Medicaid reimbursement – impacting 7 out of 10 nursing home residents, 55% of newborn births, and all health care providers in our state.”
    Heinrich continued, “Trump is clearly willing to pummel New Mexicans and the American economy for his twisted and deranged agenda and fragile ego. But the Constitution is clear: the president cannot override, delay, or rescind Congress’s funding laws. We passed these laws to help working families get ahead and put food on the table and create jobs New Mexicans can build their families around. I will fight like hell to undo this brazen, barbaric blockade from this wannabe dictator and his weird billionaire lackeys.”
    The Constitution explicitly gives Congress, not the president, the power of the purse. The president does not have the power to override spending laws that Congress has passed and the president has signed into law. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the Constitution says: “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” Fact sheets from the Senate and House Appropriations Committees detailing how presidents lack power to unilaterally override congressional spending laws and deny enacted funding to communities can be found here and here.
    Examples of the impacts of this funding blockade:
    PUBLIC SAFETY: Grants for law enforcement and homeland security activities will cease to go out the door, undermining public safety in every state and territory.
    DISASTER RELIEF: Public assistance and hazard mitigation grants from the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments and non-profits to help communities quickly respond to, recover from, and prepare for major disasters will be halted—right as so many communities are struggling after severe natural disasters, including Roswell flooding and Ruidoso fires and severe storms and wildfires in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and California.
    INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: All federally-funded transportation projects across the country—roads, bridges, public transit, and more—will be halted, including projects already under construction.
    COMBATTING THE FENTANYL CRISIS: Funding for communities to address the substance use disorder crisis and combat the fentanyl crisis will be cut off.
    988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE: Funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, as well as grants for mental health services, will be cut off.
    MEDICAL RESEARCH: There will be immediate pauses on all funding for critical health research, including research on cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes, as well as clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center and all across the country—disrupting lifesaving and often time-sensitive research.
    EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Critical preparedness and response capability funding used to prepare for disasters, public health emergencies, and chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear events will be frozen.
    FIREFIGHTING: Grants to support firefighters across the country will be halted—this includes grants that help states and localities purchase essential firefighting equipment.
    HEAD START: Funding for Head Start programs that provide comprehensive early childhood education for more than 800,000 kids and their families will be cut off. Teachers and staff would not get paid and programs may not be able to stay open.
    CHILD CARE: Child care programs across the country will not be able to access the funding they rely on to keep their doors open.
    K-12 SCHOOLS: Federal funding for our K-12 schools will be halted. School districts may not be able to access key formula grant funding including Title I, IDEA, Impact Aid, and Career and Technical Education, which would pose tremendous financial burdens on schools in the middle of the school year.
    HIGHER EDUCATION AND JOB TRAINING: Millions of students relying on Pell grants, federal student loans, and federal work study will have their plans to pursue postsecondary education and further their careers thrown into chaos as federal financial aid disbursements are paused.
    HEALTH SERVICES: Federal funding for community health centers that provide health care for over 30 million Americans will be immediately frozen, creating chaos for patients trying get their prescriptions, a regular checkup, and more.
    SMALL BUSINESSES: The Small Business Administration will have to halt loans to small businesses—including those in disaster ravaged communities in North Carolina, Texas, and Florida.
    VETERANS CARE: Federal grants to help veterans in rural areas access health care and grants to help veterans get other critical services, including suicide prevention resources, transition assistance, and housing for homeless veterans, will be cut off.
    NUTRITION ASSISTANCE: Millions of American families and children who rely on nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and school lunch programs will be left hungry as funding is cut off and non-profits who provide additional assistance lose federal funding.
    TRIBES: Funding to Tribes for basic government services like health care, public safety, law enforcement, Tribal schools, housing, and food assistance will be halted.
    PREVENTING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: All Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grants, as well as funding for victims assistance and state and local police, will be cut off.
    U.S. COMPETITIVENESS: Existing grants to support research for AI and quantum computing will be halted and any new grant funding would be paused—undermining U.S. innovation and competitiveness with China and putting American jobs at risk.
    ENERGY JOBS: Grants for critical energy projects nationwide will be cut off—halting billions of dollars in investment nationwide and jeopardizing good-paying American jobs. The Department of Energy Loan Program Office will halt loans in 28 states, impacting hundreds of thousands construction and operations jobs.
    FOOD INSPECTIONS: Some states will have to take on the full financial burden of ensuring the nation’s meat supply is safe if federal cooperative agreements for meat inspection are halted.
    SUPPORT FOR SERVICE MEMBERS: Support for a host of Department of Defense financial assistance and grant programs supporting service members and their families will be halted, including the Fisher House, Impact Aid, community noise mitigation, ROTC language training, STEM programs, and the USO.
    WEAKENS MILITARY READINESS: Grants and other assistance appropriated to strengthen military effectiveness and defense capacity will be halted, including Defense Production Act support for the defense industrial base, basic research grants necessary to advance key technologies, and small business support to strengthen supply chains.
    AMERICANS OVERSEAS: Programs that track and combat the spread of infectious diseases, create business opportunities for American companies in emerging markets, combat terrorism, and counter the influence of China, Russia, and Iran—and efforts to ensure the safety and security of Americans implementing these programs—are all suspended and could be terminated.
    An extensive list of potentially impacted federal programs can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, in Warsaw, Poland.

    Following yesterday’s commemorative event to mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to Holocaust remembrance and combatting antisemitism.

    As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears the three-year mark, the prime ministers condemned Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression and reiterated the importance of Canada and Poland’s continued support to the people of Ukraine as they continue to fight for their freedom and independence. The leaders underlined the importance of providing military, financial, and other assistance to Ukraine.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Tusk reaffirmed Canada and Poland’s commitment to working together to tackle regional and global challenges, including threats to stability and energy security. Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed continued bilateral co-operation in initiatives to strengthen transatlantic security, such as the training of Ukraine’s Armed Forces personnel and NATO’s Canada-led Multinational Brigade in Latvia.

    The two leaders reflected on the strong state of bilateral relations between their two countries, including growing commercial ties. They also welcomed the conclusion of the Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and deepened ties in this key sector. The prime ministers agreed that their shared values and priorities will carry forward this relationship in the years to come.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Get FEMA Disaster Assistance; Only Ten Days Left to Apply

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Get FEMA Disaster Assistance; Only Ten Days Left to Apply

    Get FEMA Disaster Assistance; Only Ten Days Left to Apply

    SANTA FE, New Mexico – Chaves County homeowners and renters who were affected by the Oct. 19-20 storms and flooding may be eligible to receive federal disaster assistance from FEMA. But don’t wait to register! Jan. 2, 2025, is the last day to apply.How to Apply for FEMA Disaster AssistanceThe first step for individuals and households to receive financial help is to apply to FEMA for federal assistance. There are no costs involved to apply for, or receive, FEMA assistance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits. There are four ways to apply:Visit the Roswell Disaster Recovery Center operated by the state of New Mexico and FEMA. For location and hours, visit fema.gov/drc or send a text message with the word “DRC” and a zip code to 43362.Holiday hours at the Roswell DRC are:Tuesdays, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Wednesday, Dec. 25, Thursday, Dec 26 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, closed.Go online to disasterassistance.gov/Download the FEMA Appfor mobile devices at fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-productsCall the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Help is available in most languages.Holiday hours for the FEMA Helpline are:Tuesday, Dec. 24, closed.Wednesday, Dec. 25, closed.For an American Sign Language video on how to apply for assistance, visit youtube.com/watch= WZGpWI2RCNw.For the latest on New Mexico’s recovery, follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.
    alexa.brown
    Tue, 01/28/2025 – 20:03

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Protect Your Property: Flood Insurance is Vital in New Mexico

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Protect Your Property: Flood Insurance is Vital in New Mexico

    Protect Your Property: Flood Insurance is Vital in New Mexico

    SANTA FE, New Mexico — A single inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 of damage to a home, and can occur anywhere and often catches homeowners, renters, and business owners by surprise, leaving them unprepared and vulnerable.   When buying or renting a home or managing a business, we often overlook other programs or services that we may need to protect our property. Many people assume their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers flooding. However, most standard policies do not. Many Chaves County residents and business owners whose property was damaged by the Oct. 19-20, severe storm and flooding only found out too late that most hazard insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents of a building, or both. So, it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business and your possessions.   Flood insurance gives you financial protection and peace of mind. Whether it’s a major flood event or a few inches of water in your home, flood insurance helps you protect the life you’ve built.  NFIP coverage is valid in all floods, regardless of federal disaster declarations. NFIP coverage is available to homeowners, renters and businesses for residential and commercial buildings:  Up to $250,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for single-to-four family residential structures.   Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for five-or-more family residential structures.  Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for businesses.   Call Your Insurance Agent or Company Today  Whether you’re buying a new policy or renewing an existing policy, you can buy NFIP insurance by calling your insurance company or calling your local independent agent, who can write a flood insurance policy directly with NFIP. There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so it’s important to act promptly to avoid delays.  Need Help Finding an Insurance Provider?  The FEMA flood insurance program partners with more than 50 private insurance companies and NFIP Direct to sell and service flood insurance policies. To find a list of flood insurance writers in New Mexico, visit: http://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-provider?. For more information about NFIP, to find out if you live in a participating community, and what’s covered by NFIP policies, contact your private insurance provider or visit FloodSmart.gov.  For the latest information on New Mexico’s recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4843. Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.
    alexa.brown
    Tue, 01/28/2025 – 20:25

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Springfield Advises Caution in Online Relationships

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

    As Valentine’s Day approaches, FBI Springfield takes the opportunity to remind the public that online relationships are not always as they appear. While many people find authentic rewarding relationships online, far too many fall prey to romance scams. In this type of scam, a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust with the illusion of a romantic or close relationship in order to steal the victim’s money, personal or financial information, or even items of value.

    Scammers use well-rehearsed scripts that have been used repeatedly and successfully, typically targeting victims via dating websites or apps, with the intention of establishing a relationship as quickly as possible. Some even keep journals on their victims to better understand how to manipulate and exploit them.

    In 2023, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that Illinoisians lost almost $19 million in romance scams, a slight increase from the previous year. Nationwide, the dollar loss has declined slightly every year from 2021 to 2023; however, victims still lost $652.5 million in 2023.

    “If someone has already sent money, the FBI will make every effort to see that the funds are returned to the victim by working with other law enforcement agencies and financial institutions, but oftentimes it can be difficult to investigate. That’s why the FBI relies on education and awareness to deter individuals from falling victim to these scams,” said Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “Proceed carefully and stay alert to warning signs from the very beginning to avoid the emotional and financial fall-out that accompanies romance scams.”

    Romance scammers actively search dating websites, apps, chat rooms, and social networking sites in their efforts to build a relationship with an unwitting victim. Here are some red flags that might indicate you are headed for heartbreak.

    • You are asked to leave the dating website where you met to communicate solely through email or instant messaging.
    • The individual sends you a photo that looks like a glamour shot out of a magazine.
    • The individual professes love quickly.
    • The individual tries to isolate you from friends and family.
    • The individual claims to be working and living far away.
    • Plans made to visit you always cancel because of an emergency.
    • You are asked to send money, personal and financial information, items of value, or to launder money.
    • The individual uses stories of severe life circumstances, tragedies, deaths in the family, injuries to themselves, or other hardships to keep their victims concerned and involved.
    • A claim they have knowledge of cryptocurrency investments or trading opportunities that will result in substantial profits.

    FBI Springfield offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim.

    • Go slow and ask questions.
    • If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately.
    • Never send money to someone you met online and have not met in person.
    • Never share your Social Security number or other personally identifiable information.
    • Research the individual’s picture and profile using other online search tools.
    • If you are planning to meet someone in person, proceed with caution, especially if you plan to travel to a foreign country.
    • Be careful what you post and make public online as scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
    • If you haven’t met the individual in person after a few months, you have good reason to be suspicious.

    Many times, victims may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated and be reluctant to share their victimization with anyone, let alone report it to law enforcement. However, the FBI encourages anyone who has been victimized by this fraud or unsuccessfully targeted to contact FBI Springfield at 217-522-9675 and file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3. Coming forward will provide law enforcement with the necessary information to ensure online imposters are stopped and brought to justice.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Opening of the African Heads of State Energy Summit [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Your Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Excellencies, Majesties, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is a pleasure to join you here all today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Her Excellency President Hassan and her Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for hosting the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.

    But I would also like to underscore that it is because of her incredible leadership and her vision, that we are all here today and gathered as an African continent.

    I would also thank the African Union for keeping the fire under our feet to do right thing for the continent.

    Congratulations to my two brothers, the African Development Bank Group, Akin, and the World Bank Group, Ajay. These are incredible partnerships, that bring genuine experience, decades of work from the public sector to the private sector.

    That is why we are looking to them for the success of this union.

    But we also look to the Rockefeller Foundation for a strong and meaningful partnership – one that brings key stakeholders together in this room.

    Your bold investments are a testament to Africa’s potential for a sustainable and resilient future.

    Today, Africa has one of the lowest levels of energy access, as we have heard, but it is also one of the most vulnerable to intensifying climate shocks.

    Yet our continent is rich in renewable energy resources and critical minerals. Which are all essential for the energy transition, and benefit from limited sunk costs in fossil fuel-intensive energy infrastructures. Africa is also home to a vibrant, young, and enterprising population.

    This provides immense potential for Africa to show the rest of the world what a new economic development paradigm grounded in sustainability, resilience, justice, and inclusivity can look like.

    Enhanced energy access, affordability, and reliability is not only crucial for achieving our Sustainable Development Goal 7 but also serves as a catalyst for broader development goals. Access to clean and sustainable energy underpins progress in health, in education, in gender equality, while driving economic growth and climate action. Many of the 17 goals.

    By advancing long-term energy security and sovereignty, we can foster peace, we can create green jobs, and build resilient livelihoods — paving the way for improved stability and prosperity across the continent.

    With renewables now being the cheapest source of new electricity almost everywhere on earth, Mission 300’s bold commitment to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030 represents a transformative opportunity for Africa.

    Combined with systemic initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the global energy transition.

    By powering essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and commerce, bolstering industries like solar manufacturing, grid infrastructure, and clean energy solutions, renewable energy can unlock unprecedented economic potential.

    With reliable energy access, the continent’s 147 million small and medium enterprises — key drivers of economic growth — will have the tools to scale, innovate, and create jobs, turning energy into a true catalyst for inclusive and sustainable progress.

    Tanzania stands as a shining example of how rural electrification and off-grid renewable energy solutions can transform lives, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

    The country has made remarkable strides, with electricity access increasing from just 14% in 2011 to 46% in 2022. And what does that mean? It has led to over 1 million new connections, driving the rural electrification rate to 72%.

    In November 2024, more than 60,000 social institutions were connected by REA, benefiting 12,905 educational institutions, 6,768 health facilities, over 8,000 places of worship, and 29,000 commercial areas.

    This progress means that more boys and girls in remote areas can now study in well-lit classrooms, health workers can deliver life-saving services to off-grid populations, and rural businesses can thrive with reliable power. Tanzania demonstrates how energy access is not just about electricity—it’s about opportunity, equity, and the foundation of a brighter future and a life in dignity for everyone.

    We must ensure that Mission 300 seizes the opportunity that lies ahead.

    With five years to the endpoint of the SDGs and having completed the first decade of implementing the African Union’s 2063 Agenda, it is clear that transformation efforts remain insufficient.

    I would like to deeply commend the African leadership that is here today, as you seek solutions to address Africa’s energy access, climate vulnerability, and development challenges holistically.

    Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

    We must accelerate our collective efforts to fast-track solutions for SDG 7 but also the Paris Agreement and propel Africa to become a clean energy powerhouse.

    This requires urgent action in three key areas beyond this Summit.

    First, creating the right enabling environment to attract scaled private and public investments through stronger, stable, and more coherent policy and regulatory frameworks.

    We are very pleased to see, thank you Ajay, the private sector that is here today and we hope they will accompany us through this very difficult but at the end profitable journey.

    This year, every Party to the UN Climate Convention has committed to submit a new economy-wide national climate action plan, that is aligned with the 1.5 degrees world that we need, well before COP 30 in November.

    If done right, these climate plans should align with national energy strategies and development priorities – and they would doubling as investment plans to seize the potential of renewables, helping to eradicate poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. 

    Furthermore, the Secretary-General’s panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals offers important Principles and Actionable Recommendations to ensure we do not repeat historical patterns of exploitation on this continent.

    Second, mobilizing affordable, accessible, and adequate finance.

    The chronic underinvestment in renewable energy in Africa, and long-standing structural barriers such as exorbitant capital costs, mean that a continent with the potential to be a renewable powerhouse accounts for less than one percent of global installed solar capacity.

    It is why we are calling for an SDG Stimulus to scale up affordable, long-term financing for developing countries, and for the “Baku-to-Belém Roadmap to $1.3 trillion” to bridge the climate finance gap by leveraging all sources and by addressing unjust and structural barriers. 

    Last year’s Pact of the Future sent an unequivocal message — reform of the international finance architecture is urgent and essential to:

    And this Pact would have not gotten over the line, if not for the leadership of the African leaders in the United Nations.

    It spoke to strengthening the voice and the representation of developing countries;

    It spoke to mobilizing far greater levels of financing for the SDGs, and directing that financing to countries most in need;

    It spoke to enabling countries to borrow sustainably, and with confidence, to invest in their long-term development;

    But it also spoke to provide effective and equal support to countries during systemic shocks.

    Finally, multilateralism – our international cooperation- still remains our best hope for delivering solutions at the necessary scale and speed.

    And I note to many of us, as I look to the geopolitical challenges that we have today. Multilateralism does not seem like the best offer on the table – but it is.

    It is a place that we come to. It is a global townhall for our global village. It is where we have visibility and where we can shine a light on the opportunities. But also, where we can give hope to the millions that look to us – to serve them.

    The United Nations remains dedicated to supporting your efforts every step of the way.

    Through our UN expertise and presence in the country, we are committed to supporting Mission 300, the African Development Bank and the World Bank. And we are committed to help identify and attract investments, strengthen policy, and secure the support you need to make Mission 300 a success.

    Finally, I would like to also commend our Special Representative. It is not often that we have women in leadership positions. Today, we are hosted by a great leader that is a woman.

    But we also have the Special Representative of the UN on Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi, who is playing a critical role within the Mission 300.

    In this critical countdown to 2030, let us ensure that Mission 300 delivers concrete outcomes towards the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the Agenda 2063.

    Let us seize this moment to accelerate and to deliver transformative progress. Together, I am sure that Africa can lead the clean energy transition, creating lasting prosperity and resilience for generations to come and actions and aspiration fulfilled today for our women and our youth.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces LA Rises, a private-sector initiative led by Mark Walter, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Casey Wasserman, to support swift and unified rebuilding of Los Angeles

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jan 28, 2025

    Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, Mark Walter Family Foundation, and Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation will provide an initial commitment of up to $100 million
     

     LA Rises will support city and county efforts to help accelerate recovery

    LOS ANGELES — In the wake of one of the most devastating natural disasters in California history, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts led by the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the State of California. The Governor has enlisted Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, business leader and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President to lead and recruit others to this private sector and philanthropic effort.

    To seed this new effort, Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation have provided an initial commitment of up to $100 million. With plans to raise additional funds through private donations, LA Rises will provide major resources aimed at helping Los Angeles communities most affected by these catastrophic fires recover and rebuild.

    LA Rises will marshal the full resources of the private sector, augmenting and amplifying local and state resources, to rebuild Altadena, Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades, and all impacted communities.

    As part of the unified effort, city and county leaders are crafting recovery plans for their communities. The state is mobilizing its resources and scale, coordinating with the federal government, and removing red tape. LA Rises will galvanize the private sector to unlock additional capital and find new and innovative tools to help communities build back faster and stronger.

    “Los Angeles will rise again — stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever. Just as California came together to fight the fires, we’ll work together to rebuild. With Mark, Earvin and Casey’s proven leadership and deep commitment to Los Angeles, we’ll tap into the enormous creativity, experience, and resources of the private sector, alongside local, state, and federal efforts, to deliver a recovery that benefits all Angelenos.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “The LA fires have wreaked havoc on LA’s neighborhoods. It’s time for those with means to come forward and make a positive impact to build back better.”

    Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter

    “This is a time for bold action. We’re bringing together the best resources and biggest hearts across California to ensure that every Angeleno — no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or neighborhood — has a chance to rebuild and thrive. This isn’t just about recovery; it’s about restoring communities while also making them more resilient and better than before.”

    Earvin “Magic” Johnson

    “I’ve been a lifelong Angeleno, and what I admire most about this city is its resilience and unity. There’s nothing Los Angeles can’t achieve. LA Rises will channel the unmatched creativity, resources, and generosity of the private sector to rebuild our city and pave the way for a stronger future.”

    LA 28 President Casey Wasserman

    “Given the scale and scope of damage and destruction the Eaton wildfire has left in its wake, I wholeheartedly welcome all the support from the state as well as the private sector as part of this initiative. By corralling and coordinating the work of philanthropy and private industry, this can complement our local recovery and rebuilding efforts, especially for our marginalized populations in Altadena who have lost everything. When it comes to supporting initiatives — like this one — that look to arm us with the resources to rebuild with a bottom-up approach, I’m all in.”

    Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger

    “Efforts to rebuild are underway in the City of Los Angeles and this announcement will be a vital component of a comprehensive effort to bring Angelenos home. The number one question on the minds of Angelenos is about recovery and rebuilding. I am grateful that the Governor and the LA Rises initiative will be there to partner with us, developing solutions to support our work. In recent days, the strength and resilience of Los Angeles have been felt throughout the state, the nation and the world. I want to thank the Governor for his continued partnership and his collaboration during this difficult time for our city.”

    Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass

    How LA Rises will work

    LA Rises will contribute through collaboration, access to capital and financial tools, leveraging innovation and private-sector investment to drive a faster recovery. It will support the broader recovery efforts by:

    • Fundraising and expanding access to philanthropic and private capital
    • Formulating financing strategies to close the gap between available resources and the cost to rebuild
    • Collaborating with other philanthropic and community organizations to maximize the impact of ongoing rebuilding and recovery efforts
    • Supporting unified communication efforts to arm Angelenos with up-to-date, factual information, timelines for rebuilding, and available resources

    In addition to the financial commitment from the Mark Walter Family Foundation, and the Los Angeles Dodgers FoundationLA Rises will receive financial support from California Rises, a statewide recovery initiative founded by Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom after the 2018 Camp Fire. A partnership between the Governor’s Office and the California Fire Foundation, California Rises is dedicated to supporting communities impacted by the fires and firefighters and first responders who continue to serve on the frontlines.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

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

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Bret Ladine, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal). Ladine has been General Counsel at the California State…

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom welcomed President Trump to Los Angeles and pledged to work together to support survivors and secure federal assistance.  LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom met with President Trump on the tarmac at Los Angeles…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Releases Statement on Trump Administration’s Abrupt Federal Funding Freeze

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Colorado Will Join Other States in a Lawsuit to Block the Freeze

    DENVER – Governor Polis released a statement announcing Colorado will sign on to a multi-state lawsuit challenge to the Administration’s freeze of federal funding: 

    “Governing is about delivering real results for the people we serve, not sowing chaos. This indefinite pause in Congressionally appropriated federal funding hurts children and hardworking families, jeopardizes American jobs and businesses, harms hospitals and safety net health providers, threatens road and bridge repairs, and impacts countless other programs. These federal investments help people and support good-paying jobs and our economy, and this sloppy action creates confusion that distracts from Americans’ real challenges. Since day one I’ve been focused on saving Coloradans money, expanding education access, reducing health care costs, and improving affordability for everyone in our state. I’m always open to ideas from anyone about how we can make government more efficient and better deliver for fellow Coloradans. Still, chaotic actions like this do not make our country better off. We hope that this senseless action is reversed urgently before too much damage is done to people and businesses.” 

    Colorado will join various other states in suing to challenge the funding freeze. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont and Comptroller Scanlon Applaud Approval of Legislation Providing Enhanced Survivor Benefits for Families of State Employees Killed in the Line of Duty

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and the leadership of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Transportation are applauding the Connecticut General Assembly for voting today to ratify an agreement reached between the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Comptroller, and the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) that makes the surviving families of state employees who are killed in the line of duty eligible to receive enhanced survivor benefits, regardless of whether that state employee was eligible to receive a pension at the time of their death.

    The legislation was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change ratified by the legislature today means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances. Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.

    Governor Lamont, Comptroller Scanlon, Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins, Connecticut State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman, and Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto worked with legislative leaders to advocate for a solution that would make surviving families in these situations eligible for these benefits.

    “Many state employees have job responsibilities that often put their lives at risk, and the state must be there for their families whenever we may be faced with an unfortunate tragedy,” Governor Lamont said. “With the change approved today, these families can now begin receiving survivor benefits. I appreciate lawmakers from both sides of the aisle for working with our administration on this solution to the state’s pension rules.”

    “Every day, thousands of state employees go to work and, in some cases, put themselves in harm’s way on behalf of all of us,” Comptroller Scanlon said. “As a state, we have a profound responsibility to support our employees and their families – especially in the tragic event of a line-of-duty death. I’m honored to have worked with Governor Lamont and labor leaders to close this loophole and ensure that the families of employees who pay the ultimate sacrifice while serving our state receive the benefits they deserve and are entitled to.”

    “State employees do the jobs that make Connecticut a safer place to live and work. They patrol the highways, work along dangerous roadways, and perform numerous hazardous duties to ensure our well being,” Commissioner Higgins said. “At DESPP, we are deeply appreciative of this agreement and the message that it sends to Connecticut and all state employees. Thank you, Governor Lamont and everyone who worked hard to make this a reality.”

    “This agreement serves as a symbol of our deep gratitude and respect for the employees of the State of Connecticut,” Colonel Loughman said. “In recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by a Connecticut State Trooper, this commitment to providing financial security for his family is a top priority. I would like to thank Governor Lamont and his team for their swift action that has made this a reality.”

    “Our workers are often in harm’s way maintaining and improving our state’s transportation infrastructure, with 39 CTDOT employees killed in the line of duty since our agency’s founding,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “While nothing we do can bring our colleagues back, this legislation is an important step forward that recognizes the dangers our roadside workers face. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the General Assembly for supporting and approving this important legislation.”

    “We would like to recognize and thank Governor Lamont, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, the legislature, Undersecretary David Krayeski, and Attorney Dan Livingston for their leadership and commitment to ensuring that the surviving children, spouses, and families are cared for in the absences of those who gave their lives protecting the State of Connecticut,” Connecticut State Police Union President Todd Fedigan said. “Our troopers appreciate that we are valued by the state’s leadership and can rest assured that if they are killed in the line of duty, their families will be supported and able to focus on making sure the trauma of such loss is minimized for those left behind.”

    The Senate approved the agreement by a vote of 34 to 0 (Senate Resolution 10), and the House of Representatives approved it by a vote of 143 to 0 (House Resolution 12).

    In addition to this reform, the state recently established the Fallen Officer Fund, which provides financial assistance to the families of local and state police officers who are killed in the line of duty or who sustained injuries that are the cause of an officer’s death.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Global: Commerce oversees everything from weather and salmon to trade and census − here are 3 challenges awaiting new secretary

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Linda J. Bilmes, Daniel Patrick Moynihan Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Public Finance, Harvard Kennedy School

    Howard Lutnick, left, is President Donald Trump’s nominee to run the Commerce Department. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

    The U.S. secretary of commerce oversees the smallest but arguably most complex of all Cabinet-level departments.

    Established as a distinct entity in 1913, it has evolved into a sprawling organization with 13 bureaus spanning a wide variety of critical areas that include weather forecasting, conducting the census, estimating gross domestic product, managing fisheries, promoting U.S. exports, setting standards for new technology and allocating radio frequency spectrum. It is even home to one of America’s eight uniformed military services, the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps with its own fleet of ships, aircraft and 321 commissioned officers. Its main mission is to monitor oceans, waterways and the atmosphere in support of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

    As a result, there is no other Cabinet position that has to engage with lawmakers in Congress across so many disparate technical issues, committees and stakeholders. This medley reflects both the historical evolution of the U.S. economy and a degree of political happenstance.

    I served at the Commerce Department in several roles, including as chief financial officer and assistant secretary for administration, management and budget, and have watched several administrations attempt to craft an overarching strategic narrative around this diverse set of missions.

    Besides the difficult job of formulating a unifying strategy for the department’s many activities, I believe there are three specific challenges in particular that await the next secretary, a position that requires Senate confirmation.

    The Commerce Department manages salmon as part of its National Marine Fisheries Service.
    AP Photo/Manuel Valdes

    Commerce: A sprawling bureauocracy

    From its earliest days, the Commerce Department has collected trade statistics, overseen lighthouses and issued patents and trademarks. But since then, its portfolio has expanded significantly.

    In 1970, NOAA was placed inside Commerce, partly as a result of a feud between President Richard Nixon and his interior secretary, Wally Hickel, over the Vietnam War. NOAA now accounts for more than half the department’s US$11 billion budget and has created some peculiar departmental overlaps.

    As President Barack Obama joked in his 2011 State of the Union speech, “The Interior Department is in charge of salmon while they’re in freshwater, but the Commerce Department handles them when they’re in saltwater.”

    While the joke wasn’t quite accurate – a division of Commerce manages salmon in both fresh and saltwater, though Interior does restore their habitat – it does reflect some odd situations. For example, when it comes to sea turtles, Interior oversees their nests on shore, whereas Commerce protects them in the open sea.

    Due to the department’s broad interests, the commerce secretary has a role in nearly every important issue facing the country.

    He or she needs to be a quick study who is able to multitask, respond to congressional inquiries on a myriad of topics, as well as manage a 50,000-strong workforce including economists, scientists, statisticians, meteorologists and other experts.

    One example of the caliber of experts Commerce oversees is the National Institute for Standards and Technology, which does cutting-edge research in bioscience, artificial intelligence, materials science and industrial measurement standards. The institute currently has five Nobel laureates in physics and chemistry on its staff and is on the front lines on cybersecurity and national defense.

    While it’s unclear how Trump nominee Howard Lutnick plans to unify Commerce’s work, the previous secretary, Gina Raimondo, outlined five strategic goals for her department, including driving U.S. global competitiveness, using data to find new opportunities and modernizing its services and capabilities.

    The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation is holding a hearing on Jan. 29, 2025, to consider Lutnick’s nomination.

    Challenge No. 1: Another census is just around the corner

    The incoming secretary’s biggest challenge will be the decennial census due on April 1, 2030.

    The census counts every person living in the U.S. and five U.S. territories. Census data is used to apportion the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives and to adjust or redraw electoral districts, as well as to apportion federal funding allotted to each district. Consequently, the census receives huge attention in Congress. It will be an especially hot topic because the data collected in the 2020 census had errors due to the pandemic.

    Conducting the census is highly labor intensive and takes many years of planning and preparation, which ramp up now.

    The Commerce Department must hire 500,000 temporary workers, open local offices and run large-scale field tests, award billions of dollars in contracts, and work with every state, local, county and tribal government in the country to map where people live. This includes dorms, homeless shelters, nursing homes, prisons, oil rigs, boats, tents, hospitals and mobile homes as well as houses and apartments.

    The Census Bureau says it began planning for 2030 as far back as 2019 and is preparing to do a test census in 2026.

    Trump administration policies, such as ongoing efforts to round up and deport undocumented migrants, will make it even more challenging to count immigrants and other historically hard-to-reach groups. During his first term, President Donald Trump sought to prevent unauthorized immigrants from being counted at all – but ran out of time.

    A NOAA crew on a reconnaissance flight into the eye of Hurricane Milton in October 2024.
    Sim Aberson/NOAA via AP

    Challenge No. 2: NOAA on the front lines of climate change fight

    Second, NOAA is likely to be in the political crosshairs, due to its role as a global leader in studying oceans, climate and coastal ecosystems.

    It tracks rising sea levels, ocean acidification and extreme weather events, and forecasts their impact on fisheries, shipping, marine protected areas and habitats. It also runs the National Weather Service and issues severe storm warnings. These and many other NOAA activities are vital to monitoring the pace of climate change and helping Americans adapt.

    NOAA’s mission and its budget are sure to be scrutinized by the Trump administration, which has already reversed a variety of policies meant to slow the pace of climate change. Trump himself has called climate change a “hoax.” That and policy proposals that seek to break up or privatize NOAA suggest many of NOAA’s climate-related activities could be under threat.

    Challenge No. 3: The patent problem

    A third challenge the incoming secretary will face is an ongoing crisis at the Patent and Trademark Office.

    Unlike most federal agencies, the Patent and Trademark Office is funded by user fees collected from applicants rather than from tax revenue. This is supposed to make it more efficient and easier to hire staff quickly, but the model is under stress due to a shortage of patent examiners with skills in assessing science, technology, engineering and math applications. The agency currently has a backlog of over 800,000 unexamined patent applications – near an all-time high.

    The backlog is likely to continue to grow as artificial intelligence and other state-of-the-art technologies accelerate the discovery cycle, but the slow process of patent approval – two years on average – can throw a wrench in it.

    Patents and trademarks are critical to U.S. competitiveness because they reward innovation and discovery and help inventors attract investors.

    The Trump administration’s broad federal hiring freeze is likely to worsen the Patent and Trademark Office’s staffing issues, while the back-to-office mandate may make it harder to recruit patent examiners, who often work remotely.

    On top of this, Elon Musk, whose companies hold large numbers of patents and who already holds tremendous sway in the Trump administration, says “patents are for the weak” and compared them with landmines in warfare. “They don’t actually help advance things,” he said. “They just stop others from following you.”

    In addition to these three areas, Commerce’s roles in international trade, telecommunications, industrial security and other matters could also become epicenters of any global crisis.

    This all adds up to an uncomfortable mix of political and operational challenges for the next secretary.

    This story is part of a series of profiles explaining Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

    Linda J. Bilmes is affiliated with the Harvard Kennedy School. She served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Commerce from 1997-1998 and as CFO and Assistant Secretary for Management, Budget and Administration from 1999-2001.

    ref. Commerce oversees everything from weather and salmon to trade and census − here are 3 challenges awaiting new secretary – https://theconversation.com/commerce-oversees-everything-from-weather-and-salmon-to-trade-and-census-here-are-3-challenges-awaiting-new-secretary-248087

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Joins “Mornings with Maria” to Discuss Delivering for Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined Maria Bartiromo on FOX Business today to discuss how Republicans will deliver for the American people. Senator Fischer condemned the Democrats for stalling President Trump’s Cabinet nominees, risking America’s national security, and playing political games instead of serving their constituents.

    Senator Fischer also highlighted her plans to continue working for the American people during reconciliation by making her Paid Family Medical Leave tax credit permanent.

    Click the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer’s remarks

    Click here to download audio

    Click here to download video

     


    Republicans Are Here To Work:

    Maria Bartiromo: You will be part of Howard Lutnick’s confirmation hearing. Tell us about your expectations for Howard Lutnick and the rest of these nominees. Do you think they’ll all get past the finish line?

    Senator Fischer:
     It is so very important that we do get these nominees confirmed, and that we do it quickly. Of course, as you’re well aware, Maria, the Democrats are slow walking everything. Republicans have shown that we will stay late. We will stay over the weekends in order to get this done. 

    On Democrats Stalling President Trump’s Cabinet Nominees:


    Maria Bartiromo:
     The President needs his team on the ground. Do you feel like your colleagues on the left have been stalling these hearings?

    Senator Fischer:
     Oh, most definitely. You know, you especially saw it on Armed Services Committee where the Democrat members wanted to have another round of questions. They wanted to postpone the vote. They just wanted to drag it out.

    Let’s remember that, I think it was in the first 12 days of President Obama’s administration. He had 12 or 15 nominees already confirmed. We need to do that for national security reasons, for reasons that the American people are tired of waiting. You know, we want to see things happen, we need to move ahead. But we’ve got to do our job, we have to be thorough in it, and I can guarantee that we are.

    On Democrats Playing Political Games:


    Maria Bartiromo:
     Yeah, I mean, more than that, people are sick and tired of the political tricks. We’ve been watching political games since President Trump walked down that escalator 10 years ago. From the Russia collusion lie, to hiding things about the Biden family, to now this obstruction of justice… 

    Senator Fischer: It’s just nonsense. We heard J.D. Vance answer a question this weekend, “You know, I don’t really care Margaret.” That is a calling that I hear all across Nebraska and all across America. You know, I don’t really care anymore. We have work to do. We need to get it done. Stop with the tricks, stop with all this stalling, and let’s get to work for the American people, on energy, on inflation, on reconciliation. There is so much to do.

    On Working for the American People During Reconciliation:


    Maria Bartiromo:
     House Republicans are set to meet with VP Vance today at the Trump Doral Resort in Florida, as part of their annual conference. Committee chairs will also hold reconciliation meetings on how to pass President Trump’s agenda. Trump joined lawmakers for dinner last night with a speech on his priorities. Here’s what he said. Watch:

    President Trump: 
    In the coming weeks, I’m looking forward to working with Congress on a reconciliation bill that financially takes care of our plans to totally and permanently restore the sovereign borders of the United States once and for all. I’m also eager to get to work with Congress on the largest package of tax cuts and reforms in American history. We got to get that done, and we don’t want to get hung up on the budget process. We just want whether it’s one bill, two bills, I don’t care.

    Maria Bartiromo: Senator, how do you see this playing out?

    Senator Fischer:
     Well, I agree with the President on his goals here, and I agree with him when he says whether it’s one bill or two bills, you know, I don’t care. We need to make sure that we’re going to deliver for the American people. What I’m worried about are American families. You know, they have to choose right now between making ends meet and taking care of their families.

    My top priority in reconciliation is my Paid Family Medical Leave tax credit. That was included in the 2017 Tax Reform, and I want to make that permanent in this reconciliation package. So we are working hard on that with a number of my colleagues. In the Senate, we are working together, as you know, in reconciliation, we just need to keep our guys together. And we’re trying to do that through a number of committees to make sure that we protect this country, that we protect our borders. That we can provide for families and meet their needs, so that they can have a better life for themselves and their children. These are promises made, and they’re going to be promises kept.

    On Putting America First:


    Maria Bartiromo:
     I’m glad that you’re focused on families, whether it be their economic progress or their security. President Trump declared a national energy emergency in an effort to increase U.S. oil production. Gas executives told the New York Times they don’t plan on doing so unless prices rise significantly. This is another potentially economic yet also national security issue. And I spoke with your colleague, the Leader of the U.S. Senate, John Thune, on Sunday, and we talked about military spending being lifted. Here’s what he said. Watch: “What are you looking for in terms of specifics in bulking up America’s defense?

    Senate Majority Leader Thune:
     Well, obviously our Navy, and if you look at the number of ships we have relative to our adversaries, particularly China, that’s something the President is interested in, an American Iron Dome concept. But, frankly, the thing we’ve got to do Maria is we’ve got to increase the top line. We have not, we have underfunded and in the Biden budget, there wasn’t a single Biden budget that kept up with the rate of inflation when it comes to the military, and so we’ve got some making up to do. I think there’s a very compelling argument on Panama, very compelling argument on Greenland and optimism in America that we haven’t seen in a long time. I think there’s been a real this has been a sluggish country, a country that’s been bogged down under the weight of government, regulation and red tape and taxation.

    Maria Bartiromo: Senator, I’ve got the Iron Dome for America Executive Order in front of me, and this is one of the ways that President Trump says he will be protecting America from a national security standpoint. What are you considering in terms of defense spending? And tell us where the priorities are in this plan.

    Senator Fischer:
     Right. You know, on Armed Services Committee the last three years that President Biden sent us his top line for his budget, we increased that in the Senate Armed Services Committee, because we are well aware of the threats that face this nation. I happen to chair the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. So not only do we have jurisdiction over STRATCOM and Space Command, but we also have jurisdiction over our nuclear triad to make sure that we have that strong deterrence policy.

    You’ve heard President Trump and the Vice President talk about deterrence that is so important to keep this country safe. We also have jurisdiction on strategic forces over missile defense, and we have been putting funding into missile defense in this country since I have been here and on that committee for now into my third term. So I am very, very pleased to hear that President Trump is prioritizing that with a focus on Iron Dome. We need to continue to look at our missile defense, the capabilities that we have, the capabilities that we need in order to defend and protect our homeland. 

    On Curbing Government Spending:


    Maria Bartiromo:
     Yeah, I’m so glad to hear you talk this way. I could not agree more. Unfortunately, something has got to give. Senator, can you name one or two important offsets that you think will be significant? Interest is the single largest item in the budget behind Social Security. More than spending on defense, Medicare, and on children? Senator, what’s your most important offset to pay for all this?

    Senator Fischer:
     You know, there’s a number of things, as you know, Maria, that all of us are looking at and being able to go through a budget. On Appropriations Committee, we’re going to be really having a strong oversight with our agencies that we have jurisdiction over and hold them accountable for programs. I think we can look, for example, on job training programs. I know a few years ago, across agencies, there were like 37 different job training programs. I am all for job training, but I think we need to figure out what the balance is. And I think that’s a private enterprise. A private business does training in conjunction with our community colleges, in conjunction with our state universities.

    I mean, just simple things like that. You’re going to see a lot of things like that. And I know we’ve heard some in the past. What I want to see, though, is a return to energy dominance. That is going to bring in, it’s going to help lower prices for families in this country. I want to be able to see inflation addressed, which we will. 

    Maria Bartiromo:
     Of course. 

    Senator Fischer:
     I know, I know many are saying, well, we’ve seen the price of eggs go up. Why hasn’t it dropped yet? I’m going, it’s been a week, folks, it’s been a week. You know, we are, we are focused, and we’re getting it done.

    Maria Bartiromo:
     Senator, we’ll be watching your work. It’s a great point, the oversight alone may actually save a lot, given the reckless spending in the past. We’ll be watching. Thank you so much. Senator Deb Fisher, joining us this morning.

    Senator Fischer:
     Thank you. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Slams Defense Nominee for Improperly Withholding Aid to Ukraine, Violating U.S. Constitution, Disregarding Congressional Authority

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    January 28, 2025

    Michael Duffey is responsible for holding up aid to Ukraine, leading to President Trump’s first impeachment

    “[I]f you are confirmed…the Senate would be supporting the confirmation of an individual who has shown disregard for the Constitution, Congressional authority, and our nation’s laws.”

    Text of Letter (PDF) 

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote to Mr. Michael Duffey, nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) of the Department of Defense (DoD), ahead of his confirmation hearing, with serious concerns about his record, which include violating the law, disregarding Congressional authority, and his involvement in Project 2025. Mr. Duffey also played a direct role in Trump’s withholding of funding to Ukraine, an action that resulted in the impeachment of Donald Trump. It is especially alarming given he would oversee a DoD requested acquisition budget of $311 billion and procurement programs already at high-risk for fraud, waste, and abuse. 

    Mr. Duffey’s Role in the Unlawful Freezing of Aid to Ukraine

    In December 2019, President Trump was impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors for illegally seeking assistance from Ukraine to help him win the 2020 election against President Joe Biden. In his role at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Mr. Duffey helped President Trump block aid to Ukraine in an effort to pressure them to open an investigation into President Biden. He did so despite under-oath testimony and emails showing that career officials raised concerns with him that this could violate the law and disrupt DoD’s ability to train and equip Ukraine to strengthen their security forces. The Government Accountability Office (GAO), a non-partisan independent government watchdog, concluded that freezing this aid violated the Impoundment Control Act of 1974

    “Your actions in the course of these events give the strong appearance that you knowingly violated the law and the Constitution – and that you were an important participant in events that ultimately resulted in the President’s impeachment,” said Senator Warren.

    Duffey’s Disregard for Congressional Authority and Oversight

    Mr. Duffey also refused to comply with a deposition request as part of the impeachment inquiry and ignored a subpoena from the three House committees that led the impeachment inquiry. His refusal to comply with the subpoena – at the direction of President Trump – was so significant that it was one of the reasons that President Trump was charged with the second article of impeachment for Obstruction of Congress and that Mr. Duffey was listed by name in the impeachment resolution.

    Duffey’s Direct Involvement in Project 2025

    Mr. Duffey also had direct involvement in Project 2025, developing several policies for the report. One of the chapters Mr. Duffey contributed to calls for “using government contracts to push back against woke policies in corporate America.” The senator raised concerns about whether Mr. Duffey would use his position to police the personnel and Human Resources decisions of defense contractors, rather than prioritizing government contracts that advance U.S. national security and support our servicemembers. Project 2025 also calls for “reducing the number of procurement competitions” and a new system that allows decision makers of federal contracts to “bypass unnecessary departmental regulations.”  

    “I am concerned by whether these policy plans will reduce necessary competition and favor the biggest – or most politically connected – defense contractors,” wrote Senator Warren

    Duffey’s Plan to Address Risks of Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in DoD Acquisition

    Given Mr. Duffey’s past behavior, especially that which led to President Trump’s first impeachment, the senator raised concerns about whether he will ensure DoD contracts are awarded fairly and based on the best interests of taxpayers and national security. 

    Already, DoD’s acquisition program has been a target of “contracting-related fraud schemes” and DoD’s contracting processes have been found to be “vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse.” This concern is heightened as major DoD contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Boeing, made donations to President Trump’s second inauguration in order to ingratiate themselves with the new administration in an effort to avoid regulation and win government contracts.

    “[I]f you are confirmed…the Senate would be supporting the confirmation of an individual who has shown disregard for the Constitution, Congressional authority, and our nation’s laws,” concluded Senator Warren. She requested his written answers to questions by February 3, 2025. 

    Senator Warren has led efforts, including bipartisan action, to hold DoD accountable and transparent to ensure taxpayers are not being price gouged and the defense industrial base remains resilient:  

    • In January 2025, Senator Warren sent Elon Musk, Chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a letter detailing over 30 proposals that would cut at least $2 trillion of wasteful government spending over the next decade.
    • In September 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, along with Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), reintroduced the Streamline Pentagon Spending Act, bipartisan legislation to repeal statutory requirements to provide unfunded priorities lists, reduce wasteful reporting burdens, and enhance civilian oversight over the budgetary process.
    • In May 2024, Senators Warren, then-Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), then-Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, led a letter with Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) demanding the Department of Defense (DoD) provide answers about military contractors’ price gouging tactics that cost the Pentagon billions of dollars every year in overpayments. 
    • In May 2024, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), raised concerns about DoD contractor, SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk, undermining U.S. allies and national security goals. Senator Warren questioned Mr. John D. Hill, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space and Missile Defense, about SpaceX’s work to stop its Starlink technology from being illegally acquired by Russia. These illegal terminals may have provided Russia a major advantage in their invasion of Ukraine.  
    • In March 2024, at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator Warren questioned General Anthony J. Cotton, USAF, Commander of United States Strategic Command about significant cost overruns and mismanagement of the Sentinel program. 
    • In February 2024, Senator Warren and Representative Garamendi (D-Calif.), sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, expressing concerns with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) insufficient review process for consolidation in the defense industrial base and the resulting impact on supply chains, innovation, and national security.
    • In November 2023, after reports that defense contractor TransDigm refused to provide cost and pricing information needed to prevent price gouging of taxpayers and the DoD, Senator Warren and Representative Garamendi sent letters to the DoD and TransDigm, pressing them to provide transparency on cost and pricing data to ensure that taxpayers aren’t being overcharged for expensive DoD contracts. 
    • In August 2023, Senator Warren, then-Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top officials during a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine on August 23rd. The congressional delegation’s trip coincided with Ukraine’s Independence Day celebration on August 24th and demonstrated strong bipartisan support from the U.S. Senate for the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion. 
    • In July 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, Senator Warren called out the Department of Defense for wasting billions in taxpayers dollars due to price gouging by defense contractors for services and in health care, and identified opportunities for cost savings when DoD buys personnel-related goods and services. 
    • In July 2023, Senator Warren sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Director of the Defense Health Agency, Lieutenant General Telita Crosland, regarding a series of DoD Inspector General reports finding that the DoD is failing to prevent price gouging and overpayments to contractors in the TRICARE health program.
    • In June 2023, Senator Warren, Senator Mike Braun, and Representative Garamendi reintroduced the bipartisan Stop Price Gouging the Military Act which would close loopholes in current acquisition laws, tie financial incentives for contractors to performance, and provide the Department of Defense the information necessary to prevent future rip-offs.
    • In May 2023, Senator Warren and Representative Garamendi sent letters to Boeing, TransDigm, and the Department of Defense, calling out the defense contractors for their refusal to provide cost and pricing data to the Department of Defense (DoD), as required by law. The lawmakers also called on DoD to take action to address these contractors’ refusals to provide cost and pricing data. 
    • In October 2022, Senator Warren obtained a commitment from DoD not to increase contract prices due to inflation.
    • In October 2022 Senator Warren sent a letter to DoD urging them to insist on receiving certified cost or pricing data to justify any contract adjustments.
    • In June 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Garamendi introduced the bicameral Stop Price Gouging the Military Act, which would enhance DoD’s ability to access certified cost and pricing data. Part of Senator Warren’s legislation was incorporated into the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act reported to the Senate.
    • In March 2022, at a SASC hearing, Senator Warren criticized DoD for failing to consider alternatives to the Sentinel program in order to justify unsustainable nuclear weapons spending.
    • In September 2020, Senator Warren and Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) formally requested that the Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General (IG) investigate reports that the Pentagon redirected hundreds of millions of dollars of funds meant for COVID-19 response via the Defense Production Act (DPA) to defense contractors for “jet engine parts, body armor and dress uniforms.”
    • In May 2020, Senator Warren wrote to the Department requesting clarification on how the Department would prevent profiteering following a recent change to increase payments to contractors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • In August 2017, Senator Warren traveled to Eastern Europe and Germany to learn more about plans to counteract Russian efforts to damage European democracies.
    • In May 2017, Senator Warren wrote to the DoD Inspector General, requesting an investigation into TransDigm for potential waste, fraud, and abuse in the military spares market.
    • In October 2015, Senator Warren visited Ukraine and other European countries for a visit focused on economic issues and the Syrian refugee crisis. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Olathe Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

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

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Olathe, Kansas man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in an overdose death.

    Jacob A. Block, 27, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, Jan. 27, to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Block to forfeit to the government $10,000, which represents the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

    On Feb. 1, 2024, Block pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and to one count of distributing fentanyl. Block admitted that he delivered 10 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) to a confidential informant. Block possessed an additional 150 to 300 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) at the time of this transaction.  Block also admitted he sold a co-defendant approximately seven grams of powder fentanyl and 50 M-30 pills (containing fentanyl) five to seven days a week, for six or seven months.

    All 13 defendants in this case have pleaded guilty. Block is the ninth defendant to be sentenced.

    Co-defendant Dmitry Cattell, 25, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced on May 2, 2024, to 21 years in federal prison without parole for leading the drug-trafficking conspiracy and for illegally possessing a firearm. Evidence was presented at Cattell’s sentencing hearing related to the delivery of fentanyl, the use of which caused the death of another person on May 18, 2020. The victim of the fatal overdose is not identified in court documents.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett and Stephanie Bradshaw. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Platte County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Clay County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Kearney, Mo., Police Department, the Olathe, Kan., Police Department, Lenexa, Kan., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Riverside, Mo., Police Department.

    KC Metro Strike Force

    This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Attacks on reproductive health will have devastating consequences worldwide story Jan 28, 2025

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    “There are deadly consequences anytime access to sexual and reproductive health care is restricted,” said MSF USA CEO Avril Benoît. “In the countries where MSF works, our staff see the lifesaving impact of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services—and we have seen patients who have died or suffered life-altering injuries because they were denied access to care. In emergency cases where urgent care is needed, delays in access to safe abortion care pose substantial risks to patients’ health and wellbeing. While MSF stands committed to ensuring people have access to essential medical services, we can’t do it alone. Across the world, we work closely with other health providers who are now essentially banned from doing their jobs and providing patients with essential information, referrals, and direct services.”

    An MSF nurse holds medication for an abortion with pills. A safe abortion with pills is over 95% effective and is extremely safe, with less than a 1% chance of severe complications. The risk of death from a safe abortion is lower than from an injection of penicillin or from carrying a pregnancy to term. | Mozambique 2023 © Miora Rajaonary

    Far-reaching and harmful consequences for any person who can become pregnant

    The Geneva Consensus Declaration is a non-binding political statement which asserts that country governments have no obligation to facilitate abortion care. The Geneva Consensus Declaration purposefully distorts the meaning of international agreements on health and human rights in support of this position to rationalize restrictions on patient-centered sexual and reproductive health services. The consequences of the Global Gag Rule and influence of the Geneva Consensus Declaration will be far-reaching and harmful for any person who can become pregnant, including people seeking health care in crisis- and conflict-affected settings, like those in which MSF operates.

    MSF does not accept US government funding and its programs are not directly affected by the Global Gag Rule. However, MSF health care providers have seen firsthand how policies impeding access to sexual and reproductive health services harm patients and communities globally.

    When safe abortion care is not accessible, it increases the likelihood that individuals will seek out unsafe abortion methods, one of the leading causes of maternal death and injury worldwide. The risk of unsafe abortion is elevated in humanitarian settings where it’s even harder for people to access medical services. In 2023, MSF provided more than 31,000 consultations for post-abortion care, most of which were due to complications related to unsafe abortion. With the reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule, MSF expects these already troubling numbers to increase.

    “The reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule will have devastating consequences for health,” said Rachel Milkovich, global health policy specialist at MSF USA. “It means that people around the world will have fewer points of service for their sexual and reproductive health needs, fewer safe places to talk about their medical options, and fewer providers to go to for help during medical emergencies. Health care providers should not be forced to navigate political considerations and complexities before providing patients with essential and lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services.”

    About the Global Gag Rule

    In 2017, President Trump expanded the Global Gag Rule to all US global health assistance, affecting an estimated $12 billion, including more than 1,300 global health grants in more than 70 countries. Previously, the policy only applied to US assistance for family planning and reproductive health. The expanded policy impacted projects related to HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, malaria, nutrition, sexual and gender-based violence, tuberculosis, and other health programs. The Global Gag Rule exacerbates the harm of the Helms Amendment, which prohibits all US-funded organizations from using US foreign assistance to fund abortion-related services.

    When the Global Gag Rule was last in place, from 2017 to 2021, health advocates reported widespread clinic closures, termination of mobile outreach programs, loss of integrated health programs, weakened health advocacy coalitions, and fractured referral networks. Even four years after the policy’s rescindment, organizations are still trying to rebuild programs lost due to the Global Gag Rule.

    The Global Gag Rule puts organizations in an impossible position. Either they must comply with the policy to receive US government funding—restricting the provision of sexual and reproductive health services and information to the communities they serve—or decide not to comply and lose access to significant financial support, which many organizations rely on to operate. Those unable to access alternative funding may be forced to cut staff or services. Some may be forced to close their programs altogether. In either scenario, patients lose access to vital health services.

    The Global Gag Rule has been repeatedly reinstated or rescinded for the last 40 years, according to the will of the administration in power. It is not feasible or sustainable for organizations to constantly adjust their services each time there is a change in the US government’s political priorities.

    To stop the pervasive harm caused by the Global Gag Rule, MSF USA is calling for a permanent end to the policy. MSF USA supports the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights (Global HER) Act, which would permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule, and preserve access to safe abortion care.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget will be delivered on 22 May

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced Budget 2025 – the Growth Budget – will be delivered on Thursday 22 May. 

    “This year’s Budget will drive forward the Government’s plan to grow our economy to improve the incomes of New Zealanders now and in the years ahead.

    “Budget 2025 will build on our efforts to secure New Zealand’s future prospects, continuing the fiscal repair job made necessary by Labour’s era of wasteful spending.

    “We take seriously our responsibility to chart a path out of a spiral of deficits and debt left to us by the last government.

    “The Budget will also contain bold steps to support economic growth, including measures to address New Zealand’s long-standing productivity challenges.

    “These measures will go beyond the traditional Budget focus on spending and savings initiatives.

    “The Government intends to introduce several legislative and regulatory measures at the Budget focused on removing barriers that hold back job and wealth creation for New Zealanders.

    “We will build on the work of Budget 2024 to address the cost of living, deliver effective health and education services and restore laws and order.

    “We will advance new social investment measures to improve the lives of New Zealanders in the greatest need by getting better results from taxpayer-funded social services after six years of Labour Budgets focused almost exclusively on agencies spending more.

    “Budget 2025 will be squarely focused on ensuring New Zealanders can earn more in the years ahead by growing our economy.

    “Budget 2025 will be the responsible futured focused Budget New Zealand needs to secure better incomes and opportunities in the years ahead.”

    Notes to editors: The Government’s Budget priorities can be found in the Budget Policy Statement 2025 released on 17 December.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the 38th National Games in Dehradun

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the 38th National Games in Dehradun

    It is a celebration of India’s incredible sporting talent and showcases the spirit of athletes from across the country: PM

    We consider sports as a key driver for India’s holistic development: PM

    We are creating more and more opportunities for our athletes so they can enhance their potential to the fullest: PM

    India is making a strong push to host the 2036 Olympics: PM

    The National Games is more than just a sporting event, It is a great platform to showcase the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ It is a celebration of India’s rich diversity and unity: PM

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 9:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand today. Addressing the gathering, he remarked that Uttarakhand is resplendent today with the energy of the youth. He added that the 38th National Games were commencing today with the blessings of Baba Kedarnath, Badrinath and Maa Ganga. Highlighting that it was the 25th year of the formation of Uttarakhand, Shri Modi remarked that the youth from across the nation would be displaying their potential in this young state. He added that the event displayed a beautiful picture of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’. He further remarked that many local games were included in this edition of the National Games and the theme was ‘Green Games’, as there was usage of environment-friendly items. Elaborating further on the theme, the Prime Minister highlighted that even the trophies and medals were made of e-Waste and a tree would be planted in the name of every medal winner, which was a great initiative. He extended his best wishes to all the athletes for a great performance. He also congratulated the Government and people of Uttarakhand for organizing such a grand event. 

    The Prime Minister remarked that just as gold becomes pure through fire, athletes are given more opportunities to refine their abilities. He added that now many tournaments were organized over the year and several new tournaments were included in the Khelo India Series. Shri Modi emphasised that the Khelo India Youth games has provided opportunities for many young players to advance while the University Games offer many opportunities to the University students. He remarked that the Khelo India Para Games helped the Para athletes in improving their performance and creating new achievements. The Prime Minister recalled that recently the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games was underway in Ladakh and mentioned that last year, the Beach Games were organized.

    Shri Modi remarked that the efforts to promote sports are not solely driven by the Government, but many Members of Parliament were organizing sports competitions in their constituencies to bring forward new talent. The Prime Minister, who is also the MP of Kashi, mentioned that in his parliamentary constituency alone, around 2.5 lakh youth get the opportunity to participate in sports competitions every year. He emphasized that a beautiful bouquet of sports has been created in the country, with flowers blooming in every season and tournaments being held continuously.

    “Sports is considered a key medium for India’s holistic development”, said the Prime Minister and emphasized that when a country excels in sports, its reputation and profile also rise. Therefore, he added that sports was being linked to India’s development and the confidence of its youth. The Prime Minister highlighted that India was progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economic power, and the sports economy is a significant part of this effort. He noted that behind every athlete, there is an entire ecosystem, including coaches, trainers, nutrition and fitness experts, doctors, and equipment. Shri Modi mentioned that India was becoming a quality manufacturer of sports equipment used by athletes worldwide. He pointed out that Meerut had over 35,000 small and large factories producing sports equipment, employing more than 3 lakh people. He emphasized that such ecosystems were being developed across the country.

    Remarking that he recently had the opportunity to meet the Olympics team of India at his residence in Delhi, the Prime Minister said that during the conversation, one of the athletes redefined “PM” as “Param Mitra” (best friend) instead of “Prime Minister.” He expressed that this trust gives him energy. He emphasized his complete confidence in the talent and potential of the athletes. The Prime Minister highlighted the continuous focus on supporting their talent over the past 10 years and the sports budget had more than tripled in the last decade. He added that under the TOPS scheme, hundreds of crores of rupees were being invested in dozens of athletes. He underscored that the Khelo India program was building modern sports infrastructure across the country. Shri Modi highlighted that sports was mainstreamed in schools, and the country’s first sports university was being established in Manipur.

    Pointing out that the results of the Government’s efforts were visible on the ground and in the medal tally, the Prime Minister highlighted that Indian athletes are making their mark in every international event, showcasing their talent. He praised the excellent performance of Indian athletes in the Olympics and Paralympics, noting that many athletes from Uttarakhand had also won medals. He expressed his happiness that many medal winners were present at the venue to encourage the participants.

    Shri Modi remarked that the glorious days of hockey were returning. He highlighted that India’s kho-kho team recently won the World Cup, and Gukesh D. stunned the world by winning the World Chess Championship. Additionally, Koneru Humpy became the Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion. The Prime Minister emphasized that these successes demonstrate how sports in India are no longer just extracurricular activities but the youth were now considering sports as a major career choice.

    “Just as athletes always aim for big goals, India is also moving forward with great resolutions”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He highlighted that India was making significant efforts to host the 2036 Olympics, which will elevate Indian sports to new heights. Emphasizing that the Olympics was not just a sports event; but drives multiple sectors in the host country, Shri Modi said the sports infrastructure built for the Olympics creates jobs and provides better facilities for future athletes. He added that the city hosting the Olympics sees new connectivity infrastructure, boosting the construction and transport sectors and the biggest benefit was to the country’s tourism, with new hotels being built and people from around the world coming to participate and watch the games. The Prime Minister noted that the National Games being held in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand will also benefit the local economy. He added that spectators from other parts of the country will visit different parts of Uttarakhand, showing that sports events benefit not only athletes but also various other sectors of the economy.

    Emphasizing that the 21st century was being hailed as India’s century, Shri Modi, after visiting Baba Kedarnath, spontaneously felt that this was the decade of Uttarakhand. He expressed his happiness over Uttarakhand’s rapid progress. The Prime Minister highlighted that Uttarakhand had become the first state in the country to implement the Uniform Civil Code, which will form the foundation for a dignified life for daughters, mothers, and sisters. It will strengthen the spirit of democracy and the essence of the Constitution. Shri Modi connected this to the sports event, noting that sportsmanship removes all feelings of discrimination. He added that every victory and medal is achieved through collective effort, and sports inspire teamwork. He stated that the same spirit applies to the Uniform Civil Code, where there is no discrimination, and everyone is equal. He congratulated the State Government of Uttarakhand for taking this historic step.

    Noting that for the first time, Uttarakhand was hosting a national event on such a large scale, the Prime Minister lauded that this was a significant achievement in itself, creating more employment opportunities and providing local youth with jobs. He urged that Uttarakhand must explore new avenues for development, as its economy cannot solely rely on the Char Dham Yatra. He added that the Government was continuously enhancing facilities to increase the attraction of these pilgrimages, with the number of pilgrims setting new records each season. However, he noted that this is not enough. Shri Modi emphasized the need to promote winter spiritual journeys in Uttarakhand. He expressed his happiness that new steps were taken in this direction and shared his desire to be part of these winter journeys. He encouraged the youth from across the country to visit Uttarakhand during winters, as the number of pilgrims is lower, and there are many opportunities for adventure activities. He urged all athletes to explore these opportunities after the National Games and enjoy the hospitality of Devbhoomi for a longer duration.

    The Prime Minister remarked that the athletes represent their respective states and will compete fiercely in the coming days, breaking national records and setting new ones. He urged them to give their best effort. Emphasising that the National Games was not just a sports competition but also a platform for “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat,” celebrating India’s diversity, Shri Modi encouraged the athletes to ensure that their medals reflect the unity and excellence of India. He urged them to learn about the languages, cuisines, and music of different states. Stressing on the importance of cleanliness, the PM highlighted that Uttarakhand was progressing towards becoming plastic-free, and this goal cannot be achieved without the athletes’ cooperation. He urged everyone to contribute to the success of this campaign.

    Emphasising the importance of fitness and the growing problem of obesity in the country, the Prime Minister noted that obesity was affecting all age groups, including the youth, and increasing the risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Shri Modi expressed satisfaction that the country was becoming more aware of fitness and a healthy lifestyle through the Fit India Movement. He mentioned that the National Games teach the importance of physical activity, discipline, and a balanced life. The Prime Minister urged the citizens to focus on two things: exercise and diet. He encouraged everyone to take some time each day for exercise, whether it’s walking or working out. He also stressed the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet, suggesting a reduction in unhealthy fats and oils. He advised reducing the use of cooking oil by at least 10% each month, as small steps can lead to significant health improvements. He highlighted that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind and a healthy nation. Shri Modi called on state governments, schools, offices, and community leaders to spread awareness about fitness and nutrition. He urged everyone to share their practical experiences and knowledge about proper nutrition. He concluded by calling for a collective effort to build a “Fit India” and announced the commencement of the 38th National Games, extending his best wishes to all participants. 

    The Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt.Gen. (Retd.) Gurmit Singh, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Ministers of State Shri Ajay Tamta, Smt Raksha Khadse were present among other dignitaries at the event.

    Background

    The 38th National Games is being hosted in Dehradun, Uttarakhand during its Silver Jubilee year and will be held in 11 cities across 8 districts of Uttarakhand from 28th January to 14th February.

    36 states and one union territory will participate in the National Games. Over 17 days, competitions for 35 sports disciplines will be held. Among these, medals will be awarded for 33 sports, while two will be exhibition sports. Yoga and Mallakhamb have been included in the National Games for the first time. More than 10,000 athletes from across the country will participate in the event.

    With a focus on sustainability, the theme for the National Games this year is “Green Games.” A special park, called the Sports Forest, will be developed near the venue, where more than 10,000 saplings will be planted by athletes and guests. The medals and certificates for the athletes will be made from environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials.

     

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Future Ready: India’s Digital Economy to Contribute One-Fifth of National Income by 2029-30

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 7:23PM by PIB Delhi

    The Indian economy has been digitalising at a remarkable pace over the last decade. Quantifying and understanding the role of the digital economy in driving economic growth, employment, and sustainable development are essential for both policymakers and the private sector. According to the State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2024, India is the third largest digitalised country in the world in terms of economy-wide digitalization, and 12th among the G20 countries in the level of digitalisation of individual users.

    India’s digital economy is expected to grow almost twice as fast as the overall economy, contributing to nearly one-fifth of national income by 2029-30. This means that, in less than six-years, the share of digital economy will become larger than that of agriculture or manufacturing in the country. In the short run, the highest growth is likely to come from the growth of digital intermediaries and platforms, followed by higher digital diffusion and digitalisation of the rest of the economy. This will eventually lower the share of digitally enabling ICT industries in the digital economy.

    India’s digital economy has emerged as a significant contributor to its economic growth, accounting for 11.74% of the GDP (INR 31.64 lakh crore or USD 402 billion) in 2022-23. Employing 14.67 million workers (2.55% of the workforce), the digital economy is nearly five times more productive than the rest of the economy. The digitally enabling industries such as ICT services and manufacturing of electronic components, computers, and communication equipment, which form the core, contributed 7.83% of GVA (Gross Value Added), while digital platforms and intermediaries added another 2% of GVA. Furthermore, digitalisation in traditional sectors like BFSI, retail, and education added 2% of GVA, showcasing the pervasive impact of digital transformation. Projections indicate the digital economy’s share will grow to 20% of GVA by 2029-30, outpacing agriculture and manufacturing. Key growth drivers include the rapid adoption of AI, cloud services, and the rise of global capability centers (GCCs), with India hosting 55% of the world’s GCCs. GCCs are offshore centres established by multinational corporations to provide a variety of services to their parent organisations, including R&D, IT support, and business process management.

    India’s progress in digital advancements

    Source: ESTIMATION AND MEASUREMENT OF INDIA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY REPORT, January 2025 (Page 15)

    Digitalisation of traditional sectors

    The primary survey and stakeholder discussions highlighted interesting facts about how different sectors are digitalising and their contribution to the revenue generated by firms. Not all aspects of businesses are digitalising uniformly. For example, retail sales are digitalising much more than wholesale sales. Firms are also investing in digital methods for customer acquisition and business development. Chatbots and AI applications are fairly commonplace.

    • In the BFSI sector, over 95% of banking payment transactions are digital, but revenue-generating activities like loans and investments remain largely offline, with financial services less digitalised overall.
    • Retail is shifting to omni-channel models, with e-tailers adding physical stores, while AI chatbots and digital inventory tools enhance efficiency.
    • Education has begun adopting offline, online, and hybrid models, with most institutions favoring hybrid approaches
    • Hospitality and logistics are embracing AI, metaverse, and digital tools, with large firms fully digitalising operations, while smaller players lag behind.

    The Way Forward

    By 2030, India’s digital economy is projected to contribute nearly one-fifth of the country’s overall economy, outpacing the growth of traditional sectors. Over the past decade, digital-enabling industries have grown at 17.3%, significantly higher than the 11.8% growth rate of the economy as a whole. Digital platforms, in particular, have expanded rapidly, with an anticipated growth rate of approximately 30% in the coming years. In 2022-23, the digital economy accounted for 14.67 million workers, or 2.55% of India’s workforce, with the majority of these jobs (58.07%) in the digital-enabling industry. Though the workforce is predominantly male, digital platforms have contributed to increasing job opportunities for women, especially in sectors where mobility and safety concerns were previously barriers.

    India’s digital economy is a key driver of both economic growth and employment, with an increasing role in empowering women in the workforce and creating new opportunities across various sectors. The rapid expansion of digital platforms signals an ongoing transformation that is set to shape the future of work in India.

    References:

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2095260

    https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Report_Estimation_Measurement.pdf

    Click here to see in PDF:

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Jitendra Singh Commemorates CSIR-IITR’s Diamond Jubilee: A Commitment to a Toxin-Free India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Dr. Jitendra Singh Commemorates CSIR-IITR’s Diamond Jubilee: A Commitment to a Toxin-Free India

    Lauds some of the institute’s milestone achievements which have established its credibility and trustworthiness across the country as possibly the only institution of its kind in India and perhaps one of the few of its kind in the world.

    Dr Jitendra Singh also placed on record the institute’s appreciable contribution in investigating the cause of the mysterious disease currently making news from the Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir.

    Minister Emphasizes CSIR-IITR’s Support for Startups & MSMEs in Environmental Innovation

    Inaugurates Key Facilities at CSIR-IITR Bolstering Research and Innovation

    Launches Pioneering Products and Unveils Commemorative Stamp

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 6:49PM by PIB Delhi

    LUCKNOW, January 28 : Marking its 60thanniversary, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) showcased its contributions and future ambitions at a celebratory event addressed by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, wherein he lauded some of the institute’s milestone achievements which have established its credibility and trustworthiness across the country as possibly the only institution of its kind in India and perhaps one of the few of its kind in the world.

    Dr Jitendra Singh also placed on record the institute’s appreciable contribution in investigating the cause of the mysterious disease currently making news from the Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir.

    The Minister lauded the institute’s pivotal role in addressing public health challenges and called for its expanded reach to ensure a “toxin-free India” by 2047, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

    The Minister emphasized the institute’s support for startups and MSMEs through initiatives like the DSIR-CRTDH Environmental Monitoring Hub and BIRAC-BioNEST. With more than 30 startups and 55 MSMEs receiving support, CSIR-IITR is fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in sectors like environmental monitoring and pollution abatement.

    The Minister stressed the need for wider visibility of the institute’s work, urging modern outreach strategies, including leveraging social media, to connect with stakeholders and the public.

    “Institutes like these don’t often make headlines unless linked to a crisis. It’s time for a proactive approach to showcase their contributions,” he remarked.

    Underlining the significance of synergy, Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed greater collaboration between CSIR-IITR and like-minded institutions, including IITs and medical research centres, to foster a holistic approach to science and innovation. He also celebrated the institute’s support for over 30 startups and 50 MSMEs, highlighting its contribution to India’s bio-economy.

    As part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated several key facilities at CSIR-IITR, strengthening its research and innovation capabilities. These included the Diamond Jubilee Arches, the new Diamond Jubilee Block, the NaMo-ATAL facility, and VV Sansa—an advanced reference material facility. Additionally, the Minister inaugurated the third-floor TDIC, the operational hub of the BioNEST initiative, aimed at fostering biotech startups and research collaborations.The Minister toured the CSIR-IITR Exhibition, which showcased the institute’s latest research breakthroughs and technological innovations.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh also unveiled a commemorative stamp highlighting the institute’s remarkable journey. Among the major product launches were Apatkaleen AHAAR, a shelf-stable, high-nutrition food solution for disaster relief and emergency preparedness, and NFit: Nutritious Food in Tablets, a compact superfood designed for endurance and cognitive performance in extreme environments, including space travel. Another innovation, MIL-FiT: Millet-enriched All-in-One Tablets, offers a high-fibre, protein-rich food solution for trekkers, adventurers, and field personnel operating in remote locations. Additionally, SenzSCAn: Point-of-Care Chromogenic Sensor for Sickle Cell Anaemia was introduced—a cost-effective and portable diagnostic tool enabling rapid detection of sickle cell anaemia, particularly in underserved regions.

    In a boost to translational research, major technology transfers—VV Sansa’s TT, and Oneer—were also formalized, underscoring CSIR-IITR’s commitment to transforming lab innovations into real-world applications. Further strengthening its knowledge-sharing efforts, the Minister released the CSIR-IITR Annual Report and Vish-Vigyan Sandesh Sankalan (Volume 1), documenting the institute’s recent achievements and scientific contributions.

    The event also witnessed the launch of the WARMEST and EARTH-25 conferences, aimed at fostering research collaboration on environmental and health challenges, along with the Diamond Jubilee Internship and the E-PARAM initiative, promoting skill development and digital transformation.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the institute’s evolution over six decades, transitioning from its original focus on industrial toxicology to tackling contemporary issues like environmental hazards, food safety, and health crises. He emphasized the institute’s critical role during national emergencies, such as the Odisha cyclone and the epidemic dropsy outbreak, and its integration into flagship government missions like NamamiGange and air quality monitoring.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the institute’s innovations in developing cost-effective tools, such as on-field detection kits for haemoglobin content and sickle cell anaemia, which hold great potential for improving healthcare accessibility. He also lauded its role as the only CSIR laboratory with both NABL accreditation and GLP certification, ensuring adherence to international quality standards.

    Dr. Jitendra Singh also appreciated the institute’s efforts in promoting scientific temper among students through its Jigyasa programs and skill development initiatives. He encouraged the institute to continue its focus on creating affordable, accessible technologies, such as strip-based tests for food adulteration, which directly benefit citizens in their daily lives.

    The Minister’s address underscored a broader commitment to safeguarding public health as a cornerstone of India’s developmental goals. By focusing on reducing toxins—both chemical and social—CSIR-IITR aims to play a crucial role in achieving a healthy and prosperous India by its centenary in 2047.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Forthcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit a grand occasion to showcase India’s creative power and obtain a new identity for us before the world: Prime Minister of India

    Source: Government of India

    Forthcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit a grand occasion to showcase India’s creative power and obtain a new identity for us before the world: Prime Minister of India

    Events like WAVES not only generate revenue, help develop the perception but promotes states globally by tapping the creative talent pool: PM at Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave

    Golden opportunity for amateur music creators, fashion buffs, creative freelancers, advertising professionals & designers to take part in WAVES & become a celebrity maestro in your art

    Hurry up and apply under Doordarshan and Dilli Darbar joint venture – Wah Ustad music talent hunt reality show for classical, semi classical, and Sufi artists for age 18 & above

    Drop the Beat with epic EDM Challenge: WAVES offers maiden opportunity to digital music producers to showcase their talent in EDM

    ‘Make the world wear Khadi’ challenge seeks global participation from ad makers & talented amateurs to craft innovative campaigns helping India position Khadi as a global brand

    WAVES running 19 Create in India Challenges for freelancers as well as professionals from around the world, rest 12 for Indians, to make their career in media & entertainment industry and earn fame

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi said that the forthcoming WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) will provide a new global identity to India’s creative prowess. Addressing the audience at Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave in Bhubaneswar, he highlighted how major events like WAVES not only generate significant revenue but also build  perceptions and push the economy. He underscored the immense potential of such initiatives to harness India’s vast pool of creative talent and position the nation as a global leader in the media and entertainment sector.

    WAVES 2025: Bridging India’s timeless traditions with contemporary creativity

    WAVES 2025 presents a unique confluence of India’s rich cultural legacy and modern creativity, offering platforms for everyone—from creators of classical and semi-classical music to creators of modern music of EDM and innovative advertising professionals, designers and creators for Khadi.

    This dynamic blend of past and present is exemplified in challenges like Wah Ustad, celebrating India’s traditional musical heritage, Resonate: The EDM Challenge, embracing modern global music trends, and Make The World Wear Khadi, which seeks to reimagine India’s iconic fabric as a global symbol of sustainable fashion. These three challenges were launched by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw along with WAVES Bazaar and WAVES Awards, on 27 January, 2025 where he urged the creators to help India become the global capital of content creation.

    Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw while addressing the audience at the launch of WAVES Bazaar-Global-e-marketplace WAVES CIC Challenge including ‘Wah Ustad’ and WAVES Awards on 27 January, 2025

    Together, these initiatives provide content creators with unparalleled opportunities to showcase their talent, bridge tradition and innovation, and gain recognition while contributing to India’s cultural and creative renaissance. These challenges join a diverse lineup of total 31 Create in India Challenges,offering a stage for content creators across various genres to showcase their talent.

    About the New Challenges

    Wah Ustad: A Reality Show to Discover India’s Hidden Musical Gem

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Doordarshan, has launched Wah Ustad, an extraordinary classical and semi-classical music talent hunt, under the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of WAVES 2025.It aims to nurture exceptional talent in Hindustani, Carnatic, and soulful Sufi music while preserving and promoting India’s rich musical legacy.

    Envisioned with the expertise of the esteemed “Dilli Gharana,” Wah Ustad will serve as a platform for young, classically trained vocalists aged 18 and above. Open to global participation, the program invites entries from talented individuals with a passion for Hindustani or Carnatic music, Sufi singing, and semi-classical genres.

    The journey for participants has already begun with online registrations through the Dilli Durbar portal. This will progress to regional auditions, thematic episodes, and ultimately culminating in a grand finale at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai. The top five finalists will compete for the coveted title, with the winner receiving a cash prize, mentorship opportunities, recording contracts, and nationwide recognition.

    With 26 episodes airing on Doordarshan, Wah Ustad will celebrate India’s cultural heritage while inspiring the next generation of musicians. By blending traditional expertise with modern technology, the program promises to highlight the soulful charm of classical music and its relevance in today’s world.

    Resonate: The EDM Challenge

    In a first-of-its-kind global celebration of electronic music, Resonate: The EDM Challenge will take center stage at the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Organized by the Indian Music Industry (IMI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), the challenge aims to reinforce India’s position as a global hub for music fusion, electronic music, and the vibrant art of DJing.

    If you excel at crafting digital or electronic music and have a flair for DJing, Resonate: The EDM Challenge at WAVES 2025 is your ultimate stage to shine. This unique competition invites talented individuals from across the globe to showcase their skills in music production and live performance, offering an unparalleled opportunity to become a DJ maestro. With exciting prizes and a platform to perform in front of industry experts and a global audience, this challenge is your chance to turn your passion for electronic music into international recognition.

    Open to individual artists and creative teams, Resonate provides a platform for both emerging and seasoned musicians to compete across two thrilling stages:

    • Preliminary Round: Participants will submit their original EDM tracks online, which will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts to shortlist the top 10 entries.
    • Grand Finale: The finalists will perform live at WAVES 2025, competing for top honors in front of a distinguished jury and a global audience.

    Winners will receive substantial cash prizes (₹2,00,000 for the Grand Prize winner and ₹50,000 for runners-up), along with a chance to feature in promotional materials, gain international exposure, and perform on a global stage.

    Make The World Wear Khadi: A Global call to elevate India’s iconic fabric

    India’s timeless fabric, Khadi, is set to make a global statement with the launch of the “Make The World Wear Khadi” challenge under the Create in India initiative at WAVES 2025. This unique competition invites advertising professionals, creative freelancers, and designers from around the world to craft innovative campaigns that position Khadi as a global brand.

    Open to international participation, the challenge encourages participants to explore bold and imaginative design concepts across digital, print, video, and experiential formats. The goal is to elevate Khadi’s brand image, inspire consumer engagement, and establish it as a symbol of sustainable fashion and cultural heritage worldwide. Winners will secure recognition and opportunities to further their professional journey while playing a pivotal role in driving Khadi’s transformation into an internationally celebrated brand.

    WAVES Awards

    The WAVES Awards will honour the outstanding contributions in the global creative industry, with nominations opening on February 15, 2025. Recognizing excellence across diverse fields, the awards feature two major categories: ‘Best of the Year’ Global Awards and Special Selection Awards.

    The ‘Best of the Year’ Global Awards celebrate top achievements in gaming, film, animation, web series, advertising, startups, and digital influence. Key categories include Game of the Year, Film of the Year, Influencer of the Year, Podcaster of the Year, and Song of the Year, among others.

    The Special Selection Awards acknowledge individuals and initiatives that have made a significant impact. This includes the prestigious G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Lifetime Achievement Award, Businessperson of the Year, Social Impact Award, and Tech Icon Awards. The Stories of Change category further highlights transformative contributions in Broadcast, Print, and Digital Media.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2097072) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DPIIT and JKEDI sign MoU to strengthen startup ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 4:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration, mentorship, and support for startups in the region.

    The signing took place during “Jammu Kashmir Konnect,” a special startup-focused program organized at JKEDI’s Baribrahamna campus, where startups, incubators, and key-way stakeholders gathered to discuss innovation and growth opportunities. DPIIT and JKEDI formally signed the MoU marking a significant step toward strengthening startup support systems in J&K.

    The MoU between DPIIT and JKEDI paves the way for greater branding, outreach, and accessibility to Startup India’s ecosystem, fostering mentorship, knowledge exchange, and infrastructure support. It also focuses on market linkages, funding networks, and international expansion opportunities, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

    During the program, Director DPIIT and Director JKEDI held one-on-one interactions with all incubators, discussing their challenges, needs, and future plans. The session provided a unique platform for incubators to share insights, suggest improvements, and seek policy-level support for enhancing the startup ecosystem.

    During the event, Shri Rajinder Kumar Sharma, JKAS, Director JKEDI highlighted the impact of the JK Startup Policy, launched in March 2024, which has led to over 250 new startup registrations on the DPIIT portal taken the total to 988 in a short span. He also emphasized the significant outreach efforts undertaken by JKEDI, stating that during the current financial year, the institute has successfully conducted 601 Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs (EAPs) across Universities, Colleges, Higher Secondary Schools, and IITs in 20 districts of J&K—without incurring any expenses.

    The “Jammu Kashmir Konnect” program, coupled with the signing of the MoU, marks a major milestone in J&K’s startup ecosystem, ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs receive the mentorship, funding opportunities, and ecosystem support needed to thrive.

    The Head of the Incubators from IIT- Jammu, IIM-Jammu, Jammu University, SKUAST-Jammu, Cluster University and CIIIT Jammu along with the FICCI Flo attended the event physically. Incubators from NIT- Srinagar, IUST University, SKUAST – Kashmir and CIIIT Baramulla joined virtually.

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    Abhisekh Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

    (Release ID: 2097035) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Lawsuit, Seeks Immediate Court Order to Block Sweeping OMB Directive Freezing up to $3 Trillion in Vital Federal Funding

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    New OMB directive would pause funding for disaster recovery, as well as public health, education, and public safety programs 

    SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, along with New York Attorney General Letitia James, led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block implementation of a memo by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) threatening to freeze up to $3 trillion in federal assistance funding effective at 2pm PT / 5pm ET today. The attorneys general are seeking a temporary restraining order to block the memo from taking effect, citing immediate harms to their states, which stand to lose billions in funding essential for the administration of vital programs that support the health and safety of their residents. Already, the order has thrown state programs into chaos and created uncertainty around their administration. Impacted programs include disaster-relief funding necessary for Los Angeles’ recovery from recent wildfires, as well as public health, education, public safety, and government programs.

    “The Trump Administration is recklessly disregarding the health, wellbeing, and public safety of the people it is supposed to serve,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This directive is unprecedented in scope and would be devastating if implemented. Already, it has created chaos and confusion among our residents. I will not stand by while the President attempts to disrupt vital programs that feed our kids, provide medical care to our families, and support housing and education in our communities. Instead of learning from the defeats of his first Administration, President Trump is once again plowing ahead with a damaging – and most importantly, unlawful – agenda. I’m proud to co-lead a coalition of attorneys general in taking him to court.” 

    The OMB directive freezing federal funding less than 24 hours after it was announced will cause immediate and irreparable harm to the states every day that it is in effect — in the form of millions of dollars in funds and mass regulatory chaos. Many states could face immediate cash shortfalls, making it difficult to administer basic programs like funding for healthcare and food for children and to address their most pressing emergency needs. This will result in devastating consequences for California in particular, given the uncertainty around continued disbursement of FEMA funding that is essential for recovery from the Los Angeles wildfires, which have caused an estimated $150 billion in economic losses.

    In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the OMB directive violates the U.S. Constitution, violates the Administrative Procedure Act, and is arbitrary and capricious. Specifically, the attorneys general argue that Congress has not delegated any unilateral authority to OMB to indefinitely pause all federal financial assistance under any circumstance, irrespective of the federal statutes and contractual terms governing those grants, and without even considering them. The directive also violates the “separation of powers” between Congress and the Executive Branch because the Spending Clause of the U.S. Constitution gives the power of the purse exclusively to Congress. The attorneys general seek a temporary restraining order to block the directive from being implemented.   

    Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia in filing the lawsuit.  

    A copy of the lawsuit and TRO will become available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: RI Delegation Works to Ensure Trump’s Directive Doesn’t Cause Delay on Washington Bridge Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — A recent directive from President Donald Trump may delay hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants intended for infrastructure upgrades across the state.  Trump’s order pauses billions of dollars in already awarded grant money for projects nationwide.

    In an effort to ensure the pause doesn’t negatively impact Rhode Island or hold up work, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo sent a letter to the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) urging him to confirm that the law will be upheld and the funds will be released to the state.

    Legal experts have noted that if the Trump Administration fails to adhere to the law, then lawsuits would ensue and courts would likely overturn the President’s attempt to undo the law, delaying work and costing U.S. taxpayers untold sums of wasted money.

    Text of the letter follows:

    January 25, 2025

    Mr. Matthew Vaeth

    Acting Director

    Office of Management and Budget

    725 17th St, NW

    Washington, DC 20500

    Dear Acting Director Vaeth:

    As you know, the Trump Administration has needlessly halted work to advance the release of funding appropriated by Congress and competitively awarded for projects in the State of Rhode Island and elsewhere. In particular, we are alarmed that the Administration is blocking the release of over $600 million in competitive grant funding for more than ten Rhode Island transportation projects. These grants include over $220 million for the Interstate-195 Washington Bridge, which has been partially closed since December 2023 due to a catastrophic failure, and more than $250 million to address 15 bridges along Rhode Island’s busy I-95 corridor, which span critical rail and roadway infrastructure.

    These are essential projects that have already been evaluated and selected in a competitive process for funding.

    Lingering uncertainty about the status of funding threatens to disrupt work on these essential infrastructure projects, which could have negative ramifications for state and local budgets, preventing projects from being completed on time, threatening good-paying jobs, and

    harming our economy. We ask that you promptly confirm that all of these funds, as well as others being held for review, will be released to the State.

    Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Condemns President Trump’s Midnight Purge of Federal Inspectors General

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — U.S Senator Jack Reed, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s firing of nearly every Cabinet-level agency Inspector General, including the U.S. Department of Defense:

    “Why would someone round up all the non-partisan watchdogs and terminate them at midnight unless they were trying to prevent them from sounding the alarm?  These mass-firings appear politically motivated to undermine accountability and transparency.  Every member of Congress, regardless of party, should be concerned.  Administrations change and if this becomes the new norm it’ll be detrimental to taxpayers.

    “Clearly, the Trump Administration is willing to flout the law, ignore legal requirements, and systematically circumvent checks and balances.  Instead of going after waste, fraud, corruption, and abuse, Trump is laying the groundwork to shield his administration from independent oversight. 

    “Trump already appears to have violated the law that requires him to provide 30-days notice and an explanation before removing any inspector general.

    “Congress must fulfill its role as a check against the excesses of the presidency. 

    “Trump’s opening directives make it clear he is not focused on strengthening the economy or addressing people’s basic needs.  Instead, he’s firing independent watchdogs and undermining the checks and balances built into the Constitution.”

    Under federal law, a president is supposed to give Congress a 30-day notice before firing inspector generals, who function as independent watchdogs charged with investigating waste and abuse in their departments.

    In fiscal 2023, inspectors general identified approximately $93.1 billion in potential governmental savings for U.S. taxpayers through audits, investigations, and recoveries.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Discharge 2023 (EP, OIs, JUs): Consideration of Draft Reports – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    On 27 and 28 January 2025, CONT Members considered the draft reports on the financial year 2023 discharge to the European Parliament, the Other Institutions (European Council and Council, Court of Justice of the European Union, European Court of Auditors, European External Action Service, European Economic and Social Committee, European Committee of the Regions, European Ombudsman, European Data Protection Supervisor, European Public Prosecutor’s Office) and the Joint Undertakings.

    The draft discharge reports were presented by their respective Rapporteurs as they discussed the main points for the year 2023 discharge cycle.

    The discharge procedure is the Parliament’s final approval of how the EU budget for a specific year has been implemented. CONT Committee scrutinises how the Parliament, Commission, other EU institutions, agencies and Joint Undertakings are implementing the EU budget and prepares the Parliament’s discharge decision for each budgetary year. Parliament considers the reports prepared by the budgetary control committee, taking into account the Council’s recommendation and decides to grant, postpone or refuse a discharge.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – PIF Annual Report 2023: consideration of draft report – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    Protection of the EU’s financial interests © Adobe Stock

    On 27 January 2025, the Members of the Committee on Budgetary Control considered the draft own-initiative report (INI) on the Protection of the European Union’s financial interests – combating fraud – annual report 2023.

    The draft INI report 2023 focuses on major threats to the integrity of the Union’s budget and on the actions to counter them adopted by Commission and Member States, emphasising the urgent need to strengthen and modernise the EU’s Anti-Fraud Architecture (AFA) in light of the challenges emerging in the increasingly complex and rapidly evolving landscape.

    MIL OSI Europe News