NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transparency at the heart of strata reforms

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 11 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading

    Greater accountability and transparency are at the heart of new strata laws now in effect which require strata managers in NSW to be upfront with owners about kickbacks and conflicts of interest.

    The reforms give property owners better information and increase accountability for strata managers through improved transparency around their financial relationships and potential conflicts of interest.

    The expanded disclosure requirements mandate clear and timely information-sharing by strata managers.

    Under the new laws, strata managers must:

    • Disclose any connections with suppliers and developers, including the nature of the relationships
    • Provide detailed breakdowns of insurance quotes, including commissions and broker fees
    • Report in real time if any new connections or interests arise during their appointment

    Additionally, strata managers must now provide enhanced annual reports to owners corporations which detail any supplier and developer connections.

    NSW Fair Trading will be enforcing these new obligations, with strata managers required to understand and comply with the new requirements, including auditing their previous disclosure practices to identify any gaps, and implement processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting under the new requirements.

    Strata property owners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes and discuss any concerns with their strata manager.

    Targeted compliance operations and education initiatives will embed recent reforms and improve consumer confidence in strata management.

    Managers who fail to meet the new disclosure obligations may face penalties of up to $110,000.

    These new rules form part of the second tranche of reforms the Government has passed through the NSW Parliament to improve the strata industry.

    A third tranche of reforms is currently being debated in the NSW Parliament and will increase accountability of developers to ensure initial strata levies are accurate so owners aren’t hit with higher fees once they move in, and will introduce financial hardship provisions for people struggling to pay their fees and protect owners from unfair contract terms. 

    For more information, visit the NSW Fair Trading website:

    https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/property-professionals/working-as-a-property-agent/rules-of-conduct/disclosure-requirements

    Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

    “These reforms are about ensuring transparency and accountability for everyone living in strata communities.

    “These enhanced disclosure requirements will give strata property owners the confidence they need to make informed decisions about their homes or investments.

    “Strata managers have an obligation to act in the best interests of their clients, which includes maintaining the trust of owners corporations. These reforms will improve oversight and ensure strata managers’ practices are open and transparent.

    “Strata owners deserve clear, timely, and honest information from their managers, and these laws provide a vital step in restoring trust and supporting better decision-making for strata communities.”

    Quotes to be attributed to Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann:

    “With more than 87,000 strata schemes and more than 1.2 million people living in strata across NSW, these reforms are vital in ensuring fairness and trust for everyone living in strata communities.

    “We will be working to educate the industry on their obligations and monitor compliance with NSW strata laws, with penalties of up to $110,000 for those flouting the law.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Executive Order 25-17 in Preparation of Forecasted Hazardous Winter Weather

    Source: US State of Missouri

    FEBRUARY 10, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-17 as a precautionary measure to prepare for hazardous winter weather expected to impact the State of Missouri starting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11. The Order waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial vehicles transporting residential heating fuel and activates the Missouri National Guard for state and local response efforts, if needed.

    “With hazardous winter weather forecasted for this week across much of the state, we want to be as prepared as possible,” Governor Kehoe said. “We ask that all Missourians be proactive, stay aware, and use extreme caution during these potentially dangerous winter weather events. This Order helps ensure homes in Missouri can stay warm and that state government and our National Guard members stand ready to assist.”

    Executive Order 25-17 suspends hours of service regulations for motor carriers transporting residential heating fuels, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil. The Order also gives the Adjutant General of the State of Missouri the authority to call and order into active service such portions of the organized militia as he deems necessary to aid Missourians.

    After a round of light snow primarily across the Ozarks Monday night into Tuesday, the National Weather Service forecasts a more significant winter storm to impact the state beginning overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to lead to widespread travel impacts. Mainly snow is expected north of the I-44 corridor with a chance of at least four inches across northern Missouri, and a wintery mix is expected along and south of the I-44 corridor.

    Motorists are encouraged to postpone travel if possible. If you must travel, use extreme caution and check road conditions before driving to help determine if your trip can be completed safely. The Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Traveler Information Map app can be accessed on desktop and mobile devices here.

    Executive Order 25-17 will expire on March 10, 2025. To view the Order, please click here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australian Deputy PM: Entries open for 39th Local Government Awards

    Source: Minister of Infrastructure

    Nominations are now open for the 2025 National Awards for Local Government, an annual celebration and recognition of locally-led innovation. 

    The awards, now in their 39th year, will honour local councils across a total of 13 categories.

    This year there will be two new categories: 

    • Affordable housing – recognising leaders and projects which address housing needs from a policy, planning, social or infrastructure perspective, and
    • Outstanding rural and remote council – honouring the achievements of smaller, more remote or rural councils who have entered the main awards categories.  

    Nearly 12,000 votes were cast during the 2024 awards, where 121 councils were represented across a pool of 144 nominations. 

    These included winning projects such as the Armidale Regional Council’s Girls in Civil program, the City of Launceston’s public Wi-Fi network rollout, and Wyndham City Council’s LIT light experience. 

    All elected local government organisations and associations, and other recognised organisations that provide direct services to Australian communities, are eligible to submit entries until 17 March at: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/local-government/national-awards-local-government

    Voting will then be open to councils and the broader public from 18 March to 18 April, with winners in each category announced later in the year.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

    “The National Awards for Local Government are an important event on the calendars of councils across Australia.

    “Last year we had 144 incredible nominations from every corner of the country, and even though that’s amazing, I think that’s underselling what our councils delivered for their communities.

    “We know that our regional councils in particular have unique challenges and large footprints to manage, which is why we’ve introduced a dedicated award to recognise their innovative solutions.

    “Every nomination and every vote represent a job well done for the councils engaging, innovating and delivering at a grassroots level, so get nominating and promote the work of your peers.”

    MONDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT: BLAKE DANILCZAK, 0497 204 267 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Entries open for 39th Local Government Awards

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Nominations are now open for the 2025 National Awards for Local Government, an annual celebration and recognition of locally-led innovation. 

    The awards, now in their 39th year, will honour local councils across a total of 13 categories.

    This year there will be two new categories: 

    • Affordable housing – recognising leaders and projects which address housing needs from a policy, planning, social or infrastructure perspective, and
    • Outstanding rural and remote council – honouring the achievements of smaller, more remote or rural councils who have entered the main awards categories.  

    Nearly 12,000 votes were cast during the 2024 awards, where 121 councils were represented across a pool of 144 nominations. 

    These included winning projects such as the Armidale Regional Council’s Girls in Civil program, the City of Launceston’s public Wi-Fi network rollout, and Wyndham City Council’s LIT light experience. 

    All elected local government organisations and associations, and other recognised organisations that provide direct services to Australian communities, are eligible to submit entries until 17 March at: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/local-government/national-awards-local-government

    Voting will then be open to councils and the broader public from 18 March to 18 April, with winners in each category announced later in the year.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

    “The National Awards for Local Government are an important event on the calendars of councils across Australia.

    “Last year we had 144 incredible nominations from every corner of the country, and even though that’s amazing, I think that’s underselling what our councils delivered for their communities.

    “We know that our regional councils in particular have unique challenges and large footprints to manage, which is why we’ve introduced a dedicated award to recognise their innovative solutions.

    “Every nomination and every vote represent a job well done for the councils engaging, innovating and delivering at a grassroots level, so get nominating and promote the work of your peers.”

    MONDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT: BLAKE DANILCZAK, 0497 204 267 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: HFAC Full Committee Hearing – The USAID Betrayal

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing to examine United States Agency for International Development programs.

    What: Full Committee Hearing

    Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025

    Time: 8:30am ET

    Location: Rayburn 2172

    Subject: The USAID Betrayal

    Witnesses:

    The Honorable Ted Yoho

    Former U.S. Representative

    Florida’s 3rd Congressional District

    Max Primorac

    Former Acting Administrator

    Senior Research Fellow

    Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom

    The Heritage Foundation

    The Honorable Andrew Natsios

    Former Administrator

    U.S. Agency for International Development

    ***Coverage note: Check here for updates. The hearing will be webcast live here and open to the public and press. Spaces are limited – members of the media who would like to attend in-person should RSVP with with Joe Clark at joseph.clark@mail.house.gov to guarantee a seat. ***

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Covid strategies ‘fell short’ for Pacific people, research finds – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    Research on the impacts of Covid-19 highlights high death rates among Pacific people in Aotearoa and the need to provide better support in the future.

    A report has just been publicly released – Pacific contribution to the New Zealand COVID-19 response – Strengths, Weaknesses and Missed Opportunities.

    It notes that despite the overall success of New Zealand’s response to Covid, Pacific people were hard hit and the response failed to target their needs adequately, says research lead, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health at the University of Auckland.

    “Despite clear and consistent evidence related to the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Pacific communities, the national response fell short of engaging with Pacific leaders, instead adopting a generic ‘one size fits all’ approach,” the report states.

    Pacific people were twice as likely to be hospitalised with Covid as non-Pacific and non-Māori in Aotearoa, according to the research, which was funded by the Ministry of Health and carried out by the Centre for Pacific and Global Health and two Pacific health and social service providers, the Pasifika Medical Association and the Fono.

    A far higher percentage of Pacific people aged under 80 died within 28 days of being reported as a case, than those aged under 80 in other ethnic groups. Of the people aged under 59 years who died within 28 days of being reported as a case, 20 percent were Pacific, compared to eight percent of those categorised as European/other ethnicities of the same age.

    The experiences of 147 Pacific people were gathered for the report, which states the virus and ensuing lockdowns took a significant toll on the mental health of all the participants.

    Media coverage named a Pacific church as central to a large Covid cluster in August 2021, fuelling “racist vilification” of the Sāmoan community, stigma and discrimination, the report says.

    “Government officials, media and Pacific community leaders need to collaborate closely and quickly to prevent similar occurrences of racism from media reports for future pandemics,” it states.

    Many Pacific people were essential workers, who experienced fear and anxiety of the virus, in addition to racism.

    The challenges of lockdowns and self-isolation were exacerbated for many Pacific families living in multi-generational households.

    “The findings from the Covid-19 global pandemic emphasise the existing socioeconomic disparities, such as overcrowded living conditions, high rates of co-morbidities, and delayed access to healthcare, contributing to the disproportionate impact on Pacific and Māori communities.

    “Recognising and addressing these structural inequalities are essential components of any comprehensive public health strategy aimed at mitigating the impact of pandemics on vulnerable populations,” the report states.

    About 28 percent of Pacific peoples felt they couldn’t access mental health support during alert levels two, three and four, and 26 percent felt they could not access healthcare.

    The report recommends that in the future, Pacific health services be given clear guidelines as soon as possible, so they can begin outreach work with Pacific communities and ensure patients still receive healthcare for long-term conditions.

    It recommends reviewing policies on hospital visitors, because these were the most challenging of all protective measures for Pacific families.

    Plans should enable Pacific communities to establish testing and vaccination centres at the beginning of an outbreak and factor in mental health impacts.

    The importance of the church in offering guidance, combating misinformation and offering social support during a pandemic is highlighted in the reports.

    While vaccine uptake was initially slow among Pacific people, 95 percent were fully vaccinated by December 2021. About 68 percent of the participants said caring for family motivated their decision to get vaccinated.

    Pacific households faced disproportionate economic hardship during 2020 compared to the general population, with 18 percent of households losing half of their income or more.

    Education also suffered, as online learning replaced classroom teaching. The research found 20 percent of Pacific students did not have or did not know if they had access to a device at home for distance learning.

    “Long-term impacts of loss in learning and disengagement from school require further investigation,” the report states.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Therapy helps peanut-allergic kids tolerate tablespoons of peanut butter

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release

    Monday, February 10, 2025

    NIH trial informs potential treatment strategy for kids who already tolerate half a peanut or more.

    Eating gradually increasing doses of store-bought, home-measured peanut butter for about 18 months enabled 100% of children with peanut allergy who initially could tolerate the equivalent of at least half a peanut to consume three tablespoons of peanut butter without an allergic reaction, researchers report. This easy-to-implement treatment strategy could potentially fulfill an unmet need for about half of children with peanut allergy, who already can tolerate the equivalent of at least half a peanut, considered a high threshold. The findings come from a trial sponsored and funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and published today in the journal NEJM Evidence.

    “Children with high-threshold peanut allergy couldn’t participate in previous food allergy treatment trials, leaving them without opportunities to explore treatment options,” said NIAID Director Jeanne Marrazzo, M.D., M.P.H. “Today’s report focuses on this population and shows that a very safe and accessible form of therapy could be liberating for many of these children and their families.”

    The food allergy treatments currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration were tested in children with low-threshold peanut allergy, who cannot tolerate the equivalent of even half a peanut. These treatments are designed to decrease the likelihood of a reaction to a small amount of peanut despite efforts to avoid it, as might occur with accidental exposure. This approach is not relevant to the estimated 800,000 U.S. children who may have high-threshold peanut allergy, leaving them with only one management strategy prior to the new report: peanut avoidance.

    To address this need, researchers tested whether a low-cost, convenient treatment strategy could help children with high-threshold peanut allergy tolerate a much greater amount of peanut protein than they already did. The mid-stage trial involved 73 children ages 4 to 14 years. Based on parent or guardian report, nearly 60% of the children were white, 19% were Asian, 1.4% were Black, and 22% were more than one race. The study team assigned the children at random to either test the new treatment strategy or continue avoiding peanut.

    Those in the peanut-ingestion group began with a minimum daily dose of 1/8 teaspoon of peanut butter. They gradually increased their dose every eight weeks up to 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or an equivalent amount of a different peanut product, such as peanut flour or candies. Dose increases took place under medical supervision at the study site. None of the children in the peanut-ingestion group needed epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions during home dosing, and only one child needed epinephrine during a supervised dosing visit at the study site.

    After undergoing the treatment regimen, the peanut-consuming children participated in an oral food challenge carefully supervised by the study team to see how much peanut butter they could eat without an allergic reaction. All 32 children who participated in the challenge could tolerate the maximum amount of 9 grams of peanut protein, the equivalent of 3 tablespoons of peanut butter. By contrast, only three of the 30 children in the avoidance group who underwent the oral food challenge after a similar amount of time in the trial could tolerate 9 grams of peanut protein. Three additional children in the avoidance group tolerated a challenge dose at least two doses greater than the amount they could tolerate at the start of the study.

    The trial took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some families preferred to avoid indoor close contact with others at that time, so some children did not return to the study site for the oral food challenge. Using a common statistical technique to account for those missing challenge results, 100% of the ingestion group and 21% of the avoidance group tolerated at least two doses greater than they could at the outset.

    Children in the peanut-ingestion group who could tolerate 9 grams of peanut protein during the oral food challenge consumed at least 2 tablespoons of peanut butter weekly for 16 weeks, then avoided peanut entirely for eight weeks. At that point, they were asked to return to the study site for a final oral food challenge.

    Twenty-six of the 30 treated children (86.7%) who participated in the final challenge continued to tolerate 9 grams of peanut protein, indicating they had achieved sustained unresponsiveness to peanut. The three children in the avoidance group who could eat 9 grams of peanut protein without a reaction at the earlier challenge were considered to have developed natural tolerance to peanut. Analyzing these outcomes and including all 73 children who began the trial, regardless of whether they participated in the final challenge, investigators found that 68.4% of the peanut-ingestion group achieved sustained unresponsiveness, while only 8.6% of the avoidance group developed natural tolerance.     

    Based on these encouraging results, the investigators want to learn if the same treatment strategy would work for food allergens other than peanuts. Future follow-up is needed to determine the therapy’s effectiveness at inducing long-lasting tolerance of peanut.

    Scott H. Sicherer, M.D., and Julie Wang, M.D., led the trial, which took place at the Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Food Allergy Institute in Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, New York. Dr. Sicherer is director of the Institute and the Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Professor of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. He is also chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology in the Department of Pediatrics and medical director of the Clinical Research Unit in the ConduITS Institute for Translational Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Wang is a professor of pediatric allergy and immunology in the Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Food Allergy Institute. 

    More information about the clinical trial, called the CAFETERIA study, is available at ClinicalTrials.gov under study identifier NCT03907397.

    NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.

    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

    Reference

    SH Sicherer et al. Randomized trial of high dose, home measured peanut oral immunotherapy in children with high threshold peanut allergy. NEJM Evidence DOI: 10.1056/EVIDoa2400306 (2025)

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Plea from Defendant Who Sexually Assaulted Senior Citizen in Her Yard

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Darnell Peoples, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Monday, February 10, 2025, to 20 years in prison for the armed oral sexual assault of a senior citizen at her home in Southeast Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela A. Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On November 15, 2024, Peoples pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree sexual abuse in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

               Peoples has been in custody since his arrest on June 11, 2024. His guilty plea called for an agreed-upon 20-year prison sentence. The Honorable Anthony C. Epstein accepted the plea today and sentenced the defendant accordingly. Upon release, Peoples will be required to register as a sex offender, and be on supervised release, for the remainder of his life.

               According to a proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, on June 11, 2024, the victim was working in her yard. Peoples approached the victim from behind, displayed a knife, and told the victim to get on her knees. When the victim informed Peoples that she could not get on her knees, Peoples grabbed her and threw her to the ground. Peoples then pulled down his pants and exposed his penis. He pulled the victim’s head toward his penis and forcefully inserted his penis into the victim’s mouth multiple times.

               In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section Cybercrime Lab. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Sourbeer, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Final defendant sentenced in large-scale federal drug trafficking case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A large-scale investigation has concluded with multiple individuals being sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization operating throughout East Texas, identifying Edgar Garcia, Jr. as the primary distributor.  Law enforcement began conducting operations to identify numerous individuals receiving methamphetamine from Garcia. During the investigation, law enforcement executed residential search warrants, purchased methamphetamine and/or firearms directly from Garcia and other members of his drug trafficking organization, and directed traffic stops to intercept narcotics and firearms being transported for distribution. Ultimately, multiple kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the operation.

    Law enforcement was also able to obtain almost a dozen firearms from various individuals in the organization. The firearms were either sold as part of narcotics transactions or being used to guard the illegal drugs.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

    The individuals sentenced to federal prison during the investigation and prosecution of the drug trafficking organization are:

    Edgar Garcia Jr., 26, of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 151 months;

    Justin Michael Sanchez, 33, of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 235 months;

    Beverly Hurst, 26, of Center, sentenced to 151 months;

    Jason Clepper, 36, of Goliad, sentenced to 150 months;

    Blake Trahan, 29, of Center, sentenced to 48 months;

    Austin Yarbrough, 32, of Timpson, sentenced to 188 months;

    Laddarus Perkins, 40, of Timpson, sentenced to 135 months;

    Jeanese Fenley, 43, of Timpson, sentenced to 70 months; and

    Koury Nowell, 49, of Gary City, sentenced to 33 months.

    This case was investigated by the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office; and Panola County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald S. Carter and Lucas Machicek.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clearwater Man Pleads Guilty To Obstructing And Impeding The Administration Of The Internal Revenue Laws

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Terence Taylor has pleaded guilty to obstructing and impeding the administration of the internal revenue laws for actions seeking to defeat the collection of back taxes he owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Taylor faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison.

    According to the plea agreement, Taylor was sentenced in 2012 for failing to file his income taxes for several years while he lived in the Northern District of New York. He owed more than $810,000 in taxes and was required to pay the tax debt during the term of his sentence.

    For more than seven years, continuing after he moved to the Middle District of Florida, Taylor engaged in a series of obstructive acts to defeat the efforts by the IRS to collect those taxes. During those years, Taylor hid assets from the IRS, placed other asserts and income in the names of alter egos or nominees such as his wife, and used money that he could have used to pay off his back taxes to make purchases of assets including boats, jewelry, and a home in Palm Harbor. Taylor continued to earn income from his work as a financial consultant during those years after 2012. He used that income for numerous personal purposes and expenses and only minimally paid his tax debt to the IRS during that time.

    The IRS made extensive efforts to collect on Taylor’s tax debt between 2004 and 2008. Aside from contacting Taylor on numerous occasions, IRS Revenue Officers also sent him numerous forms for detailing his financial situation. Taylor submitted false or incomplete information on those forms, omitting to record assets he owned such as boats and providing false information about his business and its accounts and dates of operation. Instead of using it to repay his tax debt, Taylor used his business income and bank accounts after 2012 to pay for a large number of personal expenses, including marina and yacht club expenses, boat expenses, and jewelry purchases, while knowing of his tax debt to the IRS. In February 2017, Taylor used income that he had earned from his business to buy a $73,000 boat, which he then titled in his wife’s name in an effort to shield that asset from the IRS collection effort.

    Taylor also failed to file personal income tax returns for several years after his New York sentence had ended. He did so, even though he was earning sufficient income requiring him to file tax returns.

    This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Media Advisory: Hearing on Motion for Reduction of Sentence Pursuant to the Juvenile Restoration Act for Adnan Syed

    Source: US State of Maryland

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 10, 2025

    Government Relations and Public Affairs
    187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
    Annapolis, Maryland 21401

    Media Advisory:
    Hearing on Motion for Reduction of Sentence Pursuant to the Juvenile Restoration Act for Adnan Syed

    ANNAPOLIS, Md. – In a unique court educational program, students will learn about the benefits and consequences of familiar decisions. The program includes a mock traffic stop where students will see in real-time the legal implications of bad decisions. This interactive program allows the students to meet and interact with key players in the legal process, including police officers, K-9 officers, commissioners, assistant public defenders, assistant state’s attorneys, bailiffs, clerks, and judges. In addition, students will hear from people who have been involved with the legal system due to drunk driving, speeding, texting while driving, and other offenses, as they view actual court cases and have an opportunity to engage judges and court personnel in a question-and-answer session regarding the Judiciary.

    The program also includes a mental health component targeted to address the impact of this crisis on youth. This portion of the program, conducted along with mental health professionals, is treatment focused and designed to raise awareness of mental health issues. This segment of the program educates students to recognize the signs that someone is in crisis, both for themselves and each other. It will also highlight resources available to the students and provide ways to immediately connect with those resources.

    WHAT:

    Hearing on the defendant’s Motion for Reduction of Sentence Pursuant to the Juvenile Restoration Act for State of Maryland v. Adnan Syed, case number 199103042.

    Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer will serve as the presiding judge.

    All media covering the proceedings must review and adhere to the 
    Media Protocol Order and the Security Order for the hearing.
    WHEN: Wednesday, February 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
    WHERE:

    Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Mitchell Courthouse
    100 North Calvert Street, Courtroom 203M
    Baltimore, Maryland 21202

    Members of the media can attend remotely via audio only by sending an email request to [email protected].

    At the discretion of the court, limited reserved seating will be available in the gallery of Courtroom 203M. Courtroom 215M is designated as the overflow courtroom for the media and the public, as needed, and it will have a live closed-circuit, audio-video feed.

    Members of the media may request a seat within the courtroom by contacting the court’s media liaisons. The media liaisons will allocate seats based on requests received and will communicate to the Sheriff’s Office the names of media members allotted seats reserved for media. Only those members of the media who have been granted and receive a media credential identification card from the Sheriff’s Office will be permitted in the courtroom during the proceedings. The remaining seats will be made available to the public on a first-come/first-served basis.

    Authorized members of the media will be permitted to use electronic equipment only in the designated area, Courtroom 215M, which will provide a workspace for media representatives. However, devices cannot be used for audio or video recording or still photography in any location inside of the courthouse. No media conferences or interviews with attorneys, parties, or witnesses shall be conducted within the courthouse or within 50 feet of any entrance of the courthouse.

    Per Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure, § 1-201, the recording or broadcasting of criminal proceedings is prohibited. The use of electronic devices, including cell phones, cameras, and audio-visual equipment is prohibited or limited per the Maryland Judiciary’s policy on Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities.

    Pursuant to Md. Rule 16-208, no person may use an electronic device to take screen captures, screenshots, photographs, videos, audio recordings or make other electronic recordings within the courthouse, and no person may transmit, publish, or otherwise disseminate any such electronic audio or video recording, except as provided in the court’s Media Protocol Order.

    The clerk of the court for the Circuit Court for Baltimore City is the official custodian of the case record. Any orders issued pertaining to the case can be found at the court’s Highlighted Cases web page.

    Public Wi-Fi is available at the courthouse. Media representatives may bring their own Wi-Fi connection devices.

    There is no designated media parking for the motion hearing. Media representatives must follow local parking ordinances and restrictions. Media representatives must not block pedestrian walkways or sidewalks and cannot restrict any public areas for media use.

    Please contact the Maryland Judiciary, Government Relations and Public Affairs, by email at [email protected] or 410-260-1488, if you plan to cover the hearing or have questions.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ConnectM Publishes 2024 Impact Scorecard

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ~Ends 2024 With Triple Digit Growth Across All Electrification Metrics~

    MARLBOROUGH, Mass., Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNTM) (“ConnectM” or the “Company”), a technology company focused on the electrification economy, today published its impact scorecard for the fourth quarter of 2024. Following the end of each quarter, ConnectM publishes its quarterly scorecard to provide the Company’s key electrification indicators which we use as internal operating performance measures. ConnectM determines its quarterly impact score metrics by aggregating data and behavioral analytics sourced from our Energy Intelligence Network and integrated artificial intelligence technology.

    Electrification Impact Scorecard for year-end 2024 (compared to year-end 2023)

    • 95.5 GWh of Electrification, an increase of 331% over last year and equivalent to 35,000 homes powered per day¹
    • 73,506 Metric Tons of Co2 Displaced, an increase of 391% over last year and equivalent to the amount of CO2 3.4 million trees can absorb in a year²
    • 6.7 Million Gallons of Fossil Fuel Displaced, an increase of 343% over last year and equivalent to driving around the world roughly 7,000 times³

    Bhaskar Panigrahi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ConnectM, commented, “ConnectM’s 2024 impact scorecard reaffirms our unwavering commitment to accelerating the electrification economy. Our triple-digit growth across key metrics reflects the power of AI-driven insights and data intelligence in scaling cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. As we expand our technology’s reach, we remain focused on delivering measurable, sustainable impact for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

    About ConnectM Technology Solutions, Inc.
    ConnectM is a pioneer in the electrification economy, integrating energy assets with its AI-driven technology platform. Focused on delivering solutions that drive efficiency, affordability, and sustainability, ConnectM serves home, facility, and fleet across three major segments: Building Electrification, Distributed Energy, and Transportation and Logistics. The company’s vertically integrated approach combines technology, service/distribution networks, and strategic partnerships to accelerate the transition to an all-electric energy economy.

    For more information, please visit: www.connectm.com. Stockholders looking to receive Company updates directly to their inbox should sign up here.

    Contact:
    Investor Relations
    Dave Gentry, CEO
    RedChip Companies, Inc.
    1-407-644-4256
    CNTM@redchip.com

    ____________________
    ¹U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – Assuming the average home uses about 30 kilowatt-hours per day.
    ²US Department of Agriculture
    ³Assumes 26 miles per gallon

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Prospect Capital Announces Financial Results for Fiscal December 2024 Quarter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: PSEC) (“Prospect”, “our”, or “we”) today announced financial results for our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    FINANCIAL RESULTS

    All amounts in $000’s except per share amounts (on weighted average basis for period numbers) Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
    December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
           
    Net Investment Income (“NII”) $86,431 $89,877 $96,927
    NII per Common Share $0.20 $0.21 $0.24
    Interest as % of Total Investment Income 91.0% 94.0% 92.3%
           
    Net Income (Loss) Applicable to Common Shareholders $(30,993) $(165,069) $(51,436)
    Net Income (Loss) per Common Share $(0.07) $(0.38) $(0.13)
           
    Distributions to Common Shareholders $65,554 $77,358 $74,056
    Distributions per Common Share $0.15 $0.18 $0.18
    Cumulative Paid and Declared Distributions to Common Shareholders(1) $4,445,060 $4,384,924 $4,162,509
    Cumulative Paid and Declared Distributions per Common Share(1) $21.39 $21.25 $20.76
    Multiple of Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per Common Share(1) 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
           
    Total Assets $7,234,855 $7,592,705 $7,781,214
    Total Liabilities $2,164,305 $2,469,590 $2,596,824
    Preferred Stock $1,630,514 $1,612,302 $1,500,741
    Net Asset Value (“NAV”) to Common Shareholders $3,440,036 $3,510,813 $3,683,649
    NAV per Common Share $7.84 $8.10 $8.92
           
    Balance Sheet Cash + Undrawn Revolving Credit Facility Commitments $1,879,738 $1,631,291 $1,187,740
           
    Net of Cash Debt to Total Assets 28.1% 29.7% 31.2%
    Net of Cash Debt to Equity Ratio(2) 39.8% 43.7% 46.2%
    Net of Cash Asset Coverage of Debt Ratio(2) 351% 329% 316%
           
    Unsecured Debt + Preferred Equity as % of Total Debt + Preferred Equity 91.9% 86.0% 78.4%
    Unsecured and Non-Recourse Debt as % of Total Debt 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
    (1) Declared dividends are through the April 2025 distribution. February through April 2025 distributions are estimated based on shares outstanding as of 2/7/2025.
    (2)  Including our preferred stock as equity.
       

    CASH COMMON SHAREHOLDER DISTRIBUTION DECLARATION

    Prospect is declaring distributions to common shareholders as follows:

    Monthly Cash Common Shareholder Distribution Record Date Payment Date Amount ($ per share)
    February 2025 2/26/2025 3/20/2025 $0.0450
    March 2025 3/27/2025 4/17/2025 $0.0450
    April 2025 4/28/2025 5/20/2025 $0.0450

    Prospect expects to declare May 2025, June 2025, July 2025, and August 2025 distributions to common shareholders in May 2025.

    Taking into account past distributions and our current share count for declared distributions, since inception through our April 2025 declared distribution, Prospect will have distributed $21.39 per share to original common shareholders, representing 2.7 times December 2024 common NAV per share, aggregating $4.4 billion in cumulative distributions to all common shareholders.

    Since Prospect’s initial public offering in July 2004 through December 31, 2024, Prospect has invested over $21 billion across over 400 investments, exiting over 300 of these investments.

    Drivers focused on optimizing our business include: (1) rotation of assets into and increased focus on our core business of first lien senior secured middle market loans, including sometimes with selected equity investments, (2) continued amortization of our subordinated structured notes portfolio, (3) prudent exits of equity linked assets (including real estate properties and corporate investments), (4) enhancement of portfolio company operating performance, and (5) greater utilization of our cost efficient revolving floating rate credit facility.

    In our middle market lending strategy, we recently provided a first lien senior secured term loan, a first lien senior secured convertible term loan, and a preferred equity investment to Taos Footwear Holdings, LLC (“Taos Footwear”), aggregating $65 million, in collaboration with Taos Footwear’s founder and leadership team. Taos Footwear is a leading, innovative footwear brand providing customers with stylish and supportive footwear products. Taos Footwear is renowned for its supportive footbed that has reshaped the lifestyle footwear industry over the past 20 years.

    Examples of similar recent investments in our middle market lending strategy with both first lien senior secured debt and equity linked investments include Druid City Infusion, LLC (an infusion therapy services company with multiple locations across the South and Mountain West regions of the United States), Discovery Point Retreat, LLC (a rapidly growing detox and rehabilitation provider in North Texas), The RK Logistics Group, Inc. (a logistics service provider of turnkey inventory management and transportation services focused on technology and other sectors), and iQor Holdings, Inc. (a provider of customer experience services and business process outsourcing services).

    Our subordinated structured notes portfolio as of December 31, 2024 represented 5.8% of our investment portfolio, a reduction of 210 basis points from 7.9% as of December 31, 2023. Since the inception of this strategy in 2011 and through December 31, 2024, we have exited 15 subordinated structured note investments that have earned an unlevered investment level gross cash internal rate of return (“IRR”) of 12.1% and cash on cash multiple of 1.3 times. The remaining subordinated structured notes portfolio had a trailing twelve month average cash yield of 24.4% and an annualized GAAP yield of 3.9% (in each case as of December 31, 2024, based on fair value, and excluding investments being redeemed), with the difference between cash yield and GAAP yield representing amortization of our cost basis.

    In our real estate property portfolio at National Property REIT Corp. (“NPRC”), since the inception of this strategy in 2012 and through December 31, 2024, we have exited 51 property investments (including two exits in the December 2024 quarter) that have earned an unlevered investment-level gross cash IRR of 24.3% and cash on cash multiple of 2.5 times. The remaining real estate property portfolio included 59 properties and paid us an income yield of 6.9% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Our aggregate investments in the related portfolio company had a $522 million unrealized gain as of December 31, 2024.

    Our senior management team and employees own 28.7% of all common shares outstanding (an increase of 240 basis points since June 30, 2024) or approximately $1.0 billion of our common equity as measured at NAV.

    PORTFOLIO UPDATE AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

    All amounts in $000’s except per unit amounts As of As of As of
    December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
           
    Total Investments (at fair value) $7,132,928 $7,476,641 $7,631,846
    Number of Portfolio Companies 114 117 126
    Number of Industries 33 33 36
           
    First Lien Debt 64.9% 64.9% 58.7%
    Second Lien Debt 10.2% 11.1% 15.5%
    Subordinated Structured Notes 5.8% 6.2% 7.9%
    Unsecured Debt 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
    Equity Investments 19.0% 17.7% 17.8%
    Mix of Investments with Underlying Collateral Security 80.9% 82.2% 82.1%
           
    Annualized Current Yield – All Investments 9.1% 9.7% 10.1%
    Annualized Current Yield – Performing Interest Bearing Investments 11.2% 11.8% 12.3%
           
    Non-Accrual Loans as % of Total Assets (1) 0.4% 0.5% 0.2%
           
    Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average EBITDA(2) $101,644 $104,682 $109,719
    Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average Net Leverage Ratio(2) 6.1x 5.7x 5.4x
    (1) Calculated at fair value.
    (2) For additional disclosure see “Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average EBITDA and Net Leverage” at the end of the release.
       

    During the March 2025 (to date), December 2024, and September 2024 quarters, investment originations (including follow on investments in existing portfolio companies) and repayments were as follows:

    All amounts in $000’s Quarter Ended Quarter Ended Quarter Ended
    March 31, 2025
    (to date)    		 December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024
           
    Total Originations $110,724 $134,956 $290,639
           
    Middle-Market Lending 86.4% 67.7% 85.8%
    Middle-Market Lending / Buyouts —% 14.5% 6.1%
    Real Estate 13.6% 17.8% 7.8%
    Subordinated Structured Notes —% —% —%
           
    Total Repayments and Sales $19,480 $383,363 $282,328
           
    Originations, Net of Repayments and Sales $91,244 $(248,407) $8,311
           

    For additional disclosure see “Primary Origination Strategies” at the end of this release.

    CAPITAL AND LIQUIDITY

    Our multi-year, long-term laddered and diversified historical funding profile has included a $2.1 billion revolving credit facility (aggregate commitments with 48 current lenders), program notes, institutional bonds, convertible bonds, listed preferred stock, and program preferred stock. We have retired multiple upcoming maturities and, after we retire our upcoming $156.2 million convertible bond maturity due March 2025 (utilizing existing liquidity on hand), will have just $3.9 million remaining of debt maturing during calendar year 2025.

    On June 28, 2024, we completed an extension and upsizing of our Revolving Credit Facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which extended the term of the Facility five years and the revolving period to four years from such date. The Facility includes a revolving period that extends through June 28, 2028, followed by an additional one-year amortization period. The interest rate for amounts drawn under the Facility remained unchanged from prior to the extension and upsizing and is one-month SOFR plus 2.05%.

    Our total unfunded eligible commitments to portfolio companies totals approximately $62 million, of which $29 million are considered at our sole discretion, representing 0.9% and 0.4% of our total assets as of December 31, 2024, respectively.

      As of As of
    All amounts in $000’s December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024
    Net of Cash Debt to Total Assets Ratio 28.1% 29.7%
    Net of Cash Debt to Equity Ratio(1) 39.8% 43.7%
    % of Interest-Bearing Assets at Floating Rates 79.8% 81.0%
    Unsecured Debt + Preferred Equity as % of Total Debt + Preferred Equity 91.9% 86.0%
         
    Balance Sheet Cash + Undrawn Revolving Credit Facility Commitments $1,879,738 $1,631,291
         
    Unencumbered Assets $4,763,601 $4,852,971
    % of Total Assets 65.8% 63.9%
    (1) Including our preferred stock as equity.
       

    The below table summarizes our December 2024 quarter term debt issuance and repurchase/repayment activity:

    All amounts in $000’s Principal Coupon Maturity
    Debt Issuances      
    Prospect Capital InterNotes® $41,759 6.625% – 7.75% January 2027 – December 2034
    Total Debt Issuances $41,759    
           
    Debt Repurchases/Repayments      
    Prospect Capital InterNotes® $1,187 2.25% – 6.63% May 2026 – December 2051
    2026 Notes $11,443 3.706% January 2026
    Total Debt Repurchases/Repayments $12,630    
           
    Net Debt Repurchases/Repayments $29,129    

    We currently have four separate unsecured debt issuances aggregating approximately $1.1 billion outstanding, not including our program notes, with laddered maturities extending through October 2028. At December 31, 2024, $644 million of program notes were outstanding with laddered maturities through March 2052.

    At December 31, 2024 our weighted average cost of unsecured debt financing was 4.49%, an increase of 0.07% from September 30, 2024, and an increase of 0.34% from December 31, 2023.

    We have raised significant capital from our existing $2.25 billion perpetual preferred stock offering programs. The preferred stock provides Prospect with a diversified source of programmatic capital without creating scheduled maturity risk due to the perpetual term of multiple preferred tranches.

    DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

    We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan (also known as our “DRIP”) that provides for reinvestment of our distributions on behalf of our shareholders, unless a shareholder elects to receive cash. On April 17, 2020, our board of directors approved amendments to the Company’s DRIP, effective May 21, 2020. These amendments principally provide for the number of newly-issued shares pursuant to the DRIP to be determined by dividing (i) the total dollar amount of the distribution payable by (ii) 95% of the closing market price per share of our stock on the valuation date of the distribution (providing a 5% discount to the market price of our common stock), a benefit to shareholders who participate.

    HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

    Shares held with a broker or financial institution

    Many shareholders have been automatically “opted out” of our DRIP by their brokers. Even if you have elected to automatically reinvest your PSEC stock with your broker, your broker may have “opted out” of our DRIP (which utilizes DTC’s dividend reinvestment service), and you may therefore not be receiving the 5% pricing discount. Shareholders interested in participating in our DRIP to receive the 5% discount should contact their brokers to make sure each such DRIP participation election has been made through DTC. In making such DRIP election, each shareholder should specify to one’s broker the desire to participate in the “Prospect Capital Corporation DRIP through DTC” that issues shares based on 95% of the market price (a 5% discount to the market price) and not the broker’s own “synthetic DRIP” plan (if any) that offers no such discount. Each shareholder should not assume one’s broker will automatically place such shareholder in our DRIP through DTC. Each shareholder will need to make this election proactively with one’s broker or risk not receiving the 5% discount. Each shareholder may also consult with a representative of such shareholder’s broker to request that the number of shares the shareholder wishes to enroll in our DRIP be re-registered by the broker in the shareholder’s own name as record owner in order to participate directly in our DRIP.

    Shares registered directly with our transfer agent

    If a shareholder holds shares registered in the shareholder’s own name with our transfer agent (less than 0.1% of our shareholders hold shares this way) and wants to make a change to how the shareholder receives dividends, please contact our plan administrator, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC by calling (888) 888-0313 or by mailing Equiniti Trust Company LLC, PO Box 10027, Newark, New Jersey 07101.

    EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

    Prospect will host an earnings call on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Dial 888-338-7333. For a replay after February 11, 2025 visit www.prospectstreet.com or call 877-344-7529 with passcode 2146236.

    PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
      December 31, 2024   June 30, 2024
      (Unaudited)   (Audited)
    Assets      
    Investments at fair value:      
    Control investments (amortized cost of $3,323,998 and $3,280,415, respectively) $ 3,772,329   $ 3,872,575
    Affiliate investments (amortized cost of $11,735 and $11,594, respectively) 20,212   18,069
    Non-control/non-affiliate investments (amortized cost of $3,689,972 and $4,155,165, respectively) 3,340,387   3,827,599
    Total investments at fair value (amortized cost of $7,025,705 and $7,447,174, respectively) 7,132,928   7,718,243
    Cash and cash equivalents (restricted cash of $1,508 and $3,974, respectively) 59,760   85,872
    Receivables for:      
    Interest, net 18,428   26,936
    Other 1,914   1,091
    Deferred financing costs on Revolving Credit Facility 21,180   22,975
    Prepaid expenses 641   1,162
    Due from broker —   734
    Due from Affiliate 4   79
    Total Assets 7,234,855   7,857,092
    Liabilities      
    Revolving Credit Facility 301,522   794,796
    Public Notes (less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $10,075 and $12,433, respectively) 966,197   987,567
    Prospect Capital InterNotes® (less unamortized debt issuance costs of $9,299 and $7,999, respectively) 634,535   496,029
    Convertible Notes (less unamortized debt issuance costs of $166 and $649, respectively) 156,002   155,519
    Due to Prospect Capital Management 50,700   58,624
    Interest payable 23,214   21,294
    Dividends payable 20,076   25,804
    Due to Prospect Administration 5,070   5,433
    Accrued expenses 4,028   3,591
    Due to broker 2,762   10,272
    Other liabilities 199   242
    Total Liabilities 2,164,305   2,559,171
    Commitments and Contingencies      
    Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (847,900,000 and 647,900,000 shares of preferred stock authorized, with 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series A1, 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series M1, 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series M2, 20,000,000 and 20,000,000 as Series AA1, 20,000,000 and 20,000,000 as Series MM1, 1,000,000 and 1,000,000 as Series A2, 6,900,000 and 6,900,000 as Series A, 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series A3, 80,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series M3, 90,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series A4, 90,000,000 and 80,000,000 as Series M4, 20,000,000 and 20,000,000 as Series AA2, 20,000,000 and 20,000,000 as Series MM2, 90,000,000 and 0 as Series A5, and 90,000,000 and 0 as Series M5, each as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024; 27,968,443 and 28,932,457 Series A1 shares issued and outstanding, 1,309,907 and 1,788,851 Series M1 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series M2 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series AA1 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series MM1 shares issued and outstanding, 163,000 and 164,000 Series A2 shares issued and outstanding, 5,251,157 and 5,251,157 Series A shares issued and outstanding, 24,476,826 and 24,810,648 Series A3 shares issued and outstanding, 2,732,317 and 3,351,101 Series M3 shares issued and outstanding, 2,192,884 and 1,401,747 Series M4 shares issued and outstanding, 7,012,458 and 3,766,166 Series A4 issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series AA2 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series MM2 shares issued and outstanding, 0 and 0 Series A5 issued and outstanding, and 0 and 0 Series M5 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively) at carrying value plus cumulative accrued and unpaid dividends 1,630,514   1,586,188
    Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares $ 3,440,036   $ 3,711,733
    Components of Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares and Net Assets, respectively      
    Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (1,152,100,000 and 1,352,100,000 common shares authorized; 438,851,578 and 424,846,963 issued and outstanding, respectively) 439   425
    Paid-in capital in excess of par 4,267,636   4,208,607
    Total distributable (loss) (828,039)   (497,299)
    Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares $ 3,440,036   $ 3,711,733
    Net Asset Value Per Common Share $ 7.84   $ 8.74
     
    PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
    (Unaudited)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31, Six Months Ended December 31,
      2024   2023 2024   2023
    Investment Income            
    Interest income (excluding payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest income):            
    Control investments $ 57,386   $ 41,690 $ 109,768   $ 90,816
    Non-control/non-affiliate investments 87,159   105,749 182,069   212,105
    Structured credit securities 4,054   8,882 8,233   25,569
    Total interest income (excluding PIK interest income) 148,599   156,321 300,070   328,490
    PIK interest income:            
    Control investments 13,884   26,834 33,594   50,951
    Non-control/non-affiliate investments 6,315   11,476 19,749   17,637
    Total PIK Interest Income 20,199   38,310 53,343   68,588
    Total interest income 168,798   194,631 353,413   397,078
    Dividend income:            
    Control investments 4,387   — 4,387   227
    Affiliate investments —   — 141   1,307
    Non-control/non-affiliate investments 2,574   1,340 4,843   2,865
    Total dividend income 6,961   1,340 9,371   4,399
    Other income:            
    Control investments 8,416   11,616 15,383   41,361
    Non-control/non-affiliate investments 1,291   3,355 3,607   4,349
    Total other income 9,707   14,971 18,990   45,710
    Total Investment Income 185,466   210,942 381,774   447,187
    Operating Expenses            
    Base management fee 37,069   39,087 75,675   78,376
    Income incentive fee 13,632   18,325 29,312   43,942
    Interest and credit facility expenses 37,979   40,044 77,739   80,637
    Allocation of overhead from Prospect Administration 5,708   12,252 11,416   14,365
    Audit, compliance and tax related fees 80   479 1,800   1,496
    Directors’ fees 150   131 300   266
    Other general and administrative expenses 4,417   3,697 9,224   5,566
    Total Operating Expenses 99,035   114,015 205,466   224,648
    Net Investment Income 86,431   96,927 176,308   222,539
    Net Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Investments            
    Net realized gains (losses)            
    Control investments 3   — 6,370   (147)
    Non-control/non-affiliate investments (46,656)   123 (153,393)   (207,219)
    Net realized gains (losses) (46,653)   123 (147,023)   (207,366)
    Net change in unrealized gains (losses)            
    Control investments 30,419   (99,441) (143,829)   (117,235)
    Affiliate investments (1,446)   1,751 2,002   2,588
    Non-control/non-affiliate investments (69,053)   (27,051) (22,020)   188,535
    Net change in unrealized gains (losses) (40,080)   (124,741) (163,847)   73,888
    Net Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Investments (86,733)   (124,618) (310,870)   (133,478)
    Net realized gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt 236   (53) 484   (144)
    Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations (66)   (27,744) (134,078)   88,917
    Preferred Stock dividends (26,228)   (24,070) (53,385)   (47,221)
    Net gain (loss) on redemptions of Preferred Stock (906)   378 1,398   879
    Gain (loss) on Accretion to Redemption Value of Preferred Stock (3,793)   — (9,997)   —
    Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations applicable to Common Stockholders $ (30,993)   $ (51,436) $ (196,062)   $ 42,575
     
    PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    ROLLFORWARD OF NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE
    (in actual dollars)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Six Months Ended December 31,  
      2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Per Share Data                
    Net asset value per common share at beginning of period $         8.10   $         9.25   $         8.74   $         9.24  
    Net investment income(1) 0.20   0.24   0.41   0.54  
    Net realized and change in unrealized gains (losses)(1) (0.21)   (0.30)   (0.74)   (0.33)  
    Net increase (decrease) from operations (0.01)   (0.06)   (0.33)   0.21  
    Distributions of net investment income to preferred stockholders (0.06) (4) (0.07) (3) (0.12) (4) (0.12) (3)
    Distributions of capital gains to preferred stockholders — (4) — (3) — (4) — (3)
    Total distributions to preferred stockholders (0.06)   (0.07)   (0.12)   (0.12)  
    Net increase (decrease) from operations applicable to common stockholders (0.07)   (0.13)   (0.45)   0.10 (7)
    Distributions of net investment income to common stockholders (0.15) (4) (0.18) (3) (0.33) (4) (0.34) (3)
    Return of capital to common stockholders — (4) — (3) — (4) (0.02) (3)(6)
    Total distributions to common stockholders (0.15)   (0.18)   (0.33)   (0.36)  
    Common stock transactions(2) (0.04)   (0.02)   (0.13)   (0.06)  
    Net asset value per common share at end of period $         7.84   $         8.92   $         7.84 (7) $         8.92 (7)
    (1) Per share data amount is based on the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year/period presented (except for dividends to stockholders which is based on actual rate per share). Realized gains (losses) is inclusive of net realized losses (gains) on investments, realized losses (gains) from extinguishment of debt and realized gains (losses) from the repurchases and redemptions of preferred stock.
       
    (2) Common stock transactions include the effect of our issuance of common stock in public offerings (net of underwriting and offering costs), shares issued in connection with our common stock dividend reinvestment plan, common shares issued to acquire investments, common shares repurchased below net asset value pursuant to our Repurchase Program, and common shares issued pursuant to the Holder Optional Conversion of our 5.50% Preferred Stock and 6.50% Preferred Stock.
       
    (3) Tax character of distributions is not yet finalized for the respective fiscal period and will not be finalized until we file our tax return for our tax year ending August 31, 2024.
       
    (4) Tax character of distributions is not yet finalized for the respective fiscal period and will not be finalized until we file our tax return for our tax year ending August 31, 2025.
       
    (5) Diluted net decrease from operations applicable to common stockholders was $0.07 for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Diluted net decrease from operations applicable to common stockholders was $0.13 for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Diluted net decrease from operations applicable to common stockholders was $0.45 for the six months ended December 31, 2024. Diluted net increase from operations applicable to common stockholders was $0.10 for the six months ended December 31, 2023.
       
    (6) The amounts reflected for the respective fiscal periods were updated based on tax information received subsequent to our Form 10-K filing for the year ended June 30, 2023 and our Form 10-Q filing for December 31, 2023. Certain reclassifications have been made in the presentation of prior period amounts.
       
    (7) Does not foot due to rounding.
       

    MIDDLE-MARKET LOAN PORTFOLIO COMPANY WEIGHTED AVERAGE EBITDA, NET LEVERAGE AND INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN

    Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average Net Leverage (“Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage”) and Middle-Market Loan Portfolio Company Weighted Average EBITDA (“Middle-Market Portfolio EBITDA”) provide clarity into the underlying capital structure of PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio investments and the likelihood that such portfolio will make interest payments and repay principal.

    Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage reflects the net leverage of each of PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio company debt investments, weighted based on the current fair market value of such debt investments. The net leverage for each middle-market loan portfolio company is calculated based on PSEC’s investment in the capital structure of such portfolio company, with a maximum limit of 10.0x adjusted EBITDA. This calculation excludes debt subordinate to PSEC’s position within the capital structure because PSEC’s exposure to interest payment and principal repayment risk is limited beyond that point. Additionally, subordinated structured notes, rated secured structured notes, real estate investments, investments for which EBITDA is not available, and equity investments, for which principal repayment is not fixed, are also not included in the calculation. The calculation does not exceed 10.0x adjusted EBITDA for any individual investment because 10.0x captures the highest level of risk to PSEC. Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage provides PSEC with some guidance as to PSEC’s exposure to the interest payment and principal repayment risk of PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio. PSEC monitors its Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage on a quarterly basis.

    Middle-Market Portfolio EBITDA is used by PSEC to supplement Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage and generally indicates a portfolio company’s ability to make interest payments and repay principal. Middle-Market Portfolio EBITDA is calculated using the EBITDA of each of PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio companies, weighted based on the current fair market value of the related investments. The calculation provides PSEC with insight into profitability and scale of the portfolio companies within PSEC’s middle-market loan portfolio.

    These calculations include addbacks that are typically negotiated and documented in the applicable investment documents, including but not limited to transaction costs, share-based compensation, management fees, foreign currency translation adjustments, and other nonrecurring transaction expenses.

    Together, Middle-Market Portfolio Net Leverage and Middle-Market Portfolio EBITDA assist PSEC in assessing the likelihood that PSEC will timely receive interest and principal payments. However, these calculations are not meant to substitute for an analysis of PSEC’s underlying portfolio company debt investments, but to supplement such analysis.

    Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) is the discount rate that makes the net present value of all cash flows related to a particular investment equal to zero. IRR is gross of general expenses not related to specific investments as these expenses are not allocable to specific investments. Investments are considered to be exited when the original investment objective has been achieved through the receipt of cash and/or non-cash consideration upon the repayment of a debt investment or sale of an investment or through the determination that no further consideration was collectible and, thus, a loss may have been realized. Prospect’s gross IRR calculations are unaudited. Information regarding internal rates of return are historical results relating to Prospect’s past performance and are not necessarily indicative of future results, the achievement of which cannot be assured.

    PRIMARY ORIGINATION STRATEGIES

    Lending to Companies – We make directly-originated, agented loans to companies, including companies which are controlled by private equity sponsors and companies that are not controlled by private equity sponsors (such as companies that are controlled by the management team, the founder, a family or public shareholders). This debt can take the form of first lien, second lien, unitranche or unsecured loans. These loans typically have equity subordinate to our loan position. We may also purchase selected equity investments in such companies. In addition to directly-originated, agented loans, we also invest in senior and secured loans syndicated loans and high yield bonds that have been sold to a club or syndicate of buyers, both in the primary and secondary markets. These investments are often purchased with a long term, buy-and-hold outlook, and we often look to provide significant input to the transaction by providing anchoring orders.

    Lending to Companies and Purchasing Controlling Equity Positions in Such Companies – This strategy involves purchasing senior and secured yield-producing debt and controlling equity positions in operating companies across various industries. We believe this strategy provides enhanced certainty of closing to sellers and the opportunity for management to continue on in their current roles. These investments are often structured in tax-efficient partnerships, enhancing returns.

    Purchasing Controlling Equity Positions and Lending to Real Estate Companies – We purchase debt and controlling equity positions in tax-efficient real estate investment trusts (“REIT” or “REITs”). The real estate investments of National Property REIT Corp. (“NPRC”) are in various classes of developed and occupied real estate properties that generate current yields, including multi-family properties, student housing and senior living. NPRC seeks to identify properties that have historically significant occupancy rates and recurring cash flow generation. NPRC generally co-invests with established and experienced property management teams that manage such properties after acquisition. Additionally, NPRC makes investments in rated secured structured notes (primarily debt of structured credit). NPRC also purchases loans originated by certain consumer loan facilitators. It purchases each loan in its entirety (i.e., a “whole loan”). The borrowers are consumers, and the loans are typically serviced by the facilitators of the loans.

    Investing in Structured Credit – We make investments in structured credit, often taking a significant position in subordinated structured notes (equity). The underlying portfolio of each structured credit investment is diversified across approximately 100 to 200 broadly syndicated loans and does not have direct exposure to real estate, mortgages, or consumer-based credit assets. The structured credit portfolios in which we invest are managed by established collateral management teams with many years of experience in the industry.

    About Prospect Capital Corporation

    Prospect is a business development company lending to and investing in private businesses. Prospect’s investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.

    Prospect has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. We have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

    Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, whose safe harbor for forward-looking statements does not apply to business development companies. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are highly likely to be affected by other unknowable future events and conditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under our control, and that we may or may not have considered; accordingly, such statements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Actual developments and results are highly likely to vary materially from any forward-looking statements. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statement now or in the future.

    For additional information, contact:

    Grier Eliasek, President and Chief Operating Officer
    grier@prospectcap.com
    Telephone (212) 448-0702

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen, Hassan Help Reintroduce Bipartisan SHRED Act to Keep Ski Fees Local, Support New Hampshire Recreation Management

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) helped reintroduce the Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development (SHRED) Act, led by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Barrasso (R-WY). The bipartisan bill would fuel investment in outdoor recreation in mountain communities by enabling National Forests like the White Mountain National Forest to retain a portion of the annual fees paid by ski areas operating within their boundaries. 

    “During the winter, New Hampshire’s stunning White Mountains and impressive ski slopes attract Granite State residents and tourists alike – making it a key pillar of our outdoor recreation economy,” said Shaheen. “This bipartisan bill will reinvest ski fees to improve ski areas and support overall recreation in the White Mountain National Forest. I’ll continue supporting commonsense investments in our recreation economy to benefit local communities and preserve our landscapes for generations to come.”    

    “New Hampshire’s ski resorts are cornerstones of our winter tourism industry and our state’s economy,” said Hassan. “The SHRED Act is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that will help strengthen our local communities by ensuring that ski fees are invested in maintaining and improving the places that make New Hampshire a premier destination for winter sports. This legislation will benefit both our local communities and the millions of visitors who come to experience the Granite State’s natural beauty.” 

    In exchange for using some of America’s most stunning forestlands, the 124 ski areas operating on Forest Service lands across the country pay fees to the Forest Service that average over $40 million annually. The SHRED Act would establish a framework for local National Forests to retain a portion of ski fees to offset increased recreational use and support local ski permit and program administration. The SHRED Act also provides the Forest Service with flexibility to direct resources where they are needed the most.  

    Specifically, the SHRED Act would invest in the Granite State by:  

    • Keeping Ski Fees Local: By establishing a Ski Area Fee Retention Account to retain the fees that ski areas pay to the Forest Service. For National Forests that generate ski fees, 80 percent of those fees are available for authorized uses at the local National Forest. The remaining 20 percent of those fees would be available to assist any National Forests with winter or broad recreation needs.   
    • Supporting Winter Recreation: In each forest, 75 percent of the retained funds are directly available to support the Forest Service Ski Area Program and permitting needs, process proposals for ski area improvement projects, provide information for visitors and prepare for wildfire. Any excess funds can be directed to other National Forests with winter or broad recreation needs. 
    • Addressing Broad Recreation Needs: In each forest, 25 percent of the retained funds are available to support a broad set of year-round local recreation management and community needs, including special use permit administration, visitor services, trailhead improvements, facility maintenance, search and rescue activities, avalanche information and education, habitat restoration at recreation sites and affordable workforce housing. This set-aside would dramatically increase some Forest Service unit’s budgets to meet the growing visitation and demand for outdoor recreation.  

    Shaheen and Hassan have long led efforts in Congress that support and invest in New Hampshire’s tourism and travel industries that fuel local economies across the state. Shaheen led her bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act into law to require the federal government to measure the impact of the outdoor recreation on the economy. In November 2024, Shaheen applauded the release of an annual report showing a $1.2 trillion economic contribution by the outdoor recreation sector in 2023, including adding $3.9 billion to New Hampshire’s economy. In New Hampshire, outdoor recreation accounts for 3.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 32,000 people, which is a 2.9% increase in jobs. 

    Shaheen and Hassan led efforts to help secure full funding and permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which has helped protect more than 2.5 million acres of land and supported tens of thousands of state and local outdoor recreation projects throughout the nation. In 2020, the Senators helped lead the Great American Outdoors Act into law to permanently fund the LWCF and provide mandatory funding for deferred maintenance on public lands.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Announces $17.9 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Relief, Emergency Preparedness 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $17,860,797.42 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricanes Laura and Ida relief, new generators, and flood elevation projects.
    “Preparing for future storms is always top of mind. The best way to prevent devastation is by putting precautions in place,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will not only restore communities throughout Louisiana but also ensure they are prepared for future storms.”

    Grant Awarded
    Recipient
    Project Description

    $7,239,362.23
    City of Lake Charles
    This grant will provide federal funding for permanent repairs to the Purple Heart Recreation Center and Gymnasium as a direct result of Hurricane Laura.

    $1,492,935.30
    Livingston Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding for replacement of the Lod Stafford Road Bridge as a direct result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,906,341.99
    St. John the Baptist Parish
    This grant will provide federal funding for management costs as a result of Hurricane Ida.

    $1,421,300.00
    Winn Parish Emergency Power Generator Systems
    This grant will provide federal funding for the purchase, and installation of 15 permanent generators in Winn Parish.

    $57,115.00
    Winn Parish Emergency Power Generator Systems
    This grant will provide federal funding for management costs assisting with solicitation, development, review, and processing of sub-applications.

    $1,908,920.50
    GOHSEP 
    This grant will provide federal funding for the purchase and installation of two permanent generators in the city of Monroe.

    $3,632,990.40
    St. John the Baptist Residential Elevations
    This grant will provide federal funding to elevate 21 residential structures.

    $201,832.00
    St. John the Baptist Residential Elevations
    This grant will provide federal funding for management costs including reviewing contractor invoices, preparing and submitting reimbursements, and record keeping.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stephanie Getty: Exploring the Universe with Curiosity and Wonder

    Source: NASA

    Name: Dr. Stephanie Getty
    Title: Director of the Solar System Exploration Division, Sciences and Exploration Directorate and Deputy Principal Investigator of the DAVINCI Mission
    Formal Job Classification: Planetary scientist
    Organization: Solar System Exploration Division, Sciences and Exploration Directorate (Code 690)

    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard? How do you help support Goddard’s mission?
    As the Director of the Solar System Exploration Division, I work from a place of management to support our division’s scientists. As the deputy principal investigator of the DAVINCI (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) mission, I work with the principal investigator to lead the team in implementing this mission to study the atmosphere of Venus.
    I love that I get to work from a place of advocacy in support of my truly excellent, talented colleagues. I get to think strategically to make the most of opportunities and do my best to overcome difficulties for the best possible future for our teams. It’s also a fun challenge that no two days are ever the same!
    Why did you become a planetary scientist?
    In school, I had a lot of interests and space was always one of them. I also loved reading, writing, math, biology, and chemistry. Being a planetary scientist touches on all of these.
    My dad inspired me become a scientist because he loved his telescope and photography including of celestial bodies. We watched Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos” often.
    I grew up in southeastern Florida, near Fort Lauderdale. I have a B.S. and Ph.D. in physics from the University of Florida.  
    How did you come to Goddard?

    I had a post-doctoral fellowship in the physics department at the University of Maryland, and a local connection and a suggestion from my advisor led me to Goddard in 2004.
    What is most important to you as director of the Solar System Exploration Division, Sciences and Exploration Directorate?
    My goal is to provide a supportive environment for our incredibly talented science community in the Division to thrive, to push discovery forward and improve the understanding of our solar system. It’s a priority to encourage effective and open communication. I really try to value the whole person, recognizing that each of us is three-dimensional, with full personal lives. The people create the culture that allows our scientists to thrive and explore.
    What are your goals as deputy principal investigator of the DAVINCI mission?
    DAVINCI’s goal is to fill long-standing gaps about Venus, including whether it looked more like Earth in the past. Our energetic team brings together science, engineering, technology, project management, and business acumen to build a multi-element spacecraft that will explore Venus above the clouds, and during an hour-long descent through the atmosphere into the searingly hot and high pressure deep layers of the atmosphere near the surface. We hope to launch in June 2029.
    What is your proudest accomplishment at Goddard?
    I am pleased and proud to be deputy principal investigator on a major mission proposal that now gets to fly. It is an enormous privilege to be entrusted as part of the leadership team to bring the first probe mission back to Venus in over four decades.
    What makes Goddard’s culture effective?
    Goddard’s culture is at its best when we collectively appreciate how each member of the organization works towards solving our problems. The scientists appreciate the hard, detailed work that the engineers do to make designs. The engineers and project managers are energized by the fundamental science questions that underlie everything we do. And we have brilliant support staff that keeps our team organized and focused.

    What goes through your mind when you think about which fundamental science question to address and how?
    A lot of the research I have done, including my mission work, has been inspired by the question of how life originates, how life originated on Earth, and whether there are or have been other environments in the solar system that could have ever supported life. These questions are profound to any human being. My job allows me to work with incredibly talented teams to make scientific progress on these questions.
    It is really humbling.
    Who inspired you?
    My 10th grade English teacher encouraged us to connect with the natural world and to write down our experiences. Exploring the manifestations of nature connects with the way I approach my small piece of exploring the solar system. I really love the writing parts of my job, crafting the narrative around the science we do and why it is important.
    As a mentor, what is the most important lesson you give?
    A successful career should reflect both your passion and natural abilities. Know yourself. What feels rewarding to you is important. Learn how to be honest with yourself and let yourself be driven by curiosity.
    Our modern lives can be very noisy at work and at home. It can be hard to filter through what is and is not important. Leaving space to connect with the things that satisfy your curiosity can be one way to make the most of the interconnectivity and complexity of life.
    Curiosity not only connects us to the natural world, but also to each other. Curiosity is a defining characteristic of a good scientist, never losing a sense of wonder.
    I’m looking out my window as we talk. When I can, I try to make time to pause to reflect on how beautiful and special our own planet is.
    What are your hobbies?
    I love hiking with my kids. Walking through the woods puts me in the moment and clears my mind better than anything else. It gives my brain a chance to relax. Nature gives perspective, it reminds me that I am part of something bigger. Walking in the woods gives me a chance to pause, for example, to notice an interesting rock formation, or watch a spider spinning an impressive web, or spot a frog trying to camouflage itself in a pond, and doing this with my children is my favorite pastime. 
    Where is your favorite place in the world?
    Any campsite at dusk with a fire going and eating s’mores with my family.

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.
    By Elizabeth M. JarrellNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: World Photo Day: Behind the Scenes with Goddard’s Documentary Photographers

    Source: NASA

    Ambiguity. 
    That’s the word that comes to mind when documentary photographers start each day at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

    “You walk in and think one thing is happening,” said OCI’s lead documentary photographer Desiree Stover. “But in an instant things change – maybe goes wrong –- and you need to be ready to capture it.”
    From build to testing to launch, one figure is always present in the background capturing the story of each Goddard mission – the documentary photographer. 
    In honor of #WorldPhotoDay, follow along as two of our documentarians share what it’s like to capture the story of Goddard’s latest mission build PACE. 
    PACE or Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem, is set to launch in early 2024. Its goal is to see ocean and atmosphere features in unparalleled detail. By measuring the intensity of the color that reflects from Earth’s ocean surface, PACE will capture fine details about tiny plant-like organisms and algae that live in the ocean, called phytoplankton, that are the basis of the marine food web and generate half of Earth’s oxygen. 
    Crafting the Story
    For Stover and her partner Denny Henry, PACE’s lead mission photographer, the story starts with the smallest details. 
    “I think one of the first things I photographed was the outside of a circuit port box. It was literally an empty metal box,” said Henry, who started photographing PACE in 2020, right before the pandemic. “It might be small, but it’s part of a system that’s going to do big things.”

    A typical day for these photographers usually starts with a morning meeting, assignments and getting ready. By the end of the day, the original plan has likely been changed, multiple times.
    “Some days we might shoot eight photos, other days it might be hundreds or more,” Stover said.

    Images captured during shoots are used for a variety of things, especially technical components of the mission. This includes documenting builds, spotting mistakes and testing. 
    Stover got her start at Goddard by photographing NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope before switching to capturing imagery of Goddard’s small instruments, including PACE’s Ocean Color Instrument, or OCI. This advanced sensor will enable continuous measurement of light throughout the ultraviolet to shortwave infrared spectrum to better understand Earth’s ocean and atmosphere.
    She says she’s still in awe that her teammates trust her “eye.”
    “One of the most fascinating things about working here is that we have a specific job,” she said. “And even though engineers can pick up a camera and take photos, they don’t. They know we’re the experts at it. They trust our eyes to tell and capture the story.”
    Henry said one of the most memorable days he’s documented so far was watching the PACE team integrate the SPEXone instrument into the spacecraft. 
    “All the partners were there as I photographed. It was a big deal,” he said. “I captured every bolt all the way to the mounting. It’s important to get these details. Six months from now someone who wasn’t there might want to see what was done in what order.”
    Henry said that capturing images is only part of the job. For every hour of shooting, there’s also an hour spent processing and working with partners to ensure things were documented correctly.
    Playing Detective
    While telling the story is important, Stover says that part of the job is speaking up, especially when you notice something wrong.
    During one assignment documenting vibration testing, Stover noticed that OCI’s Earth shade looked different.
    “We took the bagging off and could see tape peeling off the radiator panels, possibly loose wires in certain places,” she said. “When I saw this, I thought back to what it was like when we shot this the first time.”

    It’s common for the photographers to shoot things twice to examine how things might change when in testing. When Stover saw the tape, she got to work ensuring her hunch was right. 
    She sent a series of images to the thermal team lead letting him know what she found. Plans were already underway to change the design.
    The unexpected
    Stover and Henry agree that documenting missions has come with some interesting experiences.
    Both had to undergo fall protection harness training in the event they had to climb around one of Goddard’s cleanrooms, something that happened to Stover during one assignment.
    “Once I was up in Building 29’s high bay. Like up at the very top in the crane rafters shooting. I never thought I was afraid of heights until that moment,” she said. “But I focused on the image and what task I was accomplishing and completed the assignment without issue.”
    Henry said adjusting to Covid-19 required a lot of flexibility, especially with sudden changes.
    “This is not a job you can do from home,” he said. “After a few months, we adapted.”

    Henry said that many times mission teams will find that engineering drawings won’t match up with what was actually built. With the pandemic restrictions, PACE heavily relied on his images to note how things changed and why issues occurred. 
    As PACE heads toward big milestones in the next year, both Stover and Henry are excited to see their work come together, including the day of launch.
    They both agreed that photographing the teams involved in each aspect of PACE’s build is especially rewarding as they help create mementos that go along with their mission’s story. 

    By: Sara BlumbergNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: One Month Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: One Month Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

    One Month Left to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance

    LOS ANGELES – Homeowners and renters who have incurred damage or losses from the Los Angeles County wildfires that began Jan. 7 have until Monday,March 10,  2025, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. The program provides financial and other assistance to eligible individuals and households to help meet their basic needs and supplement their wildfire recovery efforts. FEMA may reimburse eligible applicants for temporary housing, home repairs to their primary home, personal property losses, medical and dental expenses related to the disaster, childcare and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.Residents who have insurance need to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before applying. FEMA assistance is not taxed and will not affect Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance:Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (fastest option).On the FEMA App (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play).By phone on the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages: press 2 for Spanish or press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 7 days a week. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate a DRC near you, visit the DRC Locator.For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance. After You ApplyIf you had damage and applied for FEMA assistance, you can expect a call, text or email from FEMA to schedule a home inspection to assess disaster damage. Please note phone calls from FEMA may come from an unfamiliar number. Inspectors will try to reach you multiple times but eventually will stop calling if you do not respond. You will learn FEMA’s decision on what benefits you may receive in a Determination Letter sent by email or U.S. Mail.FEMA may refer you to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a SBA low-interest disaster loan to help offset damage and losses caused by the wildfires. Disaster loans are available to renters, homeowners and businesses and are the largest source of federal disaster funding for people impacted by disasters. The deadline to apply with the SBA is also March 10, 2025. Do not wait for your FEMA Determination Letter to apply for a SBA loan. To apply visit sba.gov/disaster; call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. You may also apply with the help of a SBA representative or submit your loan application at a Business Recovery Center. To find one, go to Appointment.sba.gov. Completed paper loan applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. 
    barbara.murien…
    Mon, 02/10/2025 – 17:44

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: John Moisan Studies the Ocean Through the ‘Eyes’ of AI

    Source: NASA

    Name: John Moisan
    Formal Job Classification: Research oceanographer
    Organization: Ocean Ecology Laboratory, Hydrosphere, Biosphere, Geophysics (HBG), Earth Science Directorate (Code 616) – duty station at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard? How do you help support Goddard’s mission?
    I develop ecosystem models and satellite algorithms to understand how the ocean’s ecology works. My work has evolved over time from when I coded ocean ecosystem models to the present where I now use artificial intelligence to evolve the ocean ecosystem models.
    How did you become an oceanographer?
    As a child, I watched a TV series called “Sea Hunt,” which involved looking for treasure in the ocean. It inspired me to want to spend my life scuba diving.
    I got a Bachelor of Science in marine biology from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine, and later got a Ph.D. from the Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
    Initially, I just wanted to do marine biology which to me meant doing lots of scuba diving, maybe living on a sailboat. Later, when I was starting my graduate schoolwork, I found a book about mathematical biology and a great professor who helped open my eyes to the world of numerical modeling. I found out that instead of scuba diving, I needed instead to spend my days behind a computer, learning how to craft ideas into equations and then code these into a computer to run simulations on ocean ecosystems.
    I put myself through my initial education. I went to school fulltime, but I lived at home and hitchhiked to college on a daily basis. When I started my graduate school, I worked to support myself. I was in school during the normal work week, but from Friday evening through Sunday night, I worked 40 hours at a medical center cleaning and sterilizing the operating room instrument carts. This was during the height of the AIDS epidemic.
    What was most exciting about your two field trips to the Antarctic?
    In 1987, I joined a six-week research expedition to an Antarctic research station to explore how the ozone hole was impacting phytoplankton. These are single-celled algae that are responsible for making half the oxygen we breathe. Traveling to Antarctica is like visiting another planet. There are more types of blue than I’ve ever seen. It is an amazingly beautiful place to visit, with wild landscapes, glaciers, mountains, sea ice, and a wide range of wildlife. After my first trip I returned home and went back in a few months later as a biologist on a joint Polish–U.S. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) expedition to carry out a biological survey and measure how much fast the phytoplankton was growing in different areas of the Southern Ocean. We used nets to measure the amounts of fish and shrimp and took water samples to measure salinity, the amount of algae and their growth rates. We ate well, for example the Polish cook made up a large batch of smoked ice fish.
    What other field work have you done?
    While a graduate student, I helped do some benthic work in the Gulf of Maine. This study was focused on understanding the rates of respiration in the muds on the bottom of the ocean and on understanding how much biomass was in the muds. The project lowered a benthic grab device to the bottom where it would push a box core device into the sediments to return it to the surface. This process is sort of like doing a biopsy of the ocean bottom.
    What is your goal as a research oceanographer at Goddard?
    Ocean scientists measure the amount and variability of chlorophyll a, a pigment in algae, in the ocean because it is an analogue to the amount of algae or phytoplankton in the ocean. Chlorophyll a is used to capture solar energy to make sugars, which the algae use for growth. Generally, areas of the ocean that have more chlorophyll are also areas where growth or primary production is higher. So, by estimating how much chlorophyll is in the ocean we can study how these processes are changing with an aim in understanding why. NASA uses the color of the ocean using satellites to estimate chlorophyll a because chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and changes the color of the ocean. Algae have other kinds of pigments, each of which absorbs light at different wavelengths. Because different groups of algae have different levels of pigments, they are like fingerprints that can reveal the type of algae in the water. Some of my research aims at trying to use artificial intelligence and mathematical techniques to create new ways to measure these pigments from space to understand how ocean ecosystems change.
    In 2024, NASA plans to launch the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite, which will measure the color of the ocean at many different wavelengths. The data from this satellite can be used with results from my work on genetic programs and inverse modeling to estimate concentrations of different pigments and possibly concentrations of different types of algae in the ocean.
    You have been at Goddard over 22 years. What is most memorable to you?
    I develop ecosystem models. But ecosystems do not have laws in the same way that physics has laws. Equations need to be created so that the ecosystem models represent what is observed in the real world. Satellites have been a great source for those observations, but without a lot of other types of observations that are collected in the field, the ocean, it is difficult to develop these equations. In my time at NASA, I have only been able to develop models because of the great but often tedious work that ocean scientists around the world have been doing when they go on ocean expeditions to measure various ocean features, be it simple temperature or the more complicated measurements of algal growth rates. My experience with their willingness to collaborate and share data is especially memorable. This experience is also what I enjoyed with numerous scientists at NASA who have always been willing to support new ideas and point me in the right direction. It has made working at NASA a phenomenal experience.

    Related Article: NASA Researcher’s AI ‘Eye’ Could Help Robotic Data-Gathering

    What are the philosophical implications of your work?
    The human capacity to think rapidly, to test and change our opinions based on what we learn, is slow compared to that of a computer. Computers can help us adapt more quickly. I can put 1,000 students in a room developing ecosystem model models. But I know that this process of developing ecosystem models is slow when compared what a computer can do using an artificial intelligence approach called genetic programming, it is a much faster way to generate ecosystem model solutions.
    Philosophically, there is no real ecosystem model that is the best. Life and ecosystems on Earth change and adapt at rates too fast for any present-day model to resolve, especially considering climate change. The only real ecosystem model is the reality itself. No computer model can perfectly simulate ecosystems. By utilizing the fast adaptability that evolutionary computer modeling techniques provide, simulating and ultimately predicting ecosystems can be improved greatly.
    How does your work have implications for scientists in general?
    I do evolutionary programming. I see a lot of possibility in using evolutionary programming to solve many large problems we are trying to solve. How did life start and evolve? Can these processes be used to evolve intelligence or sentience?
    The artificial intelligence (AI) work answers questions, but you need to identify the questions. This is the greater problem when it comes to working with AI. You cannot answer the question of how to create a sentient life if you do not know how to define it. If I cannot measure life, how can I model it? I do not know how to write that equation. How does life evolve? How did the evolutionary process start? These are big questions I enjoy discussing with friends. It can be as frustrating as contemplating “nothing.”
    Who inspires you?
    Many of the scientists that I was fortunate to work with at various research institutes, such as Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. These are groups of scientists are open to always willing to share their ideas. These are individuals who enjoy doing science. I will always be indebted to them for their kindness in sharing of ideas and data.
    Do you still scuba dive?
    Yes, I wish I could dive daily, it is a very calming experience. I’m trying to get my kids to join me.
    What else do you do for fun?
    My wife and I bike and travel. Our next big bike trip will hopefully be to Shangri-La City in China. I also enjoy sailing and trying to grow tropical plants. But, most of all, I enjoy helping raise my children to be resilient, empathic, and intelligent beings.
    What are your words to live by?
    Life. So much to see. So little time.

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trena Ferrell Inspires Through Science and Education

    Source: NASA

    Name: Trena Ferrell
    Title: Education and Public Outreach Lead for the Earth Science Division
    Formal Job Classification: Environmental Scientist
    Organization: Earth Science Division, Earth Science Directorate (Code 610)
    What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard?
    I interface with the public and educational institutions to share all the great research that our scientists and engineers are doing at NASA. I also support large-scale public events around the country and interact with citizen scientists.
    I’ve always been passionate about science and education, so now I get to mesh my two passions together.
    What is your educational background?
    I have a Bachelor of Science in premedicine from Albright College in Redding, Pennsylvania; a master’s in developmental biology from American University in Washington, D.C.; and a Ph.D. in environmental science from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
    How did you come to work for Goddard?
    Initially I wanted to be a doctor, but I started teaching science at the middle school and high school at the Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., and found that I loved teaching. (I got to meet her once, and she was phenomenal!)
    Around 2000, I asked NASA to send a speaker, Dr. Octavia Tripp. Through her suggestion, I became an aerospace education specialist and then the NASA Explorer Schools Workshop Coordinator at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Around 2005, I became Goddard’s education representative for Maryland. In 2015, I became a public affairs specialist for Goddard’s Office of Communications. In 2016, I started in my current position.
    What is your message to students?
    I work with students from kindergarten through college. I want them to reach for the stars and realize that they can be scientists or engineers who work at NASA. I want them to know that NASA also offers a plethora of other careers, which I also want them to consider.
    What is your message for citizen scientists?
    I tell them that they are an important piece of the NASA puzzle who help us with our scientific efforts. For example, the Globe Observer App can be downloaded to a smart phone. Using this app, they can take photos of clouds, land cover, tree height, and mosquito larvae. They can also take tree height measurements.
    What was your favorite large-scale event?
    I was one of the co-leads for Goddard’s open house in 2015, my first large-scale project of this magnitude. Over 20,000 people attended. We had so many people that the Greenbelt Metro Station had to close. People even came from other states.
    I loved seeing all our hard work pay off and how excited all the people were to be at Goddard. I especially enjoyed watching the kids interreacting with our scientists and engineers, asking questions. They are our future.

    When did you feel like you were part of the NASA family?
    While working on our 2015 open house, I worked with an amazing team. Kudos to the Office of Communications; especially to Michelle Jones, Leslee Scott, Deanna Trask, and Amy Grigg.
    This event made me realize that NASA really is a family. Everyone works together for a positive outcome; a shared, common interest. If you need help, someone shows up to help you without asking. And you do the same for others who need help.
    World-class scientist and engineers willingly give their time to tell the world about their expertise. They are good with people of all ages and are always particularly kind with kids, our next generation of explorers.   
    How has working at Goddard changed your life?
    While at Goddard, I met my husband Mark Branch, a Goddard engineer. He was our subject matter expert for a student outreach event I organized. We married two years after meeting, in 2010. Someday I’d like to write a book about all the couples who met at Goddard.
    I sincerely thank everyone at Goddard who has touched my life and helped me!
    Who has guided you the most in life?
    My parents did everything they could to give my sister and me the best possible opportunities. They told us to dream big and to do big things. They are always there for us. They are amazing people!
    I adore my family. I love that I have added new family members from NASA.
    What do you do to relax?
    I attended a French high school for my junior year and became an admirer of French culture and cuisine. I like to cook, including French food. I also love traveling. I enjoy reading fiction to relax.

    Conversations With Goddard is a collection of Q&A profiles highlighting the breadth and depth of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center’s talented and diverse workforce. The Conversations have been published twice a month on average since May 2011. Read past editions on Goddard’s “Our People” webpage.
    By Elizabeth M. JarrellNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Exercises Borrowing Authority for National Flood Insurance Program

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Exercises Borrowing Authority for National Flood Insurance Program

    FEMA Exercises Borrowing Authority for National Flood Insurance Program

    Follows more than $10 billion in projected payments related to Hurricanes Helene and MiltonWASHINGTON — FEMA has exercised its borrowing authority under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to borrow $2 billion from U.S. Treasury to pay eligible National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholder claims. This borrowing action follows payouts in 2024 from several large-scale and back-to-back flooding events. While the NFIP’s premiums are usually sufficient to pay claims in years without catastrophic floods, heavy rain events in 2024 –including hurricanes Helene and Milton– caused massive, widespread damage resulting in tens of thousands of flood insurance claims.Hurricane Helene has received more than 57,400 flood insurance claims totaling more than $4.5 billion as of Feb. 6, 2025. Based on data as of Jan. 31, 2025, the estimated range for total losses paid in to the NFIP is between $6.4 to $7.4 billion. Hurricane Milton received more than 21,100 flood insurance claims totaling more than $740 million as of Feb. 6, 2025. The estimated range for losses paid is between $1.2 to $2.9 billion based on data as of Jan. 31, 2025.The NFIP is not designed to pay for multiple catastrophic events in a single year without additional financial assistance. The combined losses from 2024 have depleted the NFIP’s funds generated from premiums to pay claims.FEMA’s borrowing authority is $30.425 billion, of which FEMA has already borrowed $20.525 billion in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina, Sandy and Harvey between 2005-2017. The debt is now $22.525 billion.“The widespread, devastating flooding following hurricanes Helene and Milton reemphasizes the financial effects flooding can have not just to survivors but also the National Flood Insurance Program. We are strategically utilizing short-term borrowings in 60-day increments, demonstrating our careful and responsible management of the borrowing authority,” said Elizabeth Asche, Ph.D., Senior Executive of the National Flood Insurance Program. “Despite these challenges, the NFIP remains unwavering in its commitment to fully pay every claim and ensure policyholders receive the compensation they are owed for eligible flood-related losses.”FEMA has always paid its NFIP claims on all eligible losses. Those who take the step to protect their homes and businesses by purchasing flood insurance get paid every dollar they are owed under their flood insurance policies.Flooding continues to be the costliest and most frequent natural disaster in the United States and flood insurance is still the best way for individual homeowners, renters and businesses to financially protect against future flood losses. The NFIP provides about $1.3 trillion in coverage to nearly 4.7 million policyholders nationwide.For more information about the NFIP, visit Floodsmart.gov. 
    amy.ashbridge
    Mon, 02/10/2025 – 16:44

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tennessee Department of Transportation Awarded $9.6 Million for Debris Removal

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Tennessee Department of Transportation Awarded $9.6 Million for Debris Removal

    Tennessee Department of Transportation Awarded $9.6 Million for Debris Removal

    The State of Tennessee and FEMA have awarded $9.6 million to the Tennessee Department of Transportation for clearing 457,381 cubic yards of debris left when Tropical Storm Helene swept across Eastern Tennessee in late September.Funding for debris removal is authorized under FEMA’s Public Assistance program. Debris collection began Oct. 1 across roads and public property in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. It is expected to be completed by Feb. 28. FEMA’s initial estimated share for this project is $7,231,839; the estimated nonfederal share is $2,410,613. The expedited operation includes 90,749 cubic yards of vegetative debris; 164,357 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris; and 202,274 cubic yards of sand, soil and mud. These totals were estimated and will be reconciled for actual costs once FEMA and the state receive permit documentation. This $9.6 million obligation represents about half of the total costs anticipated by completion of the debris removal operation. Because FEMA Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program, FEMA reimburses state applicants 75% of eligible costs for debris removal. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred those costs. The remaining 25% represents nonfederal funds.The Public Assistance program is FEMA’s largest grant program, providing funding to help communities responding to and recovering from major presidentially declared disasters or emergencies. Tropical Storm Helene swept across Tennessee Sept. 26-30, and the president approved a major disaster declaration on Oct. 2.
    kwei.nwaogu
    Mon, 02/10/2025 – 16:45

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Get Repair, Rebuilding Advice Feb. 10-15 in Hawkins and Washington Counties

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Get Repair, Rebuilding Advice Feb. 10-15 in Hawkins and Washington Counties

    Get Repair, Rebuilding Advice Feb. 10-15 in Hawkins and Washington Counties

    FEMA’s mitigation specialists have partnered with The Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement to offer free advice and tips on rebuilding homes stronger and safer as Tennessee residents repair, rebuild and make improvements after Tropical Storm Helene.FEMA specialists will be available as detailed below: Monday, Feb. 10, to Saturday, Feb. 15Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET SaturdayHawkins CountyThe Home Depot2000 Harrell Rd. Kingsport, TN 37660Washington CountyLowe’s Home Improvement180 Marketplace Blvd.Johnson City, TN 37604The mitigation specialists are available to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips and proven methods to help reduce damage from disasters. Most information is aimed at general contractors or those who do the work on their own.
    kwei.nwaogu
    Mon, 02/10/2025 – 16:42

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Encourages Survivors to Stay in Touch and Keep Their Recovery on Track

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Encourages Survivors to Stay in Touch and Keep Their Recovery on Track

    FEMA Encourages Survivors to Stay in Touch and Keep Their Recovery on Track

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – More than 1,000 FEMA staff are still on the ground in Florida to help survivors recover from Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby. FEMA will continue to process applications, receive, and manage appeals, conduct inspections and assist applicants and local officials with questions and information about recovery programs.  Survivors who applied for FEMA assistance should continue to stay in touch with the agency to update their application. Missing or outdated material could result in delays. Information that may need to be updated includes:Your current housing situation, phone number or mailing address.The name of a person designated to speak for you.Names of household members and number of people living in the home.Changes in your FEMA application. Correcting or verifying home and property damage.Your payment preferenceFloridians who are waiting for an inspection should continue to check their application status. Survivors can check their application status by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or calling FEMA directly at 800-621-3362. It is important to make sure all contact information is current. FEMA may call survivors to schedule an inspection of the damaged home or obtain more information to process the application. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers. Survivors should answer these calls or return any missed phone calls. FEMA will call survivors up to nine times to schedule an inspection. An applicant who misses these calls will need to request an inspection again. For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
    despina.pappas
    Mon, 02/10/2025 – 15:36

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mercer County, W.Va., Disaster Recovery Center extending operations additional week

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>CHARLESTON, W.Va. – While the deadline to apply for disaster assistance ended Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, the Mercer County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Princeton, W.Va., is extending its operations an additional week. The recovery center will remain open through Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, to allow applicants more time to speak face-to-face with staff about their applications.
    The Mercer County recovery center location and hours are as follows: 

    Princeton Disaster Recovery Center

    Lifeline Princeton Church of God
    250 Oakvale Road 
    Princeton, WV 24740
     
    Hours of operation:
    Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

     
    DRCs are accessible to all, including survivors with mobility issues, impaired vision, and those who are who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
    Another way for applicants to discuss their FEMA assistance is by phone at 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 
    Staff from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available at the recovery center for homeowners, renters and business owners to answer questions about their physical disaster loans, and for business owners to inquire about their Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). 
    Applicants can also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay service.
    For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4851 and www.facebook.com/FEMA.
    ###
    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
    Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.
    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA to Host Housing Resource Fair Feb. 15 in Augusta

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    EMA is hosting a Housing Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, in Augusta at the following location:
    Henry Brigham Community Center
    2463 Golden Camp Rd. C, 
    Augusta, GA 30906
    The Housing Resource Fair will bring together federal, state and local agencies in one place to offer services and resources to families recovering from Hurricane Helene.  
    The goal of this collaborative effort is to help connect eligible disaster survivors with affordable housing along with valuable information and resources on their road to recovery.
    Survivors will meet with local housing organizations, property owners and landlords, as well as gain information on the HEARTS Georgia Sheltering Program, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.
    The Housing Resource Fair is an opportunity for survivors to: 

    Explore affordable housing options and rental assistance programs.
    Meet with representatives from local housing organizations, landlords and property managers.
    Gain access to resources for displaced individuals and families.
    Learn about community partners that will provide educational funding resources to attendees. 

    For FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Wallace, the Housing Resource Fair will give survivors that needed one-on-one experience: “We want survivors to know we are here for them and want to see the best outcome, which is moving into safe, sanitary and functioning housing,” he said. “We will walk them through their options to ensure they are aware of the resources that are available to fit their need.”
    Anyone who was affected by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, whether they have applied for FEMA assistance or not, is welcome to attend.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: HFAC Member Roundtable with Families of U.S. Hostages Held by Hamas

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a public, bipartisan roundtable discussion with family members of Americans held hostage by Hamas following the October 7th attack on Israel.

    What: Roundtable – Republican and Democrat members will hear from family members of Americans being held hostage by Hamas.

    Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025

    Time: 9:00am ET

    Location: Rayburn 2172

    ***Coverage note: Check here for updates. The roundtable will be webcast live here and open to the public and press. Spaces are limited – members of the media who would like to attend in-person should RSVP with with Joe Clark at joseph.clark@mail.house.gov to guarantee a seat. ***

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two convicted in Eastern District of Texas COVID fraud scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SHERMAN, Texas – A Collin County man and a Floridian have been convicted of federal violations related to a COVID fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Cord Dean Newman, 47, of Homosassa, Florida, and Eric “Phoenix” Marascio, 53, of Allen, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on February 6, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, Newman, a Hollywood stuntman, and Marascio, an author and baker, were convicted for their involvement in a multimillion-dollar loan fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The evidence at trial showed they were involved in a scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by applying for and obtaining fraudulent PPP loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Once Newman and Marascio obtained the loans, they used the funds in a manner inconsistent with the program, including to invest in foreign exchange currency markets, to purchase vehicles, and for various other non-business-related expenditures.

    The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was a federal law enacted in March 2020 and designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program was an SBA program that provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters. 

    The defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern District of Texas.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Welcomes Peter Schork as Market President for Toledo, OH & Birmingham, MI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO) announced that Peter Schork has joined F&M as Market President of the Toledo, Ohio and Birmingham, Michigan markets.

    Lars Eller, President and CEO of F&M stated, “As a proven community banker, Peter brings a wealth of experience to F&M. His leadership, deep market knowledge, and commitment to building strong relationships will be an invaluable resource to F&M as we continue to grow and serve our communities. We look forward to the impact he will make in driving success for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”

    In his new role, Peter will oversee F&M’s presence in the Toledo, Ohio, and Birmingham, Michigan markets, including offices in Waterville, Swanton, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Downtown Toledo, as well as F&M’s Loan Production Office in Troy and its Birmingham, Michigan location.

    Peter brings over 25 years of banking and financial experience to F&M. Prior to joining the Company, he served as the Ann Arbor President for Oxford Bank and co-founded the Ann Arbor State Bank serving as its President and CEO. In addition to his community bank experience, Peter was the CFO at Catalyst Commercial Real Estate, and the President of a Michigan based title, mortgage, and real estate company. In addition to his business experience, Peter is a proud supporter of various community organizations. Currently he serves on the Michigan Theater Board of Trustees, is a member of the Ray and Eleanor Cross Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor and is a Board Member and Treasurer for the Homeless/Unhoused Mission. Peter holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a specialization in Finance from Eastern Michigan University.

    About F&M Bank:
    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement
    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: 
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Investor and Media Contact:
    Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com
       

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e11179be-cf20-449e-9416-ca1e8ff1fd2f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State and federal debris removal begins this week in Los Angeles in record-breaking speed

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 10, 2025

    What you need to know: The state and federal government are working at record-pace to remove debris from the Los Angeles area firestorms.

    LOS ANGELES – The State of California, in coordination with federal and local partners, is rapidly advancing wildfire cleanup efforts, with structural debris removal from the Eaton and Palisades fires set to begin this week. This marks the fastest large scale debris removal operation in modern state history.

    Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will begin private property debris removal on Tuesday morning in Altadena and Tuesday afternoon in Pacific Palisades, closely coordinating efforts with local officials.

    “The speed of this cleanup is unprecedented, and it’s a testament to local, state, and federal government’s commitment to getting families back on their feet as quickly as possible. We’re cutting through the red tape and working with our partners to ensure that recovery moves at a record pace, helping communities rebuild stronger and more resilient.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The removal process begins just 35 days after the fires ignited — roughly half the time it took to start similar operations after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.
     
    Under Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership, California has expedited the cleanup process by cutting red tape and eliminating bureaucratic barriers, allowing highly trained crews to enter impacted communities sooner and help survivors rebuild their lives faster.
     
    The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, in partnership with six locally affected jurisdictions, has worked around the clock to collect Right-of-Entry (ROE) forms from residents, develop haul routes, and coordinate safe transport of fire ash and debris.
     
    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is rapidly completing the removal of households hazardous materials at record speed, clearing the way for this next phase of cleanup.
     
    Last month, Governor Newsom announced that FEMA, working with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), had tasked the EPA with safely removing and disposing of hazardous materials from homes and structures impacted by the fires. This crucial first step—one of the most complex phases of wildfire cleanup — paved the way for the structural debris removal now underway.
     
    As these operations continue, residents should anticipate an increased presence of debris removal teams in their communities and plan accordingly. The agencies involved appreciate the public’s support and patience as crews work to eliminate health and safety risks from impacted properties.
     
    Since the fires began, Governor Newsom has led an aggressive, coordinated, whole-of-government response to support impacted communities. Prior to the fires breaking out, the state had already deployed thousands of firefighters and personnel, with more than 16,000 boots on the ground at the peak of response efforts. In the days that followed, the state launched historic recovery and rebuilding efforts to ensure Los Angeles communities receive the support they need.

    Fire survivors can sign up for the federal debris removal program by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or online at ca.gov/LAFires

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 10, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom is sponsoring new legislation to allow homeowners who receive insurance payments for lost or damaged property to receive the interest accrued rather than lenders.  LOS ANGELES — As part of the state’s ongoing efforts to…

    Feb 7, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Khalil “KC” Mohseni, of Sacramento, has been appointed Commissioner of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, where he has been the Chief Deputy Director…

    Feb 7, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills: SBX1-1 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Budget Act of 2024.SBX1-2 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – Budget Act of 2024. A signing message can be found…

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