MIL-OSI: Middlefield Banc Corp. Reports 2025 Six-Month Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Middlefield Banc Corp. (NASDAQ: MBCN) today reported financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2025.

2025 Second-Quarter Financial Highlights (on a year-over-year basis):

	●	Earnings per share increased 46.2% year-over-year to $0.76 per diluted share
	●	Asset quality improved from the 2024 fourth quarter with nonperforming assets to total assets decreasing by 32 basis points to 1.30%
	●	Net interest margin expanded 37 basis points to 3.88% and increased 19 basis points from the 2025 first quarter
	●	Total loans increased $84.2 million, or 5.6% to a record $1.58 billion
	●	Total assets increased $96.2 million, or 5.3% to a record $1.92 billion
	●	Book value increased 4.3% to $26.74 from $25.63 per share, while tangible book value⁽¹⁾ increased 6.1% to $21.60 from $20.37 per share

⁽¹⁾ See non-GAAP reconciliation under the section “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations”

“The second quarter of 2025 was another strong quarter of growth, profitability and value creation for Middlefield,” stated Ronald L. Zimmerly, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer. “Total loans have increased at an 8.2% annualized rate since the beginning of the year to a record $1.58 billion, asset quality continued to improve sequentially, and our net interest margin for the second quarter of 2025 expanded 37 basis points year-over-year to 3.88%. These results led to strong growth in profitability during the quarter. Net income also benefited from a $1.2 million net gain on the exchange of real estate associated with the relocation of our Westerville, Ohio branch. Relocating our Westerville office is a great opportunity, supported by favorable demographics and underscores our multi-year strategy to expand our presence in the Central Ohio region. We expect our new Westerville branch to open in the second half of 2025.”

“I am pleased by the strong start to 2025 and the direction we are headed. We remain focused on investing in our platform, which includes upgrades to our technology infrastructure, adding new, experienced commercial bankers, and pursuing opportunities to expand Middlefield across our compelling Ohio markets. As a result of these efforts and the contributions of our high-performing team, we expect additional loan and core deposit growth to benefit profitability throughout the remainder of 2025,” concluded Mr. Zimmerly.

Income Statement
Net interest income for the 2025 second quarter increased 15.6% to $17.4 million, compared to $15.1 million for the 2024 second quarter. The net interest margin for the 2025 second quarter was 3.88%, compared to 3.51% for the same period of 2024. Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, increased 11.6% to $33.5 million, compared to $30.1 million for the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to strong loan growth, a decrease in FHLB advances, and an overall decline in rates for deposits. Net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was 3.79%, compared to 3.53% last year.

Noninterest income for the 2025 second quarter was $3.1 million, compared to $1.8 million for the same period the previous year. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, noninterest income increased $1.5 million to $5.0 million, compared to $3.6 million for the same period in 2024. In April 2025, Middlefield completed an exchange of real estate with the City of Westerville, Ohio for a parcel of land that had a fair value of $1.5 million. In exchange, Middlefield transferred land and a building with related furnishings associated with its current branch located in Westerville, Ohio. The transferred branch had a net book value of $221,000. The exchange of real estate transaction resulted in a one-time, non-cash gain of $1.2 million.

For the 2025 second quarter, noninterest expense was $13.7 million, compared to $11.9 million for the 2024 second quarter. Noninterest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $25.8 million, compared to $23.9 million for the same period in 2024. Noninterest expense for the 2025 second quarter included a $700,000 loss associated with recording a separate property located in Westerville, Ohio as held for sale.

Net income for the 2025 second quarter was $6.2 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, compared to $4.2 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $11.0 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, compared to $8.3 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

For the 2025 second quarter, pre-tax, pre-provision net income was $6.9 million, compared to $4.9 million for the same period of 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, pre-tax, pre-provision net income was $12.7 million, compared to $9.7 million for the same period last year. (See non-GAAP reconciliation under the section “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations”.)

Balance Sheet
Total assets at June 30, 2025, increased 5.3% to a record $1.92 billion, compared to $1.83 billion at June 30, 2024. Total loans at June 30, 2025, were a record $1.58 billion, compared to $1.50 billion at June 30, 2024. The 5.6% year-over-year increase in total loans was primarily due to higher home equity lines of credit, commercial and industrial loans, residential real estate loans, non-owner occupied, and owner occupied loans, partially offset by a reduction in construction and other loans and multifamily loans.

The investment securities available-for-sale portfolio was $161.1 million at June 30, 2025, compared with $166.4 million at June 30, 2024.

Total liabilities at June 30, 2025, increased 5.4% to $1.71 billion, compared to $1.62 billion at June 30, 2024. Total deposits at June 30, 2025, were $1.59 billion, compared to $1.47 billion at June 30, 2024. The 8.4% year-over-year increase in deposits was primarily due to growth in money market and interest-bearing demand deposits, partially offset by declines in savings deposit accounts. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits were 24.2% of total deposits at June 30, 2025, compared to 26.3% at June 30, 2024. At June 30, 2025, the Company had brokered deposits of $165.1 million, compared to $86.5 million at June 30, 2024.

Michael C. Ranttila, Chief Financial Officer, stated, “Middlefield’s highly profitable financial model, disciplined loan pricing, and strong liquidity levels provides us with the flexibility to support both loan and operational growth. We continue to monitor our funding mix to support our loan portfolio at a reasonable cost, and such actions contributed to a seven-basis point reduction in our cost of funds since the beginning of the year. Throughout the second half of 2025, we are focused on growing core deposits by improving the mix of commercial and industrial loans and growing treasury management relationships.”

Middlefield’s CRE portfolio included the following categories at June 30, 2025:

(Dollar amounts in thousands)	Balance		Percent of CRE Portfolio			Percent of Loan Portfolio			Weighted Average Loan-to-Value

Multi-Family	$	79,497		11.7	%		5.0	%		64.7	%
Owner Occupied
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing		56,806		8.3	%		3.6	%		55.6	%
Other Services (except Public Administration)		40,734		6.0	%		2.6	%		58.2	%
Manufacturing		17,919		2.6	%		1.1	%		44.4	%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting		12,318		1.8	%		0.8	%		36.3	%
Educational Services		11,844		1.7	%		0.7	%		50.1	%
Other		57,024		8.3	%		3.6	%		54.1	%
Total Owner Occupied	$	196,645		28.7	%		12.4	%
Non-Owner Occupied
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing		333,645		49.0	%		21.1	%		54.8	%
Accommodation and Food Services		40,430		5.9	%		2.6	%		57.0	%
Health Care and Social Assistance		19,456		2.9	%		1.2	%		65.9	%
Manufacturing		7,412		1.1	%		0.5	%		46.7	%
Other		4,089		0.7	%		0.3	%		76.4	%
Total Non-Owner Occupied	$	405,032		59.6	%		25.7	%
Total CRE	$	681,174		100.0	%		43.1	%

Stockholders’ Equity and Dividends
At June 30, 2025, stockholders’ equity was $216.1 million, compared to $206.8 million at June 30, 2024. The 4.5% year-over-year increase in stockholders’ equity was primarily from higher retained earnings, partially offset by an increase in the unrealized losses on the available-for-sale investment portfolio. On a per-share basis, shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2025, was $26.74, compared to $25.63 at June 30, 2024.

At June 30, 2025, tangible stockholders’ equity⁽¹⁾ was $174.6 million, compared to $164.3 million at June 30, 2024. On a per-share basis, tangible stockholders’ equity⁽¹⁾ was $21.60 at June 30, 2025, compared to $20.37 at June 30, 2024. ⁽¹⁾See non-GAAP reconciliation under the section “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations”.

For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company declared cash dividends of $0.42 per share, totaling $3.4 million. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, the Company increased the quarterly cash dividend by $0.01, or 5% from the previous year’s $0.20 per share quarterly cash dividend.

For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock.

At June 30, 2025, the Company’s equity-to-assets ratio was 11.23%, compared to 11.31% at June 30, 2024.

Asset Quality
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded a recovery of credit losses of $411,000, compared to a recovery of credit losses of $49,000 for the same period of 2024.

Net recoveries were $227,000, or (0.03%) of average loans, annualized, for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to net recoveries of $97,000, or (0.01%) of average loans, annualized, for the same period of 2024.

Nonperforming loans at June 30, 2025, were $25.1 million, compared to $16.0 million at June 30, 2024. The year-over-year increase in nonperforming assets was primarily due to a $12.0 million loan moved to nonaccrual in the 2024 third quarter. The allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2025, stood at $22.3 million, or 1.41% of total loans, compared to $21.8 million, or 1.46% of total loans at June 30, 2024. The increase in the allowance for credit losses was mainly from changes in projected loss drivers, prepayment assumptions, curtailment expectations over the reasonable and supportable forecast period, and geographic footprint of unemployment data, as well as an overall increase in total loans.

Mr. Ranttila continued, “Asset quality demonstrates the success of our disciplined approach to credit quality and risk management, as nonperforming assets to total assets have improved to 1.30% at June 30, 2025, compared to 1.56% at March 31, 2025, and 1.62% at December 31, 2024. Over the past six months, non-performing assets declined by $4.9 million from $30.0 million at December 31, 2024, primarily as a result of the successful payoff of one previously disclosed non-accruing loan. In addition, reductions in the reserve against individually analyzed loans as well as the reserve for unfunded commitments drove a $506,000 recovery for credit losses in the second quarter. We continue to expect stable economic activity across our Central, Western and Northeast Ohio markets that will support loan demand and asset quality throughout 2025.”

About Middlefield Banc Corp.
Middlefield Banc Corp., headquartered in Middlefield, Ohio, is the Bank holding Company of The Middlefield Banking Company, with total assets of $1.92 billion at June 30, 2025. The Bank operates 21 full-service banking centers and an LPL Financial® brokerage office serving Ada, Beachwood, Bellefontaine, Chardon, Cortland, Dublin, Garrettsville, Kenton, Mantua, Marysville, Middlefield, Newbury, Orwell, Plain City, Powell, Solon, Sunbury, Twinsburg, and Westerville. The Bank also operates a Loan Production Office in Mentor, Ohio.

Additional information is available at www.middlefieldbank.bank

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
This press release includes disclosure of Middlefield Banc Corp.’s tangible book value per share, return on average tangible equity, and pre-tax, pre-provision for loan losses income, which are financial measures not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts required to be disclosed by GAAP. Middlefield Banc Corp. believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide both management and investors a more complete understanding of the underlying operational results and trends and Middlefield Banc Corp.’s marketplace performance. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the numbers prepared in accordance with GAAP. The reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures are included in the following Consolidated Financial Highlights tables below.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release of Middlefield Banc Corp. and the reports Middlefield Banc Corp. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission often contain “forward-looking statements” relating to present or future trends or factors affecting the banking industry and, specifically, the financial operations, markets and products of Middlefield Banc Corp. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. There are several important factors that could cause Middlefield Banc Corp.’s future results to differ materially from historical performance or projected performance. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) a significant increase in competitive pressures among financial institutions; (2) changes in the interest rate environment that may reduce interest margins; (3) changes in prepayment speeds, charge-offs and loan loss provisions; (4) less favorable than expected general economic conditions; (5) legislative or regulatory changes that may adversely affect businesses in which Middlefield Banc Corp. is engaged; (6) technological issues which may adversely affect Middlefield Banc Corp.’s financial operations or customers; (7) changes in the securities markets; or (8) risk factors mentioned in the reports and registration statements Middlefield Banc Corp. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Middlefield Banc Corp. undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

MIDDLEFIELD BANC CORP.
Consolidated Selected Financial Highlights
(Dollar amounts in thousands, unaudited)

	June 30,		March 31,		December 31,		September 30,		June 30,
Balance Sheets (period end)	2025		2025		2024		2024		2024
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	59,145	$	56,150	$	46,037	$	61,851	$	50,496
Federal funds sold		13,701		10,720		9,755		12,022		1,762
Cash and cash equivalents		72,846		66,870		55,792		73,873		52,258
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value		161,116		165,014		165,802		169,895		166,424
Other investments		1,014		1,021		855		895		881
Loans held for sale		152		–		–		249		–
Loans:
Commercial real estate:
Owner occupied		196,645		185,412		181,447		187,313		182,809
Non-owner occupied		405,032		413,621		412,291		407,159		385,648
Multifamily		79,497		88,737		89,849		94,798		86,951
Residential real estate		357,217		351,274		353,442		345,748		337,121
Commercial and industrial		257,519		235,547		229,034		213,172		234,702
Home equity lines of credit		156,297		147,154		143,379		137,761		131,047
Construction and other		123,531		122,653		103,608		111,550		132,530
Consumer installment		6,187		5,951		6,564		7,030		6,896
Total loans		1,581,925		1,550,349		1,519,614		1,504,531		1,497,704
Less allowance for credit losses		22,335		22,401		22,447		22,526		21,795
Net loans		1,559,590		1,527,948		1,497,167		1,482,005		1,475,909
Premises and equipment, net		20,304		20,494		20,565		20,528		20,744
Premises and equipment held for sale		1,015		–		–		–		–
Goodwill		36,356		36,356		36,356		36,356		36,356
Core deposit intangibles		5,112		5,362		5,611		5,869		6,126
Bank-owned life insurance		35,102		34,866		35,259		35,049		34,802
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		31,762		30,425		35,952		32,916		34,686
TOTAL ASSETS	$	1,924,369	$	1,888,356	$	1,853,359	$	1,857,635	$	1,828,186

	June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,
	2025			2025			2024			2024			2024
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	386,248		$	369,492		$	377,875		$	390,933		$	387,024
Interest-bearing demand		221,146			222,953			208,291			218,002			206,542
Money market		466,935			481,664			414,074			376,619			355,630
Savings		184,534			189,943			197,749			199,984			192,472
Time		334,755			275,673			247,704			327,231			327,876
Total deposits		1,593,618			1,539,725			1,445,693			1,512,769			1,469,544
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		89,000			110,000			172,400			106,000			125,000
Other borrowings		11,557			11,609			11,660			11,711			11,762
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities		14,142			13,229			13,044			16,450			15,092
TOTAL LIABILITIES		1,708,317			1,674,563			1,642,797			1,646,930			1,621,398
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, no par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized, 9,960,503 shares issued, 8,081,193 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2025		162,195			162,195			161,999			161,916			161,823
Additional paid-in capital		811			515			246			108			–
Retained earnings		116,892			112,432			109,299			106,067			105,342
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(22,937	)		(20,440	)		(20,073	)		(16,477	)		(19,468	)
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,879,310 shares as of June 30, 2025		(40,909	)		(40,909	)		(40,909	)		(40,909	)		(40,909	)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		216,052			213,793			210,562			210,705			206,788

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	1,924,369		$	1,888,356		$	1,853,359		$	1,857,635		$	1,828,186

MIDDLEFIELD BANC CORP.
Consolidated Selected Financial Highlights
(Dollar amounts in thousands, unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended														For the Six Months Ended
	June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			September 30,		June 30,			June 30,			June 30,
Statements of Income	2025			2025			2024			2024		2024			2025			2024

INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
Interest and fees on loans	$	25,122		$	23,387		$	23,308		$	23,441	$	23,422		$	48,509		$	45,817
Interest-earning deposits in other institutions		325			291			320			348		386			616			823
Federal funds sold		120			155			151			143		122			275			274
Investment securities:
Taxable interest		526			530			528			528		505			1,056			972
Tax-exempt interest		960			960			961			962		966			1,920			1,938
Dividends on stock		183			150			170			191		198			333			387
Total interest and dividend income		27,236			25,473			25,438			25,613		25,599			52,709			50,211
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits		8,789			7,885			8,582			8,792		8,423			16,674			15,889
Short-term borrowings		870			1,347			1,128			1,575		1,920			2,217			3,913
Other borrowings		140			143			173			173		173			283			357
Total interest expense		9,799			9,375			9,883			10,540		10,516			19,174			20,159
NET INTEREST INCOME		17,437			16,098			15,555			15,073		15,083			33,535			30,052
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses		(506	)		95			(177	)		2,234		87			(411	)		(49	)
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION
FOR (RECOVERY OF) CREDIT LOSSES		17,943			16,003			15,732			12,839		14,996			33,946			30,101
NONINTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts		1,061			989			1,068			959		971			2,050			1,880
Gain (Loss) on equity securities		(7	)		(34	)		56			14		(27	)		(41	)		(79	)
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance		230			493			230			246		227			723			454
Gain on sale of loans		39			24			64			56		69			63			79
Revenue from investment services		310			268			237			206		269			578			473
Gain on exchange of real estate		1,229			–			–			–		–			1,229			–
Gross rental income		–			–			–			–		–			–			67
Other income		216			204			259			262		251			420			682
Total noninterest income		3,078			1,944			1,914			1,743		1,760			5,022			3,556

NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits		6,734			6,557			5,996			6,201		6,111			13,291			12,444
Occupancy expense		667			687			596			627		601			1,354			1,153
Equipment expense		248			225			221			203		261			473			501
Data processing costs		1,273			1,271			1,174			1,214		1,135			2,544			2,417
Ohio state franchise tax		399			399			390			399		397			798			794
Federal deposit insurance expense		267			267			293			255		256			534			507
Professional fees		521			598			611			539		557			1,119			1,115
Advertising expense		451			364			371			283		508			815			927
Software amortization expense		95			90			83			74		21			185			43
Core deposit intangible amortization		250			249			258			257		258			499			516
Loss on premises and equipment held for sale		693			–			–			–		–			693			–
Gross other real estate owned expenses		–			–			–			–		–			–			99
Other expense		2,053			1,486			1,810			1,819		1,797			3,539			3,351
Total noninterest expense		13,651			12,193			11,803			11,871		11,902			25,844			23,867

Income before income taxes		7,370			5,754			5,843			2,711		4,854			13,124			9,790
Income taxes		1,213			924			995			371		690			2,137			1,459

NET INCOME	$	6,157		$	4,830		$	4,848		$	2,340	$	4,164		$	10,987		$	8,331

PTPP ⁽¹⁾	$	6,864		$	5,849		$	5,666		$	4,945	$	4,941		$	12,713		$	9,741

⁽¹⁾ See section “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for the reconciliation of GAAP performance measures to non-GAAP measures.

MIDDLEFIELD BANC CORP.
Consolidated Selected Financial Highlights
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share and share amounts, unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended															For the Six Months Ended
	June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			June 30,			June 30,
	2025			2025			2024			2024			2024			2025			2024
Per common share data
Net income per common share – basic	$	0.76		$	0.60		$	0.60		$	0.29		$	0.52		$	1.36		$	1.04
Net income per common share – diluted	$	0.76		$	0.60		$	0.60		$	0.29		$	0.52		$	1.36		$	1.03
Dividends declared per share	$	0.21		$	0.21		$	0.20		$	0.20		$	0.20		$	0.42		$	0.40
Book value per share (period end)	$	26.74		$	26.46		$	26.08		$	26.11		$	25.63		$	26.74		$	25.63
Tangible book value per share (period end) (1) (2)	$	21.60		$	21.29		$	20.88		$	20.87		$	20.37		$	21.60		$	20.37
Dividends declared	$	1,697		$	1,697		$	1,616		$	1,615		$	1,613		$	3,394		$	3,226
Dividend yield		2.80	%		3.05	%		2.84	%		2.76	%		3.34	%		2.81	%		3.34	%
Dividend payout ratio		27.56	%		35.13	%		33.33	%		69.02	%		38.74	%		30.89	%		38.72	%
Average shares outstanding – basic		8,081,193			8,078,805			8,071,905			8,071,032			8,067,144			8,080,006			8,079,174
Average shares outstanding – diluted		8,113,572			8,097,545			8,092,357			8,086,872			8,072,499			8,107,066			8,084,529
Period ending shares outstanding		8,081,193			8,081,193			8,073,708			8,071,032			8,067,144			8,081,193			8,067,144

Selected ratios
Return on average assets (Annualized)		1.29	%		1.04	%		1.04	%		0.50	%		0.91	%		1.17	%		0.91	%
Return on average equity (Annualized)		11.53	%		9.22	%		9.19	%		4.45	%		8.15	%		10.39	%		8.16	%
Return on average tangible common equity ^{(1) (3)}		14.31	%		11.48	%		11.50	%		5.58	%		10.29	%		12.92	%		10.30	%
Efficiency (4)		64.49	%		65.22	%		65.05	%		67.93	%		67.97	%		64.83	%		68.32	%
Equity to assets at period end		11.23	%		11.32	%		11.36	%		11.34	%		11.31	%		11.23	%		11.31	%
Noninterest expense to average assets		0.72	%		0.65	%		0.63	%		0.66	%		0.64	%		1.36	%		1.30	%

⁽¹⁾ See section “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations” for the reconciliation of GAAP performance measures to non-GAAP measures.

⁽²⁾ Calculated by dividing tangible common equity by shares outstanding.

⁽³⁾ Calculated by dividing annualized net income for each period by average tangible common equity.

⁽⁴⁾ The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing noninterest expense less amortization of intangibles by the sum of net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis plus noninterest income.

	For the Three Months Ended															For the Six Months Ended
	June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			June 30,			June 30,
Yields	2025			2025			2024			2024			2024			2025			2024
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable ⁽¹⁾		6.40	%		6.17	%		6.12	%		6.19	%		6.27	%		6.29	%		6.19	%
Investment securities ^{(1) (2)}		3.64	%		3.69	%		3.63	%		3.62	%		3.59	%		3.67	%		3.56	%
Interest-earning deposits with other banks		4.13	%		3.57	%		4.23	%		4.27	%		4.59	%		3.84	%		4.74	%
Total interest-earning assets		6.03	%		5.81	%		5.78	%		5.84	%		5.92	%		5.92	%		5.85	%
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand deposits		2.49	%		2.13	%		2.07	%		2.16	%		1.93	%		2.31	%		1.90	%
Money market deposits		3.53	%		3.38	%		3.81	%		3.93	%		3.95	%		3.46	%		3.88	%
Savings deposits		0.86	%		0.82	%		0.75	%		0.71	%		0.64	%		0.84	%		0.61	%
Certificates of deposit		3.66	%		3.93	%		4.21	%		4.49	%		4.57	%		3.79	%		4.32	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		2.95	%		2.82	%		3.05	%		3.17	%		3.15	%		2.89	%		3.02	%
Non-Deposit Funding:
Borrowings		4.54	%		4.58	%		4.93	%		5.54	%		5.60	%		4.56	%		5.60	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		3.06	%		3.01	%		3.21	%		3.41	%		3.45	%		3.04	%		3.34	%
Cost of deposits		2.21	%		2.10	%		2.24	%		2.33	%		2.30	%		2.16	%		2.19	%
Cost of funds		2.34	%		2.30	%		2.41	%		2.58	%		2.61	%		2.32	%		2.52	%
Net interest margin ⁽³⁾		3.88	%		3.69	%		3.56	%		3.46	%		3.51	%		3.79	%		3.53	%

⁽¹⁾ Tax-equivalent adjustments to calculate the yield on tax-exempt securities and loans were determined using an effective tax rate of 21%.

⁽²⁾ Yield is calculated on the basis of amortized cost.

⁽³⁾ Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

MIDDLEFIELD BANC CORP.
Consolidated Selected Financial Highlights
(unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended
	June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,
Asset quality data	2025			2025			2024			2024			2024
(Dollar amounts in thousands, unaudited)
Nonperforming assets ⁽¹⁾	$	25,052		$	29,550		$	29,984		$	30,078		$	15,961

Allowance for credit losses	$	22,335		$	22,401		$	22,447		$	22,526		$	21,795
Allowance for credit losses/total loans		1.41	%		1.44	%		1.48	%		1.50	%		1.46	%
Net charge-offs (recoveries):
Quarter-to-date	$	(18	)	$	(209	)	$	151		$	1,382		$	(29	)
Year-to-date		(227	)		(209	)		1,436			1,285			(97	)
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans, annualized:
Quarter-to-date		(0.00	%)		(0.06	%)		0.04	%		0.36	%		(0.01	%)
Year-to-date		(0.03	%)		(0.06	%)		0.10	%		0.11	%		(0.01	%)

Nonperforming loans/total loans		1.58	%		1.91	%		1.97	%		2.00	%		1.07	%
Allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans		89.15	%		75.81	%		74.86	%		74.89	%		136.55	%
Nonperforming assets/total assets		1.30	%		1.56	%		1.62	%		1.62	%		0.87	%

(1) Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans.

MIDDLEFIELD BANC CORP.
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations

Reconciliation of Common Stockholders’ Equity to Tangible Common Equity	For the Three Months Ended
(Dollar amounts in thousands, unaudited)	June 30,		March 31,		December 31,		September 30,		June 30,
	2025		2025		2024		2024		2024

Stockholders’ equity	$	216,052	$	213,793	$	210,562	$	210,705	$	206,788
Less goodwill and other intangibles		41,468		41,718		41,967		42,225		42,482
Tangible common equity	$	174,584	$	172,075	$	168,595	$	168,480	$	164,306

Shares outstanding		8,081,193		8,081,193		8,073,708		8,071,032		8,067,144
Tangible book value per share	$	21.60	$	21.29	$	20.88	$	20.87	$	20.37

Reconciliation of Average Equity to Return on Average Tangible Common Equity	For the Three Months Ended															For the Six Months Ended

	June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			June 30,			June 30,
	2025			2025			2024			2024			2024			2025			2024

Average stockholders’ equity	$	214,144		$	212,465		$	209,864		$	209,096		$	205,379		$	213,235		$	205,330
Less average goodwill and other intangibles		41,589			41,839			42,092			42,350			42,607			41,714			42,609
Average tangible common equity	$	172,555		$	170,626		$	167,772		$	166,746		$	162,772		$	171,521		$	162,721

Net income	$	6,157		$	4,830		$	4,848		$	2,340		$	4,164		$	10,987		$	8,331
Return on average tangible common equity (annualized)		14.31	%		11.48	%		11.50	%		5.58	%		10.29	%		12.92	%		10.30	%

Reconciliation of Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income (PTPP)	For the Three Months Ended												For the Six Months Ended

	June 30,			March 31,		December 31,			September 30,		June 30,		June 30,			June 30,
	2025			2025		2024			2024		2024		2025			2024

Net income	$	6,157		$	4,830	$	4,848		$	2,340	$	4,164	$	10,987		$	8,331
Add income taxes		1,213			924		995			371		690		2,137			1,459
Add provision for (recovery of) credit losses		(506	)		95		(177	)		2,234		87		(411	)		(49	)
PTPP	$	6,864		$	5,849	$	5,666		$	4,945	$	4,941	$	12,713		$	9,741

MIDDLEFIELD BANC CORP.
Average Balance Sheets
(Dollar amounts in thousands, unaudited)

	For the Three Months Ended
	June 30,							June 30,
	2025							2024
	Average				Average			Average				Average
	Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost			Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable ⁽¹⁾	$	1,576,050	$	25,122		6.40	%	$	1,503,440	$	23,422		6.27	%
Investment securities (1) (2)		191,619		1,486		3.64	%		191,752		1,471		3.62	%
Interest-earning deposits with other banks (3)		61,012		628		4.13	%		61,891		706		4.59	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,828,681		27,236		6.03	%		1,757,083		25,599		5.93	%
Noninterest-earning assets		79,414							86,431
Total assets	$	1,908,095						$	1,843,514
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	217,859	$	1,353		2.49	%	$	209,965	$	1,009		1.93	%
Money market deposits		489,525		4,313		3.53	%		337,937		3,320		3.95	%
Savings deposits		188,999		404		0.86	%		192,577		305		0.64	%
Certificates of deposit		297,727		2,719		3.66	%		333,542		3,789		4.57	%
Short-term borrowings		77,666		870		4.49	%		138,656		1,920		5.57	%
Other borrowings		11,588		140		4.85	%		11,791		173		5.90	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,283,364		9,799		3.06	%		1,224,468		10,516		3.45	%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits		397,493							396,626
Other liabilities		13,094							17,042
Stockholders’ equity		214,144							205,379
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,908,095						$	1,843,514
Net interest income			$	17,437						$	15,083
Interest rate spread (4)						2.97	%						2.48	%
Net interest margin (5)						3.88	%						3.52	%
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities						142.49	%						143.50	%

⁽¹⁾ Tax-equivalent adjustments to calculate the yield on tax-exempt securities and loans were $266 and $289 for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

⁽²⁾ Yield is calculated on the basis of amortized cost.

⁽³⁾ Includes dividends received on restricted stock.

⁽⁴⁾ Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

⁽⁵⁾ Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

	For the Three Months Ended
	June 30,							March 31,
	2025							2025
	Average				Average			Average				Average
	Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost			Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable ⁽¹⁾	$	1,576,050	$	25,122		6.40	%	$	1,537,337	$	23,387		6.17	%
Investment securities (1) (2)		191,619		1,486		3.64	%		191,996		1,490		3.69	%
Interest-earning deposits with other banks (3)		61,012		628		4.13	%		67,661		596		3.57	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,828,681		27,236		6.03	%		1,796,994		25,473		5.81	%
Noninterest-earning assets		79,414							84,542
Total assets	$	1,908,095						$	1,881,536
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	217,859	$	1,353		2.49	%	$	220,192	$	1,154		2.13	%
Money market deposits		489,525		4,313		3.53	%		458,446		3,816		3.38	%
Savings deposits		188,999		404		0.86	%		192,931		388		0.82	%
Certificates of deposit		297,727		2,719		3.66	%		261,006		2,527		3.93	%
Short-term borrowings		77,666		870		4.49	%		120,238		1,347		4.54	%
Other borrowings		11,588		140		4.85	%		11,639		143		4.98	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,283,364		9,799		3.06	%		1,264,452		9,375		3.01	%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits		397,493							390,354
Other liabilities		13,094							14,265
Stockholders’ equity		214,144							212,465
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,908,095						$	1,881,536
Net interest income			$	17,437						$	16,098
Interest rate spread (4)						2.97	%						2.80	%
Net interest margin (5)						3.88	%						3.69	%
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities						142.49	%						142.12	%

⁽¹⁾ Tax-equivalent adjustments to calculate the yield on tax-exempt securities and loans were $266 and $272 for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively.

⁽²⁾ Yield is calculated on the basis of amortized cost.

⁽³⁾ Includes dividends received on restricted stock.

⁽⁴⁾ Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

⁽⁵⁾ Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

	For the Six Months Ended
	June 30,							June 30,
	2025							2024
	Average				Average			Average				Average
	Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost			Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable ⁽¹⁾	$	1,556,693	$	48,509		6.29	%	$	1,489,992	$	45,817		6.19	%
Investment securities (1) (2)		191,807		2,976		3.67	%		191,801		2,910		3.59	%
Interest-earning deposits with other banks (3)		64,336		1,224		3.84	%		63,015		1,484		4.74	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,812,836		52,709		5.92	%		1,744,808		50,211		5.85	%
Noninterest-earning assets		81,979							88,291
Total assets	$	1,894,815						$	1,833,099
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	219,026	$	2,506		2.31	%	$	210,487	$	1,986		1.90	%
Money market deposits		473,985		8,130		3.46	%		318,208		6,147		3.88	%
Savings deposits		190,965		792		0.84	%		196,828		594		0.61	%
Certificates of deposit		279,366		5,246		3.79	%		333,706		7,162		4.32	%
Short-term borrowings		98,952		2,217		4.52	%		141,507		3,913		5.56	%
Other borrowings		11,614		283		4.91	%		11,815		357		6.08	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,273,908		19,174		3.04	%		1,212,551		20,159		3.34	%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits		393,923							398,417
Other liabilities		13,749							16,801
Stockholders’ equity		213,235							205,330
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,894,815						$	1,833,099
Net interest income			$	33,535						$	30,052
Interest rate spread (4)						2.88	%						2.51	%
Net interest margin (5)						3.79	%						3.53	%
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities						142.31	%						143.90	%

⁽¹⁾ Tax-equivalent adjustments to calculate the yield on tax-exempt securities and loans were $538 and $570 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively.

⁽²⁾ Yield is calculated on the basis of amortized cost.

⁽³⁾ Includes dividends received on restricted stock.

⁽⁴⁾ Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

⁽⁵⁾ Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.


Company Contact:	Investor and Media Contact:
Ronald L. Zimmerly, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer Middlefield Banc Corp. (419) 673-1217 rzimmerly@middlefieldbank.com	Andrew M. Berger Managing Director SM Berger & Company, Inc. (216) 464-6400 andrew@smberger.com

The MIL Network –

July 23, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Do countries have a duty to prevent climate harm? The world’s highest court is about to answer this crucial question

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nathan Cooper, Associate Professor of Law, University of Waikato

Getty Images

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue a highly anticipated advisory opinion overnight to clarify state obligations related to climate change.

It will answer two urgent questions: what are the obligations of states under international law to protect the climate and environment from greenhouse gas emissions, and what are the legal consequences for states that have caused significant harm to Earth’s atmosphere and environment?

ICJ advisory opinions are not legally binding. But coming from the world’s highest court, they provide an authoritative opinion on serious issues that can be highly persuasive.

This advisory opinion marks the culmination of a campaign that began in 2019 when students and youth organisations in Vanuatu – one of the most vulnerable nations to climate-related impacts – persuaded their government to seek clarification on what states should be doing to protect them.

Led by Vanuatu and co-sponsored by 132 member states, including New Zealand and Australia, the United Nations General Assembly formally requested the advisory opinion in March 2023.

More than two years of public consultation and deliberation ensued, leading to this week’s announcement.

What to expect

Looking at the specific questions to be addressed, at least three aspects stand out.

First, the sources and areas of international law under scrutiny are not confined to the UN’s climate change framework. This invites the ICJ to consider a broad range of law – including trans-boundary environmental law, human rights law, international investment law, humanitarian law, trade law and beyond – and to draw on both treaty-related obligations and customary international law.

Such an encyclopaedic examination could produce a complex and integrated opinion on states’ obligations to protect the environment and climate system.

Second, the opinion will address what obligations exist, not just to those present today, but to future generations. This follows acknowledgement of the so-called “intertemporal characteristics” of climate change in recent climate-related court decisions and the need to respond effectively to both the current climate crisis and its likely ongoing consequences.

Third, the opinion won’t just address what obligations states have, but also what the consequences should be for nations:

where they, by their acts and omissions have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment.

Addressing consequences as well as obligations should cause states to pay closer attention and make the ICJ’s advisory more relevant to domestic climate litigation and policy discussions.

Representatives from Pacific island nations gathered outside the International Court of Justice during the hearings.
Michel Porro/Getty Images

Global judicial direction

Two recent court findings may offer clues as to the potential scope of the ICJ’s findings.

Earlier this month, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights published its own advisory opinion on state obligations in response to climate change.

Explicitly connecting fundamental human rights with a healthy ecosystem, this opinion affirmed states have an imperative duty to prevent irreversible harm to the climate system. Moreover, the duty to safeguard the common ecosystem must be understood as a fundamental principle of international law to which states must adhere.

Meanwhile last week, an Australian federal court dismissed a landmark climate case, determining that the Australian government does not owe a duty of care to Torres Strait Islanders to protect them from the consequences of climate change.

The court accepted the claimants face significant loss and damage from climate impacts and that previous Australian government policies on greenhouse gas emissions were not aligned with the best science to limit climate change. But it nevertheless determined that “matters of high or core government policy” are not subject to common law duties of care.

Whether the ICJ will complement the Inter-American court’s bold approach or opt for a more constrained and conservative response is not certain. But now is the time for clear and ambitious judicial direction with global scope.

Implications for New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand aspires to climate leadership through its Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019. This set 2050 targets of reducing emissions of long-lived greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide) to net zero, and biogenic methane by 25-47%.

However, actions to date are likely insufficient to meet this target. Transport emissions continue to rise and agriculture – responsible for nearly half of the country’s emissions – is lightly regulated.

Although the government plans to double renewable energy by 2050, it is also in the process of lifting a 2018 ban on offshore gas exploration and has pledged $200 million to co-invest in the development of new fields.

Critics also point out the government has made little progress towards its promise to install 10,000 EV charging stations by 2030 while axing a clean-investment fund.

Although a final decision is yet to be made, the government is also considering to lower the target for cuts to methane emissions from livestock, against advice from the Climate Change Commission.

With the next global climate summit coming up in November, the ICJ opinion may offer timely encouragement for states to reconsider their emissions targets and the ambition of climate policies.

Most countries have yet to submit their latest emissions reduction pledges (known as nationally determined contributions) under the Paris Agreement. New Zealand has made its pledge, but it has been described as “underwhelming”. This may present a chance to adjust ambition upwards.

If the ICJ affirms that states have binding obligations to prevent climate harm, including trans-boundary impacts, New Zealand’s climate change policies and progress to date could face increased legal scrutiny.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Do countries have a duty to prevent climate harm? The world’s highest court is about to answer this crucial question – https://theconversation.com/do-countries-have-a-duty-to-prevent-climate-harm-the-worlds-highest-court-is-about-to-answer-this-crucial-question-261396

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Names Christa Kiedrowski as Regional Director In Bismarck

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
07.22.25
BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that Christa Kiedrowski will serve as his regional director for the south-central region of North Dakota. Based in Hoeven’s Bismarck office, Kiedrowski will manage outreach to 10 counties, helping with the senator’s efforts to assist constituents, businesses and community leaders in the region.
“We’re excited to have Christa step in as our regional director for North Dakota’s capital city and the surrounding region,” said Hoeven. “Throughout her career, she has been focused on building relationships in her community, whether through the stories she’s reported or the business clients she’s worked with. This experience will serve her well as we continue working to advance the priorities of families and businesses across the state.”
Since 2022, Kiedrowski has worked as an anchor, reporter and producer at KFYR TV. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Mass Communications Technologies, with a minor in Public Relations, from North Dakota State University in 2011. She will be working from Hoeven’s office at 220 East Rosser Avenue, Room 312 in Bismarck and can be reached at 701-250-4618 or christa_kiedrowski@hoeven.senate.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British Ambassador pays courtesy visit to Guatemalan Minister of Education

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

World news story

British Ambassador pays courtesy visit to Guatemalan Minister of Education

Ambassador Juliana Correa and Minister Anabella Giracca met to explore ways to further deepen UK-Guatemala educational ties.

The meeting highlighted the potential of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE)—the world’s largest fund dedicated to transforming education in lower-income countries, with the UK as its leading donor. Discussions focused on leveraging this platform to support Guatemala’s education priorities.

Key areas of potential collaboration included enhancing early English language learning and expanding Guatemalan participation in the UK’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship programme at the postgraduate level.

Ambassador Correa also expressed the UK’s interest in supporting national initiatives such as the “Scholarships for Our Future” programme, recognizing its transformative impact on the lives of Guatemalan youth.

In closing, the Ambassador commended Minister Giracca’s efforts to expand educational access, improve learning outcomes, and promote equity and inclusion across the country’s education system.

Published 22 July 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British Ambassador pays courtesy visit to Guatemalan Minister of Education

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

World news story

British Ambassador pays courtesy visit to Guatemalan Minister of Education

Ambassador Juliana Correa and Minister Anabella Giracca met to explore ways to further deepen UK-Guatemala educational ties.

The meeting highlighted the potential of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE)—the world’s largest fund dedicated to transforming education in lower-income countries, with the UK as its leading donor. Discussions focused on leveraging this platform to support Guatemala’s education priorities.

Key areas of potential collaboration included enhancing early English language learning and expanding Guatemalan participation in the UK’s prestigious Chevening Scholarship programme at the postgraduate level.

Ambassador Correa also expressed the UK’s interest in supporting national initiatives such as the “Scholarships for Our Future” programme, recognizing its transformative impact on the lives of Guatemalan youth.

In closing, the Ambassador commended Minister Giracca’s efforts to expand educational access, improve learning outcomes, and promote equity and inclusion across the country’s education system.

Published 22 July 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Garbage management and disposal: new guide and e-learning modules

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Last month we issued a new guide for the Marine Protection Rules Part 170: Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships. This guide explains what vessel owners, operators, and skippers need to do to comply with Part 170 rule requirements.

New Zealand’s Marine Protection Rules Part 170 implement the international garbage discharge and management requirements under MARPOL Annex V: Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Garbage from Ships (MARPOL Annex V). New Zealand signed up to MARPOL Annex V, which aims to reduce and eliminate the amount of garbage discharged from ships, in 1998.

Part 170 applies to all vessels (whether New Zealand or foreign flagged) and the requirements apply regardless of whether the vessel is used for commercial or recreational purposes. The specific requirements that apply to you will depend on your vessel type, operation, and location.

The guidance doesn’t contain any new rules – it’s just a reminder of the current legislation and vessel owner/operator/skipper responsibilities for helping to prevent garbage pollution of the marine environment, which also covers accidental loss of fishing gear. It replaces the 2013 Advisory Circular.

If you’d like to learn more about MARPOL Annex V, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also recently released a new free e-learning course that aims to improve awareness and enhance global implementation of the garbage regulations. It blends animated modules and practical scenario-based questions. Visit the IMO e-Learning portal.

For more information see:

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: US withdrawal from UNESCO contradicts fundamental principles of multilateralism – head of organization

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

PARIS, July 22 (Xinhua) — The US withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) runs counter to the fundamental principles of multilateralism, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said on Tuesday.

Expressing deep regret over the decision taken by US President Donald Trump, O. Azoulay warned that the country’s withdrawal from the organization would primarily affect UNESCO’s American partners, in particular communities applying for inclusion of sites on the World Heritage List, obtaining the status of “UNESCO Creative City” and the creation of UNESCO Chairs.

The United States announced on Tuesday that it would withdraw from UNESCO by the end of December 2026, just two years after rejoining, marking the country’s third exit from the organization.

According to a statement from the US State Department, the decision was made in connection with UNESCO’s policy, which Washington believes “promotes divisive social and cultural initiatives” against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Commenting on the statement, the UNESCO Director-General expressed regret over the US decision, rejecting the arguments made. She stressed that the organization remains “a rare forum for consensus building through concrete, action-oriented multilateralism.”

O. Azoulay assured that the US withdrawal from UNESCO in 2026 and the loss of American funding will not affect the normal activities of the organization, since its financial position has been significantly strengthened.

“We have undertaken major structural reforms and diversified our funding sources. Thanks to the efforts made by the organization since 2018, the decline in US financial contributions has been effectively offset,” the CEO said. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pressley Meets with Mahmoud Khalil in Washington, DC

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

Pressley First Met Khalil in April During a Visit to ICE Facility Where He Was Unlawfully Detained

Photos | Video

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) met with Mahmoud Khalil in her office in Washington, DC. This is their second meeting after Congresswoman Pressley visited Mr. Khalil in April while he was unjustly detained at an ICE detention center in Basile, Louisiana. She issued the following statement after their meeting:

“Mahmoud is a kind, gentle soul who cares deeply about others’ humanity, and his abduction, detention, and ongoing persecution by the Trump Administration is egregious,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I am deeply relieved that he has been reunited with his wife and his infant son. Our meeting today was fortifying and productive. I look forward to remaining in contact with Mahmoud as we continue work to center the humanity of families in Gaza, address the unjust and unlawful targeting of students exercising their right to free speech, and protect the fundamental, constitutional rights of everyone who calls this country home.”

In their meeting, Congresswoman Pressley and Mr. Khalil discussed a range of topics, including:

how lawmakers can work towards peace in the Middle East;
how Congress can address the targeted persecution and doxxing of students by the Trump Administration and right-wing groups;
Mr. Khalil’s legal proceedings and the implications of his case for U.S. citizens and others; and
how Congress can protect the constitutional rights of everyone in America.

Congresswoman Pressley also presented Mr. Khalil with a gift for his infant son, Deen.

Photos from their meeting are available here and a short video clip is available here.

In April, Congresswoman Pressley visited the ICE detention facilities in Basile and Jena, where Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil are being unlawfully detained, respectively. Joined by House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02), the Congresswoman’s visit included direct meetings with Ms. Öztürk and Mr. Khalil, two students who have been unlawfully detained by ICE and transported to Louisiana from their homes in retaliation for their protected speech.

In Louisiana, the lawmakers held a media availability outside of the Basile facility to speak about their meetings, renew their calls for their release, demand accountability, and conduct oversight over the ICE facilities they are being held in. Full video of that media availability is available here.

In Boston, Rep. Pressley, Senator Markey, and Congressman McGovern held a press conference to recount their harrowing visit to Louisiana where they met with Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil, who were being unlawfully detained and subjected to inhumane conditions in retaliation for their protected speech. Full video of that press conference is available here.

Rep. Pressley, along with Sens. Warren and Markey, have pushed for answers and action since Öztürk’s March arrest. Last month, they led over 30 lawmakers in writing to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Acting Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, demanding information about Öztürk’s arrest and detention as well as similar incidents across the country.

Earlier this year, the lawmakers sounded the alarm on Öztürk’s medical neglect in DHS custody and renewed urgent calls for her release. Last week, Pressley, Warren and Markey demanded Secretary of State Rubio released any documents related to her arrest after a recent report indicated that an internal State Department memo concluded that the key premise underlying Tufts graduate student Rümeysa Öztürk’s arrest and detention was false. Last month, Congresswoman Pressley issued a statement condemning reports that ICE arrested and detained Rumeysa Ozturk, an international student with legal status in a graduate program at Tufts University. Earlier in the week, Rep. Pressley issued a statement following reports of ICE activity in Boston and other municipalities in Massachusetts.

During her time in Congress, Congresswoman Pressley has been a leading advocate for a just and humane criminal legal system, and has visited prisons in Texas, California, and Massachusetts to hear from detainees, advocate for them, and conduct oversight on the conditions in which they are being detained. Rep. Pressley’s visit to Louisiana is a continuation of her advocacy for a People’s Justice Guarantee, her comprehensive, decarceration-focused resolution that outlines a framework for a fair, equitable and just legal system.

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: CaaStle Founder Charged in $300 Million Fraud Scheme

Source: US FBI

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging CHRISTINE HUNSICKER with wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, making false statements to a financial institution, and aggravated identity theft. The charges in the Indictment arise from an alleged scheme by the defendant to defraud investors in the fashion technology business CaaStle and a related venture out of more than $300 million through false statements, misleading claims, and fabricated documents. HUNSICKER self-surrendered this morning and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.

“As alleged, Christine Hunsicker defrauded investors of hundreds of millions of dollars through document forgery, fabricated audits, and material misrepresentations about her company’s financial condition,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The promise of pre-IPO technology companies can be fertile ground for fraudsters who play on investor euphoria. Investors should be aware of these incentives and that pre-IPO companies are not subject to the rigors of SEC registration. This Office is committed to protecting investors who place their trust and capital in emerging companies. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate, detect, and prosecute those individuals who abuse our markets and our investors”

“Christine Hunsicker allegedly submitted fraudulent financial statements to swindle investors and banks of more than $300 million,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “This alleged scheme was stitched together with repeated deception and misinformation, ultimately betraying the trust of the defendant’s clients. The FBI remains committed to apprehending any business owners who implement unlawful practices to increase their personal wealth.”

As alleged in the Indictment:^[1]

HUNSICKER, a well-known entrepreneur and successful businessperson in the fashion-tech industry, founded and was the chief executive officer of CaaStle, a clothing technology business. While promoting CaaStle as a rapidly growing business valued at more than $1.4 billion, HUNSICKER knew that CaaStle was in financial distress with limited cash and significant expenses. To raise the capital for CaaStle’s operations, HUNSICKER provided investors with falsified income statements, fake audited financial statements, fictitious bank records, and sham corporate documents that grossly overstated CaaStle’s operating profit, revenue, and available cash. She also misrepresented to investors that their funds would be used to purchase discounted shares from existing shareholders who needed liquidity, when in fact she fabricated the existence of those shareholders and used the money as new capital for CaaStle while concealing the company’s cash needs. In total, HUNSICKER fraudulently induced more than $275 million in investments.

When confronted by an audit firm in October 2023 about transmitting a fake audit to an investor, HUNSICKER lied, falsely claiming that she had created the fake audit in connection with a lecture she gave at Princeton University, and that sending the audit to the investor had been a one-time error. In reality, HUNSICKER had provided two fake audits to the investor while soliciting an investment. She later repaid that investor to prevent the public disclosure of her fraud. Undeterred, she continued the scheme, providing an investor with fake bank account screenshots showing nearly $200 million in available cash when CaaStle had less than $200,000. One month later, in October 2024, HUNSICKER provided a different investor with a fake draft audit. In 2024, HUNSICKER also falsified the signature of a Board director to make it appear that the Board had authorized the grant of stock options to another investor, raising more than $20 million for CaaStle. Around the same time, HUNSICKER extended her fraudulent activities to a new business venture, P180, using false information about CaaStle’s success to raise approximately $30 million for P180. HUNSICKER also submitted false information about CaaStle to a bank in order to obtain and keep a $20 million personal loan.

Even after the CaaStle Board removed HUNSICKER as Chair and prohibited her from soliciting investments, she continued her fraudulent activities and attempted to raise new capital. In early 2025, she sold $8 million of her CaaStle shares and more than $5 million in P180 convertible notes without disclosing material information to investors. In February 2025, HUNSICKER attempted to sell an additional $19 million of her CaaStle shares to another investor. HUNSICKER persisted in her deceptive practices even after law enforcement agents seized her electronic devices in March 2025, continuing to meet with the investor about a fake audit without revealing its fraudulent nature, her removal from the Board, or the prohibition against her selling shares. CaaStle filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on June 20, 2025.

* * *

HUNSICKER, 48, of Lafayette, New Jersey, is charged with one count of wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud, and one count of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. HUNSICKER is also charged with one count of making false statements to a financial institution, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Clayton also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which separately initiated civil proceedings against the defendant today.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marguerite Colson and Alexandra Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.

^[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

MIL Security OSI –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues in Demanding Trump Administration Stops Blocking Funding for After School Programs, K-12 Schools

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

July 17, 2025

More than $241 million in federal funding is being withheld from Illinois schools

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in sending a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought and Education Secretary Linda McMahon demanding the immediate release of nearly $7 billion in funding for K-12 schools and adult literacy programs across America that the Trump Administration abruptly and indefinitely blocked earlier this month. More than $241 million of the nearly $7 billion in federal funding being withheld is for Illinois schools.

The Trump Administration’s decision to withhold the funding has sent school districts scrambling to determine how they could fill the significant budget hole and whether they’ll have to lay off teachers or end after school programs in the coming weeks. Some school districts have announced they will have to end after school programs, told parents to prepare backup options and adult literacy programs have already been forced to lay off staff.

“We are writing to demand an immediate end to the illegal withholding of nearly $7 billion in federal education formula grant funds our states and communities are expecting for the coming school year, which is set to begin in just a few weeks in some communities,” wrote the Senators. “These funds were made available by the bipartisan Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, signed into law on March 15, 2025. Yet, instead of supporting the tens of millions of students and adult learners intended to benefit from these investments, the administration has chosen to continue an unprecedented and opaque ‘programmatic review’ of these formula grant funds past the July 1, 2025, date these funds became available for allotment to states.”

The lawmakers blasted the Trump Administration for its abrupt notice and illegal freeze of the funds, which has sent school districts and programs nationwide scrambling: “We are shocked by the continued lack of respect for states and local schools evidenced by this latest action by the administration.”

They noted that blocking funding for before and after school programs, as well as summer learning programs, is already hurting families nationwide: “By withholding these funds from states, the Department will impact programs for nearly 1.4 million students served by 10,000 summer and before and afterschool programs around the nation, which the Department’s latest performance report showed supported significant improvements in student attendance, grades, and teacher reports of student engagement in learning. These centers also help working parents by providing a safe and productive place for their children to be after the school day ends and during the summer months. It is beyond comprehension why the administration would want to jeopardize these outcomes.”

Warning of how denying these funds will cause schools to lay off teachers and cut back on teacher training, the Senators wrote: “This rash decision will only worsen school working conditions and teacher shortages.”

The lawmakers also detailed how the move affects adult learners nationwide: “This pause could jeopardize services to more than 1.2 million adult learners working to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills needed to enter and succeed in workforce training and health, financial, digital, and information literacy skills necessary for full participation in community and civic life. The withholding will have an even more significant impact on 12 states that rely on these funds for 70 to 75 percent of their adult education programs.”

The Trump Administration has confirmed it is blocking funding for the following programs—all of which are programs President Trump has requested to eliminate in his budget request, raising serious concerns about this Administration’s intentions to simply impound the funding:

Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II-A), which support professional development and other activities to improve the effectiveness of teachers and school leaders, including reducing class size.
21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV-B), which support high-quality before and after school programs focused on providing academic enrichment opportunities for students.
Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (Title IV-A), which provide flexible funding for school districts for a wide range of activities including supporting STEM education, accelerated learning courses, college and career counseling, school-based mental health services and improving school technology, among many others.
English Language Acquisition (Title III-A), which supports language instruction to help English language learners become proficient in English.
Migrant Education (Title I-C), which supports the educational needs of migratory children, including children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants), which support adult education and literacy programs to provide the basic skills to help prepare adults and out-of-school youth for success in the workforce.

In addition to Durbin, Duckworth, Murray, Sanders and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

Full text of the letter is available HERE.

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Programme Management Officer, P-4

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Apply here

Org. Setting and Reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 140 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.

This position is located in the UNDRR Office in Bonn, Germany. The Programme Officer will report to the Head of the UNDRR Bonn Office under the overall guidance of the Chief, Risk Knowledge, Monitoring and Capacity-Development Branch.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: –

Develops, implements and evaluates assigned systems programmes/projects of significant importance for the Department; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions. In particular, oversees and supports the management and updating of the online monitoring system to track progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Tracks and monitors project progress against plan, requirements, quality measures, standard processes; liaises with users on all aspects and during all phases.
Provides expert advice on complex systems analysis and design; identifies the need for new systems (or modifications to existing systems) or responds to requests from users; develops plans for feasibility assessment, requirements specification, design, development and implementation, including project plans, schedules, time and cost estimates, metrics and performance measures. –
Provides expert advice and coordinates the roll-out of the Disaster Tracking System in all Member States, liaising with the concerned regional offices. Keeps abreast of developments in the field and determines the need for testing and evaluating new products and technologies. –
Leads and coordinates the official reporting on Sendai Framework and SDGs, among others, and organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, technical reports, including advance analytics using AI-based tools.
Develops, implements and monitors application of standards and guidelines. Oversees the preparation of technical and user documentation for systems; prepares training materials and detailed technical presentations including technical guidelines to support the reporting against the indicators to assess progress towards the targets of Sendai Framework, as recommended by the open-ended intergovernmental expert working group on indicators and terminology. Works in close collaboration with the UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) in Incheon and contributes to the development of training modules on Sendai Framework Monitoring Process. Collaborates and coordinates closely with UNDRR Regional Offices in support of strengthening the capacity of Member States to use the online Sendai Framework Monitoring system and their ability to report against the indicators. –
Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. –
Participates in planning and preparation of the budget, work program and spending plan of the Section and of the Branch. Contributes to activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). Develops cost proposals for contractual services, oversees the technical evaluation of proposals received and manages the contract service. Provides professional leadership and work direction to assigned project team, and/or mentor and supervises the work of new/junior officers, contract staff, etc. – Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in social sciences, management, economics, statistics or a related field is required. A first-level degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project planning, implementation and monitoring or a related area is required.
Experience in disaster risk assessment and monitoring, and disaster risk reduction is required.
Experience in data management and statistics is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special notice

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. In line with the overall United Nations policy, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction encourages a positive workplace culture which embraces inclusivity and leverages diversity within its workforce. Measures are applied to enable all staff members to contribute equally and fully to the work and development of the organization, including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies and standards of conduct. Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher, temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Apply here

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: Sanders to Hold Town Hall on Teacher Pay Crisis with Hundreds of Educators from Across the Country

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, July 22 — Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), will hold a town hall on Thursday with more than 100 teachers and educational leaders at the U.S. Capitol to discuss the teacher pay crisis impacting schools, students and communities.
Joining Sanders at the town hall will be Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.); Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Princess Moss, vice president of the National Education Association (NEA); and educators from across the country.
“It is simply unacceptable that, in the richest country in the history of the world, 40% of teachers have to work extra jobs just to make ends meet. The situation has become so absurd that four hedge fund managers on Wall Street make more money in a single year than every kindergarten teacher in America combined — nearly 120,000 teachers,” Sanders said. “We need the best education system in the world, and that means we need the best teachers. To get the best teachers, we need to pay them what they deserve.”
Today in America, nearly one in eight teaching jobs is vacant or filled by a teacher who is not fully certified. Approximately one-third of all public school teachers make less than $60,000 a year — including more than 90% of starting teachers. Hundreds of thousands of teachers have to work two or three jobs during the school year to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the average weekly wage for public school teachers has decreased by 5% over the past 30 years, adjusted for inflation. Today, 44% of public school teachers quit the profession within five years.
“Wages for public school teachers are so low that in 36 states, the average public school teacher with a family of four qualifies for food stamps, public housing and other government assistance programs. We have got to do better than that,” Sanders continued. “No teacher in America should make less than $60,000 a year. If we are going to have the best public school system in the world, we have got to radically change our attitude toward education and make sure that every teacher in America receives the compensation that they deserve for the enormously important and difficult work that they do.”
At the town hall, Sanders will hear directly from educators about how low wages, burnout and disinvestment are affecting both teacher morale and the quality of public education.
Details
What: Save Public Education: Pay Teachers What They Deserve
Who:
Sen. Bernie Sanders
Sen. Ed Markey
AFT President Randi Weingarten
NEA Vice President Princess Moss
More than 100 teachers from across the U.S.
When: Thursday, July 24, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Washington, D.C. Location available upon RSVP. The event will also be livestreamed on Sanders’ social media.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: NASA Tests New Heat Source Fuel for Deep Space Exploration

Source: NASA

To explore the unknown in deep space, millions of miles away from Earth, it’s crucial for spacecraft to have ample power. NASA’s radioisotope power systems (RPS) are a viable option for these missions and have been used for over 60 years, including for the agency’s Voyager spacecraft and Perseverance Mars rover. These nuclear batteries provide long-term electrical power for spacecraft and science instruments using heat produced by the natural radioactive decay of radioisotopes. Now, NASA is testing a new type of RPS heat source fuel that could become an additional option for future long-duration journeys to extreme environments.
Historically, the radioisotope plutonium-238 (plutonium oxide) has been NASA’s RPS heat source fuel of choice, but americium-241 has been a source of interest for the past two decades in Europe. In January, the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and the University of Leicester, based in the United Kingdom, partnered through an agreement to put this new option to the test.
One method to generate electricity from radioisotope heat sources is the free-piston Stirling convertor. This is a heat engine that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. However, instead of a crankshaft to extract power, pistons float freely within the engine. It could operate for decades continuously without wear, as it does not have piston rings or rotating bearings that will eventually wear out. Thus, a Stirling convertor could generate more energy, allowing more time for exploration in deep space. Researchers from the University of Leicester — who have been leaders in the development of americium RPS and heater units for more than 15 years — and NASA worked to test the capabilities of a Stirling generator testbed powered by two electrically heated americium-241 heat source simulators.
“The concept started as just a design, and we took it all the way to the prototype level: something close to a flight version of the generator,” said Salvatore Oriti, mechanical engineer at Glenn. “The more impressive part is how quickly and inexpensively we got it done, only made possible by a great synergy between the NASA and University of Leicester teams. We were on the same wavelength and shared the same mindset.”

The university provided the heat source simulators and generator housing. The heat source simulator is the exact size and shape of their real americium-241 heat source, but it uses embedded electric heaters to create an equivalent amount of heat to simulate the decay of americium fuel and therefore drive generator operation. The Stirling Research Lab at Glenn provided the test station, Stirling convertor hardware, and support equipment.
“A particular highlight of this (testbed) design is that it is capable of withstanding a failed Stirling convertor without a loss of electrical power,” said Hannah Sargeant, research fellow at the University of Leicester. “This feature was demonstrated successfully in the test campaign and highlights the robustness and reliability of an Americium-Radioisotope Stirling Generator for potential future spaceflight missions, including long-duration missions that could operate for many decades.”
The test proved the viability of an americium-fueled Stirling RPS, and performance and efficiency targets were successfully met. As for what’s next, the Glenn team is pursuing the next version of the testbed that will be lower mass, higher fidelity, and undergo further environmental testing.
“I was very pleased with how smoothly everything went,” Oriti said of the test results. “Usually in my experience, you don’t accomplish everything you set out to, but we did that and more. We plan to continue that level of success in the future.”
For more information on NASA’s RPS programs, visit:https://science.nasa.gov/rps

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: NASA Tests New Heat Source Fuel for Deep Space Exploration

Source: NASA

To explore the unknown in deep space, millions of miles away from Earth, it’s crucial for spacecraft to have ample power. NASA’s radioisotope power systems (RPS) are a viable option for these missions and have been used for over 60 years, including for the agency’s Voyager spacecraft and Perseverance Mars rover. These nuclear batteries provide long-term electrical power for spacecraft and science instruments using heat produced by the natural radioactive decay of radioisotopes. Now, NASA is testing a new type of RPS heat source fuel that could become an additional option for future long-duration journeys to extreme environments.
Historically, the radioisotope plutonium-238 (plutonium oxide) has been NASA’s RPS heat source fuel of choice, but americium-241 has been a source of interest for the past two decades in Europe. In January, the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and the University of Leicester, based in the United Kingdom, partnered through an agreement to put this new option to the test.
One method to generate electricity from radioisotope heat sources is the free-piston Stirling convertor. This is a heat engine that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. However, instead of a crankshaft to extract power, pistons float freely within the engine. It could operate for decades continuously without wear, as it does not have piston rings or rotating bearings that will eventually wear out. Thus, a Stirling convertor could generate more energy, allowing more time for exploration in deep space. Researchers from the University of Leicester — who have been leaders in the development of americium RPS and heater units for more than 15 years — and NASA worked to test the capabilities of a Stirling generator testbed powered by two electrically heated americium-241 heat source simulators.
“The concept started as just a design, and we took it all the way to the prototype level: something close to a flight version of the generator,” said Salvatore Oriti, mechanical engineer at Glenn. “The more impressive part is how quickly and inexpensively we got it done, only made possible by a great synergy between the NASA and University of Leicester teams. We were on the same wavelength and shared the same mindset.”

The university provided the heat source simulators and generator housing. The heat source simulator is the exact size and shape of their real americium-241 heat source, but it uses embedded electric heaters to create an equivalent amount of heat to simulate the decay of americium fuel and therefore drive generator operation. The Stirling Research Lab at Glenn provided the test station, Stirling convertor hardware, and support equipment.
“A particular highlight of this (testbed) design is that it is capable of withstanding a failed Stirling convertor without a loss of electrical power,” said Hannah Sargeant, research fellow at the University of Leicester. “This feature was demonstrated successfully in the test campaign and highlights the robustness and reliability of an Americium-Radioisotope Stirling Generator for potential future spaceflight missions, including long-duration missions that could operate for many decades.”
The test proved the viability of an americium-fueled Stirling RPS, and performance and efficiency targets were successfully met. As for what’s next, the Glenn team is pursuing the next version of the testbed that will be lower mass, higher fidelity, and undergo further environmental testing.
“I was very pleased with how smoothly everything went,” Oriti said of the test results. “Usually in my experience, you don’t accomplish everything you set out to, but we did that and more. We plan to continue that level of success in the future.”
For more information on NASA’s RPS programs, visit:https://science.nasa.gov/rps

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: News Release: Jud Virden, Ph.D., Appointed Laboratory Director at NREL

Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Jud Virden, Ph.D.

The Alliance for Sustainable Energy (Alliance) today announced the appointment of Jud Virden, Ph.D., as director of NREL and president of the Alliance, which manages the laboratory for the Department of Energy (DOE). Dr. Virden will officially join NREL in this role on Oct. 1, 2025. Virden was selected following a competitive national search.

Virden joins NREL from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where he has served as associate laboratory director for the Energy and Environment Directorate since 2011. In that role, he led approximately 1,700 scientists, engineers, and staff advancing DOE’s applied energy priorities—ranging from power grid modernization and energy technologies to nuclear and environmental management.

“Jud’s leadership in driving transformative energy solutions makes him an outstanding fit for NREL,” said Alliance Board co-chairs Ian Colrain, president and CEO of MRIGlobal, and Juan Alvarez, executive vice president of laboratory operations at Battelle. “He brings a rare combination of scientific rigor, strategic vision, and a collaborative spirit—paired with a deep understanding of DOE priorities and the national lab system. His ability to translate innovation into impact makes him ideally suited to lead NREL into its next chapter.”

“It’s a privilege to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” Dr. Virden said. “I am eager to build on NREL’s reputation for scientific excellence and drive meaningful, lasting transformation. I look forward to growing collaborations within DOE, industry, academia, and the national labs—working together to accelerate energy innovation and impact.”

Dr. Virden earned both his Bachelor of Science and doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Washington and has been with PNNL since 1991. His career is marked by a strong record in forging public-private partnerships and advancing grid resilience and energy technologies.

Dr. Virden will succeed Dr. Martin Keller, who has served as NREL’s laboratory director since 2015. Under Dr. Keller’s leadership, NREL has experienced record growth in funding, talent, and impact—cementing its role as a global leader in energy research and innovation. He will continue at the laboratory as a strategic advisor through early November to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Keller will then leave the laboratory for his new role as president of the Helmholtz Association in Berlin, Germany.

“Martin led with vision, thoughtfulness, and unwavering integrity,” Colrain and Alvarez said. “His leadership left an enduring mark on NREL’s legacy and future. We thank him for his extraordinary service and look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work in the global research community.”

NREL—the National Renewable Energy Laboratory—is the U.S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for energy systems research, development, and integration. NREL is managed and operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by a partnership led by MRIGlobal and Battelle.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Clifton T. Barrett Takes Oath as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Clifton T. “Cliff” Barrett took the oath of office yesterday to become the United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. The oath was administered by U.S. District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. at the L. Richardson Preyer Federal Building in Greensboro. Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Barrett as the interim U.S. Attorney on June 21.

“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina and thank President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for placing their trust in me,” said U.S. Attorney Barrett. “I look forward, along with other prosecutors in the office, to making the Middle District a safer place to live by holding offenders accountable for their actions. We will work closely with state, local, and federal law enforcement in addressing President Trump’s law enforcement priorities.”

As the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Barrett is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of North Carolina, which covers 24 counties in the central part of the state from Durham County on the east to Yadkin County on the west, stretching up to Virginia on the north side and down to South Carolina on the south. Approximately 3 million people live in the Middle District of North Carolina. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to immigration, gang violence, National Security, drug trafficking, and violent crime. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

U.S. Attorney Barrett joined the Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of North Carolina in September 1994. He has prosecuted a broad range of federal criminal cases, including drug trafficking organizations, violent crime, child exploitation, public corruption, tax fraud, and offenses related to terrorism. He has held numerous leadership roles in the office, including 25 years as Chief of the Criminal Division. He has also served in leadership at the Department of Justice as an evaluator of other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and as a member of the Criminal Chiefs Working Group, an appointed committee that works in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Commission in providing advice to the U.S. Attorney General.

Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Barrett was an Assistant District Attorney for nine years in Forsyth County, North Carolina where he primarily prosecuted violent crime cases.

Barrett received his bachelor’s degree in history cum laude from Wake Forest University in 1982, and his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1985. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Wake Forest University School of Law teaching Criminal Trial Advocacy since 1996.

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MIL Security OSI –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Clifton T. Barrett Takes Oath as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Clifton T. “Cliff” Barrett took the oath of office yesterday to become the United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. The oath was administered by U.S. District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. at the L. Richardson Preyer Federal Building in Greensboro. Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mr. Barrett as the interim U.S. Attorney on June 21.

“I am honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina and thank President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for placing their trust in me,” said U.S. Attorney Barrett. “I look forward, along with other prosecutors in the office, to making the Middle District a safer place to live by holding offenders accountable for their actions. We will work closely with state, local, and federal law enforcement in addressing President Trump’s law enforcement priorities.”

As the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Barrett is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of North Carolina, which covers 24 counties in the central part of the state from Durham County on the east to Yadkin County on the west, stretching up to Virginia on the north side and down to South Carolina on the south. Approximately 3 million people live in the Middle District of North Carolina. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to immigration, gang violence, National Security, drug trafficking, and violent crime. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

U.S. Attorney Barrett joined the Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of North Carolina in September 1994. He has prosecuted a broad range of federal criminal cases, including drug trafficking organizations, violent crime, child exploitation, public corruption, tax fraud, and offenses related to terrorism. He has held numerous leadership roles in the office, including 25 years as Chief of the Criminal Division. He has also served in leadership at the Department of Justice as an evaluator of other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and as a member of the Criminal Chiefs Working Group, an appointed committee that works in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Commission in providing advice to the U.S. Attorney General.

Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Barrett was an Assistant District Attorney for nine years in Forsyth County, North Carolina where he primarily prosecuted violent crime cases.

Barrett received his bachelor’s degree in history cum laude from Wake Forest University in 1982, and his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1985. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Wake Forest University School of Law teaching Criminal Trial Advocacy since 1996.

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MIL Security OSI –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Grothman, Dingell Reintroduce Bipartisan Dillon’s Law

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) have reintroduced Dillon’s Law, a bipartisan bill that incentivizes states to empower “good Samaritans” to save lives in critical moments. The legislation encourages trained individuals to administer epinephrine in schools during emergencies. Currently, the administration of this medication is limited solely to trained school employees.

Dillon’s Law is named in honor of Dillon Mueller, a native of Mishicot, Wisconsin, who tragically passed away in 2014 at just 18 years old after being stung by a bee that resulted in an anaphylactic reaction. At the time of the incident, epinephrine was not readily available and accessible.

Several states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana, have enacted versions of Dillon’s Law with strong bipartisan support. While Congress passed a similar measure in 2013 to support epinephrine programs in schools, this legislation expands access further by allowing any trained individual to administer epinephrine in the event of an emergency.

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 15 nomination forms for Election Committee Subsector By-elections received today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The nomination period for the 2025 Election Committee (EC) Subsector By-elections runs from today (July 22) until August 4. A total of 12 nomination forms for candidates and three nomination forms from designated bodies were received by the Returning Officers for various subsectors today.

If there is a contested election for an EC subsector, a poll will be held on September 7.

The By-elections will fill a total of 93 vacancies in the membership of the EC to be returned by election involving 28 subsectors. The breakdown of nominations by subsectors received today is set out below:

First Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
Catering	0
Commercial (first)	0
Commercial (second)	0
Commercial (third)	0
Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong	0
Hotel	1
Import and export	0
Industrial (first)	0
Industrial (second)	0
Real estate and construction	0
Small and medium enterprises	0
Tourism	0
Transport	0
Second Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
Architectural, surveying, planning and landscape	0
Chinese medicine	0
Education	0
Legal	0
Medical and health services	0
Sports, performing arts, culture and publication	0
Technology and innovation	0
Third Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
Agriculture and fisheries	0
Associations of Chinese fellow townsmen	1
Grassroots associations	1
Labour	1
Fourth Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
Heung Yee Kuk	0
Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of Hong Kong and Kowloon	0
Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of the New Territories	0
Fifth Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
Representatives of Hong Kong members of relevant national organisations	8

Total:	12

Besides, 10 vacancies involving five subsectors to be returned by nomination will be filled through supplementary nominations by designated bodies. Today, three nomination forms for the relevant subsectors are received, with breakdown as below:

Accountancy
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
Association of Hong Kong Accounting Advisors Limited	0

Sports, performing arts, culture and publication
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China	0
Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited	0

Technology and innovation
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians	0

Religious
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong	0
Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association	1 (1 nominee in total)
The Hong Kong Taoist Association	1 (2 nominees in total)

Representatives of associations of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangdong	1 (1 nominee in total)

Total:	3 (4 nominees in total)

Particulars of the nominated persons received today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 30 secondary students to depart for Mainland to join Young Astronaut Training Camp (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A send-off ceremony for the Young Astronaut Training Camp 2025 was held at the Hong Kong Science Museum today (July 22). Thirty selected secondary students will set off for Beijing, Jiuquan, and Xi’an from July 25 to August 2 for a nine-day training programme.

     Addressing the send-off ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, encouraged the Young Astronauts to seize this precious training opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s remarkable aerospace endeavours, look up to aerospace heroes as their role model, and become a valuable new force in promoting the nation’s space development.

     Other officiating guests included the First-level Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Liu Maozhou; the Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Dr Jonathan Choi; the Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, Legislative Council Member, Dr Starry Lee; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the President of the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, Mr Hsu Hoi-shan; the Vice-Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Ms Jennifer Yeung; and the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Science Museum, Mr Patrick Lau.

     Launched in 2009, the Young Astronaut Training Camp has entered its 14th edition, with a total of 400 students participating over the years. The recruitment of this year’s training camp started in May and received an overwhelming response. After three rounds of the selection process, which included a quiz on astronomy and space science, a three-day training camp and an interview, 30 students from Secondary Two to Secondary Six were selected as Young Astronauts out of around 120 applicants from more than 80 secondary schools.

     The students participating in the nine-day training camp will visit various key astronomy and aerospace facilities, including Beijing Aerospace City and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This year’s programme also marks the first visit to the Wuqing Station of the National Astronomical Observatories, where they will learn about data reception and deep space communication systems of the Tianwen-1 Mars exploration mission. At the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, they will experience the aerospace medicine project and astronaut training activities, including the donning and doffing of spacesuits and savouring space food.

     The training camp is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, in association with the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. It is organised by the Hong Kong Space Museum and sponsored by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. For details of the training camp, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Space Museum at hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/activities/yatc.html.

     The training camp is one of the programmes under the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. For more information, please visit www.ccpo.gov.hk.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Western Territory Staff Conference Highlights People, Power and Change

Source: US GOIAM Union

The IAM Western Territory joined together in a powerful show of solidarity, strategy, and celebration at the territory’s 2025 staff conference. Held under the theme, “People, Power, Change,” the conference brought IAM leadership, staff, and allies together to sharpen their organizing focus, reflect on recent victories, and recommit to building a stronger labor movement.

Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez opened the conference with a message of unity and urgency, reminding attendees that organizing is the foundation of the IAM’s mission.

“This conference isn’t just about celebrating what we’ve done—it’s about preparing for what’s next,” said Martinez. “The power to organize, to fight back, and to lift each other up lives in every one of us.”

View photos from the Western Territory Staff Conference here.

IAM International President Brian Bryant delivered a keynote address focused on transformation within the union. He spoke about returning organizing operations to IAM Headquarters to create a consistent, strategic, and coordinated approach across all territories.

“Workers are looking for allies at a moment like this – and the IAM Union is going to be that ally,” said Bryant. “We must unite like never before to meet the moment and bring more workers into our union.”

General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes addressed the IAM’s financial health and growing resources for members, while Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett spoke about the importance of supporting staff and ensuring they have the tools they need to win in today’s labor environment.

The conference also included a heartfelt tribute to retired Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen, who was honored for his remarkable 45 years of service to the IAM—including 15 years leading the Western Territory on the IAM Executive Council. His legacy of justice, compassion, and fierce dedication to working people was celebrated by all in attendance.

Other speakers included:

Marshall Ganz, Harvard University Professor and Organizer
Randy Parraz, Organizing Institute for Democracy
Lorena Gonzalez, California Federation of Labor President
Carla Siegel, IAM General Counsel
Richard Evans, IAM Veterans Services Coordinator, and Bryan Stymacks, IAM Assistant Veterans Services Coordinator
Yvette Sheehan, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines
Jon Holden, IAM District 751 President, and Shana Peschek, Machinists Institute
Galen Bullock, Employee Benefit Systems, Inc.

The conference also featured a powerful question and answer session, facilitated by Western Territory International Representatives Richard Suarez and Melissa Morgan.

The Western Territory gave out awards to recognize districts, locals, members and staff who have gone above and beyond to call of duty.

Top Organizing District: District 725
Organizer of the Year: Bob Simoni, Local SC 711
Joe Reilly IAM Veterans Remembrance Award: Local 1005 member Franklin Wilson Jr. for his work to support unhoused military veterans.
Gary R. Allen Heart of Justice Award – Local 695 President Richard Howard for his leadership supporting a wrongfully detained member.

The Western Territory also presented the Hawk Awards, which are nominated by peers and given in recognition of individuals who display exceptional leadership in servicing, organizing, community service and/or political activism.

Gary R. Allen, Retired General Vice President
Jeff Baird, District 725 Business Representative
Larry Bickett, District W24 Business Representative/Organizer
Brandon Bryant, District W24 President and Directing Business Representative
Zac Collins, District 160 Business Representative
Billy Corona, District 947 Business Representative/Organizer
Joelle Depue, Western Territory Special Representative
John Dyrcz, Local 794 Vice President
Jennifer Friesen, District 947 Business Representative/Organizer
Cindy Gagliardi, District 190 Business Representative
Bailey Hardiman-Borsos, Western Territory Associate Organizer
Jason Hardwick, Western Territory International Representative
Michael Higley, Local 568 Member
Jon Holden, District 751 President and Directing Business Representative
Richard Jackson, District 751 Secretary-Treasurer
Beth Lacey, District W24 Secretary-Treasurer
Scott Lacey, District W24 President
Justin Mauldin, District 725 Assistant Directing Business Representative
Pedro Mendez, District 190 Area Director
Ramon Martinez, Local 2515 President and Directing Business Representative
Brandon Nottingham, District 947 Business Representative/Organizer
Carla Pulido-Jordan, Local 1930 Recording Secretary
Joe Ruth, Local 751C Health and Benefits Representative
Cornelius Scott, Local 1125 Secretary-Treasurer
Bob Simoni, Local SC 711 Business Representative
Christian White, Local 2006 President
Doug White, Local 1998 Recording Secretary
Darrin Williamson, District 725 Business Representative
Steve Van Wie, Western Territory International Representative

The post Western Territory Staff Conference Highlights People, Power and Change appeared first on IAM Union.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI: Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Unveils the Mountain America Event Center

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SANDY, Utah, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mountain America Credit Union is proud to announce its expanded partnership with the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and celebrate the grand opening of the Mountain America Event Center—an elegant new venue located within the state-of-the-art Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

Officially unveiled today, the ballroom and pre-function space will serve as a premier destination for a variety of events. This partnership reflects a shared dedication to inspiring curiosity and fostering lifelong learning about the planet’s ecosystems, while also creating a dynamic space that brings the community together in meaningful ways.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Loveland Living Planet Aquarium as the sponsor of the Mountain America Event Center,” said Sterling Nielsen, president and CEO of Mountain America Credit Union. “At Mountain America, supporting and strengthening our communities is central to our mission, and our longstanding relationship with the Aquarium is an important part of fulfilling that commitment.”

The Mountain America Event Center is part of the Aquarium’s broader efforts to enhance STEM education and experiential learning. This partnership will enable college students to earn hands-on lab experience and college credit, making this the only place in Utah where students can do so in the field of marine biology.

The Mountain America Event Center represents the Aquarium and Mountain America’s commitment to connecting people with the world around them. Designed with versatility and sophistication in mind, this venue offers flexible configurations for a wide range of private and corporate gatherings. The center provides a comprehensive suite of services, supporting small businesses, event professionals, and community organizations alike.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our longtime partnership with Mountain America Credit Union, and we are proud to celebrate this next chapter together with the announcement of the Mountain America Event Center. The event center stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to our community and to our vision for the future. This new space represents not only a shared commitment to education but is also a powerful investment in our community’s future,” says Robert Castellano, vice president of corporate partnerships.

For more information about Mountain America Credit Union, visit macu.com.

For more information about the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and the Mountain America Event Center, visit livingplanetaquarium.org.

About Mountain America Credit Union
With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multistate region, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that inspires people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. A world-class facility, the Aquarium provides learning opportunities for all levels, interests, and ages. Since opening its new facility in Draper in March 2014, the Aquarium has welcomed over eight million guests and provided innumerable educational experiences to students. Home to almost 5,000 animals representing 600 plus species and an additional 600 plus plant species the Aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the planet including kelp forests, coral reefs, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, Asian cloud forests, South American rain forests, and the waterways of our home state of Utah. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

The MIL Network –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Submissions: Yellowknife’s Giant Mine: Canada downplayed arsenic exposure as an Indigenous community was poisoned

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Arn Keeling, Professor, Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Giant Mine, just north of Yellowknife, N.W.T., in September 2011. The gold mine officially opened in 1948 and was operational for over 50 years before it was closed in 2004. (John Sandlos)

Decades of gold mining at Giant Mine in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, has left a toxic legacy: 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide dust stored in underground chambers.

As a multi-billion government remediation effort to clean up the mine site and secure the underground arsenic ramps up, the Canadian government is promising to deal with the mine’s disastrous consequences for local Indigenous communities.

In March, the minister for Crown-Indigenous relations appointed a ministerial special representative, Murray Rankin, to investigate how historic mining affected the treaty rights of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

We document this history in our forthcoming book, The Price of Gold: Mining, Pollution, and Resistance in Yellowknife, exposing how colonialism, corporate greed and lax regulation led to widespread air and water pollution, particularly affecting Tatsǫ́t’ıné (Yellowknives Dene) communities.

We also highlight the struggle for pollution controls and public health led by Tatsǫ́t’ıné and their allies, including mine workers.

Sickness from Giant Mine

The story begins when prospectors discovered a rich gold ore body at Giant Mine in the 1930s. While mining started at the nearby Con Mine in the late 1930s, Giant’s development was interrupted by the Second World War. Only with new investment and the lifting of wartime labour restrictions in 1948 did Giant Mine start production.

Mining at Giant was a challenge. Much of the gold was locked within arsenopyrite formations, and to get at it, workers needed to crush, then roast the gold ore at very high temperatures.

This burned off the arsenic in the ore before using cyanide treatment to extract gold. One byproduct of this process was thousands of tonnes per day of arsenic trioxide, sent up a smokestack into the local environment.

In addition to being acutely toxic, arsenic trioxide is also linked to lung and skin cancers, though scientific understanding of environmental exposures was inconclusive at the time.

Archival records show that federal public health officials recommended the roaster be shut down until arsenic emissions could be controlled. But the company and federal mining regulators dragged their feet, fearing the economic impact.

The result, in 1951, was the poisoning death of at least one Dene child on Latham Island (now Ndilǫ), near the mine; his family was compensated a paltry $750. Many Dene in Ndilǫ relied on snow melt for drinking water, and there were reports of widespread sickness in the community. Local animals, including dairy cattle and sled dogs, also became sick and died.

Only after this tragedy did the federal government force the company to implement pollution controls. The control system was not terribly effective at first, though as it improved, arsenic emissions dropped dramatically from nearly 12,000 pounds per day to around 115 pounds per day in 1959. Thousands of tonnes of arsenic captured through this process was collected and stored in mined-out chambers underground.

Fighting back against pollution

Throughout the 1960s, public health officials continually downplayed concerns about arsenic exposure in Yellowknife, whether via drinking water or on local vegetables.

By the 1970s, however, latent public health concerns over arsenic exposure in Yellowknife became a major national media story. It began with a CBC Radio As it Happens episode in 1975 that unearthed an unreleased government report documenting widespread, chronic arsenic exposure in the city. Facing accusations of a cover-up, the federal government dismissed health concerns even as it set up a local study group to investigate them.

Suspicious of government studies and disregard for local health risks, Indigenous communities and workers took matters into their own hands. A remarkable alliance emerged between the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories and the United Steelworkers of America (the union representing Giant Mine workers) to undertake their own investigations.

They conducted hair samplings of Dene children and mine workers — the population most exposed to arsenic in the community — and submitted them for laboratory analysis.

The resulting report accused the federal government of suppressing health information and suggested children and workers were being poisoned. The controversy made national headlines yet again, prompting an independent inquiry by the Canadian Public Health Association.

The association’s 1978 report somewhat quelled public concern. But environmental and public health advocates in Yellowknife continued their fight for pollution reduction through the 1980s.

Giant’s toxic afterlife

As Giant Mine entered the turbulent final decade of its life, including a violent lockout in 1992, public concern mounted over the growing environmental liabilities. Most urgently, people living in and near Yellowknife began to realize that enough arsenic trioxide had been stored underground over the years to poison every human on the planet four times over.

Without constant pumping of groundwater out of the mine, the highly soluble arsenic could seep into local waterways, including Yellowknife Bay. When the company that owned the mine, Royal Oak Mines, went bankrupt in 1999, it left no clear plan for the remediation of this toxic material, and very little money to deal with it.

The federal government assumed primary responsibility for the abandoned mine and, in the quarter century since, developed plans to clean up the site and stabilize the arsenic underground by freezing it — an approach that will cost more than $4 billion.

Public concern and activism by Yellowknives Dene First Nation and other Yellowknifers prompted a highly contested environmental assessment and the creation of an independent oversight body, the Giant Mine Oversight Board in 2015. Under the current remediation strategy, the toxic waste at Giant Mine will require perpetual care, imposing a financial and environmental burden on future generations.

The long history of historical injustice resulting from mineral development and pollution around Yellowknife remains unaddressed. In support of calls for an apology and compensation, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation recently published reports that include oral testimony and other evidence of impacts on their health and land in their traditional territory.

Hopefully, the Canadian government’s appointment of the special representative means the colonial legacy of the mine will finally be addressed. Giant Mine serves as a warning about the current push from governments and industry to ram through development projects without environmental assessments or Indigenous consultations.

Extractive projects may generate short-term wealth, but they also compromise the national interest if they saddle the public with enormous costs and long-term consequences.

Arn Keeling receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

John Sandlos receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

– ref. Yellowknife’s Giant Mine: Canada downplayed arsenic exposure as an Indigenous community was poisoned – https://theconversation.com/yellowknifes-giant-mine-canada-downplayed-arsenic-exposure-as-an-indigenous-community-was-poisoned-261002

MIL OSI –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Analysis: Floating babies, cosmic radiation and zero-gravity birth: what space pregnancy might actually involve

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Arun Vivian Holden, Emeritus Professor of Computational Biology, University of Leeds

Lidiia/Shutterstock

As plans for missions to Mars accelerate, so do questions about how the human body might cope. A return trip to the red planet would give more than enough time for someone to become pregnant and even give birth. But could a pregnancy be conceived and carried safely in space? And what would happen to a baby born far from Earth?

Most of us rarely consider the risks we survived before birth. For instance, about two thirds of human embryos do not live long enough to be born, with most losses happening in the first few weeks after fertilisation; often before a person even knows they’re pregnant. These early, unnoticed losses usually happen when an embryo either fails to develop properly or to implant successfully in the wall of the womb.

Pregnancy can be understood as a chain of biological milestones. Each one must happen in the right order and each has a certain chance of success. On Earth, these odds can be estimated using clinical research and biological models. My latest research explores how these same stages might be affected by the extreme conditions of interplanetary space.

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Microgravity, the near-weightlessness experienced during spaceflight, would make conception more physically awkward but probably wouldn’t interfere much with staying pregnant once the embryo has implanted.

However, giving birth, and looking after a newborn, would be far more difficult in zero gravity. After all, in space, nothing stays still. Fluids float. So do people. That makes delivering a baby and caring for one a much messier and more complicated process than on Earth, where gravity helps with everything from positioning to feeding.

At the same time, the developing foetus already grows in something like microgravity. It floats in neutrally buoyant amniotic fluid inside the womb, cushioned and suspended. In fact, astronauts train for spacewalks in water tanks designed to mimic weightlessness. In that sense, the womb is already a microgravity simulator.

But gravity is only part of the picture.

Radiation

Outside Earth’s protective layers, there’s a more dangerous threat: cosmic rays. These are high-energy particles – “stripped-down” or “bare” atomic nuclei – that race through space at nearly the speed of light. They’re atoms that have lost all their electrons, leaving just the dense core of protons and neutrons. When these bare nuclei collide with the human body, they can cause serious cellular damage.

Here on Earth, we’re protected from most cosmic radiation by the planet’s thick atmosphere and, depending on the time of day, tens of thousands to millions of miles of coverage from the Earth’s magnetic field. In space, that shielding disappears.

When a cosmic ray passes through the human body, it may strike an atom, strip its electrons, and smash into its nucleus, knocking out protons and neutrons and leaving behind a different element or isotope. This can cause extremely localised damage – meaning that individual cells, or parts of cells, are destroyed while the rest of the body might remain unaffected. Sometimes the ray passes right through without hitting anything. But if it hits DNA, it can cause mutations that increase the risk of cancer.

Even when cells survive, radiation can trigger inflammatory responses. That means the immune system overreacts, releasing chemicals that can damage healthy tissue and disrupt organ function.

In the first few weeks of pregnancy, embryonic cells are rapidly dividing, moving, and forming early tissues and structures. For development to continue, the embryo must stay viable throughout this delicate process. The first month after fertilisation is the most vulnerable time.

A single hit from a high-energy cosmic ray at this stage could be lethal to the embryo. However, the embryo is very small – and cosmic rays, while dangerous, are relatively rare. So a direct hit is unlikely. If it did happen, it would probably result in an unnoticed miscarriage.

Pregnancy risks

As pregnancy progresses, the risks shift. Once the placental circulation – the blood flow system that connects mother and foetus – is fully formed by the end of the first trimester, the foetus and uterus grow rapidly.

That growth presents a larger target. A cosmic ray is now more likely to hit the uterine muscle, which could trigger contractions and potentially cause premature labour. And although neonatal intensive care has improved dramatically, the earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of complications, particularly in space.

On Earth, pregnancy and childbirth already carry risks. In space, those risks are magnified – but not necessarily prohibitive.

But development doesn’t stop at birth. A baby born in space would continue growing in microgravity, which could interfere with postural reflexes and coordination. These are the instincts that help a baby learn to lift its head, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk: all movements that rely on gravity. Without that sense of “up” and “down,” these abilities might develop in very different ways.

And the radiation risk doesn’t go away. A baby’s brain continues to grow after birth, and prolonged exposure to cosmic rays could cause permanent damage – potentially affecting cognition, memory, behaviour and long-term health.

So, could a baby be born in space?

In theory, yes. But until we can protect embryos from radiation, prevent premature birth, and ensure babies can grow safely in microgravity, space pregnancy remains a high-risk experiment – one we’re not yet ready to try.

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

– ref. Floating babies, cosmic radiation and zero-gravity birth: what space pregnancy might actually involve – https://theconversation.com/floating-babies-cosmic-radiation-and-zero-gravity-birth-what-space-pregnancy-might-actually-involve-261142

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Analysis: What was the Battle of Orgreave, and why has the government launched an inquiry into it?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steven Daniels, Lecturer in Politics, Edge Hill University

The UK’s home secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced a full inquiry into the Battle of Orgreave, a large, violent clash between the National Union of Mineworkers and South Yorkshire police that took place over 40 years ago.

The clash was a flashpoint of the 1984-85 miners’ strike, in which mining communities fought to protect jobs and industry from closure. It descended into a violent confrontation between miners and police, with injuries and accusations of misconduct on both sides.

The announcement of an inquiry has been a long time coming for miners’ groups. Comparisons have been made to the Hillsborough tragedy and inquiry – another incident involving accusations of mistreatment by South Yorkshire Police.

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The Battle of Orgreave took place on June 18 1984, outside Orgreave coking plant in Rotherham. The miners’ strike had been raging since March 1984, with both sides looking for opportunities to turn the tide in their favour.

Before ascending to the presidency of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982, British trade unionist Arthur Scargill had gained notoriety during the 1972 miners’ strike. He developed the “flying pickets” tactic. This approach saw large numbers of strikers from around the country descend on an industrially sensitive target, to pressure it into closing. These tactics successfully closed Saltley Gate gasworks in Birmingham, forcing the taxpayer-owned National Coal Board and Edward Heath’s government to concede the 1972 strike to the NUM.

In 1984, realising that British Steel’s furnaces would be vulnerable without coking coal, Scargill planned to repeat the 1972 victory at Orgreave.

On June 18, around 8,000 miners began assembling as early as 4am. They were met by 6,000 police in full riot gear. As lorries began arriving to collect coking coal, the conflict began around 8am. This unfolded in waves: mounted police would cavalry charge miners, splitting their lines, with “snatch squads” then swarming miners who had failed to retreat in time, arresting them.

This continued until the afternoon, when miners retreated into Orgreave village. Police continued trying to disperse miners, even cavalry-charging the village.

Miners’ groups allege that the police charged their lines despite their picket being peaceful in nature, and there was no trigger for violence. They claim only once police started charging did they retaliate in defence, throwing rocks and other missiles. Controversially, footage of these incidents was allegedly shown in reverse order by the BBC, painting the strikers as the aggressors.

Orgreave is considered a turning point, both in the strike, and in policing of protest. With the “flying pickets” strategy in tatters, the NUM struggled to maintain pressure and lost momentum as the months dragged on. The strike ended in March 1985 with a full, unconditional return to work.

The aftermath

Ninety-five miners were arrested that day, with 55 subsequently charged with riot. This was a serious charge, carrying the maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Many more reported injuries and accused South Yorkshire Police of being unnecessarily violent and heavy handed.

One of the most famous images from the day shows Lesley Boulton, a woman there to document the strike with her camera, with a mounted policeman swinging his truncheon at her head. This photo sums up the brutality of the day. Accusations also emerged of police removing their collar numbers, so as not to be identified.

Sensationally, the 1985 trial for riot collapsed after evidence from South Yorkshire Police was found to be unreliable. It was later revealed through archival material that officers were given direction or guidance in their statements.

It was also revealed that Margaret Thatcher herself attended a drinks reception for police chiefs involved in the strike, thanking them personally for “all they did and their forces did to maintain public order”. Even though the 55 miners were cleared of the charges, many were financially ruined, and unable to return to the coal industry.

Thirty-nine of those involved subsequently took legal action against South Yorkshire Police for unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution, settling for a payment of £425,000 and no admission of liability. Not a single police officer was prosecuted or punished for their role in Orgreave.

Calls for inquiry

Calls for an inquiry into the Battle of Orgreave, as well as the general standard of policing during the strike, have been ongoing for decades. As early as January 1985 (with the strike ongoing), the then home secretary, Leon Brittan, was resistant to any public inquiry into the conduct of police officers during the strike, fearing it would descend into a “witch-hunt”. John Major’s government similarly resisted such calls in 1991, believing them unnecessary.

In 2015, the Independent Police Complaints Commission declined to mount a formal investigation, despite finding evidence to suggest officers had indeed assaulted miners at Orgreave and other forms of misconduct. The commission argued that too much time had passed for the investigation to have any meaning.

Theresa May’s government rejected calls for an inquiry in 2016. The then home secretary Amber Rudd claimed an inquiry was not in the public interest, arguing policing standards had changed substantially since the 1980s and that the event had simply occurred too long ago. Rudd also said that many involved in the strike would have died, and most officers involved would no longer be employed by South Yorkshire Police.

The volunteer-run Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign has long campaigned for a public inquiry, arguing that Orgreave was a serious miscarriage of justice that needs to be adequately addressed. They believe that a full inquiry will provide accountability and clarity regarding the role of the police and the state in such a tumultuous time period.

The Hillsborough inquiry shows what successful (and persistent) community action can achieve. Accusations made against South Yorkshire Police then were eventually proven correct. While there has yet to be any significantly successful legal action taken against officers involved in Hillsborough, the inquiry itself brought closure (and, crucially, the truth) to families involved. Mining communities will be hoping for similar closure with the Orgreave inquiry.

Steven Daniels consulted the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign on archival findings from his wider research in 2017.

– ref. What was the Battle of Orgreave, and why has the government launched an inquiry into it? – https://theconversation.com/what-was-the-battle-of-orgreave-and-why-has-the-government-launched-an-inquiry-into-it-261596

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Analysis: No wonder England’s water needs cleaning up – most sewage discharges aren’t even classified as pollution incidents

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alex Ford, Professor of Biology, University of Portsmouth

oneSHUTTER oneMEMORY/Shutterstock

England’s privatised water industry may one day be considered a textbook case study of failed corporate responsibility, regulation and governance. The Cunliffe review, the recent report into England’s privatised water industry, concluded that the financial regulator, OfWat, needs to be disbanded and a new water regulator will be introduced.

For that to work effectively, better pollution monitoring and more clearly defined pollution incident criteria are essential. While politicians and water companies have claimed to be reducing pollution incidences, they might not strictly be tackling sources of pollution, so communications must be carefully scrutinised for disinformation.

The UK’s environment minister Steve Reed MP has described the water industry as “broken”. The public have rising water bills. Water companies owe over £60 billion in debts and have left the country with uncertain water security in the face of climate change.

The Environment Agency (EA) in England recently announced that serious pollution incidents in 2024 rose by 60% to 75 from 47 in the previous year. The EA classifies pollution incidents using a four-point scale called the common incident classification scheme. Trained EA officers consider the evidence reported via their incident hotline to assess its credibility and severity.

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Category 1 is for major incidents, 2 for significant, 3 for minor incidents and 4 for no impact. Category 1 and 2 typically involve visible signs of dead fish floating. For salmon, if more than 10 adult or 100 young fish are dead, this is category 1. With fewer than ten adult and 100 young fish dead, it’s category 2.

No dead fish, no serious problem? The EA can also record damage on protected habitats as “pollution incidents” but these are harder to substantiate without investigative research that takes time and money.

Last year, more than 450,000 sewage discharges were recorded by event duration monitors. These are devices fitted to the end of overflow pipes that indicate when and for how long they have been discharging.

These discharges represent 3.6 million hours of untreated sewage going into our rivers and coasts. These contain chemical contaminants including pharmaceuticals, detergents and human pathogens. Only 75 incidents were recorded as serious or significant in 2024. Another 2,726 were classed as minor.

So lots of sewage discharges are not being classified as pollution incidents, despite containing pollutants. The EA advises its investigating officers to “record substantiated incidents that result in no environmental impact, or where the impact cannot be confirmed, as a category 4”.

The EA has been criticised for turning up late to 74% of category 1 and 2 pollution incidents and for being pressured to ignore low-level pollution – all claims that they have denied. However, they admit they are constrained by finances. Any new regulator must be adequately resourced and independent.

Pollution isn’t always classified as an official pollution incident.
YueStock/Shutterstock

In their recent report into pollution incidences, the EA states that they respond to all category 1 and 2 (serious and significant) water industry incidents and will be increasing their attendance at category 3 (minor) incidents. They highlight that more inspections will identify more issues. This shows some acceptance that the more incidents they attend, the more would be substantiated or recorded appropriately.

Most sewage discharges would not have been reported to, or recorded by, the EA as pollution incidents because they were permitted discharges from combined stormwater overflows. Water companies are allowed to discharge untreated wastewater under exceptional rainfall or snowfall conditions to prevent sewage backing up through the pipes.

Extra water flow in rivers from rainfall is meant to dilute chemical contaminants in wastewater. However, some discharges can last days or weeks. The EA is currently investigating whether water companies have been breaching their permits and discharging untreated wastewater when there is low or even no rainfall.

What counts as pollution?

The UN classifies pollution as “presence of substances and energy (for example, light and heat) in environmental media (air, water, land) whose nature, location, or quantity produces undesirable environmental effects”. This definition differs markedly from the EA’s working definition of pollution incidents.

Many sewage discharges containing low concentrations of pollutants won’t kill fish but might still be harmful to fish larvae or small insects, for example.

However, the broad picture from EA data is that invertebrate communities at least are in a better state than they were three decades ago before wastewater treatment plants were upgraded following the EU’s Urban Wastewater Directive.

Some pollutants bioaccumulate through the food chain, so they become concentrated in top predators such as orcas. Some chemicals mimic reproductive hormones even in low concentrations and can feminise fish, for example. High levels of nutrients from agriculture and sewage in rivers can cause fungal diseases in seagrass meadows.

Other families of chemicals build up in wildlife and people, such as persistent “forever chemicals”, much of which comes from wastewater discharges. Continued discharges of antibiotics into waterways might not be classified as pollution incidents but still pose a substantial risk to human and ecosystem health through bacteria developing antibiotic resistance.

The government has just committed to cut sewage pollution by 50% by December 2029 based on 2024 data. But it’s not yet clear whether these involve cutting the frequency of discharges, the duration or both.

This data could also be manipulated so that a large number of small discharges can be consolidated into one official discharge event. Currently, the volume of discharges from stormwater overflows isn’t known. Without this vital data we can’t ascertain the risk posed by their contaminants.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

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Alex Ford receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), EU, charities and industry including water companies.

– ref. No wonder England’s water needs cleaning up – most sewage discharges aren’t even classified as pollution incidents – https://theconversation.com/no-wonder-englands-water-needs-cleaning-up-most-sewage-discharges-arent-even-classified-as-pollution-incidents-261502

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Analysis: From ‘MMS’ to ‘aerobic oxygen’, why drinking bleach has become a dangerous wellness trend

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Taylor, Professor of Anatomy, Lancaster University

Grossinger/Shutterstock

If something online promises to cure everything, it’s probably too good to be true. One of the most dangerous examples? Chlorine dioxide is often marketed under names like “Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)” or “aerobic oxygen”, buzzwords that hint at health and vitality.

But in reality, these products can make you violently ill within hours – and in some cases, they can be fatal.

Despite what the name suggests, MMS is not just bleach. Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, whereas MMS contains sodium chlorite – a different but equally toxic chemical.

When ingested, sodium chlorite can cause methemoglobinemia, a condition where red blood cells lose their ability to carry oxygen. It can also trigger haemolysis (the rupture of red blood cells), followed by kidney failure and death.

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When sodium chlorite mixes with acid (such as stomach acid), it converts into chlorine dioxide, a bleaching agent. This compound has strong antimicrobial properties: it can kill bacteria, fungi and even viruses like SARS-CoV-2. For that reason, it’s commonly used in sanitising dental equipment and hospital tools like endoscopes. Its effectiveness at killing over 400 bacterial species makes it useful in cleaning – but not in humans.

While the mouth and oesophagus are lined with multiple cell layers, offering some protection, the stomach and intestines are far more vulnerable. These organs have a single-cell lining to absorb nutrients efficiently – but this also means they’re highly sensitive to damage.

That’s why ingesting chlorine dioxide often leads to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. In extreme cases, the chemical can burn through the gut lining, leading to bowel perforation – a medical emergency with a high risk of death.

Using MMS as an enema is equally dangerous. Chlorine dioxide can trigger an overproduction of reactive oxygen species – unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to chronic gut conditions. This cellular stress may explain both the immediate symptoms and the long-term injuries seen in reported cases.

It doesn’t make a good mouthwash, either

Some sellers claim MMS can be used safely in the mouth because it’s found in dental cleaners. But clinical trials show it’s no more effective than other mouthwashes, and its oxidising power doesn’t distinguish between harmful microbes and healthy cells.

Yes, it may temporarily reduce bad breath, but it also disrupts protein synthesis, damages cell membranes, and harms the gut microbiome – the collection of helpful bacteria we rely on for digestion and immune health.

Chlorine dioxide doesn’t just attack the gut. It also affects the cardiovascular system. Documented risks include low blood pressure, fainting, and cardiac damage – including stroke and shock.

In some cases, it causes a dangerous blood disorder called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This condition causes abnormal clotting, followed by severe bleeding and potential organ failure, stroke and death.

Chlorine dioxide is also a respiratory irritant. Inhalation can inflame the nose, throat and lungs, and in severe cases, cause respiratory distress – particularly with repeated exposure in workplaces.

Studies of factory workers show that even low doses can lead to nasal inflammation, coughing and breathing difficulties. And some patients who drank chlorine dioxide to “treat” COVID-19 ended up with severe chemical lung injuries.

Risks to the brain, hormones and skin

Animal studies suggest chlorine dioxide can harm the nervous system, causing developmental delays, reduced movement, and slower brain growth. It also appears to affect the thyroid, potentially causing hormonal disruptions and delayed puberty.

It doesn’t stop there. Some people who consume chlorine dioxide also develop cerebral salt wasting syndrome, a condition where the kidneys lose too much sodium, leading to excessive urination, dehydration and dangerously low blood volume.

Skin contact isn’t safe either. Chlorine dioxide can irritate the skin, and lab studies show it can kill skin cells at high concentrations. People who’ve used it to treat fungal infections have ended up with chemical dermatitis instead.

Chlorine dioxide can be useful for disinfecting hospital tools, dental equipment and water supplies. But that doesn’t mean it belongs in your body. Many of its supposed “benefits” come from lab studies or animal research – not from safe, approved human trials.

There’s no evidence that drinking it cures any disease. There’s overwhelming evidence that it can harm or kill you.

So, if you’re tempted by a product that promises miracles with science-y language and zero regulation, take a step back. The risks are very real – and very dangerous.

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

– ref. From ‘MMS’ to ‘aerobic oxygen’, why drinking bleach has become a dangerous wellness trend – https://theconversation.com/from-mms-to-aerobic-oxygen-why-drinking-bleach-has-become-a-dangerous-wellness-trend-260761

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Analysis: A global treaty to limit plastic pollution is within reach – will countries seize the moment?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Winnie Courtene-Jones, Lecturer in Marine Pollution, Bangor University

Bandung, Indonesia. Sony Herdiana/Shutterstock

Representatives from 175 countries will gather in Geneva, Switzerland, in August for the final round of negotiations on a legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. Non-governmental organisations, academics and industry lobbyists will also be in the room. They will all be hoping to influence what could be the world’s first truly global agreement on plastics.

The summit, known as “INC-5.2”, follows a failed attempt to reach agreement in Busan, South Korea, late last year. That meeting ended without resolving important issues, despite hopes that it would conclude the treaty process. Now, it’s crunch time in Geneva.

Either countries bridge their political divides, or risk the whole process falling apart.

I’ve been researching the effects of plastic for more than a decade and have been involved in the UN treaty process since 2022. I’ve attended several of the negotiations and will be in Geneva next month. The science is clear: we need ambitious action which tackles every stage of the plastics lifecycle, from production through to disposal. But the question is, will countries deliver?

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In 2022, the UN Environment Assembly agreed to develop a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. Since then, progress has been slow. Negotiations have repeatedly stalled over issues such as whether the treaty should limit plastic production or regulate chemicals, how to define terms, and how to fund implementation.

Industry lobbying has also played a powerful role throughout. At the last round of talks, lobbyists for the petrochemical and plastics industries made up the single largest delegation. They outnumbered representatives from the EU, all of Latin America, the Pacific islands, independent scientists and Indigenous communities. This imbalance threatens to weaken the science-based action that is urgently needed.

Although countries failed to reach agreement in Busan, a foundation was laid. They agreed to continue negotiations using the “chair’s text”, which is a draft treaty with multiple options still on the table. That document forms the starting point in Geneva. But it remains uncertain whether enough common ground can be found to finalise the text.

What’s at stake?

This treaty is a once-in-a-generation chance to tackle one of the world’s most urgent environmental crises. More than 450 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year. That figure is expected to double by 2045 if current trends continue.

Only around 9% of plastic is ever recycled. The rest is landfilled, incinerated or ends up polluting the environment.

An estimated 139 million tonnes of plastics pollute marine and fresh water. But that could be significantly higher when considering leakages of plastics to land, and from microplastics, which are plastics smaller than 5mm in diameter.

Plastic is found in the deepest oceans, the remotest mountains and inside the human body. While scientists are only beginning to understand the long-term implications for human health, biodiversity and climate, studies show harmful effects of plastics and their chemicals on animals and ecosystems.

Plastic pollution doesn’t respect national borders. It moves through rivers, oceans and air, and gets carried across continents. Global supply chains and waste exports have made this a problem no country can solve alone. That’s why a global treaty is essential.

Crossroads

Despite this growing urgency, a disparity in positions has hindered progress and continues to divide delegations.

Some, such as members of the High Ambition Coalition, a group of countries committed to progressive climate action, want strong rules to cap plastic production, phase out toxic chemicals and hold polluters accountable. Others, often with prominent petrochemical industries, argue for a weaker, voluntary approach focused mainly on recycling and waste management.

If these divisions aren’t resolved, there’s a real risk the treaty will end up being too watered down to make a difference. A patchy, fragmented agreement would fail to curb rising plastic production and could undermine the integrity of global action.

Between December’s meeting in Busan and next month’s talks, countries have been holding smaller meetings to try to find compromise. That momentum must now be carried into the final negotiations.

Important articles in the draft treaty, including those on chemicals and products, plastic production and finance, remain contested. Whether those provisions are strengthened or diluted will shape the treaty’s effects for decades to come.

Flexibility will be needed. But leadership is also crucial. Countries that support an ambitious outcome must stand firm and bring others with them.

As we approach what may be the final negotiating round, we’re at a critical crossroads. The world has the chance to take meaningful action on plastic pollution. Let’s not waste it.

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Winnie Courtene-Jones is an unpaid member and working-group lead of the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Treaty; an International network of independent scientific and technical experts contributing robust scientific evidence to the Treaty process.

– ref. A global treaty to limit plastic pollution is within reach – will countries seize the moment? – https://theconversation.com/a-global-treaty-to-limit-plastic-pollution-is-within-reach-will-countries-seize-the-moment-261331

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Analysis: As Sri Lanka’s economy pivots from tourism, it’s well placed to benefit from global trade and geopolitical jostling – new research

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hemamali Tennakoon, Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Management, Brunel University of London

Dmytro Buianskyi/Shutterstock

With its natural beauty, wildlife and culture, Sri Lanka is known as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean”, and attracts millions of tourists every year.

But my research suggests that the country might not be so reliant on tourism in the future, as it looks to become a major player in global maritime trade. The island’s numerous harbours and enviable location along international sea routes have led to major investment from China and the US, as they seek to extend their strategic influence in the region.

That investment is being welcomed after years of economic and political turmoil in Sri Lanka.

The Easter bombings of 2019 targeted Catholic churches and hotels, killing 269 people and devastating tourism. The same year, significant tax cuts slashed government revenue before COVID did serious damage to the economy.

In 2021, a ban on chemical fertilisers led to nationwide agricultural failure, while excessive borrowing and money printing triggered soaring inflation, which peaked at 70% in August 2022. The country ended up failing to pay its foreign debts.

Following huge protests in 2022 and the resignation of the president, Sri Lanka began a major political and economic shift. It secured a bailout from the International Monetary Fund and implemented reforms aimed at stabilising the economy.

So far, some of the effects have been positive. Inflation has eased, investor confidence has improved and more tea, clothing and rubber products are being exported up.

Key to this has been improved logistics and port infrastructure. Business at the port of Colombo, the country’s largest, is booming, aided in part by global shipping disruptions, including the Red Sea crisis, which rerouted vessels through the Indian Ocean.

But international maritime ambitions can be a complex affair, and Sri Lanka needs to be wary of becoming just a well-positioned commodity for the world’s economic superpowers.

China for example, has secured a controversial 99-year lease of Hambantota port. India, wary of Chinese encroachment, has ramped up its own investments, including the development of a container terminal in Colombo.

In 2023, the US announced a US$500 million (£372 million) plan to develop a deep-water shipping container terminal at the port of Colombo. And the potential US tariffs of 30% on imports from Sri Lanka have been interpreted by some as a pressure tactic to get greater access to its waters.

Balancing these interests is a delicate act. While foreign investment is crucial for infrastructure development, Sri Lanka needs to protect its sovereignty and ensure that port operations serve national, not just international, interests.

My research suggests that one way of building a resilient and diverse Sri Lankan economy would be to focus on its surrounding waters. Sri Lanka’s vast “exclusive economic zone”, an area of sea where it controls marine resources, holds massive untapped potential.

Blue economy

This potential lies in traditional sectors like fisheries and tourism, but also emerging industries such as marine biotechnology.

This growing field offers opportunities in things like bioengineering and marine-based pharmaceuticals. With other countries rapidly advancing in these sectors, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to follow suit and become a regional leader in the blue economy (economic activities associated with the sustainable use of ocean resources).

Business is booming in the port of Colombo.
shutterlk/Shutterstock

But there is still a complex web of geopolitical interests and economic pressures to navigate, as well as environmental challenges.

At the moment for example, the Sri Lankan government is making plans for the deep natural port at Trincomalee to become a major marine repair and refuelling centre between Dubai and Singapore. Other proposed projects include offshore wind farms and oil rig facilities.

The country also needs to compete with the likes of Malaysia, which is investing heavily in AI-driven port operations. To stay competitive, Sri Lanka must modernise infrastructure and streamline processes.

And despite the progress, challenges persist. Poverty in Sri Lanka has doubled since 2021, while youth unemployment remains high.

Sri Lanka faces rising maritime threats like piracy and illegal fishing, requiring stronger maritime surveillance. Simultaneously, port expansion risks damaging marine ecosystems. Green technologies and stricter environmental regulations are essential for long-term security and sustainability.

Sri Lanka’s strategic location and maritime heritage offer a foundation for economic renewal. With wise governance, sustainability, and balanced geopolitics, its ports could once again become vital gateways to regional prosperity and global trade.

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

– ref. As Sri Lanka’s economy pivots from tourism, it’s well placed to benefit from global trade and geopolitical jostling – new research – https://theconversation.com/as-sri-lankas-economy-pivots-from-tourism-its-well-placed-to-benefit-from-global-trade-and-geopolitical-jostling-new-research-261231

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Analysis: Hosepipe ban survival guide: which garden plants to save and which to sacrifice

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alastair Culham, Associate Professor of Botany, University of Reading

Studio 37/Shutterstock

With hosepipe bans in force across several English regions and more restrictions likely to follow, gardeners face some tough choices. When every drop counts, which plants deserve your precious water from the water butt, and which should you leave to fend for themselves?

As someone who has researched how British gardeners need to adapt to respond to our changing climate, I can tell you that not all garden plants are created equal when it comes to water needs. Some plants will bounce back from a summer scorching, while others may never recover.

Top plants to prioritise for watering

1. New woody plants

Any woody plant installed in the last 12-18 months should be your absolute priority. These haven’t yet developed the deep root systems needed to find moisture reserves and going without enough water the first year or so after planting could kill them.

Water thoroughly and add a deep mulch of wood chips to help the soil hold water. For young trees you can install a watering bag around the trunk but you still need to top it up.

2. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas adopt a conservative strategy when it comes to drought. They shut their stomata (leaf pores) rapidly when they sense dry soil, and keep them closed until consistent moisture returns. They often drop their leaves too.

This can mean many weeks without growth, after even a relatively short drought period. So if you want to keep them looking at their best, they need consistent watering. You can cut growth back to reduce water loss, and save the the plant at the cost of flowers.

Hydrangeas need help during a drought.
savitskaya iryna/Shutterstock

3. Moisture loving trees

Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), along with other moisture-loving trees like birch and beech, are prone to serious die-back during summer droughts. Their shallow root systems and large leaves make them particularly vulnerable to water stress. Water and mulch them.

4. Soft herbaceous plants

Astilbe, dicentra, filipendula, heuchera, primula, trollius and many other soft herbaceous plants require good moisture levels and may not survive prolonged drought.

5. Shallow-rooted shrubs

Rhododendrons and azaleas are shallow-rooted shrubs particularly susceptible to drought stress, especially the large-leaved evergreen species which are also prone to wind damage when stressed.

6. Clematis

Many clematis varieties struggle with drought. Since they’re often grown for their spectacular flowering displays, maintaining adequate moisture around the roots is crucial, especially for autumn-flowering varieties, or spring-flowering varieties which flower on the previous year’s growth.

A gravel mulch can help keep the roots cool and damp. However, clematis orientalis, terniflora, and evergreens such as C. cirrhosa can be surprisingly tolerant of a hot dry period.

7. Ripening vegetables

If you’re growing vegetables, prioritise crops approaching harvest and those that split when moisture returns after drought, such as carrots. Runner beans and courgettes need moist soil to keep cropping and potato yields are heavily influenced by water levels.

8. All the pots

Anything in pots has limited access to soil moisture reserves and will need regular attention. Move containers to shadier spots if possible. Always use a pot saucer to hold water and prevent it draining away.

Plants that can survive without extra water

Research into plant water-stress shows that many common garden plants are surprisingly resilient.

Forsythia adopts a risk-taking strategy. It keeps growing and photosynthesising even when soil moisture becomes limited, gambling that it can regrow after damage. This makes it remarkably drought-tolerant. It is also tolerant of heavy pruning which can save it in severe conditions.

Mediterranean shrubs like lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme are naturally adapted to dry conditions. Their grey, hairy or waxy leaves are evolved to conserve moisture. Soil conditions are crucial though. If the plants are deep rooted they will draw water up, but if your soil is shallow or compacted they might well be less drought tolerant.

Sedums, sempervivums and other succulents store water in their fleshy leaves and can survive extended dry periods. RHS research identifies Sedum spectabile as particularly reliable under stress.

Buddleja can cope better than you might think in dry spells.
Steidi/Shutterstock

Ornamental grasses generally have efficient root systems and many species actually prefer drier conditions once established.

Established shrubs including cistus, phlomis, buddleja, cotoneaster, berberis and viburnum have deep roots and proven track records for drought survival. The RHS report identifies these as garden stalwarts, with high stress resilience.

Some trees, including eucalyptus, bay (Laurus nobilis) and holm oak are remarkably drought tolerant.

Those to sacrifice

Grass lawns are thirsty and can be left to go dormant. If you have a newly seeded or turfed lawn from this year, some limited watering may be justified. But in general, embrace the golden colour of water-stressed lawns. As long as you don’t create too many bare patches from over-use, the green colour and growth will come back when it rains.

Annual bedding plants like busy lizzies and begonias have shallow root systems and high water demands. However, they are only there for one season and are easily replaceable, so prioritise them for watering only if they’re particularly important to your garden’s summer display and you can spare the water. You could save some by potting them up and enjoying a display that needs less water.

When you do water, research shows that technique is crucial. Water thoroughly but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Focus water at the base of plants rather than on leaves, and water in early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

Consider “split-root” watering for established shrubs – water one side of the plant thoroughly, then switch to the other side two to three weeks later. This keeps plants hydrated while chemical signals from the dry side’s roots prevent excessive new growth that would increase water demands.

This drought is a taste of Britain’s gardening future. The plants struggling most in this year’s drought are likely to become increasingly unsuitable for British gardens without intensive irrigation.

Be willing to swap out plants that suffer in drought for new plants that are more tolerant. Refresh plantings to adapt to the new climate.

This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something from bookshop.org The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

Alastair Culham is affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society through the RHS Science & Collections Group as a voluntary member. Opinions expressed here are his and do not represent the RHS.

– ref. Hosepipe ban survival guide: which garden plants to save and which to sacrifice – https://theconversation.com/hosepipe-ban-survival-guide-which-garden-plants-to-save-and-which-to-sacrifice-261603

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 23, 2025

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