Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)introduced Mr. Bill Roark of Huntsville, Alabama, as a witness appearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The hearing was about empowering workers by expanding employee ownership.
Read excerpts from the hearing below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.
INTRODUCTION:
TUBERVILLE: “I’m proud to introduce an Auburn man and a constituent, Mr. Bill Roark. Mr. Roark is the Co-founder of Torch Technologies Inc., Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Starfish Holdings, Inc., and Founder and Chair of the Board of Freedom Real Estate and Capital LLC, so he stays pretty busy. He’s a champion for employee ownership, and he has led multiple companies to national recognition [thanks] to his core values.
As CEO of Torch Technologies, Mr. Rourke implemented an employee-owned ownership program from the company’s inception with the goal of becoming a 100% S corp employee stock ownership plan. His company achieved that goal in just under 10 years. Torch and Mr. Roark gained national attention for being named on the inaugural list of best of America’s best small companies by Forbes. During his tenure, Torch received multiple business awards and was named the number one fastest-growing, privately-held defense contractor in the southeast region. Torch Technologies provides superior research development and engineering services to the Department of Defense. Mr. Roark recently led Torch to become a certified evergreen company, achieving its long-term commitment to 100% employee ownership and its pledge to remain privately held to ensure enduring stability and opportunity for its workforce. This milestone came as Torch celebrated its 20th anniversary.
A true believer in company culture and employee well-being, Mr. Rourke has prioritized top-tier benefits and working conditions throughout his career. Mr. Rourke also founded Starfish Holdings Incorporated, a holding company that provides beneficial ownerships to employees across all its portfolios through an ESOP structure. Starfish Holdings companies now include Torch Technologies Inc., Freedom Real Estate and Capital LLC, and SIMVANA [LLC]. Mr. Roark has a proven track record with a common denominator of building companies where employees can thrive, retire with dignity, and find lasting purpose in their work.
Thank you for being here today, Mr. Roark.”
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKPLACE DIGNITY:
TUBERVILLE: “Important topic. Mister Roark, it’s got to be pretty mind calming to know if you work in an ESOP and you have some of the owners exit the company that everybody’s not gonna lose their job. So, what kind of security does an ESOP structure have for all employees? What that you’ve seen? Some examples.”
ROARK: “Well, you know, we work real hard to build a succession plan in that it prepares our employees as people retire to step forward. You know, that is a challenge. One of the biggest challenges we’ve had is the success of the ESOP has led to people retiring early, so we have to work that problem a little harder and be training people ready to step into the role. The departure of employees that are retiring actually creates lots of opportunities for the other employees to accelerate in their careers quicker. So, a successful ESOP actually creates a lot of successful careers.
It also creates the ability for employees to retire with dignity. In fact, the announcement of this hearing went out on our social media last night and one of the posts this morning, I’ll quote for you. […] Jim Deal, one of our retiring employees seven or eight years ago, he says, ‘Tell them how much you helped us retire with dignity.’ That is to me the essence of why I wanted to do this. You know, some 25 years ago, a company bought the company I worked for. And a few months after it was bought, I’d had a successful career. I went from being an entry level person to an executive. I was president of an operating segment. In that time, I’d had one of the most successful careers of anyone at that company. As that acquisition evolved and I was there, I was shortly thereafter, walked to the door and asked, told as I was handed my severance check that ‘We’ll pack your office and send your stuff home.’
When I started this company, at the core of what I wanted is I wanted people to retire with dignity. When I walked out and stood on that corner, I didn’t feel very dignified. When I meet an employee in the grocery store, I want them to come hug me, not run from me. With the ESOP, I get lots of hugs. Every year when the ESOP statements come out, I get lots of hugs.This is a different way of doing business. I never wanna see an employee walk through the door in such an undignified manner. I put my whole life into that company. Several times, I worked 24 hours straight to get a delivery out on time.Was that respected? No. My stuff showed up in boxes with a bunch of crap that I didn’t really want, was not dignified at all. I hope that answers your question, Coach.”
TUBERVILLE: “So, how can we help on the federal level to make ESOP structure more viable for that?”
ROARK: “No. I think there’s lots of ideas being proposed here in in several of these bills, you know, making this easier, making it clearer in what we’re supposed to do. There’s a lot of murkiness in the bills, you know, one of the things for us in the last few years, we’ve been in a position where we could contribute more than the maximum allowable to our employees, and that creates an issue with the ESOP itself. Rf the limit is at 25%, I can only give 25%. If it were higher, we in some cases would have given higher, including this year. So, there are some pieces there where we could just fine tune some things. The ESOP is a wonderful tool and it provides stability for the employees and provides a retirement path for them as well. So, I think the more that we can refine the regulations around it to encourage people to be able to do this, clear up the rules on how the evaluations are done so that it’s clear what needs to be done. I think those would be great helps.”
TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
Priority question for written answer P-002982/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE)
In July 2024, The Financial Times[1] reported that the Commission had dropped infringement proceedings launched in 2021 against France, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium for failing to enforce the EU’s ban on discarding unwanted fish at sea. These proceedings aimed to ensure compliance with the landing obligation, requiring catches, including by-catch, to be landed and counted against quotas. The Financial Times reported that the Commission ‘quietly’ dropped the cases without explanation, and that no evidence was seen that the breaches had been addressed.
Experts have long warned that undocumented discards undermine quota monitoring and the scientific data underpinning fishing limits. Commission staff working document SWD(2025)0149 of 6 June 2025 echoed these warnings, citing a ‘lack of effective control measures adopted by Member States to date’[2], making such violations ‘very difficult to detect and confirm’. The European Fisheries Control Agency’s 2024 Annual Report[3] also found ‘low occurrence’ of detecting landing obligation infringements, while a recent report by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency[4] found ‘ineffective monitoring and enforcement’ of this rule at Member State level.
Considering the above:
1.Did the Commission receive any evidence that the identified non-compliance was corrected before closing the five cases?
2.Has it since verified that compliance has improved in the Member States concerned?
Details 2025-07-22 President Lai meets cross-party Irish Oireachtas delegation On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with a cross-party delegation from the Oireachtas (parliament) of Ireland. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. He indicated that Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community, saying that we look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Deputy Speaker John McGuinness is a dear friend of Taiwan who also chairs the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association. Thanks to his efforts over the years, support for Taiwan has grown stronger in the Oireachtas. I thank him and all of our guests for traveling such a long way to demonstrate support for Taiwan and open more doors for exchanges and cooperation. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment. Ireland is a European stronghold for technology and innovative industries. Just like Taiwan, Ireland is an export-oriented economy. Our industrial structures are highly complementary. We hope that Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing and machinery industries can explore deeper cooperation with Ireland’s ICT software and biopharmaceutical fields, creating win-win outcomes. In May, the Irish government launched its National Semiconductor Strategy, outlining a vision to become a global semiconductor hub. Taiwan is home to the world’s most critical semiconductor ecosystem, and our own industrial development closely parallels that of Ireland. Moreover, we aspire to build non-red technological supply chains with democratic partners. I believe that going forward, Taiwan and Ireland can bolster collaboration so as to upgrade the competitiveness of our respective semiconductor industries. Together, we can help build a values-based economic system for democracies. I was delighted to receive congratulations from Deputy Speaker McGuinness on my election. Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. This visit from our guests further attests to our common beliefs. As authoritarianism continues to expand, Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community. We look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. Deputy Speaker McGuinness then delivered remarks, stating that he has been to Taiwan on many occasions and that it is a great honor to join President Lai and his staff at the Presidential Office. He said that Ireland has continued to build its strong relationship with Taiwan based on our democratic values and the interests that we have in trade throughout the world, strengthening this relationship based on culture, education, and more. Noting that he served with many other diplomats from Taiwan, he said all had the same goal, which was to further the interests of the Ireland-Taiwan friendship and to ensure that it grows and prospers. The deputy speaker then extended to President Lai the delegation’s best wishes for his term in office, stating that they commit to the same values as the previous friendship groups that have been visiting Taiwan. He went on to say that some members of the group are newly elected, representing the next generation of the association, and that they are committed to working together with Taiwan to stand strong in the defense of democracy. Deputy Speaker McGuinness also noted that the father of Deputy Ken O’Flynn, one of the delegation members, played an important role as a former chairman of the association, remarking that it is good to see such continuity taking place. Deputy Speaker McGuiness said that he believes the world is facing huge challenges and uncertainty in terms of our markets and trade with one another. He said we have to watch for what the United States will do next and be conscious of what China is doing, emphasizing that the European Union stands strong in the center of this, while Ireland plays a huge role in the context of democracy, trade, and the betterment of all things for the citizens that they represent. The deputy speaker then stated that while we focus on the development of AI that is extremely important for all of us, we can work together to ensure that we control AI rather than AI controlling us. He also remarked that we cannot lose sight of our traditional trading means, saying that we have to keep all of our trade together, expand on that trade, and then take on the new technologies that come before us. Deputy Speaker McGuinness concluded his remarks by thanking President Lai for receiving the delegation, stating that they commit to their continuation of support for Taiwan and for democracy. Also in attendance were Deputies Malcolm Byrne and Barry Ward, and Senator Teresa Costello.
Details 2025-07-22 President Lai meets official delegation from European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with an official delegation from the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS). In remarks, President Lai thanked the committee for choosing to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan, standing at the very frontline of the democratic world, is determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. He expressed hope that we can share our experiences with Europe to foster even more resilient societies. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Firstly, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to your delegation, which marks another official visit from the European Parliament. The Special Committee on the EUDS aims to strengthen societal resilience and counter disinformation and hybrid threats. Having been constituted at the beginning of this year, the committee has chosen to visit Taiwan for its first trip to Asia, demonstrating the close ties between Taiwan and Europe and the unlimited possibilities for deepening cooperation on issues of concern. I am also delighted to see many old friends of Taiwan gathered here today. I deeply appreciate your longstanding support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the European Union enjoy close trade and economic relations and share the values of freedom and democracy. However, in recent years, we have both been subjected to information manipulation and infiltration by foreign forces that seek to interfere in democratic elections, foment division in our societies, and shake people’s faith in democracy. Taiwan not only faces an onslaught of disinformation, but also is the target of gray-zone aggression. That is why, after taking office, I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office, with myself as convener. The committee is a platform that integrates domestic affairs, national defense, foreign affairs, cybersecurity, and civil resources. It aims to strengthen the capability of Taiwan’s society to defend itself against new forms of threat, pinpoint external and internal vulnerabilities, and bolster overall resilience and security. The efforts that democracies make are not for opposing anyone else; they are for safeguarding the way of life that we cherish – just as Europe has endeavored to promote diversity and human rights. The Taiwanese people firmly believe that when our society is united and people trust one another, we will be able to withstand any form of authoritarian aggression. Taiwan stands at the very frontline of the democratic world. We are determined to protect democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide. We also hope to share our experiences with Europe and deepen cooperation in such fields as cybersecurity, media literacy, and societal resilience. Thank you once again for visiting Taiwan. Your presence further strengthens the foundations of Taiwan-Europe relations. Let us continue to work together to uphold freedom and democracy and foster even more resilient societies. EUDS Special Committee Chair Nathalie Loiseau then delivered remarks, saying that the delegation has members from different countries, including France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Belgium, and different political parties, but that they have in common their desire for stronger relations between the EU and Taiwan. Committee Chair Loiseau stated that the EU and Taiwan, having many things in common, should work more together. She noted that we have strong trade relations, strong investments on both sides, and strong cultural relations, while we are also facing very similar challenges and threats. She said that we are democracies living in a world where autocracies want to weaken and divide democracies. She added that we also face external information manipulation, cyberattacks, sabotage, attempts to capture elites, and every single gray-zone activity that aims to divide and weaken us. Committee Chair Loiseau pointed out another commonality, that we have never threatened our neighbors. She said that we want to live in peace and we care about our people; we want to defend ourselves, not to attack others. We are not being threatened because of what we do, she emphasized, but because of what we are; and thus there is no reason for not working more together to face these threats and attacks. Committee Chair Loiseau said that Taiwan has valuable experience and good practices in the area of societal resilience, and that they are interested in learning more about Taiwan’s whole-of-society approach. They in Europe are facing interference, she said, mainly from Russia, and they know that Russia inspires others. She added that they in the EU also have experience regulating social media in a way which combines freedom of expression and responsibility. In closing, the chair said that they are happy to have the opportunity to exchange views with President Lai and that the European Parliament will continue to strongly support relations between the EU and Taiwan. The delegation also included Members of the European Parliament Engin Eroglu, Tomáš Zdechovský, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Kathleen Van Brempt, and Markéta Gregorová.
Details 2025-07-17 President Lai meets President of Guatemalan Congress Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos On the morning of July 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Nery Abilio Ramos y Ramos, the president of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. In remarks, President Lai thanked Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their support for Taiwan, and noted that official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. As important partners in the global democratic community, the president said, the two nations will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I recall that when Congress President Ramos visited Taiwan in July last year, he put forward many ideas about how our countries could promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Now, a year later, he is leading another cross-party delegation from the Guatemalan Congress on a visit, demonstrating support for Taiwan and continuing to help deepen our diplomatic ties. In addition to extending a sincere welcome to the distinguished delegation members who have traveled so far to be here, I would also like to express our concern and condolences for everyone in Guatemala affected by the earthquake that struck earlier this month. We hope that the recovery effort is going smoothly. Official diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala go back more than 90 years. In such fields as healthcare, agriculture, education, and women’s empowerment, we have continually strengthened our cooperation to benefit our peoples. Just last month, Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo and the First Lady led a delegation on a state visit to Taiwan. President Arévalo and I signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation, and also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment. This has laid an even sounder foundation for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and will help enhance both countries’ international competitiveness. Taiwan is currently running a semiconductor vocational training program, helping Guatemala cultivate semiconductor talent and develop its tech industry, and demonstrating our determination to share experience with democratic partners. At the same time, we continue to assist Taiwanese businesses in their efforts to develop overseas markets with Guatemala as an important base, spurring industrial development in both countries and increasing economic and trade benefits. I want to thank Congress President Ramos and the Guatemalan Congress for their continued support for Taiwan’s international participation. Representing the Guatemalan Congress, Congress President Ramos has signed resolutions in support of Taiwan, and has also issued statements addressing China’s misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Taiwan and Guatemala, as important partners in the global democratic community, will continue moving forward together in joint defense of the values of democracy and freedom, and will cooperate to promote regional and global prosperity and development. Congress President Ramos then delivered remarks, first noting that the members of the delegation are not only from different parties, but also represent different classes, cultures, professions, and departments, which shows that the diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) are based on firm friendships at all levels and in all fields. Noting that this was his second time to visit Taiwan and meet with President Lai, Congress President Ramos thanked the government of Taiwan for its warm hospitality. With the international situation growing more complex by the day, he said, Guatemala highly values its longstanding friendship and cooperative ties with Taiwan, and hopes that both sides can continue to deepen their cooperation in such areas as the economy, technology, education, agriculture, and culture, and work together to spur sustainable development in each of our countries. Congress President Ramos said that the way the Taiwan government looks after the well-being of its people is an excellent model for how other countries should promote national development and social well-being. Accordingly, he said, the Guatemalan Congress has stood for justice and, for a second time, adopted a resolution backing Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. Regarding President Arévalo’s state visit to Taiwan the previous month, Congress President Ramos commented that this high-level interaction has undoubtedly strengthened the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Guatemala and led to more opportunities for cooperation. Congress President Ramos emphasized that democracy, freedom, and human rights are universal values that bind Taiwan and Guatemala together, and that he is confident the two countries’ diplomatic ties will continue to grow deeper. In closing, on behalf of the Republic of Guatemala, Congress President Ramos presented President Lai with a Chinese translation of the resolution that the Guatemalan Congress proposed to the UN in support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, demonstrating the staunch bonds of friendship between the two countries. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.
Details 2025-07-08 President Lai meets delegation led by Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of Republic of Haiti On the morning of July 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste of the Republic of Haiti and his wife. In remarks, President Lai noted that our two countries will soon mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and that our exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. The president thanked Haiti for supporting Taiwan’s international participation and expressed hope that both countries will continue to support each other, deepen cooperation, and face various challenges together. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange ideas with Minister Jean-Baptiste, his wife, and our distinguished guests. Minister Jean-Baptiste is the highest-ranking official from Haiti to visit Taiwan since former President Jovenel Moïse visited in 2018, demonstrating the importance that the Haitian government attaches to our bilateral diplomatic ties. On behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I extend a sincere welcome. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries. Our bilateral exchanges have been fruitful in important areas such as public security, educational cooperation, and infrastructure. Over the past few years, Haiti has faced challenges in such areas as food supply and healthcare. Taiwan will continue to work together with Haiti through various cooperative programs to promote the development of medical and health care, food security, and construction that benefits people’s livelihoods. I want to thank the government of Haiti and Minister Jean-Baptiste for speaking out in support of Taiwan on the international stage for many years. Minister Jean-Baptiste’s personal letter to the World Health Organization Secretariat in May this year and Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal’s public statement during the World Health Assembly both affirmed Taiwan’s efforts and contributions to global public health and supported Taiwan’s international participation, for which we are very grateful. I hope that Taiwan and Haiti will continue to support each other and deepen cooperation. I believe that Minister Jean-Baptiste’s visit will open up more opportunities for cooperation for both countries, helping Taiwan and Haiti face various challenges together. In closing, I once again offer a sincere welcome to the delegation led by Minister Jean-Baptiste, and ask him to convey greetings from Taiwan to Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and the members of the Transitional Presidential Council. Minister Jean-Baptiste then delivered remarks, saying that he is extremely honored to visit Taiwan and reaffirm the solid and friendly cooperative relationship based on mutual respect between the Republic of Haiti and the Republic of China (Taiwan), which will soon mark its 70th anniversary. He also brought greetings to President Lai from Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister Fils-Aimé. Minister Jean-Baptiste emphasized that over the past few decades, despite the great geographical distance and developmental and cultural differences between our two countries, we have nevertheless established a firm friendship and demonstrated to the world the progress resulting from the mutual assistance and cooperation between our peoples. Minister Jean-Baptiste pointed out that our two countries cooperate closely in agriculture, health, education, and community development and have achieved concrete results. Taiwan’s voice, he said, is thus essential for the people of Haiti. He noted that Taiwan also plays an important role in peace and innovation and actively participates in global cooperative efforts. Pointing out that the world is currently facing significant challenges and that Haiti is experiencing its most difficult period in history, Minister Jean-Baptiste said that at this time, Taiwan and Haiti need to unite, help each other, and jointly think about how to move forward and deepen bilateral relations to benefit the peoples of both countries. Minister Jean-Baptiste said that he is pleased that throughout our solid and friendly diplomatic relationship, both countries have demonstrated mutual trust, mutual respect, and the values we jointly defend. He then stated his belief that Haiti and Taiwan will together create a cooperation model and future that are sincere, friendly, and sustainable. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Francilien Victorin of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Taiwan.
Details 2025-07-01 President Lai meets delegation from 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum On the afternoon of July 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF). In remarks, President Lai noted that the people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. He expressed hope that their visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to thank our guests for coming here to the Presidential Office. The 2025 TIOF will take place tomorrow and the day after, and I thank you all for making the long trip to Taiwan to attend the event and share your valuable insights and experiences. This year’s forum will focus on strategies for strengthening maritime security and pathways to achieving a sustainable blue economy. By attending this forum, our guests are highlighting their commitment to safeguarding the oceans, and beyond that, taking concrete action to demonstrate support for Taiwan. I once again offer deepest gratitude on behalf of the people of Taiwan. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, is one of the world’s top 10 shipping nations, and accounts for close to 10 percent of global container shipping by volume. As such, Taiwan occupies a unique and important position in maritime strategy. For Taiwan, the ocean is more than just a basis for survival and development; it is also an important driver of national prosperity. In my inaugural address last year, I spoke of a threefold approach to further Taiwan’s development. One of these involves further developing our strengths as a maritime nation. Our government must actively help deepen our connections with the ocean, and must continue to promote green shipping, a sustainable fishing industry, marine renewable energy, and other forms of industrial transformation. It must also make use of marine technology and digital innovation to create a new paradigm that balances environmental, economic, and social inclusion concerns. This will help enhance Taiwan’s responsibilities and competitiveness as a maritime nation. Taiwan is surrounded by ocean, and our territorial waters are a natural protective barrier. However, continued gray-zone aggression from China creates serious threats and challenges to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Our government continues to invest resources to deal with increasingly complex maritime security issues. In addition to building coast guard patrol vessels, we must also step up efforts to build underwater, surface, and airborne unmanned vehicles and smart reconnaissance equipment, so as to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to defend democracy and freedom and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Oceans are Taiwan’s roots, and provide the channels by which we engage with the world. The people of Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners throughout the world in a maritime spirit of freedom and openness to contribute to ocean governance and jointly ensure maritime security. The TIOF was first launched in 2020, and has now become an important platform for enhancement of cooperation between Taiwan and other countries. I hope that our distinguished guests will reap great benefits at this year’s forum, and further hope that this visit will help forge stronger friendships between Taiwan and international maritime partners, so that all can work together to spur shared maritime prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation. Chairman of The Washington Times Thomas McDevitt, a member of the delegation, then delivered remarks, noting first that July 4th, this Friday, is Independence Day in America. Independence is a sacred, powerful word which has great meaning in this part of the world, he said. Chairman McDevitt indicated that Taiwan has truly become a global beacon of democracy and a key partner for many nations. He then quoted President Lai’s 2024 inaugural address: “We will work together to combat disinformation, strengthen democratic resilience, address challenges, and allow Taiwan to become the MVP of the democratic world.” Chairman McDevitt went on to say that he appreciated the president’s speech with regard to his philosophical depth, sensitivity, and both moral and political clarity. He said that he was deeply moved by the speech, but within a few days of it, China responded with military activities and many threats. The chairman then emphasized that we are in a civilization crisis. Chairman McDevitt mentioned that President Lai has begun a series of 10 lectures, and remarked that they would help the world to understand the identity and the nature of Taiwan, as well as the situation we are in in the world. On behalf of all the delegation, Chairman McDevitt thanked the president for his leadership in dealing with these issues thoughtfully. Chairman McDevitt concluded with a line from the Old Testament which states that if the people have no vision, they will perish. He said that he believes Taiwan’s president has led the people of Taiwan, and the world, with a vision of how to navigate this great civilization crisis together. The delegation also included Members of the Japanese House of Representatives Kikawada Hitoshi, Aoyama Yamato, and Genma Kentaro, and Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom Gavin Williamson.
Details 2025-05-20 President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era. The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor slamming Democrats for obstructing the voting process on President Trump’s nominees, his efforts to enforce our immigration laws and secure the border, and his America First policies in the courts:
Click hereto download Senator Blackburn’s remarks on the Senate floor.
REMARKS AS PREPARED
While Republicans Work to Deliver Wins for the American People, Democrats Are Obstructing President Trump’s Agenda
In November, President Trump and Republicans received a powerful mandate from the American people to secure our border, strengthen our economy, rein in wasteful spending, and Make America Great Again.
By passing the One Big Beautiful Bill, we delivered on this mandate by securing…
The largest tax cut in U.S. history—including reduced taxes on tips and overtime, a $6,000 bonus deduction for seniors, and the permanent extension of President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts;
It also reduces the burden of the death tax for millions, providing critical relief for family-owned businesses and farmers;
It bolsters our Armed Forces with a $150 billion increase in military spending;
It provides the largest-ever investment in border security so that we can complete the border wall and hire thousands of new Border Patrol Agents;
It strengthens Medicaid by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the program;
It restores fiscal sanity by eliminating hundreds of billions of dollars in far-left spending;
And it accomplishes so much more.
These are huge wins for the American people. But our work is far from finished.
Democrats Are Hurting Americans by Obstructing President Trump’s Nominees
At the top of the list: confirming President Trump’s nominees.
The President deserves to have his team in place to enact his America First agenda.
But instead of working with us to carry out the will of the American people, our colleagues across the aisle have chosen to obstruct at any cost.
Right now, we have 135 pending nominations in the Senate.
There is absolutely zero reason we should have this backlog—especially with such important nominations:
U.S. ambassadorships to the Vatican, the Netherlands, Chile, Greece, and the European Union;
Seven federal judgeships;
U.S. Attorneys;
Under Secretaries for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and the Navy;
The Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission;
And much more.
Democrats, however, are trying to slow down the voting process on these qualified nominees as much as possible.
They’re losing at the ballot box, in the halls of Congress, and in the courts—so stalling is all they have left to spite the President.
They might think that they are hurting Republicans. In reality, they are hurting the American people.
Every single day that goes by with stalled nomination votes is another day that these qualified nominees are unable to get to work on behalf of our country.
Democrats’ Obstruction Is Nothing New – Recent Disclosures Show Obama Manufactured Russia Collusion Hoax to Derail President Trump
Unfortunately, this obstruction is nothing new.
With the recent disclosures from Director of National Intelligence Gabbard, we are learning even more about how President Obama and Democrats manufactured the Russia Hoax to try to derail President Trump’s first term.
Activist Judges Have Blocked Lawful Orders from President Trump in Attempts to Obstruct His Agenda
For months, far-left activist judges undermined our Constitution by blocking lawful orders from the Trump administration in a brazen effort to decide nationwide policy.
Their abuse of power only came to an end when the Supreme Court reined in the use of nationwide injunctions.
Democrats Have Obstructed ICE Agents from Enforcing Immigration Law
And more recently, we’ve seen Democrats try their best to obstruct a core part of the America First agenda: Securing our border.
Americans want our border to be secure. And they want criminal illegal aliens removed from their communities.
Across the country, ICE and Border Patrol agents have been hard at work carrying out this mandate and arresting criminals who have no right to be in our country.
Yet Democrats are working to vilify and undermine our brave federal law enforcement.
We’ve seen congressional Democrats try to storm ICE facilities—including a House member who faces federal charges for assaulting an ICE officer.
They’ve smeared ICE agents who are risking their lives to protect our country, comparing them to “secret police” and the Nazis.
They’ve pushed legislation that would prohibit officers from wearing masks, exposing them and their families to targeted harassment.
This is all happening as ICE officers face an 830 percent surge in assaults.
Marine protected areas cover more than 8% of the world’s oceans today, but they can get a bad rap as being protected on paper only.
While the name invokes safe havens for fish, whales and other sea life, these areas can be hard to monitor. High-profile violations, such as recent fishing fleet incursions near the Galapagos Islands and ships that “go dark” by turning off their tracking devices, have fueled concerns about just how much poaching is going undetected.
But some protected areas are successfully keeping illegal fishing out.
In a new global study using satellite technology that can track large ships even if they turn off their tracking systems, my colleagues and I found that marine protected areas where industrial fishing is fully banned are largely succeeding at preventing poaching.
What marine protected areas aim to save
Picture a sea turtle gliding by as striped butterfly fish weave through coral branches. Or the deep blue of the open ocean, where tuna flash like silver and seabirds wheel overhead.
These habitats, where fish and other marine life breed and feed, are the treasures that marine protected areas aim to protect.
The value of marine protected areas for people and nature.
A major threat to these ecosystems is industrial fishing.
These vessels can operate worldwide and stay at sea for years at a time with visits from refrigerated cargo ships that ferry their catch to port. China has an extensive global fleet of ships that operate as far away as the coast of South America and other regions.
The global industrial fishing fleet – nearly half a million vessels – hauls in about 100 million metric tons of seafood each year. That’s about a fivefold increase since 1950, though it has been close to flat for the past 30 years. Today, more than one-third of commercial fish species are overfished, exceeding what population growth can replenish.
Large fleets of fishing boats, supported by refrigerator ships to ferry their catch to shore, can stay at sea for months at a time. VCG/VCG via Getty Images
Some marine protected areas ban industrial fishing. These are the gold standard for conservation, and research shows they can be effective ways to increase the amount of sea life and diversity of species.
The plentiful fish in better-protected areas can also attract poachers. In one high-profile case, a Chinese vessel was caught inside the Galápagos Marine Reserve with 300 tons of marine life, including 6,000 dead sharks, in 2017. This crew faced heavy fines and prison time. But how many others go unseen?
Shining a light on the ‘dark fleet’
Much of what the world knows about global industrial fishing comes from the automatic identification system, or AIS, which many ships are required to use. This system broadcasts their location every few seconds, primarily to reduce the risk of collisions at sea. Using artificial intelligence, researchers can analyze movement patterns in these messages to estimate when and where fishing is happening.
Synthetic aperture radar still has limits – primarily difficulty detecting small boats and less frequent coverage than AIS – but it’s still a leap forward. In one study of coastal areas using both technologies, we found in about 75% of instances fishing vessels detected by synthetic aperture radar were not being tracked by AIS.
New global analysis shows what really happens
Two studies published in the journal Science on July 24, 2025, use these satellite datasets to track industrial fishing activity in marine protected areas.
We combined AIS vessel tracking, synthetic aperture radar satellite imagery, official marine protected area rules, and implementation dates showing exactly when those bans took effect. The analysis covers nearly 1,400 marine protected areas spanning about 3 million square miles (7.9 million square kilometers) where industrial fishing is explicitly prohibited.
AIS transponder signals over 2017-2021 (top) and synthetic aperture radar data (bottom) both show industrial fishing activity (yellow) mostly avoiding Carrington Point State Marine Reserve, a protected area off California’s Santa Rosa Island. Jennifer Raynor, Sara Orofino and Gavin McDonald
The results were striking:
Most of these protected areas showed little to no signs of industrial fishing.
We detected about five fishing vessels per 100,000 square kilometers on average in these areas, compared to 42 on average in unprotected coastal areas.
96% had less than one day per year of alleged illegal fishing effort.
The second study uses the same AIS and synthetic aperture radar data to examine a broader set of marine protected areas – including many that explicitly allow fishing. They document substantial fishing activity in these areas, with about eight times more detections than in the protected areas that ban industrial fishing.
Combined, these two studies lead to a clear conclusion: Marine protected areas with weak regulations see substantial industrial fishing, but where bans are in place, they’re largely respected.
We can’t tell whether these fishing bans are effective because they’re well enforced or simply because they were placed where little fishing happened anyway. Still, when violations do occur, this system offers a way for enforcement agencies to detect them.
A reason for optimism
These technological advances in vessel tracking have the potential to reshape marine law enforcement by significantly reducing the costs of monitoring.
Agencies such as national navies and coast guards no longer need to rely solely on costly physical patrols over huge areas. With tools such as the Global Fishing Watch map, which makes vessel tracking data freely available to the public, they can monitor activity remotely and focus patrol efforts where they’re needed most.
A French navy officer documents a fishing boat’s location in February 2024. Satellites make it easier to monitor activity on the ocean. Loic Venance/AFP via Getty Images
Beyond marine protected areas, these technologies also have the potential to support tracking a broad range of human activities, such as oil slicks and deep-sea mining, making companies more accountable in how they use the ocean.
Jennifer Raynor receives funding from National Geographic Pristine Seas. She is a trustee at Global Fishing Watch, one of the primary data providers for this study.
More and more research suggests that the copper in your diet could play a bigger role in brain health than we once believed. A recent study found that older Americans who ate more copper-rich foods did better on memory and concentration tests.
The findings, published in Nature Scientific Reports, looked at people’s diets using detailed food diaries and tested their cognitive function. Those who ate more foods that were high in copper – which include shellfish, dark chocolate and nuts – did better on tests that are used to spot early signs of age-related memory loss and dementia.
But the results aren’t straightforward. People who ate more copper-rich foods were mostly male, white, married and had higher incomes. They were also less likely to smoke or have high blood pressure or diabetes – all factors linked to a lower risk of dementia. People who consumed more copper also had more zinc, iron and selenium in their diets, and consumed more calories overall.
People with higher incomes often have better access to healthy food, medical care, cleaner environments and more education – all of which help protect against memory loss and dementia.
It’s hard to separate the effects of diet from these other advantages, although some research we reviewed suggests that improving nutrition might be especially helpful for people from less privileged backgrounds.
What other research tells us
The current study’s limitations are notable. It captured brain function at only one point in time and relied on participants’ food diaries rather than blood measurements of copper levels.
However, long-term studies support the idea that copper might matter for brain health. One study that tracked people over time found that those who had less copper in their diet showed more pronounced declines in memory and thinking.
More intriguingly, when researchers measured copper levels directly in brain tissue, they discovered that higher concentrations were associated with slower mental deterioration and fewer of the toxic amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
Curiously, brain copper levels bore little relationship to dietary intake, suggesting the body’s processing of this mineral is more complex than simple consumption patterns might indicate.
There’s a good biological explanation for why copper might help protect the brain. This essential metal plays several important roles: it helps prevent brain cell damage via antioxidant effects, with production of the chemicals (neurotransmitters) that let brain cells talk to each other, and helps the brain produce energy, by working via particular enzymes.
Copper deficiency is thought to be relatively uncommon, but it can cause noticeable problems. If someone feels tired and weak and has anaemia that doesn’t improve with iron or vitamin B12 supplements, low copper might be to blame. Other signs can include getting sick more often, losing bone strength, and nerve damage that gets worse over time.
Copper is naturally found in high amounts in foods like beef, offal, shellfish, nuts, seeds and mushrooms. It’s also added to some cereals and found in whole grains and dark chocolate.
People who have had gastric bypass surgery for obesity or have bowel disorders may have trouble absorbing copper – and these conditions themselves could be linked to a higher risk of dementia.
It’s best to be cautious about taking copper supplements without careful thought. They body needs a delicate balance of essential minerals – too much iron or zinc can lower copper levels, while too much copper or iron can cause oxidative stress, which may speed up damage to brain cells.
Studies examining mineral supplements in people already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have shown little benefit.
Paradoxically, people with Alzheimer’s often have higher copper levels in their blood, but key brain areas like the hippocampus – which is vital for memory – often show lower copper levels. This suggests that Alzheimer’s disrupts how the body handles copper, causing it to get trapped in the amyloid plaques that are a hallmark of the disease.
Some researchers suggested that after Alzheimer’s develops, eating less copper and iron and more omega-3 fats from fish and nuts might help, while saturated fats seem to make things worse. However, a lack of copper could actually increase plaque build-up before dementia shows up, highlighting the need for balanced nutrition throughout life.
There seems to be an optimal range of copper for brain function – recent studies suggest 1.22 to 1.65 milligrams a day provides copper’s cognitive benefits without causing harm. This mirrors a broader principle in medicine: for many biological systems, including thyroid hormones, both deficiency and excess can impair brain function.
The human body typically manages these intricate chemical balances with remarkable precision. But disease and ageing can disrupt this equilibrium, potentially setting the stage for cognitive decline years before symptoms emerge. As researchers continue to unravel the relationship between nutrition and brain health, copper’s role serves as a reminder that the path to healthy ageing may be paved with the careful choices we make at every meal.
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Eef Hogervorst has received funding from Alzheimer’s Research UK, MRC and Wellcome to investigate diet and dementia risk. She acted as dementia expert on medical panels including ESHRE and NICE. Eef received a consultancy fee from Proctor and Gamble for a review on folate and omega 3 and cognitive funcion
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Pandora Syperek, Tutor, History of Design, V&A/Royal College of Art, and Teaching Fellow, Institute for Creative Futures, Loughborough University
There has been a conspicuous turn to the sea as inspiration for art and exhibitions since the mid-2010s. This is a trend we have charted in our ongoing collaborative research project, Curating the Sea. So prolific has this become, that there are even gallery spaces dedicated entirely to the sea in contemporary art.
The sea has, of course, been the subject of art throughout history. However, our investigation into contemporary art and exhibitions has revealed a shift from celebrations of oceanic abundance and wonder towards more political projects.
In our research, we have argued for the importance of curation as a way to confront the issues facing the oceans today. So it was only natural that we turn our hands to curating our own exhibition about the sea, based on our extensive collaborative research.
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Western art has tended to frame the ocean as an unfathomable and formidable force in the tradition of the sublime: art that produces or is inspired by the strongest emotions the mind is capable of feeling, often arising from the encounter with the natural world. Sea Inside counters this perspective. Collectively, artworks in the exhibition portray the sea not as a surreal or alien space, but as an entity that is intimately connected to humans.
Many Indigenous and diasporic communities have long been aware of the profound human connection to the sea. In our exhibition, Shuvinai Ashoona’s coloured pencil drawings illustrate the intermingling of Inuit mythology with everyday life in the Canadian Arctic. In one scene, mythical marine creatures populate a dentist’s office.
Meanwhile, Tyler Eash’s sculpture features a shell of the critically endangered abalone mollusc. They are known as “grandmother shells” among North American west coast Indigenous cultures as they are commonly passed down through families by female elders. The work speaks to ties of kinship (human and animal), their fragility and resilience.
A new sculpture we commissioned by the artist Gabriella Hirst explores tales of men being swallowed by whales alongside the industrial exploitation of whales in the 19th century. This inside-out journey from the whale’s belly to lighting up European cities (as whale blubber was used in oil lamps) aligns the perceived threat of these animals with capitalistic justifications for their slaughter. The sculpture is made from agricultural plastic, itself a product of the petrochemical industry that largely replaced whaling as a source of energy, lighting and everyday objects.
Beyond eco-realism
The perspective Sea Inside offers is found not only in the artworks’ subject matter but also their approach.
There has been a tendency towards a documentary approach within ecologically oriented exhibitions. This risks relegating art to a tool of climate communication and even replicating the sort of technological interventions into the landscape – and seascape – that the respective artworks and exhibitions call into question.
The artworks in Sea Inside examine the uses and limits of visual mediums for understanding the sea. Hiroshi Sugimoto’s photograph of a natural history diorama reframes this three-dimensional reconstruction of a seabed from hundreds of millions of years before the advent of humans, whereas Kasia Molga’s miniature aquaria entangle human tears and marine life.
Artists in the exhibition play with historical display practices and their ability to bring ocean life into human spaces while endeavouring to overcome the sense of detachment they have at times created.
In a video work by El Morgan, the artist aligns jellyfish breeding in a lab with her own experience of assisted reproduction. In doing so she momentarily suspends the distance from such radically different lifeforms and expands our understandings of gestation.
Likewise, Laure Prouvost’s speculative “cooling system” for global warming – a beautiful Murano glass shower-head that looks like an amorphous sea creature covered in nipples – reimagines models of care as both more-than-human and global.
Works such as these provide playful and humorous approaches to thinking through a topic with a serious undercurrent: our fragile ocean ecologies.
The artworks in Sea Inside offer ways of engaging with the existential threats facing our oceans that are emotive, imaginative and often very funny. They reflect on material culture, architecture and technology to acknowledge the aesthetic dimensions of an era that has been termed the Anthropocene, after the human impact on the planet, and even the Hydrocene in recognition of the centrality of water to our current epoch.
These subtler responses to the sea within offer visions of promise for the oceans’ and our own mutual survival.
Sea Inside is on show at the Sainsbury Centre, Norwich, until October 26 2025.
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Sarah Wade works in the Department of Art History & World Art Studies, University of East Anglia, based at the Sainsbury Centre. Her ocean related research has received funding from University of East Anglia and the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. She is a member of the Museums Association.
Pandora Syperek 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.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Travis Van Isacker, Senior Research Associate, School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies, University of Bristol
On a cold, wet November evening, Issa Mohamed Omar and more than 30 other men, women and children set off from their informal camp near the northern French port city of Dunkirk. They walked through the darkness in near-silence for around two hours, until they reached the beach from where they hoped to start a new and better life.
As they arrived, five men were busy pumping up an inflatable dinghy and attaching an outboard engine. These people smugglers had charged each of their customers more than a thousand euros for a trip that costs someone with the right passport less than a hundred.
The travellers were given life-vests, arranged into rows and counted. “There are 33 of you,” one of the smugglers said. For many on board, this was not their first attempt at reaching England.
Most came from Iraqi Kurdistan, including Kazhal Ahmed Khidir Al-Jammoor from Erbil, who was travelling with her three children: Hadiya, Mubin and Hasti Rizghar Hussein, respectively aged 22, 16 and seven.
A father and son from Egypt were shown how the engine worked and provided a GPS device and directions to Dover, around 35 miles (60km) to the west across the Channel. Mohamed Omar would later recall:
The Egyptian man was put in charge of steering the boat by the smugglers. He was travelling with his son, who looked like he was in his late teens or maybe early 20s. I do not know how they came to be the driver and navigator.
There were also at least three Ethiopian nationals – one of whom, father-of-two Fikiru Shiferaw from Addis Ababa, sent his wife Emebet at home in Ethiopia a final WhatsApp voice message:
We have already boarded the boat. We are on the way. I will turn off my phone now. Goodnight, I will call you tomorrow morning.
These were the last words she would ever receive from her husband.
What happened to Fikiru Shiferaw and the other passengers on the night of November 23-24 2021 has been the subject of the UK’s Cranston Inquiry which, during March 2025, heard from 22 witnesses to the disaster, including officers involved in the UK’s search-and-rescue (SAR) response. Chaired by former High Court judge Sir Ross Cranston, the independent inquiry also heard from Mohamed Omar from Somalia – one of only two survivors – as well as family members of many of the dead and missing.
These hearings not only shed light on the actions of UK Border Force and His Majesty’s Coastguard officers during the failed rescue operation – designated Incident Charlie – in the early hours of November 24, but the agencies’ approach to “small boat crossings” in general dating back to 2017.
According to the testimonies, officers had been operating under extreme pressure in the months leading up to the disaster. Kevin Toy, master of the Border Force ship Valiant which was sent out to search for the missing dinghy that night, explained that in the run-up to the incident, “night after night” he could see his crew were “utterly exhausted” by the end of their shifts.
The evidence shows the British government was aware of the growing risk that Border Force and HM Coastguard could be overwhelmed by the rising number of small boat crossings – and that people might die as a result. In May 2020, a document produced by the Department for Transport acknowledged that “SAR resources can be overwhelmed if current incident numbers persist”. At least three senior HM Coastguard officers identified the same risk in August 2021.
Multiple communication failures have also been exposed by the inquiry – among British officers, with their opposite numbers in France, and between both countries’ emergency services and the increasingly desperate people aboard the sinking dinghy.
Despite numerous distress calls and GPS coordinates being shared via WhatsApp, a rescue boat failed to reach the travellers in time. Amid the confusion, when their calls stopped, the coastguard assumed Charlie’s passengers had been picked up and were safe. In fact, they were perishing in the cold waters of the Channel over more than ten hours.
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As part of my research into the digital transformation of the UK-France border, I attended the inquiry and have studied the many statements, call transcripts, operational logs, emails and meeting minutes it has made public. Initially, I wanted to understand how the November 2021 disaster became a watershed moment in the UK government’s response to people trying to cross the Channel by small boat or dinghy, catalysing the transformation of the UK’s maritime border into the hyper-surveilled space it is today.
But, after speaking to representatives for Mohamed Omar and the bereaved families as well as migrant rights organisations, larger questions have emerged. In particular, given the inquiry’s singular focus on this one catastrophic event in November 2021, those I spoke to are concerned that its recommendations will be unable to prevent further deaths from occurring in the Channel, which have risen dramatically over the last 18 months.
How ‘small boat crossings’ began
Since the UK and France began operating “juxtaposed” border controls in the early 1990s (meaning border checks occur before departure), asylum seekers trying to reach England have had to make irregular journeys across the Channel. Until 2018, these were typically aboard trains and ferries – after sneaking on to a lorry or through a French port’s perimeter security.
At the time of the “Jungle” camp near Calais in 2015-16, media coverage of collective attempts by its residents to enter French ports spiked UK government investment in the border. Between 2014 and 2018, it gave its French counterpart at least £123 million to “strengthen the border and maintain juxtaposed controls”. These funds paid for French police to patrol the ports and border cities, regularly evict migrants’ living sites, and finance detention and relocation centres.
As admitted by then-home secretary Sajid Javid in 2019, this increased security led people to find other ways across the Channel. Beginning in the winter of 2018, smugglers organised journeys in small, seaworthy vessels they had stolen from marinas along the French coast. These “small boats” continue to lend their name to this migration phenomenon – yet the unseaworthy inflatable dinghies used today, with no keel or rigid hull, are not worthy of the name.
Even in the context of the usual sensationalism surrounding irregular migration to the UK, small boat journeys were met with an especially intense response, both politically and in the media.
When 101 people crossed between Christmas and New Year in 2018, Javid declared it a major incident. Ever since, “stopping the boats” has been one of the UK government’s highest priorities. Despite small boat arrivals making up only 29% of UK asylum claimants in 2018-24, billions of pounds have been spent to try and control the route.
Frosty relations and the ‘pushback’ plan
As Channel crossings rose sharply over 2020-21, worsening relations between France and the UK due to Brexit complicated how the two governments worked together to respond. In his testimony, former clandestine Channel threat commander Dan O’Mahoney – appointed by Javid’s successor, Priti Patel, to “make small boat crossings unviable” – described relations between the two countries as already “very frosty” when he began in August 2020.
After France’s then-interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, axed a plan for UK vessels to take rescued migrants back to Dunkirk, O’Mahoney was tasked by senior ministers to come up with an alternative. The resulting “pushback” plan, called Operation Sommen, involved Border Force officers on jet skis driving into migrant dinghies to turn them back as they crossed the border line into UK waters. When France learned of the plan, O’Mahoney recalled:
They thought it went counter to their and our obligations around safety of life at sea … They objected to it very strongly, and it affected our already quite strained relationship with them further.
Operation Sommen was abandoned in April 2022 before having ever been used in anger. However, preparations were said to have taken up “a very considerable amount of time and resource” at both the Home Office and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency – and had “a detrimental effect” on the UK’s overall SAR response to small boat crossings.
At a meeting of senior officials in June 2021 to discuss Operation Sommen, ministers had made clear that the “numbers of people crossing [was] a political problem” – and that improving SAR capabilities did not “fit with [the] narrative of taking back control of borders”.
Although senior HM Coastguard officers recognised “it is extremely difficult to locate small boats or communicate with those onboard”, the inquiry heard that officers did not recall receiving “any small boat training before November 2021”, other than in the procedure to allow Border Force to push them back to French waters.
The head of Border Force’s Maritime Command, Stephen Whitton, told the inquiry he was under “a huge amount of pressure” to prevent small boat crossings, while also “providing the bulk of the support to search and rescue”. Despite carrying out 90% of all small boat rescues in the Channel and “regularly being overwhelmed”, Border Force Maritime Command received “no additional assets to manage the search and rescue response” before November 2021.
‘The pressure we were under’
When the decision was taken for Border Force – a law enforcement rather than search-and-rescue organisation – to be the primary responders to small boat crossings in 2018, only around 100 people were crossing each month. Yet by the time of the disaster three years later, according to an internal Home Office document, the total for 2021 was “already more than 25,000”.
At the inquiry, O’Mahoney stated: “As 2021 went on, it became much clearer that … frankly, we just needed more [rescue] boats.” Whitton admitted that before the disaster, Border Force, HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and other support organisations were all “on our knees in terms of the pressure we were under, and it was getting hugely challenging”.
The evidence shows this pressure was acutely felt inside Dover’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, which sits atop the port’s famous white cliffs offering a commanding view of the Channel. Inside, Coastguard officers coordinate SAR operations and control vessel traffic in the Dover Strait – one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
On the night of November 23-24, three coastguard officers were on search-and-rescue duty: team leader Neal Gibson, maritime operations officer Stuart Downs, and a trainee – unnamed by the inquiry – who was officially only present as an observer.
HM Coastguard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Dover overlooking the Channel. Travis Van Isacker, CC BY-NC-SA
Staffing appears to have been a longstanding issue at the Dover coastguard station where, according to divisional commander Mike Bill, there was “poor retention of staff” and “experience and competence weren’t the best”. Only the day before the disaster, during a migrant red days meeting – convened when, due to good weather, the probability of Channel crossers is considered “highly likely” – chief coastguard Peter Mizen had warned that only having two qualified officers at Dover on nights “isn’t enough”.
Over recent months, as the station had become busier responding to small boat crossings and in the wake of an unsuccessful recruitment drive, staff were having to work flat-out throughout their shifts, and were being asked to come in on scheduled days off.
On the night of November 23-24, owing to staff shortages, team leader Gibson told the inquiry he had to cover traffic control duties for three hours from 10.30pm. This meant he was away from the SAR desk at 00.41am, when a message arrived from the national rescue coordination centre along the coast in Fareham, stating that the Coastguard’s scheduled surveillance aeroplanes would not be flying over the Channel that night due to fog.
The officers were told they would be “effectively blind” – and should not allow themselves “to be drawn into relaxing and expecting a normal migrant crossing night”. The message warned: “This has the potential to be very dangerous.”
‘Their boat – there’s nothing left’
According to Mohamed Omar, the sea was calm when he and the other passengers departed the French beach around 9pm UK time. Giving his evidence to the Cranston Inquiry from Paris – he still cannot travel to the UK – a ship approached them around an hour into their voyage:
They came up to us to see what we were doing, and shone a light on us. I remember seeing a French flag on the boat. It was a big boat and I am certain it was the French coastguard. I had heard from people I met in the camp in Dunkirk that this happened sometimes, and that the French boat would follow until you reached English waters.
In fact, Mohamed Omar said, the French ship left the travellers again after about an hour. Shortly after this, the problems began.
A French warship patrols the shore of Mardyck in northern France, close to where Charlie is thought to have departed. Travis Van Isacker, CC BY-NC-SA
Around 1am, seawater began entering the dinghy. By now, it was in the vicinity of the Sandettie lightvessel, around 20 miles north-east of Dover. At first, passengers managed to bail out the 13°C water – but soon the flooding became uncontrollable. The dinghy’s inflatable tube began losing pressure, and a couple of the Kurdish men used air pumps to try to keep it inflated. Others tried to prevent panic spreading among the passengers.
Many onboard began to make frantic calls for rescue. What were reported to be leaked transcripts of some of these calls were published by French newspaper Le Monde a year after the sinking. They showed the first distress call from the dinghy was received by the French coastguard at 12.48am. Speaking in English, the caller said there were 33 people on board a “broken” boat.
According to Le Monde, three minutes later, another call was transferred to the French maritime rescue coordination centre at Cap Gris-Nez by an emergency operator who reported: “Apparently their boat – there’s nothing left.” Following procedure, the French coastguard officer asked the caller to send a GPS position by WhatsApp so she could “send a rescue boat as soon as possible”. At 1.05am UK time, the GPS position arrived.
Rather than send a French boat, Le Monde reported that the officer phoned her counterparts in Dover to warn them a dinghy 0.6 nautical miles from the border line would soon be crossing into UK waters. On the other end of the line was the trainee officer, who was handling routine calls that night despite officially only being an observer.
After the call finished, according to Downs’s evidence to the inquiry, the trainee mistakenly told him the dinghy was thought to be “in good condition” – information he recorded in the log for Incident Charlie. This miscommunication may have affected the urgency of the UK’s SAR response, preventing HM Coastguard and Border Force from appreciating the severe distress the “broken” dinghy was in.
Just before 1am, the French coastguard had sent its migrant tracker spreadsheet, containing information on all small boat crossings that night, to HM Coastguard for the first time. It showed four migrant dinghies at sea – which Gris-Nez had been aware of “for many hours”, according to Gibson.
The issue of the French coastguard appearing to withhold information about active small boat crossings had been raised by HM Coastguard’s clandestine operations liaison officer during a July 2021 review. And earlier that very evening, Gibson told one of his colleagues:
Sometimes they just seem to keep it quiet. Like we’ll not get anything – then we’ll get a tracker at three in the morning with 15 incidents, and they go: ‘Mostly these are in your search-and-rescue region.’ Wonderful.
At 1.20am, Downs phoned Border Force Maritime Command in Portsmouth to request a Border Force vessel search for the dinghy Charlie. He provided the GPS position received from his French counterpart and the number of people onboard – but also the incorrect information that “they think it’s in good condition”.
Ten minutes later, the Valiant, Border Force’s 42-metre patrol ship stationed at Dover, was tasked to proceed towards the Sandettie lightvessel. At the same time, the first direct call to the Dover rescue coordination centre came in from Charlie. The distressed caller said they were “in the water” and that “everything [was] finished”.
Around 15 minutes later, at 1.48am, Gibson took a call from 16-year-old Mubin Rizghar Hussein, who spoke good English. Despite the noise and commotion, he managed to provide Gibson with a WhatsApp number – in order to share their GPS position. The transcript of this call records voices shouting in the background: “It’s finished. Finished. Brother, it’s finished.”
A ‘grave and imminent threat to life’
Gibson told the inquiry that after his call with Rizghar Hussein, he had a “gut feeling that this doesn’t feel quite as usual”. By “usual” he meant what was, according to maritime operations officer Downs, a commonly held belief at the Dover coastguard station that with “nine out of ten”“ callers from small boats: “It would generally be overstated that the boat … was sinking, people were drowning … Whatever was going on would be overstated.”
Acting on his gut feeling, at 2.27am Gibson took the unprecedented decision to broadcast a Mayday Relay – denoting a “grave and imminent threat to life”. By maritime law, this alert required other vessels to offer their assistance.
Gibson told the inquiry he did this to get the French warship Flamant to respond. He could see on his radar screen that Flamant was closest to Charlie’s position and was the best vessel to rescue the people if the dinghy really was sinking.
Why the Flamant did not respond is at the centre of an ongoing criminal investigation in France into two of the warship’s officers and five coastguards from Gris-Nez, for “non-assistance of persons in distress”. This investigation’s strict confidentiality obligation means the inquiry was unable to access any information from the French side about their operations that night.
At 2.01 and again at 2.14am, HM Coastguard had received new GPS positions via WhatsApp showing the dinghy to be more than a mile inside UK waters.
Valiant, having been tasked at 1.30am, only exited the port of Dover at 2.22am and would need at least another hour to reach the Sandettie. Despite this, no other vessel was sent to join the search. At 3.11am, when asked during a call by Border Force Maritime Command whether Charlie was “still a Mayday situation”, Gibson replied: “Well, they’ve told me it’s full of water.”
With a total of four small boats being shown in the Channel that night by the French tracker spreadsheet, Gibson suggested there could be as many as 110 people on board these dinghies – beyond Valiant’s capacity for taking on survivors. Nevertheless, Border Force and HM Coastguard opted to “wait and see what the numbers are, and whether Valiant can deal with that … We don’t want to call any other assets out just yet.”
In a call with Christopher Trubshaw, captain of the Coastguard rescue helicopter stationed at Lydd on the Kent coast, aviation tactical commander Dominic Golden explained that Border Force was “not prepared to bring in their crews who are pretty knackered” unless “we can convince them there are people in real danger”. He then asked Trubshaw to search the Channel for the small boats shown in the French tracker, as the surveillance aeroplanes had been unable to take off.
In her closing submission to the inquiry, Sonali Naik, a legal representative of the survivors and bereaved families, highlighted Golden’s “dismissive attitude” towards Charlie’s distress when he gave Trubshaw the reason for the request, which included the following:
As usual, the catalogue of phone calls is beginning to trickle in … You know, the classic ‘I am lost, I am sinking, my mother’s wheelchair is falling over the side’ etc. ‘Sharks with lasers surrounding boat’ and ‘we are all dying’ type of thing.
Nevertheless, Golden asked the helicopter crew to pack a liferaft. “I can’t imagine we’re going to need it but … potentially you get to play with one of your new toys.”
While Golden described his words as “unwise” or “flippant”, Naik said they were “more than that” – suggesting they revealed rescuers’ general perceptions of the occupants of small boats and the widely held scepticism towards their distress calls.
‘We are dying. Where is the boat?’
With the water inside rising fast and their dinghy collapsing, Charlie’s increasingly desperate passengers kept trying to get rescuers to appreciate how dire their situation was.
At 2.31am in the Dover rescue coordination centre, Gibson received a second call from Mubin Rizghar Hussein, who pleaded: “We are dying, where is the boat?”
Gibson replied: “The boat is on its way but it has to get …” only to be interrupted by Rizghar Hussein saying: “We all die. We all die.”
“I get that,” Gibson told the terrified teenager, “but unfortunately, you’re going to be patient and all stay together, because I can’t make the boat come any quicker.” He ended the call saying:
You need to stop making calls because every time you make a call, we think there’s another boat out there – and we don’t want to accidentally go chasing for another boat when it’s actually your boat we’re looking for.
Gibson broke down briefly when recounting this second call during his evidence to the inquiry, explaining:
If you don’t understand what’s fully going on and you’re getting ‘we’re all going to die’, it’s quite a distressing situation to find yourself in, sitting at the end of a phone – effectively helpless. You know where they are, you want to get a boat to them, and you can’t.
Call records also show that coastguards on both sides of the Channel passed responsibility for rescuing the sinking dinghy off to one another. According to Le Monde, during one call a passenger told the French coastguard officer he was “in the water” – to which she replied: “Yes, but you are in English waters.”
The transcript of the last call before Charlie capsized, made at 3.12am, reveals that Downs asked “where are you?” 17 times – despite the caller being unable to answer anything beyond “English waters”. The maritime operations officer finished by instructing the caller to hang up and dial 999: “If it won’t connect on 999, then you’re probably still in French waters.”
In her closing submission, Naik pointed to “discriminatory stereotypes and attitudes towards migrants on small boats which fatally affected the SAR response” for Charlie – as rescuers, in her words, “jumped to premature conclusions”. According to survivor Mohamed Omar:
Because we have been seen as refugees … that’s the reason why I believe the rescue, they did not come at all. We feel like we were … treated like animals.
Fatal assumptions
At 3.27am, Border Force’s ship Valiant arrived at Charlie’s last recorded GPS position (from 2.14am) – but found nothing. Its master, Kevin Toy, decided to head north-easterly towards the Sandettie lightvessel, the way the tide was flowing.
En route, Valiant spotted two other dinghies in the darkness using its night vision – one still making its way towards the English coast, the other stopped in the water. The stationary dinghy was in greater danger from the Channel’s shipping traffic, so Valiant went to it and began rescuing those onboard – radioing back that it had “engaged unlit migrant crafts stopped in the water” with approximately 40 people onboard.
In the Dover rescue coordination centre, Gibson assumed this dinghy could be Charlie and gave Mubin Rizghar Hussein’s name and telephone number so Valiant’s crew could verify whether he was on board. At 4.16am, Gibson himself tried calling the WhatsApp number that Rizghar Hussein had shared, but the call failed.
At 4.20am, Valiant completed its first rescue of the morning. Two more followed after the Coastguard helicopter spotted two other dinghies in the Sandettie area – but nobody in the water. A near-capacity Valiant then returned to Dover just after 8am with 98 survivors on board.
None of the three rescued dinghies matched the description of Charlie. All were in good condition, differently coloured, and with disparate numbers of people onboard – yet the misplaced assumption Charlie had been rescued persisted amid the night’s murky information environment. Gibson stated that, while he had soon received additional information matching Valiant’s first rescue to a different dinghy, he was still “fairly certain Charlie had been picked up”.
“Once Valiant had picked up these [three] boats,” he explained, “we no longer received calls from Charlie, and a call to a known phone number on Charlie failed.” As a result, neither Valiant nor the Coastguard helicopter were sent back out to continue searching for the stricken dinghy.
In fact, Gibson’s call to Rizghar Hussein’s WhatsApp number did not fail because Charlie’s passengers had been rescued – nor because they had thrown their phones into the sea when Border Force arrived. Rather, it was because the dinghy had capsized and everyone had fallen into the Channel’s freezing waters.
‘No one came to our rescue’
In harrowing evidence to the inquiry, Mohamed Omar explained how, as one side of the dinghy deflated, the passengers – “hysterical and crying” – panicked and moved to the opposite side. This shift in weight caused the dinghy to capsize:
The screaming when the boat tipped and people fell in the water was deafening. I have never heard anything as desperate as this. I was not thinking about whether we were going to be rescued any more; it was all about how to stay alive.
As the passengers were thrown into the water, the dinghy flipped on top of them. Mohamed Omar described having to swim out from underneath to catch a breath: “It was dark and I could not really see. It was extremely cold and the sea was rough.”
As he surfaced, he saw Halima Mohammed Shikh, a mother of three also from Somalia and travelling alone, struggling as she couldn’t swim. She screamed his name for help, and he tried to get her back to what was left of the dinghy – but couldn’t. “I think she was one of the first people to drown,” he told the inquiry.
Others managed to cling to the broken inflatable, hoping rescue was on its way – but “no one came to our rescue”. Pushed and pulled by the waves, some lost their grip and drifted away before dawn. Mohamed Omar recalled:
All night, I was holding on to what remained of the boat. In the morning, I could hear the people were screaming and everything. It’s something I cannot forget in my mind.
By the time the sun finally rose at 7.26am, he estimated that no more than 15 people were left clinging to the broken dinghy – adrift on the tide in a busy shipping lane:
I do not recall speaking with anyone in the water. Those who were alive were half-dead. There was nothing we could do any more. I could see bodies floating all around us in the water. I presume most people were either already dead or were unconscious.
Shortly afterwards, Mohamed Omar said he let go of the dinghy and began to swim, thinking to himself: “I am going to die [but] I don’t want to die here. At least if I die whilst swimming, I won’t feel it.”
He swam towards a boat he could see in the distance and, as he got closer, began to wave his life jacket for attention. A French woman, out fishing with her family, saw him and jumped in the water to save him.
As he finished telling his story, Mohamed Omar told the inquiry: “I’m a voice for those people who passed away.”
Bodies are found
Around 1pm on the afternoon of November 24, 12 hours after the first distress calls from Charlie, a French commercial fishing vessel began finding bodies in the sea nine miles north-west of Calais. But as the news came in, no one at HM Coastguard or Border Force appears to have made the connection with Incident Charlie.
Days later, when the accounts of Mohamed Omar’s fellow survivor, Mohammed Shekha Ahmad from Iraqi Kurdistan, and a relative of two of the deceased emerged, the Home Office refuted their claims that the dinghy had sunk in UK waters as “completely untrue”.
However, five days after the disaster, Gibson contacted the small boats tactical commander to share his concerns that the reported deaths could be from Charlie. He had read a news article in which “the survivor states a male called Mubin called the emergency services, which could possibly be the ‘Moomin’ [sic] I spoke to”.
On December 1, clandestine Channel threat commander O’Mahoney responded to a question from the UK’s Joint Committee on Human Rights, as to whether the migrants whose bodies had been found in French waters had made distress calls to the UK authorities. O’Mahoney told the committee:
We are looking into that. To manage your expectation, though, it may never be possible to say with absolute accuracy whether that boat was in UK waters [and] I cannot tell you with any certainty that the people on that particular boat called the UK authorities.
Thanks largely to their grieving families tireless pursuit of the truth, however, it is now possible to say definitively that Charlie had been in UK waters – and that a number of its passengers spoke to HM Coastguard officers.
It was only after these families raised concerns that the disaster had involved the UK authorities that the Department for Transport commissioned a safety investigation into the incident in January 2022. A lawyer for the bereaved families suggested to me that without the threat of legal action, the Department for Transport “would likely not have done anything” – despite this being Britain’s worst maritime disaster for decades. Meanwhile, according to inquiry evidence, the Home Office is understood not to have conducted an internal review or investigation into its role in the disaster.
After a frustrating two years of waiting for the survivors and bereaved families, the Marine Accidents Investigations Branch published its report – which both confirmed most of their accounts and substantiated their criticisms of the SAR response.
Soon afterwards, the Cranston Inquiry was announced. Despite no bodies having been recovered in UK waters, it has been run almost like an inquest. In his final report – to be published by the end of 2025 – Sir Ross Cranston has promised to “consider what lessons can be learned and, if appropriate, make recommendations to reduce the risk of a similar event occurring”.
A ‘crucial and unique opportunity’
HM Coastguard and Border Force officers have repeatedly told the inquiry how the UK’s approach to small boat search-and-rescue has changed since the November 2021 disaster. More officers have been hired, Border Force has contracted additional boats to conduct rescues, information sharing has improved, and cooperation with French colleagues is better. Today, there are significantly more rescue ships on both sides of the Channel which can intervene faster when dinghies come to be in distress, and have undoubtedly saved many lives.
There has also been massive investment in drones, aeroplanes and powerful shore-based cameras to reduce the risk that HM Coastguard loses “maritime domain awareness” again if some of its surveillance aircraft are unable to fly. New technology automatically translates coastguard officers’ messages into different languages and extracts live GPS locations and images from travellers’ mobile devices.
Such investments make it unlikely that another dinghy could be lost in the middle of the Channel after its passengers call for help, in the way Charlie so catastrophically was.
Nevertheless, people continue dying while attempting to cross the Channel – with 2024 having been by far the deadliest year yet. At least 69 people lost their lives, according to the Refugee Council. So far in 2025, 24 people are documented as dead or missing at the UK-France border by Calais Migrant Solidarity, amid a record number of attempted crossings for the first half of the year.
Some migrants’ rights NGOs have suggested the UK’s “stop the boats” policies, and European efforts to disrupt the supply chain of dinghies and other equipment used in crossings, has driven such deadly overcrowding.
But it is also unlikely that the circumstances surrounding more recent deaths in the Channel will ever be investigated as thoroughly as Incident Charlie, if at all. Lawyers for the bereaved families have therefore been keen to highlight the Cranston Inquiry’s “crucial and unique opportunity” not only to look back and offer answers about one of Britain’s worst maritime disasters in recent decades – but to look forwards and “prevent the further loss of life at sea”.
The survivors, families and migrants’ rights organisations who contributed their evidence thus hope the inquiry’s recommendations go beyond purely operational and administrative improvements to search-and-rescue, to address the fundamental role that UK, France and European border policies play in why more people are dying in the Channel, despite the improvements to search-and-rescue strategies and resources.
Above all, they ask why only some people are able to travel to the UK in comfort and safety while others must make the journey in precarious, overcrowded inflatable dinghies – and thus entrust their lives to the search-and-rescue services whose success can never be guaranteed. As Halima Mohammed Shikh’s cousin, Ali Areef, told the inquiry:
It makes me feel sick to think about crossing the Channel in a ferry where others including a member of my family lost their lives because there was no other way to cross. I will never take a ferry across the Channel again.
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Travis Van Isacker gratefully acknowledges the support of the Economic and Social Research Council
(UK) (Grant Ref: ES/W002639/1).
Maritime folklore has long been shuffled to the margins of nautical history, presented as the quaint, colourful oddities of a former age. Yet this body of beliefs, practices and stories can offer important insights into how seafarers of the 19th century viewed and understood their working environment.
Beneath the dominant histories of European exploration, heroic naval battles and imperial claims to mastery of the seas, there was the daily reality of working, living and, not uncommonly, dying in a dangerous marine environment.
This folklore – which was exchanged between multinational crews of mariners and carried across the oceans – provides a way into appreciating their everyday fears, longings and hopes. It reveals a rich emotional and psychological engagement with the ocean, a history of sea fearing that does not sit easily with the stereotypical macho image of mariners.
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Much of maritime folklore spoke to anxieties about the temperamental ocean and storms, which boiled down to a fear of disaster and drowning.
To protect themselves from such a fate, 18th- and 19th-century sailors went to sea armoured with magical charms. A popular one was a caul. It was believed owning a caul – the membrane that protects a baby in the womb – would protect a seafarer from drowning.
Such items were openly sold in newspaper advertisements in the 19th century. Three advertised in the Liverpool Mercury in 1873 were priced from 30 shillings to four guineas, no small amount for a common mariner to pay for an idle “superstition”.
Nineteenth-century sailors and fishermen also developed a rich system of omens and predictions. They were attentive to their behaviour and even words (“pig” and “rabbit” being among the worst) that might provoke the ocean or attract bad luck.
Life in the Ocean Representing the Usual Occupations of the Young Officers in the Steerage of a British Frigate at Sea by Augustus Earle (1836). National Maritime Museum
One such example was whistling aboard ships, which was believed to stir winds or gales. The idea that the temperamental winds could be provoked by the smallest actions of the tiny human beings who passed over the ocean’s surface spoke to both mariners’ vulnerability at sea, but also a sense of personal responsibility for the good or bad fortune of their voyage.
That concerns about death haunted seafarers is also seen in a superstitious reluctance to have coffins, dead bodies or clergymen (associated with funerals) aboard ship. As the author and critic William Jones wrote in Credulities Past and Present (1880), the sailor who was fearless in battle or in the face of physical danger, often “shrinks with indescribable apprehension … at the sight of a coffin”.
This was reinforced by maritime ghost stories. Numerous tales of ghost ships, most famously The Flying Dutchman, served as a reminder of the haunting prospect of death at sea.
In telling stories of those who had been lost, seafarers could also express concerns about their present circumstances and future travails. Aboard ships, such tales could also serve as reminders of health and safety concerns. Stories about ghostly crew members who had fallen from the rigging or been washed overboard served as cautionary tales.
The decline and return of maritime folklore
Nineteenth-century critics of mariners’ “superstitions” attempted to debunk their ideas. They pushed the idea that this body of folklore was fading out with the transition from sail to steam power.
No longer reliant on the winds, the steamship symbolised a more rational, mechanical world that had no time for the supernatural whimsy of the age of sail. Yet, indicating its ongoing importance as a way of addressing seafarers fears and concerns, such ideas did not simply disappear. Rather they adapted to the modern world.
The Shipwreck by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1805). Tate
While the price of cauls had dropped in the late 19th century, suggesting declining belief in their protective power, there was a sudden revival in their trade when submarine warfare became a feature of the first world war. Accounts of ghost ships were updated to include steam and later diesel vessels in the 20th century.
Maritime folklore history reminds us that our proclaimed “mastery of the waves” has always been built on rhetoric as much as reality.
In an age of mounting concern about our relationship with the oceans, in which we are having to radically reassess our control over and influence on the natural world, it is perhaps time for this history to resurface.
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Karl Bell 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.
Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis
Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), along with Representative Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), today introduced the STUDENT Act, legislation that would impose necessary limitations and conditions on the National Education Association’s (NEA) federal charter to bring it in line with other federally chartered organizations and redirect it toward its original purpose of supporting teachers in America.
The NEA, which received its federal charter through an act of Congress, has strayed far from its original educational mission. Despite claiming to be “non-partisan,” the nation’s largest union has repeatedly supported divisive political causes through endorsements and financial contributions that harm students’ education and undermine parental rights. Earlier this month, the NEA members voted to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) over its support for Israel.
“The NEA has exploited its federal charter to advance a radical political agenda that puts ideology before education,” said Sen. Lummis. “Wyoming parents and teachers deserve better than a union that prioritizes woke politics over student achievement. The resolution passed at the NEA Representative Assembly to cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League because of its support for Israel is abhorrent and does nothing to stem the rising tide of antisemitic incidents we’ve witnessed nationwide. Federal charters should be reserved for organizations that serve patriotic, charitable, historical, or educational purposes – not for unions that push divisive and antisemitic ideologies.”
“The NEA long ago transformed from an educational association into a political machine, pushing a progressive agenda that puts activists ahead of students’ needs,” said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald. “The STUDENT Act reins in NEA’s federal charter, restores accountability, and demands a return to its original purpose: educating, not indoctrinating, American children.”
“The National Education Association has failed to respect its duties as a federally chartered organization or as a steward of children’s education,” said Sen. Ricketts. “Rather than promote educational outcomes, they promote a radical agenda that supports illegal immigration and teaches harmful gender ideology. It is time for Congress to restore oversight of the entity it created and make sure young Americans receive the education they deserve.”
“Rep. Fitzgerald and Sen. Lummis should be commended for their leadership in introducing the STUDENT Act, which would address some of the NEA’s most concerning conduct and make it more accountable to the public and even its own members,” said Freedom Foundation CEO Aaron Withe. “The Freedom Foundation is proud to stand with these courageous lawmakers in the fight to restore sanity to public education.”
“The Endowment for Middle East Truth, EMET, is proud to endorse the STUDENT Act,” said Sarah Stern, President of the Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET). “We solidly stand behind the ADL’s fight against the rising tide of antisemitism, which has skyrocketed in our country since October 7, 2023, as well as their position on Israel. We are appalled by the National Education Association’s blatant refusal to entertain the ADL’s professional, fair and balanced point of view, and that they have chosen to take a position that effectively condones Hamas’ atrocities against the Jewish people. It’s unfortunate that the NEA no longer works to fulfil its core mission of advancing an American bias-free education and has instead dedicated itself to political indoctrination and prejudice.”
In addition to Senators Lummis and Ricketts, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) are original cosponsors.
Background:
A 2023 Freedom Foundation report revealed that the NEA’s federal charter is unusually brief compared to other Title 36 federally-chartered organizations, allowing the union to operate with minimal oversight while enjoying taxpayer-funded benefits.
Key Provisions of the STUDENT Act:
Bans promotion of antisemitic beliefs, including harmful stereotypes about Jewish people, Holocaust denial or minimization, and hatred based on Jewish identity or connection to Israel
Prohibits the union from promoting or requiring adherence to critical race theory concepts.
Prohibits the NEA from engaging in electoral politics and lobbying, a restriction included in 60 percent of federal charters;
Eliminates the NEA’s exemption from Washington, D.C. property taxes
Requires explicit member consent for all dues and fees
Mandates comprehensive record-keeping and document accountability
Directs all assets to the Department of Treasury if the NEA dissolves
Prohibits discrimination and hiring quotas
Prevents the NEA and its affiliates from calling strikes or work stoppages
Requires all NEA officers to be U.S. citizens
Establishes transparent governance standards
So far, the STUDENT Act has been endorsed by the following state and national organizations:
Prince Rupert, British Columbia – On the Pacific Coast, the rockfish fishery is managed carefully to ensure the long-term sustainability of 37 species caught in British Columbia’s marine waters. Rockfish are extremely susceptible to over-fishing due to their slow growth rates, low reproductive cycle and high-mortality when brought to the surface. As a result, all rockfish species caught in the commercial groundfish trawl fishery must be retained, accurately recorded, and reported to ensure that fishers do not exceed their quota.
On July 9, 2025, in Prince Rupert provincial court, Roger Atchison, onboard captain and co-owner of the commercial fishing vessel Savage Eagle, pled guilty to multiple violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act. Mr. Atchison released over 9,000 pounds of rockfish and failed to keep accurate and complete records of his fishing activities. These actions are violations of the conditions of his licence and occurred between October 18 and October 23, 2023, after his vessel left Prince Rupert to engage in commercial fishing in the Hecate Strait.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) protects and conserves marine resources, and enforces the Fisheries Act. As part of DFO’s work to disrupt and prevent illegal activity, the Department asks the public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and regulations. Anyone with information can call DFO Pacific Region’s toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336, or email the details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources, will install floating bait platforms and monitoring equipment to test a new method for capturing invasive carp. The equipment will be in place from July 28 to Oct 3, 2025 in Pool 8 of the Mississippi River, near La Crosse, WI.
Installed bait delivery platform on the Sandusky River, Ohio used in a prior study for applying grass carp bait.
Invasive carp, including silver and bighead carp are found throughout much of the Mississippi River basin. These fish pose a threat to native aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native fish for food and habitat, disrupting food webs and altering water quality. Silver carp, which can jump 10 feet out of the water, can also pose a risk to boaters. Invasive carp are wide-ranging and difficult to capture with traditional fishing gear.
Late summer is a particularly difficult time of year to capture invasive carp in Minnesota-Wisconsin border waters because the fish tend to disperse widely throughout the river. Past trials have shown that baits made from algae attract silver and bighead carps. Floating bait platforms could draw invasive carp into favorable locations to make them easier to capture.
The floating platforms will be equipped with automatic feeders that dispense bait at scheduled intervals. The bait, previously tested in laboratory and field trials, is made from chlorella and spirulina, nutrient-rich algae commonly used in aquaculture. Feeding platforms will be monitored for fish abundance and movement in response to the bait. Commercial fishers contracted by the Minnesota DNR will capture fish before and after baiting periods. The data will help researchers to evaluate bait effectiveness and capture methods.
An invasive silver carp jumps out of the water. Silver carp can sometimes reach heights of ten feet in the air.
Precautionary measures are in place to ensure project success and public safety. Community cooperation is appreciated. If you observe damaged property or suspicious activity near the platforms, please contact the Minnesota DNR at 651-587-2781 or invasivecarp.dnr@state.mn.us. Hunting, fishing, and recreation will not be restricted near platforms, but the public is asked not to moor to or stand on them. Boaters are also asked to stay clear of commercial fishing operations that will be taking place around the platforms during the weeks of Aug 4 – 8, Sept 2 -5, and Sept 30 -3.
This project is supported by a 2023 Minnesota state legislative appropriation for invasive carp prevention and management, Upper Mississippi River Invasive Carp Grants administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats & Invasive Species Research Program.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a two-nation visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26. Following his engagements in London, the Prime Minister will arrive in Malé on July 25 for the second leg of his tour, marking his third visit to the Maldives and the first by any head of government during President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure.
The visit is expected to build on the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, particularly in the context of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, which was adopted during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.
India and the Maldives have long shared close ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious bonds. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established soon after the Maldives gained independence in 1965, with India being one of the first countries to recognize the island nation. The geographical proximity-barely 70 nautical miles from India’s Minicoy Island-gives the Maldives strategic importance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly in the context of maritime security and commercial sea-lanes.
Under India’s “Neighbourhood First” foreign policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, the Maldives continues to occupy a special place. India has consistently responded to the Maldives’ needs, be it during the 1988 coup attempt, the 2004 tsunami, the 2014 water crisis, or the COVID-19 pandemic, earning its reputation as a trusted partner and first responder.
The current visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to the bilateral agenda. Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu will review the implementation of the “India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,” which was adopted during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024.
Over the past few years, both countries have maintained a high frequency of exchanges at various levels. In June 2024, President Muizzu had travelled to India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Council of Ministers. This was followed by several ministerial visits, including by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who inaugurated key projects supported by India, such as water and sewerage networks across 28 islands, and community development initiatives in sectors like mental health and special education.
The bilateral engagement has been marked by robust cooperation in areas of defence, economic development, infrastructure, health, and capacity building. India has extended multiple Lines of Credit and grant assistance to the Maldives. Initiatives like the construction of social housing units in Hulhumale, restoration of heritage sites, gifting of vessels and vehicles to the Maldivian armed forces, and the introduction of India’s UPI digital payment system in the Maldives highlight the comprehensive nature of the partnership.
Recent interactions between ministers of both countries have furthered collaboration in sectors ranging from disaster management and cybersecurity to fisheries and civil services training. The introduction of MoUs in these areas demonstrates India’s continued commitment to the socio-economic development of the Maldives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a two-nation visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26. Following his engagements in London, the Prime Minister will arrive in Malé on July 25 for the second leg of his tour, marking his third visit to the Maldives and the first by any head of government during President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure.
The visit is expected to build on the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, particularly in the context of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, which was adopted during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.
India and the Maldives have long shared close ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious bonds. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established soon after the Maldives gained independence in 1965, with India being one of the first countries to recognize the island nation. The geographical proximity-barely 70 nautical miles from India’s Minicoy Island-gives the Maldives strategic importance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly in the context of maritime security and commercial sea-lanes.
Under India’s “Neighbourhood First” foreign policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, the Maldives continues to occupy a special place. India has consistently responded to the Maldives’ needs, be it during the 1988 coup attempt, the 2004 tsunami, the 2014 water crisis, or the COVID-19 pandemic, earning its reputation as a trusted partner and first responder.
The current visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to the bilateral agenda. Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu will review the implementation of the “India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,” which was adopted during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024.
Over the past few years, both countries have maintained a high frequency of exchanges at various levels. In June 2024, President Muizzu had travelled to India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Council of Ministers. This was followed by several ministerial visits, including by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who inaugurated key projects supported by India, such as water and sewerage networks across 28 islands, and community development initiatives in sectors like mental health and special education.
The bilateral engagement has been marked by robust cooperation in areas of defence, economic development, infrastructure, health, and capacity building. India has extended multiple Lines of Credit and grant assistance to the Maldives. Initiatives like the construction of social housing units in Hulhumale, restoration of heritage sites, gifting of vessels and vehicles to the Maldivian armed forces, and the introduction of India’s UPI digital payment system in the Maldives highlight the comprehensive nature of the partnership.
Recent interactions between ministers of both countries have furthered collaboration in sectors ranging from disaster management and cybersecurity to fisheries and civil services training. The introduction of MoUs in these areas demonstrates India’s continued commitment to the socio-economic development of the Maldives.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Honorary King’s Counsel nominations: deadline 19 September 2025
The Ministry of Justice is inviting nominations for the award of King’s Counsel Honoris Causa. Please submit nominations via the digital form below, before the deadline of 19 September 2025.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is inviting nominations for the award of King’s Counsel Honoris Causa.
This is an honorary award unique to the legal profession. It is a dedicated opportunity, made by royal prerogative, to recognise those in the profession who have made a major contribution to, and impact on, the legal sector and the law of England and Wales outside the courtroom.
The award is not a working rank and is separate to substantive KC appointments administered by King’s Counsel Appointments. Where someone is eligible to apply for substantive KC in their role, we would not normally consider them for an Honorary KC award.
Please note that anyone nominated may be subject to criminal record checks with the ACRO Criminal Records Office.
What is the award for?
The award is for:
A significant, positive impact either on the shape of the law of England and Wales, or on the legal profession. This is for work outside the courtroom.
This criterion can be interpreted broadly, either as:
a major contribution to the development of the law of England and Wales (for example, by dedicated research, influencing case law/ legislation and promoting initiatives),
to how it is advanced (for example, by positively impacting the shape of the profession)
What is most important is that nominations clearly evidence the significant, positive impact an individual’s efforts have had.
It is not a long-service award. Honours may be awarded for a significant impact over a long period of time, but they may equally be awarded for such an impact over a shorter period – it is the scale of impact that is important.
We are keen to recognise diversity within the profession, with awards that reflect the range of different legal careers and different backgrounds that make up the profession. You can see examples of previous successful nominees by viewing their biographies via this link.
Examples of what these different contributions may look like
Influencing legislation
Making an impact on the law by influencing legislation or case law (e.g. through outcome of research, creating awareness or campaigning, pro bono work or other advocacy outside the courtroom).
Social mobility and diversity
Making a considerable impact on the legal profession (e.g. through initiatives that have an impact on social mobility or diversity and increase the competitiveness of the sector).
Innovation
Making an impact through a standout achievement or through innovation (e.g. by breaking through into new territory, such as making an impact through work on Lawtech, innovation in legal education, or on promoting UK legal services overseas).
Academic work
Making an impact through outstanding academic work that makes a positive contribution to the law and/or legal system.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the award, the individual must be a qualified lawyer or legal academic.
The nomination must be for achievement outside practice in the courts. In other words, an award would be made for non-advocacy work.
The award is open to foreign qualified professionals. There is no residency requirement.
Examples of those eligible may include (but are not limited to):
Solicitors without higher rights of audience
Legal executives
In-house lawyers, including Counsel
Non-practising lawyers
Legal academics
Holding a fee-paid judicial office in addition to practice would not exclude lawyers who meet the eligibility criteria above.
How are awards made?
The process is administered by the MOJ. Nominations are considered against the criterion by a panel of representatives from the legal profession, civil service, judiciary, and academia, which is chaired by an MOJ official.
The panel of representatives provide the Lord Chancellor with recommendations of appointable nominees. The Lord Chancellor will then consider and decide the final recommendations. The recommendations are then referred to the King, who grants the awards under the royal prerogative.
How is the information about nominees used?
To assess each nominee’s suitability for the award and support the selection process, we use the information provided to carry out:
Cross-Whitehall checks to confirm whether the individual or their work may be known by, or of interest to, another government department
Checks against nominees on the main honours system as per the eligibility criteria
Evaluation by the selection panel of the individual’s legal qualifications and evidence of their contribution and impact on the law of England and Wales
Shortlisted nominees will undergo a criminal record check
For more information on how we use and protect personal data, please refer to our privacy notice.
Nominees from outside the legal profession
Where someone from outside the legal profession has made a significant impact on the law of England and Wales, or how it is advanced, they would not qualify for this award. We would welcome those nominations as part of the main honours system.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
There is a separate Honorary King’s Counsel award in Scotland. There is no exact equivalent in Northern Ireland. However, this does not mean that achievements of a similar nature cannot be recognised. If you would like to nominate someone for an honour whose work is in Northern Ireland, you can contact the Honours Secretariat for Northern Ireland.
Nominees and recipients of national honours
Someone who has been honoured in the official UK honours system within the last two years, or who has been nominated for such an honour this year, would not be eligible to receive an Honorary KC award. Where someone was awarded an honour more than two years ago, the panel will consider the individual’s contribution to and impact on the law since that honour was awarded.
Please note that we will only accept nominations made via the digital form.
If you are unable to use our digital form, or have any other questions, please contact HonoraryKC@justice.gov.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the process and timelines?
July: Nominations open
September: Nominations close
November: Panel meet and shortlist nominees
November: ACRO Criminal checks are conducted
December: Lord Chancellor makes final recommendations to the King
January: Successful nominees are announced
March: Ceremony
These dates are provisional and subject to change
2.Who can make a nomination?
Anyone can make a nomination. You do not need to have a legal background or reside in the UK.
3.Do I need to be a practising barrister or solicitor to be nominated?
No. You do not need to be practising, although you do need to be a qualified lawyer or legal academic to be eligible. The award is for achievements outside the courtroom.
4.Can I make more than one nomination?
Yes. You may nominate as many people as you like, but please ensure that you submit separate nomination forms.
5.Is there a limit to the number of nominations for an individual?
No. An individual can be nominated by multiple people.
6.Can I nominate a foreign national?
Yes. There are no nationality or residence requirements for the award.
7.In order to be considered for the award, do I need multiple nominations?
No. The scoring is not based on how many nominations an individual has received.
8.Can I attach letters or statements in support of a nomination?
No. Letters or statements of support will not be accepted. If others wish to endorse the nomination, you can list their name(s) in the relevant section of the form.
9.What happens if I miss the deadline to apply?
Unfortunately, we cannot consider any nomination past the deadline. We encourage you to submit your application when the next round of nominations open.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, led Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) in introducing the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act, legislation that would exempt United States-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada.
“Small businesses are the beating heart of Vermont’s economy, and they operate on the thinnest of margins. There’s no way small businesses can be expected to absorb the costs of President Trump’s tariffs. That’s especially true for smaller businesses across our state that rely on strong partnerships with Canada,” said Senator Welch. “This commonsense bill protects America’s Main Street businesses from Trump’s reckless trade war with Canada, and in turn helps Main Street customers.
“Instead of lowering costs for families, Trump’s destructive tariffs are raising prices and hurting American small businesses, from small manufacturers to Main Street shops, hotels, and restaurants that sustain thousands of local jobs. Trump’s chaotic trade war is burning bridges and ruining relationships with our closest ally and key trade partner, Canada, while driving away tourists and costing local economies billions. This bill would help restore our cherished relationship with our next-door neighbor and major economic partner, and bring relief to our communities and small businesses,” said Leader Schumer.
“President Trump’s tariffs are increasing prices on everyday goods and making it harder for businesses and working families to get by,” said Senator Shaheen. “Canada is New Hampshire’s northern neighbor and largest trading partner, meaning Granite State small businesses are especially hard hit by these blanket tariffs. By shielding small businesses from rising costs incurred by the President’s trade war, our legislation would give Main Street some much-needed relief and certainty to plan for the future and keep their businesses afloat.”
“I’ve heard loud and clear from small businesses in Alaska: tariffs are forcing prices to rise and making it difficult to plan long-term,” said Senator Murkowski. “We’re not just neighbors with Canada, we’re partners in everything from trade, tourism, defense, and fishing. I’m hopeful this legislation sends a clear message to the administration that we want to continue this strong partnership by alleviating the effects of these tariffs on our small businesses.”
“President Trump’s broad-based tariffs are causing economic chaos, uncertainty, and higher costs for families and businesses,” said Senator Kaine. “I’ve heard from small businesses across Virginia about how Trump’s trade wars have forced them to make tough decisions about how they’ll continue to operate. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleagues to exempt small businesses from Trump’s tariffs on Canada, one of our closest allies and top trading partners.”
“Imposing tariffs on Canada, Maine’s closest trading partner, threatens jobs, drives up costs, and hurts small businesses that have long relied on cross-border cooperation and exchange,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would shield small businesses throughout the country from unnecessary economic harm while preserving the vital trade ties that support so many Maine communities.”
“Donald Trump is hell-bent on turning Main Street into Pain Street for America’s small businesses. Trump’s tariffs threaten to supercharge costs in New England and Massachusetts, a region and a state that relies on trade with Canada to meet the bottom line,” said Senator Markey. “Blanket tariffs will only lead to layoffs, closures, and economic pain. That’s not putting America first. I’m proud to join my colleagues to protect small businesses in the Bay State and all of New England from this disastrous trade war.”
“Trump’s Canada tariffs don’t make sense for ANYONE, but especially not for American small businesses. Taxes on products from Canada means small businesses in America will pay more for the inputs they use to make things here in the United States – meaning prices will go up, jobs will be lost and small companies will shut down. This is a commonsense bill to exempt small businesses from Trump trade taxes and cushion some of the blow of his senseless trade war with Canada,” said Senator Wyden.
President Trump has changed or modified his tariff proposals and policies 28 times in his second term. These tariffs have been difficult to navigate for small businesses across the United States—especially in Vermont, where Canada is the state’s largest trading partner. Tariffs lead to supply chain disruptions, increased costs of goods and materials, smaller profits and higher costs for consumers.
The CANADA Act is supported by Main Street Alliance and Small Business Majority.
“The relationship between Canada and the United States is a critical one for farmers, small business owners, and Main Streets across the US, but especially in the border states. It is essential for this relationship that US trade policy is predictable, purposeful, and designed to benefit both countries. The erratic, fact-devoid tariff emergencies put into effect by President Trump are making it harder for US businesses to start and operate while not even achieving the goals they claim to have in the first place. The Senate passing the CANADA Act by Sen. Peter Welch is a step in the right direction, with more to do to restore US global leadership and rebuild trust that’s been unfortunately damaged over the past 7 months,” said Shawn Phetteplace, National Campaigns Director, Main Street Alliance.
“The constantly shifting tariff policy landscape has left small businesses struggling to plan ahead. Any amount of clarity lawmakers can offer right now, including an exemption for small businesses importing goods from a specific country, would help by giving entrepreneurs some degree of certainty in a chaotic time. If nothing is done soon to help protect small businesses from tariffs, we expect inflation, uncertainty and chaos will crush many small firms, damage America’s economy and cause the loss of countless jobs,” said John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO, Small Business Majority.
In 2024 alone, trade with Canada accounted for 35% of Vermont’s exports, 67% of its imports, and 56% of its total trade. One in four businesses in Vermont relies on trade with Canada. Vermont buys more goods from Canada than the next nine largest foreign markets combined. In 2023, Vermont exported $150 million just in food and agricultural products to Canada.
Vermont boasts nearly 82,000 small businesses, which represent 99% of all businesses in the state, and employ over 62% of Vermont’s overall workforce—higher than the national average. Small businesses in Vermont also employ a diverse workforce, with 43.8% of small businesses in the state owned by women and 6% owned by veterans.
Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war and shared stories from Vermonters about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. In May, Senator Welch joined a bipartisan delegation and traveled to Ottawa to meet with Canadian dignitaries, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, to discuss bipartisan support for a U.S.-Canada partnership and their commitment to a strong trading relationship between the United States and Canada. The Senator has hosted roundtables in Stowe, Newport, St. Albans, Manchester, and virtually to hear concerns and first-hand stories from Vermont and Canadian leaders impacted by the trade war.
Read and download the full text of the bill.
Beehive Geyser, in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park.Thomas S. Bremer
Nearly 5 million travelers come to Wyoming to visit Yellowstone National Park each year, most in the summer months. They come for the geysers, wildlife, scenery and recreational activities such as hiking, fishing and photography.
However, few realize that religion has been part of Yellowstone’s appeal throughout the park’s history. My 2025 book “Sacred Wonderland” documents how people have long found holiness in Yellowstone: how a landscape once sacred to Native Americans later inspired Christians and New Age communities alike.
Native reverence – and removal
Long before European Americans “discovered” the Yellowstone region in the 19th century, numerous Indigenous peoples were aware of its unique landscape – particularly geysers, hot springs and other hydrothermal wonders. Several tribal groups engaged in devotional practices long before it became a park. These included the Tukudika, or Sheep Eaters, a band of mountain Shoshone. They lived year-round within the boundaries of what would become the national park.
Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park. Thomas S. Bremer
After the Civil War, more Euro-Americans entered the region. In 1872, the U.S. government created Yellowstone as the first national park, setting a precedent for others in the United States and around the world.
Yellowstone and other U.S. national parks established in the 19th century were products of manifest destiny: the Christian idea that Americans had a divinely ordained right to expand their country across the continent. The nation’s westward expansion included turning supposedly wild, “uncivilized” areas into parks.
The park system’s creation, though, came at the cost of Indigenous communities. In Yellowstone, the Tukudika were forcibly removed in the 1870s to two reservations in Idaho and Wyoming, as anthropologists Peter Nabokov and Lawrence Loendorf discuss in their book “Restoring a Presence.”
Christian ministry
In addition to the concept of manifest destiny, Christians brought their own religious practices to Yellowstone National Park.
The U.S. Army was responsible for protecting and managing the park from 1886 to 1918. It operated from Fort Yellowstone at Mammoth Hot Springs in the northern part of the park. The last building it erected at the fort was a chapel, which has been in continuous use as a worship space – mostly for Christian groups – since its completion in 1913.
The Yellowstone National Park Chapel at Mammoth Hot Springs, finished in 1913, was the last building constructed by the U.S. Army at Fort Yellowstone. Thomas S. Bremer
One group that has used the chapel consistently since the 1950s is ACMNP, A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, an evangelical Protestant parachurch ministry founded in Yellowstone. Its volunteers conduct worship services and proselytize among employees and visitors.
ACMNP began as the brainchild of Presbyterian minister Warren Ost, who had worked as a bellhop at the Old Faithful Inn during summer breaks in seminary. Upon graduation, he formed the ministry, hoping to capitalize on the awe people experience in the parks to affirm believers’ faith and bring new souls to Christ.
ACMNP’s mission involves placing seminarians and other students in national parks as “worker-witnesses.” They work as paid employees in secular jobs and conduct religious activities after their regular working hours. Additionally, they are encouraged to talk about religion with their fellow workers on the job.
ACMNP experienced rapid growth in the 1950s and 1960s, boosted by support from National Park Service leadership. Cooperation included reduced-cost housing for their volunteers, and in some parks the superintendents or other high-level officials served on local ACMNP committees.
At its peak in the 1970s, ACMNP had nearly 300 volunteers working in over 50 locations. However, a federal lawsuit in the 1990s challenged its relationship with the government on the grounds of church-state separation and ended some of the privileges ACMNP had enjoyed. Not long after the legal action, Ost announced his retirement.
Although the organization has scaled back operations, the ministry in Yellowstone has experienced few changes. ACMNP volunteers continue to offer religious services to park employees and visitors throughout the summer.
Spiritual fortress
Another religious group has a very different interpretation of Yellowstone. The Church Universal and Triumphant, which had several thousand members at its height, was founded by Elizabeth Clare Prophet in the 1970s, based on the teachings of her late husband, Mark Prophet.
The Church Universal and Triumphant is an heir to the “I AM” movement, which flourished in the U.S. during the 1930s. Most prominent among I AM’s influences were theosophy, which promotes esoteric knowledge gleaned from Asian religious traditions as a universal wisdom underlying all religions; new thought, which advocates a mind-over-matter spirituality; and spiritualism, which involves communicating with spirits.
In the 1980s, Prophet’s followers relocated from California to Montana, where they purchased a large ranch adjacent to Yellowstone National Park’s northwest boundary. With them, they brought an eclectic New Age theology that combines elements of Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism with belief in “ascended masters,” spiritual beings who guide the church. The group’s tradition teaches that beneath Yellowstone are two underground caverns, hidden from human view, that contain a cache of sacred stones with spiritual powers.
The Church Universal and Triumphant gained attention in the ‘90s when its believers in Montana built underground bunkers. Members believed that their ascended masters had predicted a nuclear war and had instructed the community to prepare to survive underground. When the prophecy of a nuclear attack did not materialize, many members became disillusioned.
The group struggled to rebuild its reputation and establish goodwill with Montana neighbors, including the National Park Service. Elizabeth Clare Prophet retired in 1999, and since then the church has concentrated more on its publishing and educational enterprises. However, a core community of the faithful still live and worship on their Royal Teton Ranch adjacent to Yellowstone.
The main church sanctuary at Church Universal and Triumphant headquarters, just outside Yellowstone National Park. Thomas S. Bremer
Although the community teaches that its Montana ranch is a sacred location of the ascended masters, followers’ holiest place in the Western Hemisphere is roughly 35 miles south of Yellowstone, in Grand Teton National Park. They believe humanity began at Grand Teton Mountain and that the faithful will find their destiny there.
Accordingly, members believe that Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are brimming with spiritual powers, sacred sources of light and energy for the entire world.
In my conversations with people in the park, I found that very few knew anything about Yellowstone’s religious history at all – especially Native American practices. The ongoing practices of religious communities in the park remain invisible to nearly all visitors. Still, many vacationers interpret Yellowstone’s wonders as evidence of God’s handiwork.
Thomas S. Bremer received funding in the past to conduct historical research for the National Park Service at Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois.
PORT ANGELES, Wash., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Northwest Bancorp(Nasdaq: FNWB) (“First Northwest” or the “Company”), the holding company for First Fed Bank (“First Fed” or the “Bank”), today reported net income of $3.7 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss of $9.0 million for the first quarter of 2025 and a net loss of $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2024. Basic and diluted income per share were $0.42 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to basic and diluted loss per share of $1.03 for the first quarter of 2025 and basic and diluted loss per share of $0.25 for the second quarter of 2024.
In the second quarter of 2025, the Company recorded Adjusted Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Net Revenue (“PPNR”)(1) of $2.1 million, compared to $1.5 million for the preceding quarter and $530,000 for the second quarter of 2024.
The Board of Directors of First Northwest has elected not to declare a dividend for this quarter as part of a prudent approach to capital management. The Company remains committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and will continue to evaluate future dividend decisions in light of the Company’s long-term strategic objectives.
Quote from Cindy Finnie, First Northwest Board Chair: “As previously disclosed, the Board has begun a search process for the next full time Chief Executive Officer. We also continue to strongly dispute the allegations contained in the legal proceedings disclosed in our June 13, 2025, 8-K and intend to vigorously defend against them. Despite the volatility of the past few quarters, the Board remains focused on the strategic objectives of the Bank, building on the positive core trends from the past few quarters.”
Quote from Geraldine Bullard, First Northwest Interim CEO: “Our second quarter included continued modest improvement in several important performance measures, including seven basis points of net interest margin expansion and our fifth consecutive quarter of growing Adjusted PPNR. Commercial business loan recoveries totaling $1.1 million drove a modest provision release during the quarter. The Bank continues to show core customer growth, with loans growing 3% annualized compared to the preceding quarter and total deposits only down modestly despite a $31.0 million reduction in brokered time deposits during the quarter.”
Key Points for the Second Quarter
Positive Trends:
Return on average assets increased to 0.68% for the current quarter from -1.69% in the preceding quarter.
Net interest margin increased to 2.83% for the current quarter compared to 2.76% in the first quarter of 2025, as a result of an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets and a decrease in the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
Efficiency ratio improved to 78.0% for the current quarter from 113.5% in the preceding quarter due to the recognition of a payroll tax credit in the current quarter while the preceding quarter included higher expenses related to the legal reserve recorded.
Customer deposits increased $19.6 million to $1.55 billion at June 30, 2025 from $1.53 billion at March 31, 2025.
Recorded a $296,000 recapture of provision for credit losses on loans in the second quarter of 2025, compared to provisions for credit losses on loans of $7.8 million for the preceding quarter and $8.7 million for the second quarter of 2024.
Other significant events:
In the second quarter of 2025, the statute of limitations expired on employee retention credit (“ERC”) payments received for the first and second quarters of 2021. As a result, the Bank recorded $2.6 million as a reduction to compensation and benefits. A related contingent ERC consulting expense of $528,000 was recorded in professional fees, partially offsetting the credit. The Bank anticipates recording the remaining reserved ERC of $2.0 million in 2028.
During the second quarter of 2025, the Bank consolidated the operations of its Bellevue and Fremont business centers into a new location, the Seattle business center. This consolidation resulted in a one-time increase to other expense of $599,000 for the early termination of the Bellevue business center lease and write-off of remaining leasehold improvements. No additional costs were incurred for closing the Fremont business center. The Bank estimates the consolidation will reduce annual rent expense by $130,000 going forward.
The Company disclosed in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 21, 2025, that a settlement agreement was reached in the previously disclosed legal matter discussed in Part II, Item 1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Bank continues to vigorously defend itself in the separate legal proceedings disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 13, 2025.
(1) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.
Selected Quarterly Financial Ratios:
As of or For the Quarter Ended
As of or For the Six Months Ended June 30,
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
2025
2024
Performance ratios:(1)
Return on average assets
0.68
%
-1.69
%
-0.51
%
-0.36
%
-0.40
%
-0.50
%
-0.17
%
Adjusted PPNR return on average assets (2)
0.39
0.27
0.26
0.17
0.10
0.33
0.16
Return on average equity
10.00
-23.42
-6.92
-4.91
-5.47
-7.15
-2.26
Net interest margin (3)
2.83
2.76
2.73
2.70
2.76
2.80
2.76
Efficiency ratio (4)
78.0
113.5
92.2
100.3
72.3
96.40
79.35
Equity to total assets
6.82
6.75
6.89
7.13
7.17
6.82
7.17
Book value per common share
$
15.85
$
15.52
$
16.45
$
17.17
$
16.81
$
15.85
$
16.81
Tangible performance ratios:(1)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (2)
6.76
%
6.68
%
6.83
%
7.06
%
7.10
%
6.76
%
7.10
%
Return on average tangible common equity (2)
10.10
-23.65
-6.99
-4.96
-5.53
-7.22
-2.28
Tangible book value per common share (2)
$
15.70
$
15.36
$
16.29
$
17.00
$
16.64
$
15.70
$
16.64
Capital ratios (First Fed):(5)
Tier 1 leverage
9.2
%
9.0
%
9.4
%
9.4
%
9.4
%
9.2
%
9.4
%
Common equity Tier 1
12.1
12.1
12.4
12.2
12.4
12.1
12.4
Total risk-based
13.1
13.4
13.6
13.4
13.5
13.1
13.5
(1
)
Performance ratios are annualized, where appropriate.
(2
)
See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.
(3
)
Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
(4
)
Total noninterest expense as a percentage of net interest income and total other noninterest income.
(5
)
Current period capital ratios are preliminary and subject to finalization of the FDIC Call Report.
Adjusted Pre-tax, Pre-Provision Net Revenue (1)
Adjusted PPNR for the second quarter of 2025 increased $616,000 to $2.1 million, compared to $1.5 million for the preceding quarter, and increased $1.6 million from $530,000 in the second quarter one year ago.
For the Quarter Ended
For the Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
June 30, 2025
June 30, 2024
Net interest income (GAAP)
$
14,193
$
13,847
$
14,137
$
14,020
$
14,235
$
28,040
$
28,163
Total noninterest income (GAAP)
2,170
3,777
1,300
1,779
7,347
5,947
9,535
Total revenue (GAAP)
16,363
17,624
15,437
15,799
21,582
33,987
37,698
Total noninterest expense (GAAP)
12,765
20,000
14,233
15,848
15,609
32,765
29,912
PPNR (Non-GAAP) (1)
3,598
(2,376
)
1,204
(49
)
5,973
1,222
7,786
Less selected nonrecurring adjustments to PPNR (Non-GAAP):
Employee retention credit (“ERC”) included in compensation and benefits
2,640
—
—
—
—
2,640
—
ERC consulting expense included in professional fees
(528
)
—
—
—
—
(528
)
—
Costs associated with early termination of Bellevue Business Center lease included in other expense
(599
)
—
—
—
—
(599
)
—
Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) death benefit
—
1,059
1,536
—
—
1,059
—
Gain on extinguishment of subordinated debt included in other income
—
846
—
—
—
846
—
Legal reserve
—
(5,750
)
—
—
—
(5,750
)
—
Equity investment repricing adjustment
—
—
(1,762
)
—
—
—
651
One-time compensation payouts related to reduction in force
—
—
—
(996
)
—
—
—
Net gain on sale of premises and equipment
—
—
—
—
7,919
—
7,919
Sale leaseback taxes and assessments included in occupancy and equipment
—
—
—
—
(359
)
—
(359
)
Net loss on sale of investment securities
—
—
—
—
(2,117
)
—
(2,117
)
Adjusted PPNR (Non-GAAP) (1)
$
2,085
$
1,469
$
1,430
$
947
$
530
$
3,554
$
1,692
(1) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.
Total interest income increased $308,000 to $27.1 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $26.8 million for the preceding quarter, and decreased $1.5 million compared to $28.6 million in the second quarter of 2024. Interest income increased in the second quarter of 2025 primarily due to an increase in the yields earned on loans receivable, partially offset by a decrease in both the yield earned and average volume of investment securities. Average real estate and commercial business loan balances decreased while average consumer loan balances increased over the preceding quarter.
Total interest expense decreased $38,000 to $12.9 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $13.0 million for the preceding quarter, and decreased $1.4 million compared to $14.4 million in the second quarter of 2024. Interest expense decreased in the second quarter of 2025 primarily due to a reduced volume of brokered certificates of deposit (“CDs”) and decreases in interest paid on customer CDs, brokered CDs and demand deposits. These decreases were partially offset by increases in the volume and interest paid on money market and savings accounts and an increase in the rate paid on advances during the current quarter.
The net interest margin increased to 2.83% for the second quarter of 2025, from 2.76% for both the preceding quarter and the second quarter of 2024.
Noninterest income decreased $1.6 million to $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2025, from $3.8 million for the preceding quarter. The first quarter of 2025 was higher due to nonrecurring income items including a $1.1 million BOLI death benefit payment received due to the passing of a former employee and a $846,000 gain on extinguishment of debt.
Noninterest expense decreased $7.2 million to $12.8 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $20.0 million for the preceding quarter. Compensation and benefits was lower primarily due to the ERC recorded during the current quarter. Other expense for the preceding quarter included the previously disclosed $5.8 million legal reserve.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans (“ACLL”) and Credit Quality
The allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACLL”) decreased $2.2 million to $18.4 million at June 30, 2025, from $20.6 million at March 31, 2025. The ACLL as a percentage of total loans was 1.10% at June 30, 2025, a decrease from 1.24% at March 31, 2025, and from 1.14% one year earlier. A release of $2.6 million reserves on individually evaluated loans, partially offset by net loan charge-offs totaling $1.9 million and a small increase to the pooled loan reserve, resulted in a recapture of provision expense of $296,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.
Nonperforming loans totaled $20.4 million at both June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025. Current quarter activity included an increase due to a $4.1 million commercial real estate loan transitioning into nonperforming status, large principal payments received totaling $3.6 million and charged-off balances totaling $1.3 million. ACLL to nonperforming loans decreased to 90% at June 30, 2025, from 101% at March 31, 2025, and increased from 82% at June 30, 2024. This ratio increased in the first quarter of 2025 with decreases in balances due to principal payments and charge-offs on loans with appropriate reserves.
Classified loans decreased $663,000 to $30.9 million at June 30, 2025, from $31.6 million at March 31, 2025, primarily due to payments received of $3.2 million and commercial business loan net charge-offs totaling $1.5 million, partially offset by the downgrade of a $4.1 million commercial real estate loan that was adversely impacted by reduced cross-border traffic during the second quarter. Four collateral dependent loans totaling $23.8 million account for 77% of the classified loan balance at June 30, 2025. The Bank has exercised legal remedies, including the appointment of a third-party receiver and foreclosure actions, to liquidate the underlying collateral to satisfy the real estate loans in the largest of these four collateral-dependent relationships. The Bank is also closely monitoring a group of commercial business loans that have similar collateral, with 11 loans totaling $562,000 included in classified loans at June 30, 2025, and four additional loans totaling $686,000 included in the special mention risk grading category.
For the Quarter Ended
ACLL ($ in thousands)
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
Balance at beginning of period
$
20,569
$
20,449
$
21,970
$
19,343
$
17,958
Charge-offs:
Commercial real estate
(15
)
(5,571
)
—
—
—
Construction and land
—
(374
)
(411
)
—
(3,978
)
Auto and other consumer
(273
)
(243
)
(364
)
(492
)
(832
)
Commercial business
(2,823
)
(1,513
)
(4,596
)
(24
)
(2,643
)
Total charge-offs
(3,111
)
(7,701
)
(5,371
)
(516
)
(7,453
)
Recoveries:
One-to-four family
—
—
—
42
—
Commercial real estate
20
6
2
—
—
Construction and land
5
—
—
—
—
Auto and other consumer
74
43
52
24
198
Commercial business
1,084
2
36
—
—
Total recoveries
1,183
51
90
66
198
Net loan charge-offs
(1,928
)
(7,650
)
(5,281
)
(450
)
(7,255
)
(Recapture of) provision for credit losses
(296
)
7,770
3,760
3,077
8,640
Balance at end of period
$
18,345
$
20,569
$
20,449
$
21,970
$
19,343
Average total loans
$
1,658,723
$
1,662,164
$
1,708,232
$
1,718,402
$
1,717,830
Annualized net charge-offs to average outstanding loans
0.47
%
1.87
%
1.23
%
0.10
%
1.70
%
Asset Quality ($ in thousands)
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
Nonaccrual loans:
One-to-four family
$
2,274
$
1,404
$
1,477
$
1,631
$
1,750
Multi-family
—
—
—
—
708
Commercial real estate
4,095
4
5,598
5,634
14
Construction and land
13,063
15,280
19,544
19,382
19,292
Home equity
10
54
55
116
118
Auto and other consumer
410
710
700
894
746
Commercial business
514
2,903
3,141
2,719
1,003
Total nonaccrual loans
20,366
20,355
30,515
30,376
23,631
Other real estate owned
1,297
—
—
—
—
Total nonperforming assets
$
21,663
$
20,355
$
30,515
$
30,376
$
23,631
Nonaccrual loans as a % of total loans (1)
1.22
%
1.23
%
1.80
%
1.75
%
1.39
%
Nonperforming assets as a % of total assets (2)
0.99
0.94
1.37
1.35
1.07
ACLL as a % of total loans
1.10
1.24
1.21
1.27
1.14
ACLL as a % of nonaccrual loans
90.08
101.05
67.01
72.33
81.85
Total past due loans to total loans
1.17
1.36
1.98
1.92
1.45
(1
)
Nonperforming loans consists of nonaccruing loans and accruing loans more than 90 days past due.
(2
)
Nonperforming assets consists of nonperforming loans (which include nonaccruing loans and accruing loans more than 90 days past due), real estate owned and repossessed assets.
Financial Condition and Capital
Investment securities decreased $11.9 million, or 3.8%, to $303.5 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $315.4 million three months earlier, and decreased $3.2 million compared to $306.7 million at June 30, 2024. Maturities totaling $11.8 million and regular principal payments totaling $5.7 million were partially offset by purchases totaling $5.5 million during the current quarter. Net unrealized losses were flat for the second quarter of 2025. The estimated average life of the securities portfolio was approximately 7.6 years at June 30, 2025, 6.9 years at the preceding quarter end and 7.8 years at the end of the second quarter of 2024. The effective duration of the portfolio was approximately 4.9 years at June 30, 2025, compared to 4.3 years at the preceding quarter end and 4.3 years at the end of the second quarter of 2024.
Investment Securities ($ in thousands)
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2024
Three Month % Change
One Year % Change
Available for Sale at Fair Value
Municipal bonds
$
77,324
$
78,295
$
78,825
-1.2
%
-1.9
%
U.S. government agency issued asset-backed securities (ABS agency)
Net loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased $9.6 million, or 0.6%, to $1.65 billion at June 30, 2025, from $1.64 billion at March 31, 2025, and decreased $30.6 million, or 1.8%, from $1.68 billion one year prior. Construction loans that converted into fully amortizing loans during the quarter totaled $6.0 million. New loan funding totaling $47.2 million and draws on existing loans totaling $23.9 million outpaced loan payoffs of $34.1 million, regular payments of $28.4 million and charge-offs totaling $2.4 million.
Loans ($ in thousands)
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2024
Three Month % Change
One Year % Change
Real Estate:
One-to-four family
$
387,459
$
394,428
$
389,934
-1.8
%
-0.6
%
Multi-family
329,696
338,147
350,076
-2.5
-5.8
Commercial real estate
391,362
387,312
375,511
1.0
4.2
Construction and land
72,538
64,877
107,273
11.8
-32.4
Total real estate loans
1,181,055
1,184,764
1,222,794
-0.3
-3.4
Consumer:
Home equity
84,927
79,151
72,613
7.3
17.0
Auto and other consumer
280,877
273,878
285,623
2.6
-1.7
Total consumer loans
365,804
353,029
358,236
3.6
2.1
Commercial business
117,843
119,783
117,094
-1.6
0.6
Total loans receivable
1,664,702
1,657,576
1,698,124
0.4
-2.0
Less:
Derivative basis adjustment
(860
)
(566
)
1,017
-51.9
-184.6
Allowance for credit losses on loans
18,345
20,569
19,343
-10.8
-5.2
Total loans receivable, net
$
1,647,217
$
1,637,573
$
1,677,764
0.6
-1.8
The Bank invested $9.1 million into a new bank-owned life insurance policy in the second quarter of 2025 to replace a policy surrendered in the preceding quarter. The Bank received the return of the surrendered funds early in the third quarter of 2025.
Total deposits decreased $11.4 million to $1.65 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $1.67 billion at March 31, 2025, and decreased $53.7 million compared to $1.71 billion one year prior. During the second quarter of 2025, total customer deposit balances increased $19.6 million and brokered deposit balances decreased $31.0 million. Overall, the current rate environment continues to contribute to competition for deposits leading to increased volumes and higher rates paid on money market and savings accounts during the current quarter. The deposit mix compared to June 30, 2024, also reflects a shift in volume to money market and customer CD accounts while the volume and rate paid on brokered CDs decreased.
Deposits ($ in thousands)
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2024
Three Month % Change
One Year % Change
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
$
240,051
$
247,890
$
276,543
-3.2
%
-13.2
%
Interest-bearing demand deposits
144,409
169,912
162,201
-15.0
-11.0
Money market accounts
484,787
424,469
423,047
14.2
14.6
Savings accounts
227,968
235,188
224,631
-3.1
1.5
Certificates of deposit, customer
450,494
450,663
398,161
0.0
13.1
Certificates of deposit, brokered
106,927
137,946
223,705
-22.5
-52.2
Total deposits
$
1,654,636
$
1,666,068
$
1,708,288
-0.7
-3.1
Total shareholders’ equity increased to $149.7 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $146.5 million three months earlier, due to net income of $3.7 million and an increase in the after-tax fair market values of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio of $128,000, partially offset by dividends declared of $661,000 and a decrease in the after-tax fair market values of derivatives of $197,000.
Capital levels for both the Company and the Bank remain in excess of applicable regulatory requirements and the Bank was categorized as “well-capitalized” at June 30, 2025. Preliminary calculations of Common Equity Tier 1 and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios at June 30, 2025, were 12.1% and 13.1%, respectively.
First Northwest continued to provide a return on capital to our shareholders through cash dividends during the second quarter of 2025. The Company paid cash dividends totaling $650,000 in the second quarter of 2025. No shares of common stock were repurchased under the Company’s April 2024 Stock Repurchase Plan (the “Repurchase Plan”) during the quarter ended June 30, 2025. There are 846,123 shares that remain available for repurchase under the Repurchase Plan.
2025 Awards/Recognition
Forbes Best-in-State Banks
About the Company First Northwest Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWB) is a financial holding company engaged in investment activities including the business of its subsidiary, First Fed Bank. First Fed is a Pacific Northwest-based financial institution which has served its customers and communities since 1923. Currently First Fed has 17 locations in Washington state including 12 full-service branches. First Fed’s business and operating strategy is focused on building sustainable earnings by delivering a full array of financial products and services for individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations and commercial customers. In 2022, First Northwest made an investment in The Meriwether Group, LLC, a boutique investment banking and accelerator firm. Additionally, First Northwest focuses on strategic partnerships to provide modern financial services such as digital payments and marketplace lending. First Northwest Bancorp was incorporated in 2012 and completed its initial public offering in 2015 under the ticker symbol FNWB. The Company is headquartered in Port Angeles, Washington.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance and execution on certain strategies, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, including our ability to collect, the outcome of litigation and statements regarding our mission and vision, and include, but are not limited to,statements about our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions that are not historical facts, andother statements often identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management beliefs and expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety of factors including, but not limited to: increased competitive pressures; changes in the interest rate environment; the credit risks of lending activities; pressures on liquidity, including as a result of withdrawals of deposits or declines in the value of our investment portfolio; changes in general economic conditions and conditions within the securities markets, including potential recessionary and other unfavorable conditions and trends relating to housing markets, costs of living, unemployment levels, interest rates, supply chain difficulties and inflationary pressures, among other things; legislative, regulatory, and policy changes; legal proceedings regulatory investigations and their resolutions; and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K under the section entitled “Risk Factors,” and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”),which are available on our website at www.ourfirstfed.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this press release and in the other public statements we make may turn out to be incorrect because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf and the Company’s operating and stock price performance may be negatively affected. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for 2025 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect the Company’s operations and stock price performance.
For More Information Contact: Geraldine Bullard, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and EVP Phyllis Nomura, Chief Financial Officer and EVP IRGroup@ourfirstfed.com 360-457-0461
FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
$
18,487
$
18,911
$
16,811
$
17,953
$
19,184
Interest-earning deposits in banks
69,376
51,412
55,637
64,769
63,995
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost at each period end of $336,206, $348,249, $376,265, $341,011 and $344,941)
303,515
315,433
340,344
310,860
306,714
Loans held for sale
1,557
2,940
472
378
1,086
Loans receivable (net of allowance for credit losses on loans at each period end of $18,345, $20,569, $20,449, $21,970, and $19,343)
1,647,217
1,637,573
1,675,186
1,714,416
1,677,764
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, at cost
14,906
13,106
14,435
14,435
13,086
Accrued interest receivable
8,305
8,319
8,159
8,939
9,466
Premises and equipment, net
8,999
9,870
10,129
10,436
10,714
Servicing rights on sold loans, at fair value
3,220
3,301
3,281
3,584
3,740
Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”), net
41,380
31,786
41,150
41,429
41,113
Equity and partnership investments
14,811
15,026
13,229
14,912
15,085
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
1,081
1,082
1,082
1,083
1,084
Deferred tax asset, net
14,266
14,304
13,738
10,802
12,216
Right-of-use (“ROU”) asset, net
15,772
16,687
17,001
17,315
17,627
Prepaid expenses and other assets
32,471
31,680
21,352
24,175
23,088
Total assets
$
2,195,363
$
2,171,430
$
2,232,006
$
2,255,486
$
2,215,962
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits
$
1,654,636
$
1,666,068
$
1,688,026
$
1,711,641
$
1,708,288
Borrowings
344,108
307,091
336,014
334,994
302,575
Accrued interest payable
1,514
2,163
3,295
2,153
3,143
Lease liability, net
16,257
17,266
17,535
17,799
18,054
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
27,790
29,767
31,770
25,625
23,717
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance
1,325
2,583
1,484
2,485
1,304
Total liabilities
2,045,630
2,024,938
2,078,124
2,094,697
2,057,081
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding
—
—
—
—
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding at each period end: 9,444,963; 9,440,618; 9,353,348; 9,365,979; and 9,453,247
94
94
93
94
94
Additional paid-in capital
93,595
93,450
93,357
93,218
93,985
Retained earnings
90,506
87,506
97,198
100,660
103,322
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(28,198
)
(28,129
)
(30,172
)
(26,424
)
(31,597
)
Unearned employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) shares
(6,264
)
(6,429
)
(6,594
)
(6,759
)
(6,923
)
Total shareholders’ equity
149,733
146,492
153,882
160,789
158,881
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
2,195,363
$
2,171,430
$
2,232,006
$
2,255,486
$
2,215,962
FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
For the Quarter Ended
For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
June 30, 2025
June 30, 2024
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and fees on loans receivable
$
22,814
$
22,231
$
23,716
$
23,536
$
23,733
$
45,045
$
46,500
Interest on investment securities
3,466
3,803
3,658
3,786
3,949
7,269
7,581
Interest on deposits in banks
520
482
550
582
571
1,002
1,216
FHLB dividends
331
307
273
302
358
638
640
Total interest income
27,131
26,823
28,197
28,206
28,611
53,954
55,937
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits
9,552
9,737
11,175
10,960
10,180
19,289
20,292
Borrowings
3,386
3,239
2,885
3,226
4,196
6,625
7,482
Total interest expense
12,938
12,976
14,060
14,186
14,376
25,914
27,774
Net interest income
14,193
13,847
14,137
14,020
14,235
28,040
28,163
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
(Recapture of) provision for credit losses on loans
(296
)
7,770
3,760
3,077
8,640
7,474
9,879
(Recapture of) provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments
(64
)
15
(105
)
57
99
(49
)
(170
)
(Recapture of) provision for credit losses
(360
)
7,785
3,655
3,134
8,739
7,425
9,709
Net interest income after (recapture of) provision for credit losses
14,553
6,062
10,482
10,886
5,496
20,615
18,454
NONINTEREST INCOME
Loan and deposit service fees
1,095
1,106
1,054
1,059
1,076
2,201
2,178
Sold loan servicing fees and servicing rights mark-to-market
92
195
(115
)
10
74
287
293
Net gain on sale of loans
44
11
52
58
150
55
202
Net loss on sale of investment securities
—
—
—
—
(2,117
)
—
(2,117
)
Net gain on sale of premises and equipment
—
—
—
—
7,919
—
7,919
Increase in BOLI cash surrender value
485
372
328
315
293
857
536
Income from BOLI death benefit, net
—
1,059
1,536
—
—
1,059
—
Other income (loss)
454
1,034
(1,555
)
337
(48
)
1,488
524
Total noninterest income
2,170
3,777
1,300
1,779
7,347
5,947
9,535
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Compensation and benefits
4,698
7,715
7,367
8,582
8,588
12,413
16,716
Data processing
1,926
2,011
2,065
2,085
2,008
3,937
3,952
Occupancy and equipment
1,507
1,592
1,559
1,553
1,799
3,099
3,039
Supplies, postage, and telephone
346
298
296
360
317
644
610
Regulatory assessments and state taxes
501
479
460
548
457
980
970
Advertising
299
265
362
409
377
564
686
Professional fees
1,449
777
813
698
684
2,226
1,594
FDIC insurance premium
463
434
491
533
473
897
859
Other expense
1,576
6,429
820
1,080
906
8,005
1,486
Total noninterest expense
12,765
20,000
14,233
15,848
15,609
32,765
29,912
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
3,958
(10,161
)
(2,451
)
(3,183
)
(2,766
)
(6,203
)
(1,923
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
297
(1,125
)
359
(1,203
)
(547
)
(828
)
(100
)
Net income (loss)
$
3,661
$
(9,036
)
$
(2,810
)
$
(1,980
)
$
(2,219
)
$
(5,375
)
$
(1,823
)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share
$
0.42
$
(1.03
)
$
(0.32
)
$
(0.23
)
$
(0.25
)
$
(0.61
)
$
(0.21
)
FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Selected Loan Detail
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
Construction and land loans breakout
1-4 Family construction
$
39,040
$
42,371
$
39,319
$
43,125
$
56,514
Multifamily construction
14,728
9,223
15,407
29,109
43,341
Nonresidential construction
12,832
7,229
16,857
17,500
1,015
Land and development
5,938
6,054
6,527
5,975
6,403
Total construction and land loans
$
72,538
$
64,877
$
78,110
$
95,709
$
107,273
Auto and other consumer loans breakout
Triad Manufactured Home loans
$
135,537
$
134,740
$
128,231
$
129,600
$
110,510
Woodside auto loans
127,828
118,972
117,968
126,129
131,151
First Help auto loans
11,221
13,012
14,283
15,971
17,427
Other auto loans
1,016
1,313
1,647
2,064
2,690
Other consumer loans
5,275
5,841
6,747
7,434
23,845
Total auto and other consumer loans
$
280,877
$
273,878
$
268,876
$
281,198
$
285,623
Commercial business loans breakout
Northpointe Bank MPP
$
–
$
–
$
36,230
$
38,155
$
9,150
Secured lines of credit
41,043
39,986
35,701
37,686
28,862
Unsecured lines of credit
2,551
2,030
1,717
1,571
1,133
SBA loans
6,618
6,889
7,044
7,219
7,146
Other commercial business loans
67,631
70,878
70,801
70,696
70,803
Total commercial business loans
$
117,843
$
119,783
$
151,493
$
155,327
$
117,094
Loans by Collateral and Unfunded Commitments
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
One-to-four family construction
$
40,509
$
38,221
$
44,468
$
51,607
$
49,440
All other construction and land
36,129
30,947
34,290
45,166
58,346
One-to-four family first mortgage
420,847
428,081
466,046
469,053
434,840
One-to-four family junior liens
20,116
15,155
15,090
14,701
13,706
One-to-four family revolving open-end
57,502
51,832
51,481
48,459
44,803
Commercial real estate, owner occupied:
Health care
29,091
29,386
29,129
29,407
29,678
Office
19,116
19,363
17,756
17,901
19,215
Warehouse
7,432
9,272
14,948
11,645
14,613
Other
74,364
74,915
78,170
64,535
56,292
Commercial real estate, non-owner occupied:
Office
42,198
41,885
49,417
49,770
50,158
Retail
51,708
50,737
49,591
49,717
50,101
Hospitality
64,308
62,226
61,919
62,282
62,628
Other
93,505
93,549
81,640
82,573
84,428
Multi-family residential
330,784
339,217
333,419
354,118
350,382
Commercial business loans
73,403
75,628
77,381
86,904
79,055
Commercial agriculture and fishing loans
22,443
22,914
21,833
15,369
14,411
State and political subdivision obligations
369
369
369
404
405
Consumer automobile loans
139,992
133,209
133,789
144,036
151,121
Consumer loans secured by other assets
138,378
137,619
131,429
132,749
129,293
Consumer loans unsecured
2,508
3,051
3,658
4,411
5,209
Total loans
$
1,664,702
$
1,657,576
$
1,695,823
$
1,734,807
$
1,698,124
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit or existing loans
$
166,589
$
175,100
$
163,827
$
166,446
$
155,005
FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
Average
Interest
Average
Interest
Balance
Earned/
Yield/
Balance
Earned/
Yield/
Outstanding
Paid
Rate
Outstanding
Paid
Rate
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable, net (1) (2)
$
1,639,236
$
22,814
5.58
%
$
1,698,777
$
23,733
5.62
%
Total investment securities
311,078
3,466
4.47
316,878
3,949
5.01
FHLB dividends
13,313
331
9.97
15,175
358
9.49
Interest-earning deposits in banks
46,807
520
4.46
41,450
571
5.54
Total interest-earning assets (3)
2,010,434
27,131
5.41
2,072,280
28,611
5.55
Noninterest-earning assets
154,145
147,090
Total average assets
$
2,164,579
$
2,219,370
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits
$
164,475
$
240
0.59
$
165,212
$
193
0.47
Money market accounts
444,135
2,660
2.40
405,393
2,420
2.40
Savings accounts
228,901
884
1.55
227,650
915
1.62
Certificates of deposit, customer
451,712
4,396
3.90
400,197
4,079
4.10
Certificates of deposit, brokered
124,383
1,372
4.42
209,566
2,573
4.94
Total interest-bearing deposits (4)
1,413,606
9,552
2.71
1,408,018
10,180
2.91
Advances
275,176
3,041
4.43
315,375
3,801
4.85
Subordinated debt
34,600
345
4.00
39,465
395
4.03
Total interest-bearing liabilities
1,723,382
12,938
3.01
1,762,858
14,376
3.28
Noninterest-bearing deposits (4)
243,655
251,442
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
50,685
41,991
Total average liabilities
2,017,722
2,056,291
Average equity
146,857
163,079
Total average liabilities and equity
$
2,164,579
$
2,219,370
Net interest income
$
14,193
$
14,235
Net interest rate spread
2.40
2.27
Net earning assets
$
287,052
$
309,422
Net interest margin (5)
2.83
2.76
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
116.7
%
117.6
%
(1)
The average loans receivable, net balances include nonaccrual loans.
(2)
Interest earned on loans receivable includes net deferred (costs) fees of ($148,000) and $34,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
(3)
Includes interest-earning deposits (cash) at other financial institutions.
(4)
Cost of all deposits, including noninterest-bearing demand deposits, was 2.31% and 2.47% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
(5)
Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Non-GAAP Financial Measures This press release contains financial measures that are not in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP measures are presented where management believes the information will help investors understand the Company’s results of operations or financial position and assess trends. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure is also provided. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Other banking companies may use names similar to those the Company uses for the non-GAAP financial measures the Company discloses, but may calculate them differently. Investors should understand how the Company and other companies each calculate their non-GAAP financial measures when making comparisons. Reconciliations of the GAAP and non-GAAP measures are presented below.
Calculations Based on PPNR and Adjusted PPNR:
For the Quarter Ended
For the Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
June 30, 2025
June 30, 2024
Net income (loss) (GAAP)
$
3,661
$
(9,036
)
$
(2,810
)
$
(1,980
)
$
(2,219
)
$
(5,375
)
$
(1,823
)
Plus: (recapture of) provision for credit losses (GAAP)
(360
)
7,785
3,655
3,134
8,739
7,425
9,709
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (GAAP)
297
(1,125
)
359
(1,203
)
(547
)
(828
)
(100
)
PPNR (Non-GAAP) (1)
3,598
(2,376
)
1,204
(49
)
5,973
1,222
7,786
Less selected nonrecurring adjustments to PPNR (Non-GAAP):
Employee retention credit (“ERC”) included in compensation and benefits
2,640
—
—
—
—
2,640
—
ERC consulting expense included in professional fees
(528
)
—
—
—
—
(528
)
—
Costs associated with early termination of Bellevue Business Center lease included in other expense
(599
)
—
—
—
—
(599
)
—
Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) death benefit
—
1,059
1,536
—
—
1,059
—
Gain on extinguishment of subordinated debt included in other income
—
846
—
—
—
846
—
Legal reserve
—
(5,750
)
—
—
—
(5,750
)
—
Equity investment repricing adjustment
—
—
(1,762
)
—
—
—
651
One-time compensation payouts related to reduction in force
—
—
—
(996
)
—
—
—
Net gain on sale of premises and equipment
—
—
—
—
7,919
—
7,919
Sale leaseback taxes and assessments included in occupancy and equipment
—
—
—
—
(359
)
—
(359
)
Net loss on sale of investment securities
—
—
—
—
(2,117
)
—
(2,117
)
Adjusted PPNR (Non-GAAP) (1)
$
2,085
$
1,469
$
1,430
$
947
$
530
$
3,554
$
1,692
Average total assets (GAAP)
$
2,164,579
$
2,174,748
$
2,205,502
$
2,209,333
$
2,219,370
$
2,169,621
$
2,192,779
GAAP Ratio:
Return on average assets (GAAP)
0.68
%
-1.69
%
-0.51
%
-0.36
%
-0.40
%
-0.50
%
-0.17
%
Non-GAAP Ratios:
PPNR return on average assets (Non-GAAP) (1)
0.67
%
-0.44
%
0.22
%
-0.01
%
1.08
%
0.11
%
0.71
%
Adjusted PPNR return on average assets (Non-GAAP) (1)
0.39
%
0.27
%
0.26
%
0.17
%
0.10
%
0.33
%
0.16
%
(1)
PPNR removes the provisions for credit loss and income tax from net income. This removes potentially volatile estimates, providing a comparative amount limited to income and expense recorded during the period. Adjusted PPNR further removes large nonrecurring transactions recorded during the period. We believe these metrics provide comparative amounts for a better review of recurring net revenue.
FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Calculations Based on Tangible Common Equity:
For the Quarter Ended
For the Six Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
June 30, 2025
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
September 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
June 30, 2025
June 30, 2024
Total shareholders’ equity
$
149,733
$
146,492
$
153,882
$
160,789
$
158,881
$
149,733
$
158,881
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets
1,081
1,082
1,082
1,083
1,084
1,081
1,084
Disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights
372
415
423
489
517
372
517
Total tangible common equity
$
148,280
$
144,995
$
152,377
$
159,217
$
157,280
$
148,280
$
157,280
Total assets
$
2,195,363
$
2,171,430
$
2,232,006
$
2,255,486
$
2,215,962
$
2,195,363
$
2,215,962
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets
1,081
1,082
1,082
1,083
1,084
1,081
1,084
Disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights
372
415
423
489
517
372
517
Total tangible assets
$
2,193,910
$
2,169,933
$
2,230,501
$
2,253,914
$
2,214,361
$
2,193,910
$
2,214,361
Average shareholders’ equity
$
146,857
$
156,470
$
161,560
$
160,479
$
163,079
$
151,620
$
162,473
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets
1,081
1,082
1,083
1,084
1,085
1,082
1,085
Average disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights
415
423
489
517
489
419
485
Total average tangible common equity
$
145,361
$
154,965
$
159,988
$
158,878
$
161,505
$
150,119
$
160,903
Net income (loss)
$
3,661
$
(9,036
)
$
(2,810
)
$
(1,980
)
$
(2,219
)
$
(5,375
)
$
(1,823
)
Common shares outstanding
9,444,963
9,440,618
9,353,348
9,365,979
9,453,247
9,444,963
9,453,247
GAAP Ratios:
Equity to total assets
6.82
%
6.75
%
6.89
%
7.13
%
7.17
%
6.82
%
7.17
%
Return on average equity
10.00
%
-23.42
%
-6.92
%
-4.91
%
-5.47
%
-7.15
%
-2.26
%
Book value per common share
$
15.85
$
15.52
$
16.45
$
17.17
$
16.81
$
15.85
$
16.81
Non-GAAP Ratios:
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)
6.76
%
6.68
%
6.83
%
7.06
%
7.10
%
6.76
%
7.10
%
Return on average tangible common equity (1)
10.10
%
-23.65
%
-6.99
%
-4.96
%
-5.53
%
-7.22
%
-2.28
%
Tangible book value per common share (1)
$
15.70
$
15.36
$
16.29
$
17.00
$
16.64
$
15.70
$
16.64
(1
)
We believe that the use of tangible equity and tangible assets improves the comparability to other institutions that have not engaged in acquisitions that resulted in recorded goodwill and other intangibles.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
India and the United Kingdom have inked a landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. The deal is expected to bring substantial benefits across various segments of Indian society.
By promoting greater market access, technology exchange and investment flows, the agreement would create inclusive and sustainable growth opportunities.
The CETA document outlines targeted advantages for farmers, fisherfolk, tribal communities, informal and formal workers, women entrepreneurs, youth, MSMEs and professionals.
It emphasizes trade facilitation, skill development, value chain integration and enhanced mobility. CETA would act as a vehicle for equitable growth, rural upliftment and greater global integration of India’s diverse economic stakeholders.
Indian farming communities stand to gain from easier access to the UK market and more opportunities to sell their produce due to tariff elimination.
Among other concessions, the UK will liberalise access, effective from the date of implementation, for a range of Indian agricultural and food products, including meats, dairy, tea, coffee, spices, fruits, vegetables, fruit juices, and processed foods. By unlocking preferential access to the UK’s USD 63.4 billion agricultural market, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) gives Indian farmers a direct route to a high-value global customer base and achieve better returns for their goods.
The CETA agreement takes fully into account the interests of Indian producers of sensitive agricultural products like dairy products, vegetables, apples, edible oils, oats, etc. by keeping those tariff lines under a sensitive list.
The agricultural sector also benefits from the non-application of safeguard duties on Indian exports. Farmers will also benefit from commitments taken under the CETA to acknowledge traditional knowledge, especially in the patent process for genetic resources.
The immediate removal of duties on Indian products from labour-intensive sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles, leather and footwear, and food processing will not only boost employment but also directly benefit Indian workers in these industries.
The CETA marks a significant step forward in advancing opportunities for women and youth across both nations. It includes progressive provisions designed to break down barriers and promote greater participation in international trade, digital innovation, and government procurement for women, youth, and under-represented groups.
By fostering cooperation on gender-responsive standards, sharing best practices in financial services, and improving digital inclusion, the CETA ensures that women business owners, entrepreneurs, and young professionals can access new markets, acquire valuable information, and participate equitably in global, regional, and domestic economies.
India’s youth, aged 15 to 29 and comprising approximately 27.3% of the population, are at the forefront of the country’s social and economic transformation. The CETA is poised to expand high-quality employment pathways for Indian youth by easing services market access, securing mutual recognition of professional qualifications and facilitating short-term mobility for talent in IT, healthcare, finance, and creative sectors.
Lower tariffs on inputs and advanced manufacturing equipment can spur MSME supply-chain integration, creating skilled vocational jobs beyond metros. By fostering access to global value chains and enhancing competitiveness, CETA will empower Indian youth with essential skills and pathways to participate in international markets and future growth.
SMEs are a vital part of India’s economy, contributing around 30.1% of India’s GDP in 2022-23 and 45.8% in India’s total export in 2024-25.
SMEs benefit from various provisions of the CETA, including through provisions on faster processing at customs, agreements to recognise and facilitate digital systems and paperless trade, and a dedicated chapter to help SMEs. A contact point for SMEs will be established under the ambit of the CETA, facilitating communication and coordination benefiting SMEs.
Indian businesses will gain a lot from this CETA. Other than lower tariffs and market access for Indian goods and services, the CETA offers ease of doing business with the UK through simplified and streamlined customs and trade facilitation processes from established systems like a Single Window and Authorised Economic Operator.
Non-discriminatory treatment to Indian businesses and exporters when it comes to goods, services and government procurement, benefits Indian businesses in the UK market.
Qualified professionals such as architects, engineers and medical professionals will be able to take advantage of the enhanced market access under the CETA and provide services in the UK. This is expected to create direct and indirect jobs through the expansion of service sectors.
CETA also provides professionals with better mobility access to the UK. Independent professionals providing services such as R&D and computer services will be able to take advantage of these mobility commitments and provide their services in the UK. This will directly lead to job creation and better opportunities for a wide range of professionals, thereby increasing the quality of life.
The CETA ensures comprehensive market access for goods across most sectors, fully addressing India’s export interests. India stands to benefit from the duty elimination of tariffs on approximately 99% of tariff lines, covering nearly 100% of the trade value.
This opens up significant opportunities to boost bilateral trade between India and the UK.
In key labor-intensive sectors, duties have been reduced to zero from previously high levels- up to 20% on marine products, 12% on textiles and clothing, 8% on chemicals, and 10% on base metals. Notably, in the processed food sector, tariffs on 99.7% of lines have been slashed from as high as 70% to zero, offering a major boost for Indian exporters.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the United Kingdom is poised to significantly enhance the competitiveness of India’s fishery and aquaculture sector, which accounts for 7.96% of global fish production and supports the livelihoods of approximately 28 million individuals.
By eliminating tariffs and providing preferential access to the USD 3 billion fisheries market of the UK, the CETA directly benefits Indian seafood exporters, particularly those supplying high-demand products such as shrimp and other seafood.
The enhanced market access is set to boost exports, which will directly benefit Indian fishermen of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
Overall, the CETA will not only strengthen India’s fisheries exports but also contribute to the welfare and livelihoods of fishermen, promote coastal economic development, and enhance the competitiveness of the Indian fisheries sector on the global stage. Through this agreement, India strengthens not only its seafood exports but also its commitment to inclusive and equitable trade.
DICKINSON, Texas, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SALTGATOR Tech Inc., an Dickinson-based startup dedicated to accessible fabrication tools, is proud to announce the launch of its Kickstarter campaign for the SALTGATOR — the world’s first desktop soft-gel injection molding machine. Compact, safe, and remarkably versatile, SALTGATOR puts industrial-grade molding capabilities into the hands of everyday creators.
Designed for desktops, workshops, or classrooms, the SALTGATOR measures just 13×6×5.5 inches and supports precise heating up to 410°F (210°C). Fully enclosed and insulated, it safely processes up to 4 fl oz of softgel material, enabling users to create custom items like dual-tone fishing lures, silicone grips, cosplay props, keyboard caps, and squishy toys — all within minutes.
“We believe manufacturing tools belong on every creator’s desk,” said a SALTGATOR spokesperson. “Our goal is to empower the next generation of inventors with professional molding capabilities — without the cost, complexity, or hazards of traditional industrial equipment.”
Key Benefits: – Compact and Powerful – Industrial-level injection molding in a desktop-sized device – Multi-Material Support – Compatible with thermoplastic elastomers and 3D-printed molds (PLA, PETG, resin) – Eco-Friendly & Reusable – Remelt and reuse materials to reduce waste and cost – No Hidden Costs – No subscriptions, no proprietary cartridges — just refill and go – Beginner-Friendly Interface – Simple control panel, auto shut-off, and fume-free operation for total peace of mind
KickstarterDetails The SALTGATOR Kickstarter campaign offers early-bird specials starting at $249, a full $150 discount from the projected $399 retail price. Reward tiers include starter mold sets, custom color options, and extended warranties. Shipping is expected 1 months after campaign completion.
Backers can explore hands-on video demos, real-world use cases, and expert reviews on the campaign page, showcasing how SALTGATOR bridges the gap between creative ideas and real, tangible products. Whether you’re an educator, DIY enthusiast, or small-batch producer, SALTGATOR makes desktop-scale molding more approachable than ever before.
“As more creators demand agile, on-demand fabrication solutions, SALTGATOR brings those capabilities home,” added the spokesperson. “We’re here to unlock creativity with tools that are powerful, safe, and surprisingly fun to use.”
About SALTGATOR Tech Inc. Founded in 2025 in Dickinson, Texas, SALTGATOR Tech Inc. develops compact, efficient, and user-friendly fabrication tools for innovators of all levels. With a focus on safety, simplicity, and creativity, SALTGATOR’s mission is to make advanced production technologies — like soft-gel injection molding — accessible to makers, educators, and entrepreneurs around the world.
For media inquiries and sample requests: SALTGATOR Tech Inc. Press Office
Disclaimer: This content is provided by SALTGATOR Tech Inc.. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information shared in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment, financial, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment or trading decisions. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
Children get a close look at some of the bugs living in the wetlands at Oxford Island
They may be small in stature, but the fascinating array of insects and bugs at Oxford Island proved to be hugely popular at the ‘Minibeast Morning’ held last week.
Expertly guided by the Education Team from the Biodiversity Service at ABC Council, children aged between five and ten-years-old were taken on a wonderful adventure into the secret world of bugs which live in the woodlands and wetlands at Oxford Island.
The event proved a major success, with the children getting a close-up look at the various species which are so crucial to the ecology of our environment.
In the woodlands, they were able to uncover a range of bugs including the amazing ‘Devils Coach Horse’ beetle, as well as wood lice, spiders, slugs and some ladybirds.
Over at the ponds surrounding the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, the children used nets to take samples of the various little animals living there. They were able to find pond skaters, dragonfly nymphs, baby newts, pond snails, small fish and water lice, while several stunning damselflies flitted from reed to reed.
The Minibeast Morning was part of the busy programme of summer events being held at Oxford Island which also includes bird watching and nature exploring.
Educational events and activities for both children and adults are held at Oxford Island throughout the year, offering a unique window into the natural environment and wildlife along the shores of Lough Neagh. To find out more, please visit – www.getactiveabc.com/ oxfordisland/ or visit the Oxford Island Facebook page.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Hassan Elliott, aka “Haz,” 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez to 900 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $2,500 for the fatal shootings of Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, Kaseem Rogers, Tyrone Tyree, and Dontae Walker, and numerous other crimes arising from the defendant’s membership in a violent drug trafficking organization known by several names, including “SG1700” and “L-Block,” which operated in the Frankford section of Northeast Philadelphia.
Elliott, along with Khalif Sears, aka “Leaf” and “Lil Leaf,” 23, Kelvin Jimenez, aka “Nip,” 34, and Dominique Parker, aka “Dom,” 34, all of Philadelphia, were charged in March 2023 by superseding indictment with conspiracy to engage in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO), violent crimes in aid of racketeering, to include murder, stemming from the killings of victims Rogers, Walker, Tyree, and Sergeant O’Connor, and numerous related offenses.
Elliott and Sears pleaded guilty this January to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, causing the death of Sergeant O’Connor by firearm, and multiple drug, gun, and violent offenses.
Jimenez and Parker were convicted at trial in March of all charges against them, including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug-involved premises, assaults in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and related crimes. Jimenez was also convicted of the murder of Kaseem Rogers, and Parker of the murder of Dontae Walker.
On March 13, 2020, Elliott, Sears, and others previously indicted were inside a stash house on the 1600 block of Bridge Street, when Sergeant O’Connor and other members of the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team arrived with an arrest warrant for Elliott for the March 2019 murder of Tyrone Tyree. As Sergeant O’Connor and his fellow officers ascended the staircase to the second floor of the residence and repeatedly announced their presence, Elliott fired a semiautomatic assault rifle 16 times, striking and killing Sergeant O’Connor.
Sears, Parker, and Jimenez will be sentenced at a later date.
“Hassan Elliott murdered a police officer who was protecting and serving his community,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Unfortunately, Philadelphia Police Department Sergeant James O’Connor is only one of many victims of SG1700’s rampage of violence. The punishment Mr. Elliott received today is justice for these outrageous crimes, and our efforts — past, present, and future — to prosecute anyone who harms law enforcement will forever honor the sacrifice of Sergeant O’Connor.”
“Hassan Elliott is now facing justice for the murder of Sergeant O’Connor and his other victims,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division. “Criminal gang members can’t hide from the mayhem they inflict, especially when their violence turns against the law enforcement officers who protect our communities. Thanks to the diligent and meticulous work in partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Elliott and those who enabled him are being held accountable for these heinous crimes.”
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Martin, Christopher Diviny, and Lauren Stram.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Holidaymakers heading to Europe urged to help protect British farmers by not bringing back meat and dairy products
Call for holidaymakers to follow rules introduced to help protect farmers from Foot and Mouth
UK holidaymakers heading to Europe this summer are being urged to help protect British farmers from Foot and Mouth disease by not bringing back meat and dairy products
Europe has seen a wave of cases impacting Hungary, Austria and Germany, and the UK Chief Vet is today (July 24th) urging the British public to comply with the rules, so we avoid a devastating outbreak like the one that was experienced in 2001.
Foot and Mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that can, in some cases, kill cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. It can be carried in animal products – including meat, dairy products and some processed food. The virus can remain viable for months and can rapidly spread through contaminated objects and the movement of people.
It is illegal for travellers entering GB to bring with them untreated meat or dairy products including lamb, pork, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all other products made from these meats or containing them – such as sandwiches and sausages – from the EU, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty free.
This includes products such as cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, pâté, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches containing any of the banned meats.
These strict rules were introduced due to the toll Foot and Mouth can have on the farming industry . An outbreak could result in the culling of large numbers of the country’s livestock and cost the UK economy billions of pounds in production shortfalls, lost trade and disease control. The outbreak in GB in 2001 is estimated to have cost £15 billion (in current prices) in disease control costs alone.
Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman, said:
Maintaining the integrity of our biosecurity against Foot and Mouth Disease is essential, and this updated control strategy reflects our strengthened approach to managing that risk. It reflects our clear determination to safeguard our borders.
We are asking the public to take this seriously. Do not bring prohibited animal or plant products into the country—doing so puts farmers livelihoods at risk.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:
Foot and Mouth disease has been recently circulating on the continent. The disease presents a significant risk to Britain’s food security and economy.
This highly contagious disease causes considerable suffering to livestock and has a devastating economic and personal impact on farmers, who lose their prized animals. I know it is disappointing not to be able to bring back produce from your holidays, but please avoid temptation – you will be doing your bit to help protect our hard-working farmers.
To further strengthen the country’s response to foot and mouth disease, the Government has today updated the Foot and Mouth Control Strategy for GB which will support the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to an outbreak, protecting the livestock industry and rural economy. This is the first update in over a decade. This comes ahead of an exercise later this year to test Government preparedness. The updated framework provides information to help farmers protect their business and outlines how government will respond effectively to outbreaks.
Last month, the Government announced £1bn funding for a new investment programme to build a new National Biosecurity Centre – a cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey that will serve as the UKs foremost animal biosecurity facility. This will better protect the public and farmers from animal disease by enhancing the country’s detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases, such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, and African swine fever, and enhance our ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks.
Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:
Travellers are currently banned from bringing all dairy products and some meats from the European Union (EU) into GB. These restrictions aim to prevent the introduction of FMD and other harmful animal diseases such as ASF, PPR and LSD.
It is illegal for travellers entering GB (not Northern Ireland) to bring with them lamb, pork, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all other products made from these meats or containing them – such as sandwiches and sausages – from the EU, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty free.
This includes products such as cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, pâté, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches containing any of the banned meats.
The current restrictions were introduced in April in response to rising cases of FMD in Europe, and to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security. Restrictions on travellers bringing back certain meat and dairy products were already in place to curb the spread of ASF and PPR in Europe.
Travellers are also banned from bringing any meat, meat products, milk or milk-based products into GB from countries outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
Border Force will check for prohibited goods as part of customs checks. Travellers found with prohibited items must surrender them at the border or have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with such may be fined up to £5,000 in England or prosecuted across GB.
The government continues to work closely with ports, airports and travel operators to raise awareness of the ban, including via prominent signage.
The measures will stay in place until the personal import of affected products no longer poses a significant biosecurity risk to GB.
The restrictions do not apply to travellers arriving into GB from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
The measures apply only to personal imports, e.g. goods that travellers bring back with them from holiday. Commercial food imports must undergo other biosecurity requirements, including heat treatments and accompanying export health certificates signed by official veterinarians to mitigate the risk of diseases, such as FMD, ASF, PPR and LSD.
The initiative aims to protect areas recognized as World Natural Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves through the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF).
UNESCO is intensifying its efforts in Brazil to protect areas recognized as World Natural Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves in response to the rise in extreme wildfires driven by climate change. Through the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), the organization is leading a strategic initiative to bolster fire resilience in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso and in Goiás.
A total of 60 volunteers were trained through this project: 30 in the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park (MT), 15 in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (GO), and 15 in Emas National Park (GO). Around 800 pieces of equipment were distributed, including firefighting tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Additionally, an action plan is being developed to guide volunteer firefighters, based on Integrated Fire Management (IFM) and UNESCO’s Fire Risk Management Guide.
“The project funded by the Heritage Emergency Fund makes a significant contribution to local communities by recognizing and strengthening their vital role in fire prevention and control”
Interinstitutional initiative in the Pantanal
From 22 to 25 April 2025, the Serra do Amolar — a remote and hard-to-reach region between Corumbá (MS) and Cáceres (MT), on the border with Bolivia — hosted a community brigade training supported by UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund. The activity took place in the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, in collaboration with WWF-Brazil, GEF Terrestrial (Funbio), Ibama (PrevFogo), Ecoa (Ecology and Action), and the Brazilian Navy.
Three brigades, made up of 30 Pantanal residents — including 14 women — took part in the training. Over three intensive days of technical and practical lessons, participants learned fire prevention and control techniques from specialists.
In addition to traditional methods — such as the use of specific tools, fire front control, heat mapping, and surveillance — the training incorporated agroforestry practices adapted to the Pantanal context. “One innovation was the management of slash-and-burn plots and backyard gardens. These areas, besides being vital for local subsistence, serve as ecological corridors that can protect wildlife during fires”, explains André Luiz Siqueira, Director of Ecoa.
Another innovation was the introduction of the Sigma tool, a software developed by SOS Pantanal, which sends real-time fire alerts to mobile phones. Using satellite imagery and data such as wind direction and temperature, the technology is accessible even to those with limited formal education.
Support from the Brazilian Navy enabled the logistics for participants and specialists, including transport via small boats, 950 liters of petrol, and 870 kilograms of food. Accommodation was provided by staff from the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).
Geographical and climatic challenges in firefighting
Corumbá, covering over 64,000 km², is the 11th largest municipality in Brazil. The rugged terrain of the Serra do Amolar and limited access via rivers or air pose logistical challenges for firefighting. The presence of peat — organic matter accumulated in wetlands — creates highly flammable biomass during the dry season, making fires frequent and intense.
The region encompassing the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside three Private Natural Heritage Reserves, and is also recognized as a Ramsar Site — an international designation for wetlands of high ecological importance.
“The Pantanal harbors great biodiversity and is vital for fish reproduction (ichthyofauna). This region is essential for traditional peoples, sustainable tourism, and the conservation of species such as the jaguar, giant otter, and giant anteater”
In 2024, the Pantanal experienced one of the worst wildfire seasons on record. According to the Laboratory for Environmental Satellite Applications (Lasa/UFRJ), around 2.6 million hectares — 17% of the biome — were consumed by fire. This was the second-highest figure since the historical series began in 2012, surpassed only by 2020, when 3.6 million hectares were devastated.
“The drought pattern has changed. Although climate change is intensifying, those combating the fires are now better organized. We have more brigade members, resources, support from the National Security Force, the Armed Forces, and a more structured state response,” says Márcio Yule, coordinator of PrevFogo/Ibama in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Extreme drought — worsened by the El Niño phenomenon — combined with improper fire use, high temperatures, and low humidity, has increased vegetation vulnerability and impacted biodiversity and traditional community livelihoods.
I’ve been a brigade member since 2001, and the training helps us in many ways. Having the right equipment, rather than just our bare hands, makes all the difference. As traditional people, we have knowledge of fire management and know the land. When firefighters arrive, they need to talk to the community to understand what’s happening here. This combination of our knowledge, training, and equipment allows us to care for the land and the Pantanal.
She is a quilombola and indigenous woman from the Guató people, living in the Barra de São Lourenço community — on the banks of the Cuiabá River near the Paraguay River, on the border between Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso, and the frontier with Bolivia.
Silas Ismael
Despite the increasingly challenging climate scenario, the combination of community mobilization, traditional knowledge, and technology has proven effective in mitigating damage. “The formation of civil brigades is more than a fire response plan — it is a territorial adaptation strategy that supports autonomy and resilience in the Pantanal,” says Osvaldo Barassi Gajardo, Conservation Specialist at WWF-Brazil.
With each new training session, more than just skills are developed — a living protection network is built, where nature, science, and community walk hand in hand. Brigade member Eliane has a dream for the world’s largest wetland. “We care for nature, and nature cares for us. My dream is a green Pantanal full of animals”.
Rosi do Céu, rooted in the Cerrado
Since childhood, 47-year-old Rosilene Rodrigues da Silva Santos has guided people through the beauties and unique features of the Cerrado biome in Chapadão do Céu, Goiás, Brazil.
“I grew up in this region. When visitors came to our house looking for tours, my parents would ask me to show them the trails, explain the routes, and teach them how to reach Emas National Park”. Today, Rosi works as a guide at the park during weekend and holidays, volunteers as a firefighter, and has served as a primary school teacher for the past 28 years. Currently, she teaches first grade at a municipal school in Chapadão do Céu from Monday to Friday.
In 2010, a massive wildfire devastated approximately 90% of the 132,000 hectares of Emas National Park and the surrounding region. “That was my first time volunteering. The fire lasted several days, and the entire community helped. We brought clothes, supplies, and food for those battling the flames. It was my first experience with fire”.
In her view, “nature still hasn’t fully recovered” from that fire. “The animals didn’t all return, there are far fewer now. But the Cerrado is life. It regenerates. The trees are twisted, with thick bark and deep roots. It’s on purpose. When fire comes, it doesn’t consume the forest floor. The Cerrado survives, it’s resilient,” she explains.
In April, Rosi participated in a fire brigade training coordinated by UNESCO, with support from the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), and with WWF-Brazil. Trainings were held at three sites: Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (GO), Emas National Park (GO), and Pantanal Matogrossense National Park (MT) – addressing conservation efforts across the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes.
The training was excellent. Now we’re better prepared to manage the park during the dry season, following the management plan. And if emergencies arise, we know how to fight fires strategically, safely, and effectively.
But if you ask Rosi do Céu (Rosi of the Sky) what she loves most, the answer is nature and wildlife. “Some people admire celebrities. I admire those who love nature. I love the wilderness and care for animals”.
Rosi also makes handcrafted items from bamboo and wood, and rescues snakes and wild animals when needed. “Just send me a message on WhatsApp. If there’s an opossum or any creature, people say, Call Rosi, she’ll take care of it.” In 2018, she rescued a tapir and named her Preciosa (Precious). “Every time I go to Emas National Park, near where she stays, I call her name, she comes and eats from my hand. It’s love,” says the firefighter, guide, teacher, artisan, and animal caregiver.
Eliane: ancestral wisdom
Eliane Aires de Souza, 58 years, carries in her eyes and hands the wisdom born of deep interaction with nature and ancestral knowledge. A Pantanal native, she lives in the community of Barra de São Lourenço (MT), shaped by the waters and the vibrant life that surrounds her. She is an Indigenous woman of the Guató people, with quilombola ancestry, and works the land with knowledge and care as an agroforestry practitioner. Since 2001, she has served as a civilian firefighter, confronting the wildfires that each year are increasingly threatening the Pantanal.
Silas Ismael
This is our way of life. The Pantanal is our home. Having proper training and equipment helps us take care of it and protect our collective house.
Eliane is a mother, grandmother, and president of the Renascer Women’s Association, created to strengthen the dreams and autonomy of the women in her community. In her words, she highlights the daily challenges of keeping culture alive and staying connected to the land. “Here, we live off fishing, bait, and handicrafts”.
Eliane feels the effects of climate change and the abandonment of the rivers. She speaks with sadness of the Rio Velho, which no longer flows as it once did. “It’s like a clogged vein in the body. If we don’t take care of the river, the whole body falls ill”. For her, protecting nature means protecting herself, her family, her community, and the future. “That tree behind you is like a vein, it gives life to other lives”.
In her daily life, Eliane cultivates an agroforestry system at home. She nurtures and protects the land. “That’s what agroforestry is: we care for it, and it cares for us”. Drawing on ancestral wisdom, she explains the importance of nourishing the soil, preserving humidity, and ensuring shade, life, and food. She grows bananas, cassava, lemons, and oranges, and dreams of more. She envisions a seedling nursery and a green corridor that reconnects fragmented forest areas, providing food for animals and nourishing hope.
“If we keep waiting, the soil will die. And with it, our way of life”. She refuses to depend on the city for basic needs. “It’s the dream that keeps us going”.
And perhaps it is that persistent force of dreaming, that way of resisting with hands in the soil, body in the canoe, and soul in the crafts, that keeps the Pantanal alive. As long as there are Elianes and Rosis, there will be hope for rebirth.
About the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund
This activity was supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF). We express our gratitude to its donors: the Principality of Andorra, the Qatar Fund for Development, Canada, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the French Republic, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Monaco, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Poland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Republic of Serbia, and ANA Holdings INC.
The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), Hon. Veronica Nduva, concluded a three-day official visit to the Republic of Uganda, marked by high-level engagements aimed at strengthening regional integration and enhancing cooperation.
During the visit, the Secretary General, paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House in Entebbe. The two discussed key regional integration priorities, including the need for deeper cooperation among EAC Partner States.
President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the EAC integration agenda and emphasised the importance of intra-regional trade and shared infrastructure in achieving economic prosperity across the bloc.
At a different occasion, the Secretary General officiated the closing ceremony of the EAC Capacity Building Program for Women and Youth in Fisheries, a regional initiative designed to empower women and youth with skills, knowledge, and resources to participate more effectively in the fisheries value-chain. The event highlighted the EAC’s commitment to inclusive economic development, particularly in supporting marginalised groups through sustainable fisheries.
“This program is a demonstration of our resolve to empower women and youth, who form the backbone of our region’s socio-economic development. Investing in them means investing in the future of our communities,” Hon. Nduva remarked during the ceremony.
During the visit, the Secretary General also visited the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) headquarters in Jinja, Uganda. She was briefed on ongoing projects aimed at supporting sustainable fisheries management, research, and cross-border collaboration in Lake Victoria.
Hon. Nduva emphasized the importance of science-based policy development, environmental sustainability, and the role of LVFO in driving the EAC’s Blue Economy strategy.
“The LVFO remains a critical institution for sustainable fisheries management in the region. It is imperative that we continue to support its work to ensure food security, livelihoods, and ecosystem preservation,” Hon. Nduva said, underscoring the EAC’s commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries and environmental conservation in the Lake Victoria Basin.
The Secretary General’s visit to the Republic of Uganda served to reaffirm the EAC Secretariat’s support for Partner States in their efforts to realise the goals of the EAC Treaty, particularly in the areas of economic development, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).
Yarramalong Weir is one of many barriers to the passage of fish in the Murray-Darling Basin.Geoff Reid, One Basin CRC
A report card into the A$13 billion Murray–Darling Basin Plan has found much work is needed to ensure the ecology of Australia’s largest river system is properly restored.
The assessment, by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, is the most comprehensive to date.
The authority says the river system is doing better now than it would have without the plan, which aims to ensure sustainable water use for the environment, communities and industries. But it found there is more to be done.
We are water, economics and environmental researchers with many years of experience working in the Murray-Darling Basin. We agree more work is needed, but with a more local focus, to restore the basin to health.
This requires more than just more water for the environment. Coordinated local efforts to restore rivers and the surrounding land are desperately needed. There’s so much more to the river system than just the water it contains.
Preparing for the 2026 Basin Plan Review (Murray–Darling Basin Authority)
What’s the plan?
The Murray-Darling Basin is Australia’s food bowl. But for too long, the health of environment was in decline – rivers were sick and wildlife was suffering. The river stopped flowing naturally to the sea because too much water was being taken from it.
Poor land management has also degraded the river system over time. Floodplain vegetation has been damaged, the river channel has been re-engineered, and pest plants and animals have been introduced.
The Murray-Darling Basin Plan was established in 2012. It aimed to recover water for the environment and safeguard the long-term health of the river system, while continuing to support productive agriculture and communities. It demanded more water for the environment and then described how this water would be delivered, in the form of targeted “environmental flows”.
Since 2012, the allocation of water to various uses has gradually changed. So far, 2,069 billion litres (gigalitres) of surface water has been recovered for the environment. Combined with other earlier water recovery, a total of about 28% of water previously diverted for agriculture, towns and industry is now being used by the environment instead.
A mixed report card
The evaluation released today is the first step towards a complete review of the plan next year. The 2026 review will make recommendations to Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt. It will then be up to him to decide whether any changes are needed.
It is a mixed report card. Ecological decline has been successfully halted at many sites. But sustained restoration of ecosystems across the basin is yet to be achieved, and native fish populations are in poor condition across 19 of the basin’s 23 catchments.
Climate change is putting increasing pressure on water resources. More intense and frequent extreme climate events and an average 20–30% less streamflow (up to 50% in some rivers) are expected by mid-century.
The evaluation also called for better policy and program design. Specifically, flexible programs have proven more effective than prescriptive, highly regulated programs.
Finally, the report also highlights that the cost of water reform is increasing.
Direct buybacks of water licences, mostly from irrigators, account for around two-thirds of the water recovered for the environment under the basin plan. Buybacks are the simplest and most cost-effective way to recover water but are controversial because of concerns about social and economic impacts.
Much of the remaining water has been recovered through investment in more efficient water supply infrastructure, with water savings reserved for environmental use.
The authority suggests different approaches will be needed for additional water recovery.
Having plenty of native vegetation on river banks is important for river health. Geoff Reid, One Basin CRC
Healthy rivers need more than water
For the past two decades, measures to restore the Murray-Darling Basin have focused largely on water recovery. But research suggests attention now needs to be paid to other, more local actions.
In March, one author of this article – Samantha Capon – identified nine priority actions to restore Australia’s inland river and groundwater ecosystems at local levels. They included:
revegetating land alongside waterways
retiring some farmland
modifying barriers to fish movements
installing modern fish screens on irrigation pumps.
The study estimated such actions would cost around A$2.9 billion a year, if completed over the next 30 years.
Works to restore vegetation or other environmental conditions at these critical habitats will only occur with landholders, as well as Traditional Owners.
That’s because most of the basin’s wetlands and floodplain areas are on private property, including in irrigation districts.
Irrigator involvement is needed to place fish screens on private irrigation pumps or retire farmland. There is a growing interest and some early experience in using private irrigation channels to deliver environmental water. This also requires local partnerships.
The basin plan should include targets for environmental outcomes, not just water recovery. This will allow the benefits from local restoration measures and environmental flows to be included when tracking the plan.
Such ecosystem accounting tools already exist. Research is urgently needed to make these tools both locally relevant and suitable for the basin plan.
Time for a local approach
To date, water for the environment under the basin plan has been recovered largely through centralised government-led programs. Decisions around the delivery of environmental flows are also largely in the hands of government agencies.
But other local restoration actions are also needed.
A business-as-usual approach would leave responsible agencies struggling to complete these vital local measures with limited funding, resources and accountability.
Michael Stewardson is a member of the Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Science, which advises the Murray Darling Basin Authority,, although he is not representing the views of this committee in this article. The committee is established under Section 203 of the Water Act 2007.
Michael Stewardson is the CEO of the One Basin CRC, which is jointly funded under the commonwealth Cooperative Research Centre Program and by its partners listed here: https://onebasin.com.au/
These partners include: state and federal government agencies including the Murray Darling Basin Authority; irrigation infrastructure operators (government owned and non-government), natural resource management agencies (government and non-government); agriculture businesses, industry organisation and R&D organisations; local government organisations; consulting companies in the water sector; technology companies; education and training organisations; and research organisation. Partners contribute to the One Basin CRC in the form of in-kind and cash contributions. The One Basin CRC is also funded by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office under its FlowMER program. The views in this article do not necessarily represent the views of these partner and funding organisations.
Michael Stewardson has previously received research funding from the Australian Research Council and both state and federal government agencies.
Neville Crossman is a Program Leader for Adaptation and Innovation in the One Basin CRC. He is a past employee of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (2018-2024). He has worked closely with a range of State and federal government agencies and many researchers, industry and community members in the Murray-Darling Basin throughout his career.
Samantha Capon receives funding from the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), NSW DCCEEW, the Cotton Research and Development Corporation. She is a member of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Advisory Committee for Social, Economic and Environmental Science (ACSEES), but is not representing the view of this committee in this article. Samantha has worked closely with NRM agencies, a range of State and federal government agencies and many researchers, industry and community members in the Murray-Darling Basin throughout her career.
Seth Westra is the Research Director for the One Basin CRC. He receives funding from the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), NSW DCCEEW and the South Australian Department for Environment and Water (DEW). Seth is Research Director of the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre, Director of the Systems Cooperative, and has worked closely with NRM agencies, a range of State and federal government agencies and many researchers, industry and community members in the Murray-Darling Basin throughout his career.
ING announced today that Tanate Phutrakul will step down from his position as CFO and member of the Executive Board of ING. Tanate will leave ING as of the Annual General Meeting in April 2026, after 24 years at ING of which seven on the Executive Board.
Karl Guha, chairman of ING’s Supervisory Board said: “It has been a privilege to work with Tanate. I have come to know him as a man of good grace, integrity, and high standards. He has been instrumental in helping steer ING to a better place of strong performance and delivering on our promises. We are fortunate to still have him on our executive team until the AGM and wish him every success in the next phase of his life.”
Steven van Rijswijk, CEO of ING said: “I want to thank Tanate for his many years serving ING. While it is never easy to see a colleague leave, after seven years as CFO on the board it is a logical moment for Tanate to step down. With his deeply professional and pleasant approach, he has played a pivotal role in guiding ING through a turbulent period for the bank, the sector and the world. He has done so with his trademark calmness and has been an invaluable part of our executive team. His contributions in making ING the strong and financially sound bank it is today, which enables our current growth strategy, can hardly be overestimated. We look forward to continue to work with Tanate in the coming months.”
Tanate Phutrakul said: “It has been and still is a pleasure to serve as a board member of ING, having helped shape the bank into what it is. It has been a wonderful journey. Many thanks for the kind support of Steven and my fellow board members and especially to the many ING colleagues I have worked with over the years.”
Tanate joined ING in 1998 as managing director of ING Barings Securities Thailand. From 2003 until 2008 he served as head of Wholesale Banking and chief financial officer of TMB Bank in Thailand. In successive years he served as CFO of ING’s Operations and IT unit, ING Retail Banking International and ING Belgium. In 2019, he was appointed to the Executive Board as CFO of ING Group.
The search for a successor has been initiated and announcements will be made in due course.
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MELBOURNE, Australia, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brandon Capital, Australasia’s leading life sciences venture capital firm, today announced the final close of its sixth fund at A$439 million.
Joining existing investors Hesta, Host Plus, CSL and QIC are the WA Government and Australia’s sovereign investor in manufacturing capability, the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC).
This final close of Brandon BioCatalyst Fund Six (BB6) will see Brandon Capital continue to invest in emerging biomedical technologies with strong commercial potential, translating these exciting discoveries into high-growth firms that positively impact human health.
To date, Brandon Capital has raised over A$1 billion across previous funds with notable Fund Six investments to date including AdvanCell (radiopharma), PolyActiva (glaucoma implant), Myricx Bio (ADC) and CatalYm (oncology).
Dr Chris Nave, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Brandon Capital, “We’re excited to welcome the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation to our sixth fund, joining HESTA, Hostplus, CSL, QIC and the WA Government. Closing at $439 million, BB6 is our largest fund to date, and we remain committed to advancing breakthrough biomedical innovations through our unwavering scientific rigour and disciplined capital allocation, in pursuit of exceeding our investors’ expectations.”
The firm has a track record of advancing its portfolio companies to commercialisation. Recent Brandon Capital portfolio company announcements include FDA approvals for a hypertension therapy from George Medicines and a left ventricular cardiac resynchronisation device developed by EBR Systems, with Q-Sera’s blood collection tubes that produce high-quality serum faster and more reliably, recently approved in Japan.
Brandon Capital has an active portfolio of over 30 companies with 17 in clinical trials, four advancing or in-market, a promising preclinical pipeline and several actively contributing to Australia’s high-skilled manufacturing sector growth.
Collectively supporting over 270 high-skilled Australian jobs are: surgical imaging innovator, OncoRes Medical, which has developed the first ‘real-time’ in cavity probe to improve cancer surgery outcomes; late-stage biotech PolyActiva, which is developing a long-term treatment for glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness; needle-free patch for vaccine delivery Vaxxas, and radiopharmaceutical company AdvanCell, which is developing novel therapies for the treatment of a range of cancers.
NRFC CEO David Gall said, “Medical science has long development timelines, and it is important for the NRFC to make early and considered investments in the sector to attract the talent and capital that we will need to build our local commercialisation capabilities. If we want medical science jobs and industries to exist in Australia in ten years, we need to invest in them today.”
Brandon Capital, headquartered in Australia with offices in the UK and US, has established a transcontinental presence that strengthens collaboration across regions. Australian portfolio companies gain access to UK/EU/US capital, expertise, and pharma networks, while international companies benefit from Australia’s world-class clinical trial and research capabilities.
Brandon Capital is Australasia’s leading life sciences venture capital firm, with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK. Its unique model includes proprietary deal flow through Brandon BioCatalyst, a collaboration of over 50 of ANZ’s leading medical research institutions, and its immersive corporate services structure enables portfolio companies to focus on research commercialisation. With more than 30 active companies in its portfolio, Brandon Capital has been sourcing and supporting the transition of world-leading science into world-leading businesses for nearly two decades.
For further information please contact
Media – Australia Kirrily Davis, E: kdavis@bcpvc.com M: +61 (0)401 220228
About the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC)
The NRFC invests to diversify and transform Australia’s industry and economy. It has $15 billion to invest using direct loans, equity investments and loan guarantees. The NRFC investment mandate covers seven priority areas including value-add in resources; transport; medical science; defence capability; renewables and low emission technologies; value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries; and enabling capabilities.
The NRFC’s role is to invest in Australian businesses and projects that design, refine and make in order to transform capability, grow jobs and a skilled workforce, and diversify our economy. NRFC is a corporate Commonwealth entity, established by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation Act 2023 (NRFC Act) in September 2023.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, which would establish a new program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support loggers who have lost income due to natural disasters.
Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) are original cosponsors of the legislation, while Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) is the lead cosponsor in the House.
Current law excludes loggers from the kinds of disaster relief and assistance available to other industries, including fishermen and farmers, when natural disasters strike. Under the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, a disaster declaration from the president or governor would unlock federal assistance eligibility for logging businesses with at least a 10 percent loss in revenue or volume compared to the prior year. Covered damage would include high winds, fire, flooding, insect infestation and drought.
“You can’t write the story of Maine without loggers. Our forest products industry has provided for generations of Mainers and continues to be the economic bedrock of many rural communities. There must be a safety net to ensure one particularly bad season cannot uproot logging families and communities” Golden said. “I’m proud of our loggers, and I’m proud of the rock-solid coalition we’re building to support them. ”
“Maine’s forest products industry has long supported good‑paying jobs and helped grow local economies across our state. Loggers are at the heart of that industry, but devastating storms in recent years have severely impacted the ability of logging businesses to operate at full capacity,” Senator Collins said. “This bipartisan bill would provide targeted financial assistance to help loggers recover from federally declared disasters, so that they can continue their important work, sustain rural communities, and contribute to our state’s economy.”
“In Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District, our forest products industry has created good paying jobs and driven our local economies,” Stauber said. “Unfortunately, this crucial industry is currently facing a wide variety of threats, from wildfires and drought to insect infestation. Minnesota’s loggers have supported our communities for generations, and it is now our turn to support them. That’s why I am proud to introduce legislation with my friend, Congressman Jared Golden, to establish a new program through the USDA that will provide financial assistance to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have seen their bottom line impacted by natural disasters. I look forward to seeing this legislation help ensure Minnesota’s forest products industry remains strong and resilient.”
In December 2023, Maine’s logging industry lost $2.6 million after just one particularly severe storm — with a survey released by the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast later finding that more than 90 percent of the industry’s businesses suffered damage to equipment or logistics. In total, Maine’s economy lost $5.5 million due to the loss in logging revenue and productivity that winter.
“Generations of loggers have spent their lifetimes powering our state’s economy while providing for their families, which is why it is so important to protect and sustain this historic industry,” Senator King said. “As natural disasters across Maine increase, the bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act will help establish a new program within the USDA to support loggers who need assistance to overcome damage and lost income. The logging industry has supported rural Maine families and communities for hundreds of years, and it’s imperative that investments in our foresting community evolve for today’s challenges as we protect it for a sturdy future.”
“As Maine experiences more extreme weather events and natural disasters, it’s imperative that we protect our state’s loggers from potentially devastating financial impacts—just as we’ve long done for our fishermen and farmers,” Pingree, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said.“We’ve already seen the harmful impacts climate change has created for our forest products industry, from delayed harvests to damaged equipment and infrastructure. This common-sense, bipartisan legislation will provide real relief to the families and communities that rely on Maine’s forests for their livelihoods and wellbeing.”
Logging industry leaders praised the bipartisan legislation:
Dana Doran, executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast: “For too long, logging and forest trucking contractors in the Northeast have been left out of federal relief efforts in the wake of natural disasters, despite suffering losses as severe as those in other industries like fishing and farming that have received aid. The extreme weather our region has experienced in recent years has idled harvest operations for long periods, destroyed logging and timber hauling infrastructure, and driven up costs at a time when the logging industry is already grappling with unprecedented challenges and can least afford it. We are grateful to Congressmen Golden and the rest of Maine’s delegation for their leadership in this effort to secure fair treatment for these hard-working small family businesses, and we encourage swift passage of the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act to provide the aid the industry deserves.”
Chuck Ames, president of SDR Logging, Sebec, ME: “I talk to loggers every day and most are struggling, but all they ask for is a level playing field with other industries. I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction toward treating loggers the same as farmers and fishermen. We are all harvesting natural resources, and are all impacted by natural disasters. I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Golden and the rest of Maine’s congressional delegation to recognize that and pass this bill on our behalf.”
Marc Greaney, president of Western Maine Timberlands, Fryeburg, ME: “I have been logging for decades in Western Maine, and in recent years have seen severe weather limit my company’s ability to harvest and truck wood for longer periods of time than ever before. When we can’t cut and move wood we don’t get paid, and this is happening at the same time that operating costs are continuing to rise, so I am grateful to Congressman Golden and the other members of Maine’s congressional delegation for attempting to provide disaster relief to loggers in the same way it has been provided to other industries in the past.”
Scott Dane, executive director of the American Loggers Council: “The timber industry invests in public and private stumpage (timber) years in advance. A multiyear timber portfolio is necessary to adjust for market and weather conditions. This is an essential element for a logger’s business plan. When unforeseen natural disasters such as drought, wildfire, winds, and invasive species infestations occur, the timber is lost. There are limited options, if any, to replace that timber with new tracts in a timely manner. These losses are extremely disruptive to a logger’s harvest plan and create a significant revenue loss. Congressman Golden’s Loggers Assistance and Relief Act is necessary to support the timber industry, similar to assistance programs for other natural resource and agricultural sectors. The American Loggers Council appreciates the Maine Congressional Delegation, and other sponsors, for this Bill and the security it will provide to logging and trucking businesses”
