NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper Statement on Metro Denver ICE Raids

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement in response to reports of ICE arrests and activity across Denver and Aurora. 

    “Reports that ICE was blocking school buses picking up kids and preventing families from leaving their homes are deeply troubling.

    “We all want criminals off of our streets. Securing our border doesn’t require targeting children and families who have committed no crimes.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government rips up rules to fire-up nuclear power

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    More nuclear power plants will be approved across England and Wales as the Prime Minister slashes red tape to get Britain building – as part of his Plan for Change.

    • Prime Minister puts Britain back in the global race for nuclear energy.
    • Changes will allow for Small Modular Reactors for the first time.
    • Latest step in Government’s determination to grow the economy and deliver cleaner, more affordable energy.

    More nuclear power plants will be approved across England and Wales as the Prime Minister slashes red tape to get Britain building – as part of his Plan for Change.

    Reforms to planning rules will clear a path for smaller, and easier to build nuclear reactors – known as Small Modular Reactors –to be built for the first time ever in the UK. This will create thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people.

    This is the latest refusal to accept the status quo, with the government ripping up archaic rules and saying not to the NIMBYs, to prioritise growth. It comes after recent changes to planning laws, the scrapping of the 3-strike rule for judicial reviews on infrastructure projects, and application of common-sense to environmental rules.

    For too long the country has been mired by delay and obstruction, with a system too happy to label decisions as too difficult, or too long term. The UK was the first country in the world to develop a nuclear reactor, but the last time a nuclear power station was built was back in 1995. None have been built since, leaving the UK lagging behind in a global race to harness cleaner, more affordable energy.

    The industry pioneered in Britain has been suffocated by regulations and this saw investment collapse, leaving only one nuclear power plant – Hinkley Point C – under construction. And this was after years of delay caused by unnecessary rules – meaning companies produced a 30,000-page environmental assessment to get planning permission.

    Meanwhile, China is constructing 29 reactors, and the EU has 12 at planning stage, giving these places a huge advantage in the global race to harness new technologies, create jobs and deliver cleaner, cheaper, independent energy.

    Investors want to get on and build reliable, cheap nuclear power, which will in turn support critical modern infrastructure, such as supercomputers to power the UK’s ambitions – but they have been held back.

    Today’s plan will shake up the planning rules to make it easier to build nuclear across the country – delivering jobs, cheaper bills in the long term, and more money in people’s back pockets. This will be achieved by:

    Including mini-nuclear power stations in planning rules for the first time – so firms can start building them in the places that need them.

    Scrapping the set list of 8-sites – which meant nuclear sites could be built anywhere across England and Wales.

    Removing the expiry date on nuclear planning rules – so projects don’t get timed out and industry can plan for the long term. 

    Setting up a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce – that will spearhead improvements to the regulations to help more companies build here. This will report directly to the PM. 

    This is the Government delivering on a manifesto commitment to galvanise nuclear to help the UK achieve energy security and clean power, while securing thousands of good, clean jobs.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. we’ve been let down, and left behind. 

    Our energy security has been hostage to Putin for too long, with British prices skyrocketing at his whims.  

    I’m putting an end to it – changing the rules to back the builders of this nation, and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long. 

    My government was elected to deliver change. I’ll take the radical decisions needed to wrestle Britain from its status quo slumber, to turbocharge our plan for change.

    Currently, nuclear development is restricted to eight sites – as part of archaic planning rules that haven’t been looked at since 2011. With the reforms unveiled today, the refreshed planning framework will help streamline the process to encourage investment and enable developers to identify the best sites for their projects, supporting development at a wider range of locations.  

    Developers will be encouraged to bring forward sites as soon as possible at the pre-application stage in the planning process, speeding up overall timelines.  

    It will include new nuclear technologies such as small and advanced modular reactors for the first time, providing flexibility to co-locate them with energy intensive industrial sites such as AI data centres. 

    These technologies are cheaper and quicker to build than traditional nuclear power plants and require smaller sites, meaning they can be built in a greater variety of locations.  

    There will also continue to be robust criteria for nuclear reactor locations, including restrictions near densely populated areas and military activity, alongside community engagement and high environmental standards. 

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    Build, build, build – that is what Britain’s clean energy mission is all about.  

    The British people have been left vulnerable to global energy markets for too long – and the only way out is to build our way to a new era of clean electricity. 

    Nuclear power creating thousands of skilled jobs. That is what this government will deliver.

    Alongside reforms to the siting process, a specialist taskforce will lead on making sure nuclear regulation incentivises investment, to deliver new projects more quickly and cost efficiently, while upholding high safety and security standards. 

    Britain is currently considered one of the world’s most expensive countries in which to build nuclear power. The taskforce will speed up the approval of new reactor designs and streamline how developers engage with regulators.  

    Nuclear regulation will cover both civil and defence nuclear to help unlock economic growth in the sector.  

    The taskforce will better align the UK with international partners so reactor designs approved abroad could be green lit more quickly, minimising expensive changes. It will also examine how to reduce duplication and simplify processes where there are multiple regulators covering overlapping issues, as well as ensuring regulatory decisions are both safe and proportionate. 

    The work will help the issues faced by projects such as Hinkley Point C, where three European regulators reached different assessments on the reactor design, leading to delays and increased costs. 

    The UK’s rigorous safety standards and record will continue to be upheld. Nuclear plants are designed with multiple layers of safety measures including making them robust enough to withstand a direct aircraft impact. 

    This is part of the government push to drive growth – building on the Prime Minister’s announcement to overhaul the legal challenges to major infrastructure projects including nuclear – with Sizewell C having suffered increased legal costs and uncertainty as a result of local activists taking them to court.  

    In a volatile world, where oil and gas prices are driven by tyrants like Putin, the drive for new nuclear is an integral part of the government’s plans to replace the UK’s dependence on fossil fuel markets with clean homegrown energy, to make the UK energy independent and protect consumers with clean, homegrown power.  

    Since July, the government has committed to driving forward new nuclear including further funding for Sizewell C at the Autumn Budget 2024.  

    Great British Nuclear also continues to progress the small modular reactor competition, with contract negotiations currently underway. 

    Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said: 

    GMB has long said there can be no net zero without new nuclear. 

    For too long, the failure to deliver new nuclear has weakened our energy security and undermined economic growth. 

    Sizewell C stands ready and waiting for the green light to power up our country’s future. 

    Now we need to see spades in the ground without delay.

    Alistair Black, Senior Director, UK at X-energy said: 

    Opening up new siting opportunities for a fleet of advanced reactors will help unlock tens of billions of pounds of investment and growth across the country, bringing clean secure electricity and heat for industry. 

    We welcome this step today, and the intent to streamline assessment processes whilst ensuring robust regulatory standards continue to be met. We look forward to reviewing this in detail and responding to the consultation.

    Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF in the UK, said:

    As a major operator, investor and developer, EDF welcomes the proposals designed to speed up new nuclear projects in the UK and unlock economic growth.

    Nuclear is essential to a secure, low carbon energy system and is the ideal partner to renewables. There is a great opportunity to build new infrastructure across England and Wales, to replace aging stations and take advantage of available skills, existing grid connections and supportive communities.

    “The opportunity will only be fully realised with the necessary reforms to planning and regulation, alongside continuing to build on the critical work at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C to further develop skills and supply chains.”

    Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK, said: 

    We welcome the government’s plans to accelerate the building of safe, modern nuclear as part of the energy mix. Economic growth will require increased energy supply for the UK, but we must not lose sight of our ambitions for a fully decarbonised grid.

    Chair of Great British Nuclear Simon Bowen said:

    Nuclear energy is a powerful tool for growing the UK’s economy. By expanding the range of sites where safe, secure, reliable, and clean nuclear energy plants can be built, there is huge potential to positively transform areas facing economic uncertainty. 

    Today’s announcement also signals exciting opportunities to co-locate nuclear energy generation on data centre sites and to decarbonise industrial processes.

    Nuclear is one of the safest and cleanest forms of energy generation. The new independent nuclear regulation taskforce will help unlock growth and investment by providing clarity and certainty while ensuring regulations are fit for purpose.

    Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:

    This is the Prime Minister’s strongest signal yet that new nuclear is critical to the growth and clean power mission. A more streamlined planning system will give certainty to investors, the supply chain and communities, and will enable us to get on with building new nuclear plants on more sites and at pace for a cleaner, more secure power system.

    We need to make Britain the best possible place to build new nuclear, both large-scale and SMRs, which means avoiding unnecessary stumbling blocks and ensuring regulations are proportionate to our urgent need for low carbon power, energy security and good jobs.

    Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said:

    The government is right to identify nuclear power as a crucial contributor to the UK’s future electricity needs. This development shows the right desire to overcome the significant challenges involved in building back nuclear at scale, in terms of planning obstacles and project delivery. Despite these challenges, today’s announcement marks a significant move forward.

    Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect said:

    The government’s ambition to drive forward a new generation of nuclear power after decades of delay is exactly what Britain needs.

    Nuclear is not only essential for hitting our Net Zero goals and maintaining energy security, it also creates thousands of good, well-paid jobs in areas of the country where they are sorely needed.

    Speeding up the approval of new sites and new reactors is an important step towards enabling investment in new nuclear. The government’s support for Sizewell C is also a welcome vote of confidence in the sector and bringing this project to a Final Investment Decision will provide a strong foundation for its future growth.

    The success of Britain’s world class nuclear sector is built on a robust regulatory process, and we welcome a review of this framework to ensure it is supporting investment while still providing assurance that high safety standards are being maintained.

    Cathal O’Rourke, Laing O’Rourke’s Group Chief Executive Officer said:

    This announcement is a significant step forward for the UK’s nuclear industry. The clarity provided by these new planning rules, the focus on streamlining the regulatory process, and the emphasis on standardising reactor designs is precisely the sort of clear, unequivocal direction the industry needs.

    Having played a central role in delivering nuclear capacity at Hinkley Point C, we understand the complexities of these projects firsthand and these new measures, particularly around regulatory reform and streamlined planning, will be invaluable in ensuring future projects, like Sizewell C, can be delivered more efficiently and cost-effectively.  

    In particular, standardisation and an industrialised approach will be key to driving down costs and accelerating construction timelines, ensuring we can deploy new nuclear capacity efficiently and at pace by adopting a “copy, improve, repeat” approach to design and implementation. This type of approach would also improve worker welfare conditions on site from a physical and wellbeing perspective.

    This clear signal from government will unlock investment, create jobs nationwide for shared prosperity, including an ability to plan for long-term investment in apprenticeships, and ensure the UK can benefit from clean, locally supplied nuclear power for generations to come.

    Chris Conboy, Managing Director, Nuclear EMEA at AtkinsRéalis said:

    We welcome plans to accelerate new nuclear developments. Speeding up lengthy planning processes would help to bring forward new projects faster, strengthening the UK’s world-class nuclear supply chain and creating jobs and skills across the country. 

    Nuclear will be the cornerstone of a reliable net zero energy system. We need both large and small nuclear technologies to realise our AI ambitions, bolster our energy security, and enable the sustainable development of towns, cities and industries across the UK: building the right technology in the right locations is vital to power the UK’s growth agenda and meet our net zero goals.

    David Omand, former Director of GCHQ said: 

    It is very welcome to see this government pushing forward on their commitment to national security by making the UK more energy secure and speeding up nuclear power to boost growth across the country. Nuclear is critical to national security, and taking this kind of action is a mark of the seriousness with which Keir Starmer takes the challenges of modern geopolitics. I fully support this push to knock down barriers to safe, modern nuclear as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure.

    Kim Darroch, former National Security Adviser said: 

    As a former National Security Adviser, I think driving for as much homegrown clean power as possible in this age of global turbulence should be among our top national security objectives. So I welcome the Prime Minister’s intervention to accelerate the regeneration of our nuclear power industry.

    Julian David OBE, CEO, techUK said: 

    If we want the UK economy to keep growing, we must invest in our energy infrastructure. We are pleased to see the Government announce new plans to reform planning rules to expand new energy generation. This move will boost the economy, create new jobs, and ensure the UK is not reliant on external agents for its own energy supply.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Government rips up rules to fire-up nuclear power

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    More nuclear power plants will be approved across England and Wales as the Prime Minister slashes red tape to get Britain building – as part of his Plan for Change.

    • Prime Minister puts Britain back in the global race for nuclear energy.
    • Changes will allow for Small Modular Reactors for the first time.
    • Latest step in Government’s determination to grow the economy and deliver cleaner, more affordable energy.

    More nuclear power plants will be approved across England and Wales as the Prime Minister slashes red tape to get Britain building – as part of his Plan for Change.

    Reforms to planning rules will clear a path for smaller, and easier to build nuclear reactors – known as Small Modular Reactors –to be built for the first time ever in the UK. This will create thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people.

    This is the latest refusal to accept the status quo, with the government ripping up archaic rules and saying not to the NIMBYs, to prioritise growth. It comes after recent changes to planning laws, the scrapping of the 3-strike rule for judicial reviews on infrastructure projects, and application of common-sense to environmental rules.

    For too long the country has been mired by delay and obstruction, with a system too happy to label decisions as too difficult, or too long term. The UK was the first country in the world to develop a nuclear reactor, but the last time a nuclear power station was built was back in 1995. None have been built since, leaving the UK lagging behind in a global race to harness cleaner, more affordable energy.

    The industry pioneered in Britain has been suffocated by regulations and this saw investment collapse, leaving only one nuclear power plant – Hinkley Point C – under construction. And this was after years of delay caused by unnecessary rules – meaning companies produced a 30,000-page environmental assessment to get planning permission.

    Meanwhile, China is constructing 29 reactors, and the EU has 12 at planning stage, giving these places a huge advantage in the global race to harness new technologies, create jobs and deliver cleaner, cheaper, independent energy.

    Investors want to get on and build reliable, cheap nuclear power, which will in turn support critical modern infrastructure, such as supercomputers to power the UK’s ambitions – but they have been held back.

    Today’s plan will shake up the planning rules to make it easier to build nuclear across the country – delivering jobs, cheaper bills in the long term, and more money in people’s back pockets. This will be achieved by:

    Including mini-nuclear power stations in planning rules for the first time – so firms can start building them in the places that need them.

    Scrapping the set list of 8-sites – which meant nuclear sites could be built anywhere across England and Wales.

    Removing the expiry date on nuclear planning rules – so projects don’t get timed out and industry can plan for the long term. 

    Setting up a Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce – that will spearhead improvements to the regulations to help more companies build here. This will report directly to the PM. 

    This is the Government delivering on a manifesto commitment to galvanise nuclear to help the UK achieve energy security and clean power, while securing thousands of good, clean jobs.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. we’ve been let down, and left behind. 

    Our energy security has been hostage to Putin for too long, with British prices skyrocketing at his whims.  

    I’m putting an end to it – changing the rules to back the builders of this nation, and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long. 

    My government was elected to deliver change. I’ll take the radical decisions needed to wrestle Britain from its status quo slumber, to turbocharge our plan for change.

    Currently, nuclear development is restricted to eight sites – as part of archaic planning rules that haven’t been looked at since 2011. With the reforms unveiled today, the refreshed planning framework will help streamline the process to encourage investment and enable developers to identify the best sites for their projects, supporting development at a wider range of locations.  

    Developers will be encouraged to bring forward sites as soon as possible at the pre-application stage in the planning process, speeding up overall timelines.  

    It will include new nuclear technologies such as small and advanced modular reactors for the first time, providing flexibility to co-locate them with energy intensive industrial sites such as AI data centres. 

    These technologies are cheaper and quicker to build than traditional nuclear power plants and require smaller sites, meaning they can be built in a greater variety of locations.  

    There will also continue to be robust criteria for nuclear reactor locations, including restrictions near densely populated areas and military activity, alongside community engagement and high environmental standards. 

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    Build, build, build – that is what Britain’s clean energy mission is all about.  

    The British people have been left vulnerable to global energy markets for too long – and the only way out is to build our way to a new era of clean electricity. 

    Nuclear power creating thousands of skilled jobs. That is what this government will deliver.

    Alongside reforms to the siting process, a specialist taskforce will lead on making sure nuclear regulation incentivises investment, to deliver new projects more quickly and cost efficiently, while upholding high safety and security standards. 

    Britain is currently considered one of the world’s most expensive countries in which to build nuclear power. The taskforce will speed up the approval of new reactor designs and streamline how developers engage with regulators.  

    Nuclear regulation will cover both civil and defence nuclear to help unlock economic growth in the sector.  

    The taskforce will better align the UK with international partners so reactor designs approved abroad could be green lit more quickly, minimising expensive changes. It will also examine how to reduce duplication and simplify processes where there are multiple regulators covering overlapping issues, as well as ensuring regulatory decisions are both safe and proportionate. 

    The work will help the issues faced by projects such as Hinkley Point C, where three European regulators reached different assessments on the reactor design, leading to delays and increased costs. 

    The UK’s rigorous safety standards and record will continue to be upheld. Nuclear plants are designed with multiple layers of safety measures including making them robust enough to withstand a direct aircraft impact. 

    This is part of the government push to drive growth – building on the Prime Minister’s announcement to overhaul the legal challenges to major infrastructure projects including nuclear – with Sizewell C having suffered increased legal costs and uncertainty as a result of local activists taking them to court.  

    In a volatile world, where oil and gas prices are driven by tyrants like Putin, the drive for new nuclear is an integral part of the government’s plans to replace the UK’s dependence on fossil fuel markets with clean homegrown energy, to make the UK energy independent and protect consumers with clean, homegrown power.  

    Since July, the government has committed to driving forward new nuclear including further funding for Sizewell C at the Autumn Budget 2024.  

    Great British Nuclear also continues to progress the small modular reactor competition, with contract negotiations currently underway. 

    Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said: 

    GMB has long said there can be no net zero without new nuclear. 

    For too long, the failure to deliver new nuclear has weakened our energy security and undermined economic growth. 

    Sizewell C stands ready and waiting for the green light to power up our country’s future. 

    Now we need to see spades in the ground without delay.

    Alistair Black, Senior Director, UK at X-energy said: 

    Opening up new siting opportunities for a fleet of advanced reactors will help unlock tens of billions of pounds of investment and growth across the country, bringing clean secure electricity and heat for industry. 

    We welcome this step today, and the intent to streamline assessment processes whilst ensuring robust regulatory standards continue to be met. We look forward to reviewing this in detail and responding to the consultation.

    Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF in the UK, said:

    As a major operator, investor and developer, EDF welcomes the proposals designed to speed up new nuclear projects in the UK and unlock economic growth.

    Nuclear is essential to a secure, low carbon energy system and is the ideal partner to renewables. There is a great opportunity to build new infrastructure across England and Wales, to replace aging stations and take advantage of available skills, existing grid connections and supportive communities.

    “The opportunity will only be fully realised with the necessary reforms to planning and regulation, alongside continuing to build on the critical work at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C to further develop skills and supply chains.”

    Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK, said: 

    We welcome the government’s plans to accelerate the building of safe, modern nuclear as part of the energy mix. Economic growth will require increased energy supply for the UK, but we must not lose sight of our ambitions for a fully decarbonised grid.

    Chair of Great British Nuclear Simon Bowen said:

    Nuclear energy is a powerful tool for growing the UK’s economy. By expanding the range of sites where safe, secure, reliable, and clean nuclear energy plants can be built, there is huge potential to positively transform areas facing economic uncertainty. 

    Today’s announcement also signals exciting opportunities to co-locate nuclear energy generation on data centre sites and to decarbonise industrial processes.

    Nuclear is one of the safest and cleanest forms of energy generation. The new independent nuclear regulation taskforce will help unlock growth and investment by providing clarity and certainty while ensuring regulations are fit for purpose.

    Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:

    This is the Prime Minister’s strongest signal yet that new nuclear is critical to the growth and clean power mission. A more streamlined planning system will give certainty to investors, the supply chain and communities, and will enable us to get on with building new nuclear plants on more sites and at pace for a cleaner, more secure power system.

    We need to make Britain the best possible place to build new nuclear, both large-scale and SMRs, which means avoiding unnecessary stumbling blocks and ensuring regulations are proportionate to our urgent need for low carbon power, energy security and good jobs.

    Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said:

    The government is right to identify nuclear power as a crucial contributor to the UK’s future electricity needs. This development shows the right desire to overcome the significant challenges involved in building back nuclear at scale, in terms of planning obstacles and project delivery. Despite these challenges, today’s announcement marks a significant move forward.

    Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect said:

    The government’s ambition to drive forward a new generation of nuclear power after decades of delay is exactly what Britain needs.

    Nuclear is not only essential for hitting our Net Zero goals and maintaining energy security, it also creates thousands of good, well-paid jobs in areas of the country where they are sorely needed.

    Speeding up the approval of new sites and new reactors is an important step towards enabling investment in new nuclear. The government’s support for Sizewell C is also a welcome vote of confidence in the sector and bringing this project to a Final Investment Decision will provide a strong foundation for its future growth.

    The success of Britain’s world class nuclear sector is built on a robust regulatory process, and we welcome a review of this framework to ensure it is supporting investment while still providing assurance that high safety standards are being maintained.

    Cathal O’Rourke, Laing O’Rourke’s Group Chief Executive Officer said:

    This announcement is a significant step forward for the UK’s nuclear industry. The clarity provided by these new planning rules, the focus on streamlining the regulatory process, and the emphasis on standardising reactor designs is precisely the sort of clear, unequivocal direction the industry needs.

    Having played a central role in delivering nuclear capacity at Hinkley Point C, we understand the complexities of these projects firsthand and these new measures, particularly around regulatory reform and streamlined planning, will be invaluable in ensuring future projects, like Sizewell C, can be delivered more efficiently and cost-effectively.  

    In particular, standardisation and an industrialised approach will be key to driving down costs and accelerating construction timelines, ensuring we can deploy new nuclear capacity efficiently and at pace by adopting a “copy, improve, repeat” approach to design and implementation. This type of approach would also improve worker welfare conditions on site from a physical and wellbeing perspective.

    This clear signal from government will unlock investment, create jobs nationwide for shared prosperity, including an ability to plan for long-term investment in apprenticeships, and ensure the UK can benefit from clean, locally supplied nuclear power for generations to come.

    Chris Conboy, Managing Director, Nuclear EMEA at AtkinsRéalis said:

    We welcome plans to accelerate new nuclear developments. Speeding up lengthy planning processes would help to bring forward new projects faster, strengthening the UK’s world-class nuclear supply chain and creating jobs and skills across the country. 

    Nuclear will be the cornerstone of a reliable net zero energy system. We need both large and small nuclear technologies to realise our AI ambitions, bolster our energy security, and enable the sustainable development of towns, cities and industries across the UK: building the right technology in the right locations is vital to power the UK’s growth agenda and meet our net zero goals.

    David Omand, former Director of GCHQ said: 

    It is very welcome to see this government pushing forward on their commitment to national security by making the UK more energy secure and speeding up nuclear power to boost growth across the country. Nuclear is critical to national security, and taking this kind of action is a mark of the seriousness with which Keir Starmer takes the challenges of modern geopolitics. I fully support this push to knock down barriers to safe, modern nuclear as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure.

    Kim Darroch, former National Security Adviser said: 

    As a former National Security Adviser, I think driving for as much homegrown clean power as possible in this age of global turbulence should be among our top national security objectives. So I welcome the Prime Minister’s intervention to accelerate the regeneration of our nuclear power industry.

    Julian David OBE, CEO, techUK said: 

    If we want the UK economy to keep growing, we must invest in our energy infrastructure. We are pleased to see the Government announce new plans to reform planning rules to expand new energy generation. This move will boost the economy, create new jobs, and ensure the UK is not reliant on external agents for its own energy supply.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Electronics Unveils 6G White Paper and Outlines Direction for AI-Native and Sustainable Communication

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics has published a 6G white paper titled “AI-Native & Sustainable Communication,” detailing the latest trends in next-generation mobile communication technologies.
     
    Following the first 6G white paper “The Next Hyper-Connected Experience for All.” in July 2020, this white paper covers the latest trends driving 6G standardization and next-generation mobile communications — including evolving market and technology needs, emerging services, key attributes of 6G and enabling technologies.
     
    Samsung aims to integrate the latest AI technology throughout the telecommunication system and improve network quality for a future-oriented and sustainable user experience.
     
    “We are intensifying our 6G research efforts, focusing on AI-enabled communication technologies and sustainable networks,” said Charlie Zhang, Senior Vice President of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung Research. “As the telecommunication industry accelerates 6G standardization this year, Samsung will develop technologies to align with market demands.”
     

     
     
    Market and Technology Trends Toward 6G
    Mobile data traffic has surged, driven by the proliferation of AI technologies and the rise of streaming services. Now more than ever, there is a pressing need for technological advancements to manage increased data traffic and enhance user experiences in next-generation mobile communications.
     
    Since the introduction of 5G, the telecommunications industry has been particularly focused on optimizing system operations, sustainability and user experiences. Beyond communication performance improvements such as data rates and latency, there is an urgency to reduce operating costs, enhance energy efficiency, expand service coverage and introduce innovative technologies such as AI.
     
     
    Emerging Services
    5G-Advanced will provide further enhanced 5G performance and incorporate AI to support new services and use cases — ultimately becoming the foundation for 6G technology.
     
    In this white paper, some key emerging services such as immersive extended reality (XR), digital twin, massive communication, ubiquitous connectivity and fixed wireless access (FWA) are highlighted.
     

     

    Immersive Extended Reality (XR): Offers truly immersive user experiences by integrating and interacting with the virtual and real worlds, attracting attention across industries such as entertainment, healthcare and science.
     
    Digital Twin: Creates virtual replicas of physical entities — including objects, people, devices and places — using 6G technology to allow remote monitoring, problem detection and control.
     
    Massive Communication: Simultaneously connects numerous sensors, machines, terminals and other devices to networks and supports automation and management of smart cities, homes and factories.
     
    Ubiquitous Connectivity: Expands service areas by extending terrestrial network coverage and interworking between terrestrial and non-terrestrial network components — including satellites and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS).
     
    Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): Allows wireless delivery of broadband services that traditionally required wired connections to become recognized as a key driver of expanding telecommunications businesses.

     
     
    6G Key Attributes
    In the white paper, Samsung highlighted four key attributes crucial to adapting to evolving market demands — AI-native, sustainable network, ubiquitous coverage and secure and resilient network.
     

     

    AI-Native: Incorporates the latest AI technologies into communication functionalities from system design to the development, management and operation of systems for performance improvements.
     
    Sustainable Network: Reduces operational costs and increases user satisfaction by improving the energy efficiency of both networks and terminals.
     
    Ubiquitous Coverage: Decreases capital expenditures (CAPEX) of networks and enhances service quality by expanding communication service areas and strengthening connectivity via interconnecting terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
     
    Secure and Resilient Network: Ensures network security, user privacy and resilience for significant advancements in computing capabilities and AI technology for the 2030s.

     
     
    6G Timeline
    With the release of this white paper, Samsung solidifies its leadership in shaping the direction of 6G research and key technologies.
     
    The telecommunications industry and standardization organizations have been researching 6G since 2020. In 2030, the 6G technology standards are expected to be finalized — following candidate technology development, evaluation and consensus-building processes. With the recent timelines from the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R)1 and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP),2 momentum for 6G research and development is expected to intensify.
     
    Samsung will continue to lead global standardization efforts and prepare for the 6G era while incorporating lessons learned from 5G commercialization and adapting to new market requirements.
     
    Last November, Samsung held the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit and hosted an in-depth discussion with industry experts on the convergence of telecommunications and AI technologies. The company demonstrated AI-RAN technologies and Proof of Concept (PoC) results, showcasing the possibilities of AI-native technologies and garnering significant interest from major telecommunications operators.
     
     
    1 ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies with memberships of 193 Member States and more than 1,000 companies, universities, research institutes and international and regional organizations. The ITU’s Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) is responsible for regulating and standardizing global radio communication.2 3GPP is dedicated to developing the global unified technical specifications for mobile communications.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Call With Panama’s Minister of Public Security

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

    On February 4, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had a constructive introductory call with Panama’s Minister of Public Security, Frank Alexis Ábrego. Secretary Hegseth emphasized that his top priority is to safeguard U.S. national security interests under President Trump’s leadership, to include ensuring unfettered access to the Panama Canal and keeping it free from foreign interference. He and Minister Ábrego reaffirmed our countries’ commitment to the defense of the Canal, and they agreed to expand cooperation between the U.S. military and Panama’s security forces.  Secretary Hegseth stated his appreciation for Panama’s efforts to stop transnational organized crime and illegal migration, and for Panama’s willingness to accept third-country migrants from the United States for repatriation to their home countries.  Secretary Hegseth and Minister Mulino agreed to remain in close communication and to make plans to meet in person in the near future.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The U.S. Geological Survey’s Publications Warehouse

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Publications Warehouse (https://pubs.usgs.gov) is the authoritative catalog and publicly accessible location for accessing USGS peer-reviewed scientific publications. Users can access metadata about and links to more than 180,000 publications authored by USGS scientists over the century-plus history of the bureau, as well as obtain free online access to full-text publications published by the USGS. Please join USGS Data Scientist Kelly Haberstroh as she provides an overview of the content available in the Publications Warehouse, features of the website, and searching tips and best practices.

    Please note: This program is only being offered as a simultaneous online webinar. Please contact the Library to obtain webinar information for this program.

    To register, please use the DOI Library’s Training Session Registration Form. If the registration form does not work at your location, you may use the Library’s contact form. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Interior Library by e-mail at library@ios.doi.gov or by phone at (202) 208-5815.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott Applauds Scott Turner’s Confirmation as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    Senator Scott: “As HUD Secretary, Scott will make himself known. He will create access to quality, affordability housing…he will work to reverse decades of failed housing policies and make targeted reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.” 

    WASHINGTON — Today, the Senate voted to confirm Scott Turner as President Trump’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by a vote of 55-44. Following the vote, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, spoke on the Senate floor to highlight Secretary Turner’s life story, qualifications to lead HUD, and their share goal of addressing the housing crisis and increasing access to quality, affordable housing opportunities for Americans across the country. 

    During Secretary Turner’s hearing before the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Scott highlighted Mr. Turner’s record and leadership directing investments in Opportunity Zones, Senator Scott’s initiative under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to increase development in economically distressed communities. Senator Scott noted he looks forward to working with Secretary Turner to cut bureaucratic red tape, advance commonsense housing solutions, and put more Americans on the path to homeownership.

    Click here to watch Senator Scott’s remarks.

    Senator Scott’s full remarks as delivered: 

    Thank you, Mr. President.

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s mission is to create strong, sustainable communities and support affordable homes.

    Yet, under President Biden and his administration, the department failed to serve our nation’s most vulnerable.

    Here is the truth: we are facing a homelessness crisis in America.

    The latest homelessness survey found an 18 percent increase in homelessness year-over-year, increasing the number of homelessness in our country to nearly 772,000 Americans not able to find a place to lay their head.

    This is unacceptable!

    On top of that, we are facing an affordability crisis in our country as well.

    During President Biden’s tenure, mortgage rates ballooned 150 percent, and rents 20 percent.

    Over the last four years, far-left housing policies and burdensome regulations have put the American Dream out of reach for millions and millions of hardworking, dedicated patriots throughout our nation.

    It’s no secret that HUD is in serious need of new leadership.

    Fortunately, there is good news: help is right over there. And it’s on its way.

    My good friend Scott Turner has a remarkable life story – tremendous life story.

    Scott is a native Texan who has had an exceptional journey from professional athlete to public servant.

    Scott came from humble beginnings, but he never let those circumstances define who he is. Actually, Scott in high school – I believe it was – worked at a barbecue shop. What I love about Scott is he has an affection for the truth – he told me himself – he conceded that South Carolina barbecue is better than Texas. I’m glad he has no microphone to say anything right now I’m just you that is a man I can appreciate.

    He went on and had a successful career in the NFL, nine seasons as a cornerback, playing for the Denver Broncos, the San Diego Chargers, and yes, the Washington Redskins. And I note that he did not play for America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys.

    Everybody, nobody, can be perfect.

    After hanging up his cleats, Scott served two terms in the Texas State Legislature and then went to work in the Trump administration.

    As the Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, Scott helped implement the Opportunity Zones initiative I that created, directing over $50 billion in private sector capital into hard-hit, typically majority minority communities – breathing hope and opportunity not only into the neighborhoods of the people desperately, passionately praying for hope. And with less than a 5 percent gentrification rate. That’s what I call success.

    His story and his perspective are essential tools that he will bring to the table to fight the increase of homelessness, to fight the 150 percent ballooning of our mortgages, and to fight back against a 20 percent increase in rents.

    As HUD Secretary, Scott will make himself known. He will create access to quality, affordability housing…he will work to reverse decades of failed housing policies and make targeted reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.

    It’s time to make America’s economy work working class Americans.

    It is time for a blue-collar comeback. And I’m so thankful that we have a man prepared to put in 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if necessary, so more people – not 772,000 Americans but more Americans will have a place to lay their head because they’re no longer homeless. More Americans will be able to afford a home because interest rates will come down, the housing supply will increase, and we will thank God Almighty that we live in a land where opportunity is more available because the right person, at the right time, in the right place, says yes.

    Mr. President, I’m very thankful that Scott Turner is the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. But I’m more thankful that we have a president making good decisions to put America back on the right track.

    I yield back the balance of my time.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Shines Light on Debanking of Americans, Pledges Solutions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — At today’s Senate Banking Committee hearing focused on debanking, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) highlighted the importance of access to financial services, citing his own story of obtaining a loan to start his small business. Senator Scott called out the Biden administration’s financial regulators who exploited their power and pressured financial institutions to cut off services to individuals and businesses. Senator Scott pledged that the committee will work to find solutions to address this issue, and he reiterated that no regulator, and no bank, is above the principles of fairness and market access.

    Senator Scott’s opening remarks as delivered:  

    Good morning and thank you all for being with us today.

    We’re here to address an issue that strikes at the core of what it means to live in a free and fair society: access to financial services. 

    Every federally legal business and law-abiding citizen deserves to be treated equally, regardless of political views or ideological leanings.  

    This is an issue that is deeply personal to me.

    When my grandfather was growing up in the Jim Crow South, banks did business with people they felt looked the right way – based on the color of their skin. 

    One’s ability to get a loan to finance their home or state a business was based primarily on the color of their skin. And in the 1940s, my mother experienced the same redlining that has been persistent, pervasive, and unfortunate for decades.

    Thankfully, our nation continues to evolve in the right direction.

    And in the 1990s, when I was starting my small business, I went to a bank and looked for an opportunity to get a loan. I’ll say, without any question, at that time as a kid growing up in poverty in a single parent household my best asset – Mr. Ricketts – was a 1990, ten-year old car with 253,000 miles. One would not consider that an asset, perhaps a liability, but it was my only means of transportation. And I will tell you, without a doubt, for me, it was an asset.

    The bank, however, helped me completely understand it was not. However, in those days someone could get a character loan, because of your time in a community, because of your relationships with local and community banks. Because of that, not only was my financial life changed, not only did my American Dream become a reality, but more importantly, my mother’s American Dream became a reality.

    We saw the strengthening confidence in our banking system, because things had changed in the right direction.

    With that loan everything seemed to get better.

    Had I not gotten that line of credit, I may not be here chairing this committee today.

    You see my story is so consistent with so many other Americans story that really reflects positively on the American Dream.

    In this country, access to credit is one of the cornerstones of building your American Dream.

    Owning a home and starting a business are challenging journeys filled with complexities, and achieving success is never a guarantee, nor should it be. 

    That’s why access to financial services is so important.

    The United States is home to a vast competitive network of banks and payment providers, creating one of the most robust and diverse financial services ecosystems on the planet. 

    It is this incredible landscape that offers countless opportunities for homeowners and entrepreneurs to build a healthy foundation and make strides toward achieving their version of the American Dream. 

    However, it is incredibly alarming and disheartening to hear stories about financial institutions cutting off services to digital asset firms, political figures, and conservative-aligned businesses and individuals.

    Under the Biden administration, we’ve seen the rise of what many are calling Operation Chokepoint 2.0, where federal regulators exploited their power, pressuring banks to cut off services to individuals and businesses with conservative disposition, or folks aligned with industries they just didn’t like – like the color of one’s skin in my family’s history.

    I wholeheartedly believe that debanking someone over their political ideology is un-American and goes against the core values that our nation was founded on. 

    Today, we’ll have an opportunity to hear from Anchorage Digital’s CEO, whose OCC-chartered bank was debanked, Old Glory Bank’s CEO, who started a bank to serve those who had been debanked, and from a legal expert with extensive experience navigating these regulatory abuses, and from a policy expert at the Brookings Institution. 

    This hearing will also examine how practices similar to the original Operation Chokepoint have persisted, despite assurances that they would end. 

    We’ll investigate the role both regulators and financial institutions have played in these harmful practices, which hurt not just businesses but also consumers and our entire economy.

    This issue should concern every American, regardless of political affiliation and that’s why I am committed a bipartisan solution to stop this form of discrimination. 

    This hearing is just the beginning.

    We are here to shine a bright light on these unacceptable practices and to hold those responsible accountable. The message is crystal clear: no regulator, and no bank, is above the principles of fairness and market access. 

    Speaking of shining a light, I was so glad to see that just a couple of hours ago, the FDIC under President Trump’s leadership released a fresh set of never-before-seen supervisory documents, which further prove that Chokepoint 2.0 was real.

    I will be going through the documents in greater detail, but rest assured for those in this room, and those watching at home, they paint a disgusting and disheartening picture of abuse. 

    As Acting Chair Hill characterized them, “these and other actions sent the message to banks that it would be extraordinarily difficult—if not impossible—to move forward [with crypto related activities].” 

    I commend the new FDIC leadership for its commitment to transparency, but it is a shame that it took an election – an election – for the agency to begin following the laws of our country.

    Thank you. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stop debanking and protect every American’s right to participate fully in the economy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on Confirmation of Scott Turner as HUD Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.05.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Eric “Scott” Turner to serve as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

    “Congratulations to Secretary Turner on his confirmation to lead HUD,” said Hoeven. “With his experience advancing Opportunity Zones to revitalize and bring investment to economically distressed areas and his background in housing, he will be a great partner as we work to ensure Americans have access to safe and affordable housing.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Thousands of students return to new and upgraded schools

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 6 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning

    More than ten thousand students across New South Wales are returning to new and improved schools for day one, term one today as the Minns Labor Government continues work to ensure public schools are quality places to teach and learn.

    Five permanent and two temporary schools will today welcome students for the very first time, at the same time as students return to substantially upgraded facilities at 11 other schools across the state.

    These new schools and upgrades mean more than 400 new classrooms, 20 sports facilities, seven halls, eight libraries and nine canteens will be put to use for the first time today.

    This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded schools across the state, including $3.6 billion for Western Sydney and $1.4 billion for regional communities.

    Three of these new public schools, Box Hill High School, Melonba Public School and Gledswood Hills High school have been stood up early, delivering desperately needed local schools which were promised but never delivered by the former Liberal National Government. 

    Students at Melonba High School will transition to their new permanent facilities today after initially opening in fast-tracked temporary buildings in Term 1, 2024.

    In the South West, brand new Gledswood Hills High School is also opening ahead of schedule today in temporary facilities while the permanent school, due to open in 2027, is built.

    Families in Sydney’s densest suburb will finally also have a local high school for their children with the opening of Wentworth Point High School today.

    In the staze’s south, Jindabyne Education Campus is opening with a new state-of-the-art high school and primary school, future-proofing education opportunities for the growing regional community.

    Other students will be starting 2025 alongside a new set of peers, with Randwick Boys and Randwick Girls High School coming together for the first time as Randwick High School; while the Hurstville and Penshurst campuses of Georges River College also begin the year as co-educational schools.

    The campuses have received facilities upgrades to enable the transition to co-education from Thursday, with further works in the pipeline. 

    NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

    “We’re wishing the best to every single student and teacher heading back to the classroom today. I hope you enjoyed the holidays and got the chance to relax and spend time with loved ones.

    “We want NSW public schools to be quality places to work and learn, which is why we are investing to ensure that no matter the post code, whether it’s a rapidly growing part of Western Sydney or a regional community, families have access to a quality, free, public education.”

    Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:

    “This government is committed to rebuilding our public education system and ensuring every child has access to a world class public education close to home.

    “Of the seven new schools opening across the state today, I’m proud to say five of them are in rapidly-growing suburbs of Western Sydney that were neglected for years under the Liberals – and we have pulled out all the stops to deliver them not only on time, but in some cases well ahead of schedule.

    “Today’s opening of the new primary and high school in Melonba – and the many other new and upgraded schools opening across the state – are a testament to our commitment to investing in our children’s futures and providing them with the best learning opportunities possible.”

    Melonba Public School Principal Larissa Maraga said:

    “I cannot wait to welcome our students and families through the gates of their brand-new primary school for the very first time today.

    “To be opening this world-class public school months earlier than expected is truly incredible and I look forward to seeing what generations of students will achieve here at Melonba Public School.”

    Melonba High School Principal Leon Weatherstone said:

    “After a very successful start in 2024 in our temporary school, I am delighted that we are welcoming Melonba High School students and their families to our new permanent facilities that are truly world-class.

    “It has been the ultimate pleasure and privilege to be a part of bringing this school to life. I can’t thank the Melonba school community enough for their involvement and support in making today a reality.”

    New schools opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2025:

    • Melonba Public School
    • Melonba High School
    • Wentworth Point High School
    • Jindabyne Public School
    • Jindabyne High School
    • Box Hill Public School (temporary school)
    • Gledswood Hills High School (temporary school)

    New facilities opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2025:

    • Budawang School – new hydrotherapy pool
    • Castle Hill Public School – new classrooms, hall, canteen and COLA (further upgrade continuing)
    • Cecil Hills High School – new canteen and hall (further upgrade continuing)
    • Gregory Hills Public School – new playground and sports field
    • Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus – new T-Block
    • Hurlstone Agricultural High School – new farm hub
    • Lane Cove Public School – new hall
    • Manly Village Public School – building refurbishments (further upgrade continuing)
    • Murwillumbah High School – full redevelopment
    • Neutral Bay Public School – new classrooms, library, canteen, admin facilities and landscaping
    • Wollumbin High School – refurbished canteen, classrooms and sports facilities (further upgrade continuing)

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Provo Man Accused of Attempting to Receive Carfentanil for Distribution in Utah is Detained

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah County man was ordered to detention in federal court today after he was indicted by a federal grand jury last week and charged with a federal drug crime for allegedly attempting to have carfentanil shipped to Utah for distribution.

    Carfentanil is most commonly used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent than morphine, and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself is 50 times more potent than heroin.

    According to court documents, Clint James Pendleton, 29, of Provo, Utah, attempted to receive a package containing approximately 20 grams of carfentanil on January 22, 2025. The package was destined for an address in Payson, Utah, but was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Los Angeles International Airport in California. The package was opened and the suspected carfentanil was tested and presumptively identified as carfentanil and weighed approximately 20 grams. Subsequently, the package was tracked to Pendleton who had signed up to receive tracking updates on the package. Additionally, law enforcement discovered Pendleton allegedly had a history of his criminal activity written in a notebook that included amounts of controlled substances purchased, prices, and tracking numbers, including for carfentanil. The DEA has identified carfentanil as “crazy dangerous” and a serious growing concern as it is becoming more prevalent in our communities.

    Pendleton is charged with attempted possession of carfentanil with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment was February 5, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

    United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force (UCMC).

    Special Assistant United States Attorney Pete Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Demands Answers About DOGE’s Illegal Seizure of Americans’ Private Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 05, 2025

    WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden today demanded White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles answer questions about the acute risks posed to national security by letting unvetted ‘DOGE’ staff rifle through Americans’ private data and classified government materials. 

    Wyden, along with fellow Senate Intelligence Committee members Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), demanded the administration provide details to Congress about how DOGE staff and representatives are being vetted for security clearance; which systems, records and information are being shared; and what steps the administration is taking to safeguard them from misuse or disclosure.

    “According to press reports, DOGE inspectors already have gained access to classified materials, including intelligence reports, at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), sensitive government payment systems, including for Social Security and Medicare, at the Treasury Department, and federal personnel data from the Office of Personnel Management. Further, as of today the scope of DOGE’s access only seems to be expanding, as reports indicate DOGE has now entered the Department of Labor and other agencies,” the senators wrote. “No information has been provided to Congress or the public as to who has been formally hired under DOGE, under what authority or regulations DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vetting and monitoring its staff and representatives before providing them seemingly unfettered access to classified materials and Americans’ personal information.”

    “As you know, information is classified to protect the national security interests of the United States. Government employees and contractors only receive access to such information after they have undergone a rigorous background investigation and demonstrated a ‘need to know.’ Circumventing these requirements creates enormous counterintelligence and security risks,” warned the senators. “For example, improper access to facilities and systems containing security clearance files of Intelligence Community personnel puts at risk the safety of the men and women who serve this country. In addition, unauthorized access to classified information risks exposure of our operations and potentially compromises not only our own sources and methods, but also those of our allies and partners. If our sources, allies, and partners stop sharing intelligence because they cannot trust us to protect it, we will all be less safe.”

    The senators added, “Unclassified government systems also contain sensitive data, the unintended disclosure of which could result in significant harm to individuals or organizations, including financial loss, identity theft, and exposure of medical and other private personal information. The U.S. Treasury payment systems, in particular, are used to disburse trillions of dollars each year, and contain everyday Americans’ personal information, such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, and bank accounts. Allowing DOGE access to this information raises unprecedented risks to Americans’ private personal and financial information.”

    “Such unregulated practices with our government’s most sensitive networks render Americans’ personal and financial information, and our classified national secrets, vulnerable to ransomware and cyber-attacks by criminals and foreign adversaries. The recent unprecedented Salt Typhoon and Change Healthcare attacks that affected tens of millions of Americans further underscore the importance of rigorously fortifying our government systems,” the senators cautioned.

    Finally, the senators also noted there are strict cybersecurity controls in place for federal networks which DOGE does not seem to be following, including by reportedly connecting personal devices to sensitive government systems and using personal emails. The senators concluded, “To underscore, DOGE seems to have unimpeded access to some of our nation’s most sensitive information, including classified materials and the private personal and financial information of everyday Americans. In light of such unprecedented risks to our national and economic security, we expect your immediate attention and prompt response.”

    The full text of the letter is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Senate Intelligence Members Sound the Alarm about “DOGE” Risk to National Security and American Privacy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, along with Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), wrote to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about the risks to our national security of allowing unvetted DOGE staff and representatives to access classified and sensitive government materials. The Committee members demanded that the administration provide details to Congress about how DOGE staff and representatives are being vetted, which systems, records and information are being shared, and what steps the administration is taking to safeguard them from misuse or disclosure.

    “According to press reports, DOGE inspectors already have gained access to classified materials, including intelligence reports, at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), sensitive government payment systems, including for Social Security and Medicare, at the Treasury Department, and federal personnel data from the Office of Personnel Management. Further, as of today the scope of DOGE’s access only seems to be expanding, as reports indicate DOGE has now entered the Department of Labor and other agencies,” the senators wrote. “No information has been provided to Congress or the public as to who has been formally hired under DOGE, under what authority or regulations DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vetting and monitoring its staff and representatives before providing them seemingly unfettered access to classified materials and Americans’ personal information.”

    The senators added, “As you know, information is classified to protect the national security interests of the United States. Government employees and contractors only receive access to such information after they have undergone a rigorous background investigation and demonstrated a ‘need to know.’ Circumventing these requirements creates enormous counterintelligence and security risks. For example, improper access to facilities and systems containing security clearance files of Intelligence Community personnel puts at risk the safety of the men and women who serve this country. In addition, unauthorized access to classified information risks exposure of our operations and potentially compromises not only our own sources and methods, but also those of our allies and partners. If our sources, allies, and partners stop sharing intelligence because they cannot trust us to protect it, we will all be less safe.”

    The senators also raised alarms about the privacy implications of allowing an unknown number of DOGE staff to access unclassified systems containing information about individual American taxpayers and organizations. 

    Wrote the senators, “Unclassified government systems also contain sensitive data, the unintended disclosure of which could result in significant harm to individuals or organizations, including financial loss, identity theft, and exposure of medical and other private personal information. The U.S. Treasury payment systems, in particular, are used to disburse trillions of dollars each year, and contain everyday Americans’ personal information, such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, and bank accounts. Allowing DOGE access to this information raises unprecedented risks to Americans’ private personal and financial information.”

    Finally, the senators also noted that there are strict cybersecurity controls in place for federal networks which DOGE does not seem to be following, including by reportedly connecting personal devices to sensitive government systems.

    “Such unregulated practices with our government’s most sensitive networks render Americans’ personal and financial information, and our classified national secrets, vulnerable to ransomware and cyber-attacks by criminals and foreign adversaries. The recent unprecedented Salt Typhoon and Change Healthcare attacks that affected tens of millions of Americans further underscore the importance of rigorously fortifying our government systems,” the letter says. 

    The full text of the letter is available here and below. 

    Dear Ms. Wiles,

    We write to express our grave concern with the illegal actions currently being undertaken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which risk exposure of classified and other sensitive information that jeopardizes national security and violates Americans’ privacy. The January 20 Executive Order establishes DOGE under the Executive Office of the President with DOGE Teams established by Agency Heads within their respective agencies, and requires the Administrator of DOGE to report to the White House Chief of Staff. According to press reports, DOGE inspectors already have gained access to classified materials, including intelligence reports, at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), sensitive government payment systems, including for Social Security and Medicare, at the Treasury Department, and federal personnel data from the Office of Personnel Management. Further, as of today the scope of DOGE’s access only seems to be expanding, as reports indicate DOGE has now entered the Department of Labor and other agencies.

    No information has been provided to Congress or the public as to who has been formally hired under DOGE, under what authority or regulations DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vetting and monitoring its staff and representatives before providing them seemingly unfettered access to classified materials and Americans’ personal information.

    As you know, information is classified to protect the national security interests of the United States. Government employees and contractors only receive access to such information after they have undergone a rigorous background investigation and demonstrated a “need to know.”  Circumventing these requirements creates enormous counterintelligence and security risks. For example, improper access to facilities and systems containing security clearance files of Intelligence Community personnel puts at risk the safety of the men and women who serve this country. In addition, unauthorized access to classified information risks exposure of our operations and potentially compromises not only our own sources and methods, but also those of our allies and partners. If our sources, allies, and partners stop sharing intelligence because they cannot trust us to protect it, we will all be less safe.

    Unclassified government systems also contain sensitive data, the unintended disclosure of which could result in significant harm to individuals or organizations, including financial loss, identity theft, and exposure of medical and other private personal information. The U.S. Treasury payment systems, in particular, are used to disburse trillions of dollars each year, and contain everyday Americans’ personal information, such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, and bank accounts. Allowing DOGE access to this information raises unprecedented risks to Americans’ private personal and financial information.

    Moreover, there are strict cybersecurity controls for accessing federal networks, which DOGE does not seem to be following, including by reportedly connecting personal devices to sensitive government systems. Such unregulated practices with our government’s most sensitive networks render Americans’ personal and financial information, and our classified national secrets, vulnerable to ransomware and cyber-attacks by criminals and foreign adversaries. The recent unprecedented Salt Typhoon and Change Healthcare attacks that affected tens of millions of Americans further underscore the importance of rigorously fortifying our government systems.

    The Executive Branch cannot operate without regard to rules, regulations, or Congressional oversight. The American people, and our intelligence officials, deserve to know that their information is being appropriately safeguarded. We therefore respectfully request written responses to the following questions by February 14, 2025:

    1. Provide a list of personnel operating under DOGE, their position or role, and their duties. 
    2. Pursuant to the Executive Order, DOGE teams are to be established by Agency Heads within their respective agencies. Provide a list of each agency that has established a DOGE team, and the agency personnel overseeing such team.
    3. Under what authorities is DOGE conducting its operations?
    4. Who is overseeing DOGE’s operations? 
    5. Provide a list of each agency DOGE has requested information from.
    6. Provide a list of all unclassified systems, records, or other information DOGE has requested and/or gained access to. 
    7. Provide a list of all classified systems, records, or other information DOGE has requested and/or gained access to.
    8. Do DOGE staff or representatives have access to any Intelligence Community systems, networks, or other information? If so, please specify the extent of such access.
    9. Under what authority is DOGE requesting and/or gaining access to classified information?
    10. What security clearances have been provided to DOGE staff or representatives, and who has authorized such clearances?
    11. What processes have been followed prior to granting security clearances to DOGE staff or representatives?
    12. What vetting for potential conflicts of interest has been conducted prior to granting clearances or access to government systems, records, or other information to DOGE staff or representatives?
    13. Provide a list of each DOGE staff or representative who has requested and/or gained access to classified information, what clearance each such individual holds, and who authorized each security clearance. 
    14. Who is supervising and/or monitoring DOGE employee access to classified information?
    15. What processes have been followed prior to granting DOGE staff or representatives access to sensitive government systems and networks, and who has authorized such access?
    16. Who is supervising and/or monitoring DOGE employee access to sensitive government systems and networks?
    17. Has DOGE briefed you, the White House Chief of Staff, on the counterintelligence and other risks of DOGE staff or representatives accessing classified and other sensitive information? If so, please specify the date of the briefing and those in attendance.
    18. Has DOGE briefed you, the White House Chief of Staff, on the counterintelligence and other risks of DOGE staff or representatives accessing government networks and systems? If so, please specify the date of the briefing and those in attendance.
    19. Has the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and/or the Central Intelligence Agency been briefed on the counterintelligence and other risks of DOGE staff or representatives accessing Treasury’s payment systems? If so, please specify the date of the briefing and those in attendance.  
    20. Has the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and/or the Central Intelligence Agency been briefed on the counterintelligence and other risks of DOGE staff or representatives accessing USAID’s classified and other sensitive information, including security clearance files? If so, please specify the date of the briefing and those in attendance.
    21. What actions if any has the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and/or the Central Intelligence Agency taken to ensure DOGE employee access does not create counterintelligence risks?
    22. What actions if any has the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and/or the Central Intelligence Agency taken to ensure DOGE employee access does not compromise classified or other sensitive intelligence and/or personal information of intelligence community officials?  

    To underscore, DOGE seems to have unimpeded access to some of our nation’s most sensitive information, including classified materials and the private personal and financial information of everyday Americans. In light of such unprecedented risks to our national and economic security, we expect your immediate attention and prompt response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interest rate cuts, lower inflation, trade shifts – will Australia’s economy find its stride in 2025?

    Source: University of South Australia

    06 February 2025

    UniSA’s Credit Union SA Chair of Economics Dr Susan Stone.

    Australian households and businesses should benefit from lower interest rates and improved market conditions, in what a University of South Australia economist predicts will be a year of recovery for the country.

    UniSA’s Credit Union SA Chair of Economics Dr Susan Stone says global economic growth is expected to improve in 2025, with G20 economies averaging growth rates of 3.35%. India and Indonesia are stand out markets and will benefit Australia as they are both major export markets.

    Dr Stone says inflation is also expected to further recede, with central banks having reached their monetary policy targets in nearly half of the world’s advanced economies (US, UK, Canada, Japan etc) and close to 60% for emerging market economies (India, Brazil, South Africa etc).

    “Inflation is coming down in Australia and rate cuts are expected in the first half of the year, with many economists predicting one at the February meeting. However, there are still lingering concerns about Commonwealth payments affecting the CPI (consumer price index) numbers, with rents still growing strongly, services inflation running over 4%, a continued tight housing market and low unemployment,” she says,

    “All of this implies that spare capacity is limited in the economy and that any increase in demand accompanied by lowering interest rates could rekindle inflation.”

    Dr Stone, a former OECD and United Nations economist, says the labour market picture is more nuanced, with growth in full-time employment post-COVID-19 slightly ahead of part-time work, but this varies significantly by sector. The strongest employment increases have been in electricity, gas and water (EGW) and construction nationally.

    “EGW has more than doubled its employment growth since COVID (compared to the 10-year average) but it has come mainly through part-time work – 11% growth versus 3% growth in full-time jobs,” Dr Stone says. “The construction and health sectors were the next highest at 1.6% and 1.5% growth respectively. Both experienced stronger growth in full time workers than part-time.

    “Professional, scientific and technical services employment has actually grown at a slower rate in Australia since COVID with the average annual rate of 0.8% versus the average rate of 0.9% since 2014. However, manufacturing, while small, shows much stronger employment gains since COVID then in the 10-year period overall. In this sector, part-time employment has actually fallen while full-time has increased.

    “We see the construction sector really bouncing back from pre-COVID averages, with full-time job growth (at 1.7%) more than twice the rate as prior to COVID (0.7%) while part-time job growth remained the same (1%). Thus, tight conditions in the construction industry job market are likely to continue into 2025.”

    As inflation comes down and real wages rise, some recovery in household finances can be expected which should increase household spending. A key to growth in Australia’s economy for 2025 and beyond is business investment, Dr Stone says.

    “We saw volume measures of retail spending finish the year up, especially for household goods, which means people aren’t just spending more because of price increases. As the price index (CPI) continues to fall faster than the wage index (WPI), along with the expected cut in interest rates, household budgets should recover in 2025,” she says.

    Following Donald Trump’s official inauguration as the United States’ 47th president, like many countries, Australia is adapting to his return and promise of new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.

    Dr Stone says Australians may be affected by the additional trade barriers as even though the US accounts for only 5% of Australian exports, it still ranks as Australia’s fifth-largest export market.

    “We export a relatively small number of commodities to the US but it’s still an important customer for our advanced manufacturing sector. The US imports many of our high technology products such as hi-tech engines, aircraft and space parts and machine tools,” she says.

    “The US is also our second largest services export market, making up more than 10% of our total services trade. Service inputs are things like software, engineering or transport services that help produce international goods such as toys, laptops and refrigerators.”

    Dr Stone says overall, 2025 should be a year of recovery with Australian households and business benefitting from lower interest rates and improved market conditions.

    “Overseas markets are likely to remain rocky, but a weak dollar will help exports. Structural challenges in the housing market, innovation and business investment will need to be addressed to ensure sustained growth,” she adds.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

     Contact for interview:  Dr Susan Stone, University of South Australia Credit Union SA Chair of Economics E: Susan.Stone@unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Melissa Keogh, Communications Officer, UniSA M: +61 403 659 154 E: Melissa.Keogh@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vermont Delegation Reintroduces Bill to Redraw Boundaries of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in Woodstock

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vermont Congressional Delegation, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Representative Becca Balint (VT-At-Large) today reintroduced the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act, legislation to extend the boundary of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park to include the neighboring King Farm, which is currently owned by the Vermont Land Trust.  
    “The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is a treasure for Vermont and our nation,” said Senator Sanders. “Vermont’s forests and working farms have always been vital to our economy and critical to our character as a state. I’m pleased this bill will continue Vermont’s conservation legacy by expanding this park and helping to conserve land for agriculture, forestry, and educational purposes for future generations.” 
    “The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is a unique example of how decades of conservation and stewardship have shaped our landscape with Vermont Values. As Vermont’s first and only national park, it plays an important role in conservation and educating folks about our state’s rich agricultural heritage,” said Senator Welch. “By expanding the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park to include the King Farm, our bill will create new enrichment opportunities and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate this historical treasure.” 
    “In Vermont, we care deeply about the preservation, stewardship, and the future of our parks and lands,” said Rep. Balint. “I’m proud to take action to strengthen this partnership and ensure that King Farm has the resources it needs for trail maintenance, conservation, and land management. I’m grateful to work with Senator Welch and Sanders and our shared commitment to our state’s outdoor recreation.” 
    Located in Woodstock, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park preserves a significant historical, agricultural, and natural landscape. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park became Vermont’s first and only national park when it opened its doors to the public in 1998. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park commemorates the historical contributions of its namesakes—George Perkins Marsh, Frederick Billings, and Mary French Rockefeller—preserves Vermont’s proud agricultural heritage, and conserves native forestland ecosystems. It also provides countless educational opportunities for visitors, protects archaeological sites, and showcases historic architecture. 
    The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act would also codify the National Park Service Stewardship Institute housed at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park to support educational programing, research, community engagement, and conservation efforts throughout the National Park System. Additionally, the bill would authorize the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park to acquire the King Farm from willing property owners in the future, without requiring its sale. 
    The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act is endorsed by the Vermont Land Trust and the National Parks Conservation Association and has the support of the Town of Woodstock: 
    “The Town of Woodstock is happy with this legislation as we have an outstanding and cooperative relationship with the National Park Service and our residents enjoy all the activities and services they currently offer,” said Eric Duffy, Municipal Manager, Town of Woodstock. “The Park is a massive tourist draw and a vital part of our community.” 
    “We welcome the opportunity to partner more closely with NPS in enhancing access to land and programming at King Farm. The timing aligns perfectly with our efforts to raise funds and invest in King Farm as a place-based educational resource for learners of all ages, alongside community partners,” said Tracy Zschau, President and CEO, Vermont Land Trust. 
    “Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is one of the first places to champion conservation in America,” said Todd Martin, Northeast Senior Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “You can’t tell the story of Vermont without farming, and expanding the park boundary will help us do that by including the historic King Farm within the park boundary. One of the oldest working farms in Vermont, this expanded landscape will enhance public access and better connect trails to the town of Woodstock. We’re grateful to Senators Welch, Sanders and Congresswoman Balint for their leadership and unwavering support for Vermont’s beloved national park.” 
    Learn more about the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act. 
    Read the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More than 200 supportive homes, shelter spaces on the way throughout B.C.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

    “In B.C., we are taking direct action to address the urgent and critical need for culturally supportive housing on reserve and off reserve by working in partnership with First Nations and Indigenous organizations. Together, we are laying a strong foundation so communities can thrive and making positive changes in people’s lives by meeting their fundamental needs.”

    Mark Miller, CEO, Connective –

    “We understand that stable, appropriate housing is a critical step in preventing crises and a foundation for accessing additional supports, overcoming barriers and pursuing personal independence. The transitional housing program at 3rd and London is an exciting opportunity to diversify local responses to homelessness, while leveraging our expertise to help individuals work toward long-term stability.”

    Keith Fielding, president, Peachland Seniors’ Support Society –

    “We’re thrilled to see the second phase of our seniors’ housing project underway. Phase 2 adds 73 new homes to the Residences on Sixth project, bringing the total to 147 units. Our thanks to BC Housing for this second partnership and to the District of Peachland for leasing the land.”

    Chief Michael Wyse, Snuneymuxw First Nation –

    “We celebrate Snuneymuxw families moving into La’lum’utul, new homes that are part of our ongoing work to create more affordable housing options for our people. We are grateful for our continued partnership with BC Housing and the meaningful results we are achieving together.”

    Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi, executive director, Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness –

    “Sacred Cradle House will meet a critical need in Victoria to keep First Nations, Métis and Inuit families together through culturally supportive housing, Indigenous approaches and child-rearing practices, including decolonized harm reduction and land-based healing.”

    Bob Hughes, CEO, ASK Wellness Society –

    “As we prepare to open our doors, ASK Wellness Society is proud and humbled to help bring the Access Hub Committe’s vision to life. This collaborative effort highlights the power of partnership in addressing the urgent shelter needs of Kamloops’ North Shore, providing support, hope and wraparound services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: UN mission offers protection to ‘vulnerable populations’, despite huge challenges

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    Rwanda-backed M23 rebels continued to consolidate their hold over North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, despite declaring a ceasefire two days earlier and pledging not to continue south, according to the UN’s Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations in the country.

    Vivian van de Perre, briefed from the ground in Goma, the regional capital, telling journalists that “the situation is still highly volatile, with persistent risks of escalation”, emphasising that military action alone will not resolve the conflict.

    The hostilities are occurring in a mineral-rich region that has been unstable for decades amid a proliferation of armed groups, which has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes over the years and seek safety in displacement camps.

    Fighting escalated sharply in late January, as the largely-Tutsi M23 fighters seized control of parts of North Kivu, including areas near Goma, and advanced towards South Kivu and the eastern DRC’s second city of Bukavu.

    She warned that the peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) – where she serves as deputy head – was operating in an increasingly challenging environment.

    “The mission’s key infrastructures in Goma are overwhelmed, with both UN personnel and Congolese seeking shelter within our premises,” said Ms. Van de Perre. Pressure on space is growing – some 2,000 people are on site – and on “critical resources” like water, food and sanitation.

    Humanitarian crisis deepens  

    MONUSCO has confirmed that Goma airport continues to be under M23 control after their takeover last week and has suffered significant damage, including to the control tower.

    UN personnel have been denied access to the site, which is a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid, limiting their ability to assess the full extent of the destruction.

    She said the mission was “gravely concerned” over Kavumu airport and the potential it could be taken by rebel forces. Losing both airports “in the midst of an ongoing humanitarian and IDP crisis will be untenable” for the population of the region.

    Although some water and electricity services have been partially restored in the city of Goma, much more is needed to ensure that people have access to adequate services.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) now warns of potential disease outbreaks as bodies continue to be recovered across the city. Over 2,000 bodies have already been buried, while 900 remain in morgues fuelling fears of a potential epidemic.

    Political and regional dimensions

    While the UN continues to advocate for dialogue, peace efforts remain stalled.

    The Luanda and Nairobi processes – the two main diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict – have yet to yield tangible results.

    Meanwhile, the African Union summit scheduled for later this month is seen as a crucial opportunity to reinvigorate regional engagement.

    Ms. van de Perre also confirmed the presence of Rwandan forces in eastern DR Congo, despite denials from Kigali.

    The UN has restricted movement, limiting verification capabilities, she said, but multiple reports have cited Rwandan military involvement alongside M23.

    Uncertain future for MONUSCO

    Amid mounting insecurity, MONUSCO has ceased joint operations with Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and withdrawn from South Kivu, following Security Council mandates.

    The mission now awaits further instructions, with discussions on the next steps expected in the coming days.

    Ms. van de Perre explained that the mission needs “clear guidance” from the Security Council, as the fluid situation is “changing literally every hour”.

    UN News

    Traffic on the streets of Goma, following recent insecurity.

    Aid operations threatened

    In addition to escalating violence, the US government’s decision to halt USAID funding for certain humanitarian programs is expected to cripple UN relief efforts.

    The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other key UN agencies are already affected by stop-work orders, compounding the crisis.

    Meanwhile, reports indicate that M23 has instructed NGOs to halt operations in areas under its control, further limiting humanitarian access.

    A plea for peace

    “We reiterate our call for the urgent reopening of Goma airport, as we need to evacuate wounded people and bring in humanitarian supplies and staff in,” said Mr. Dujarric.

    As MONUSCO continues its efforts to protect civilians, de-escalate hostilities, and facilitate humanitarian access, Ms. van de Perre underscored the urgent need for a political solution.

    “The people of the DRC deserve peace, security and stability,” she said, calling on all parties to “put an end to hostilities, prioritise dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Guterres calls for full Gaza ceasefire, rejecting ‘ethnic cleansing’

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to continue pushing for a full ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza, and “to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing” in the enclave, in a speech in New York on Wednesday. 

    He was addressing the opening of the latest session of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which met to elect a new bureau and adopt a programme of work for the year.

    The UN chief spoke in the wake of comments made by United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday night in the Oval Office, who suggested the US could “take over” the Gaza Strip, calling on Palestinians living there to leave.

    Prior to the Committee meeting, journalists asked UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at the noon briefing in New York if the Secretary-General believed the President’s plan amounted to ethnic cleansing: “Any forced displacement of people is tantamount to ethnic cleansing,” he responded.

    Rights at risk

    Addressing Committee members, the Secretary-General stated that “at its essence, the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people is about the right of Palestinians to simply live as human beings in their own land.”

    He noted, however, that “we have seen the realization of those rights steadily slip farther out of reach” as well as “a chilling, systematic dehumanization and demonization of an entire people.”

    Death, destruction and displacement

    He stressed that “of course, nothing justifies the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7” or “what we have seen unfold in Gaza over these last many months.” 

    He pointed to “the catalogue of destruction and unspeakable horrors”, with nearly 50,000 people reportedly killed, mainly women and children, and most of the civilian infrastructure in Gaza destroyed.

    Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of the population has faced repeated displacement, hunger and disease, while children have been out of school for over a year – “a generation, left homeless and traumatized.”

    Permanent ceasefire now

    The Secretary-General welcomed the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, announced last month.  He thanked mediators Egypt, Qatar and the United States for their continued efforts to ensure implementation. 

    “Now it is time to be crystal clear about objectives going forward,” he said.  

    “First, we must keep pushing for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages without delay. We cannot go back to more death and destruction.”

    The UN is working around the clock to reach Palestinians in need and scale up support, he said, which requires humanitarian access that is rapid, safe, unimpeded, expanded, and sustained. 

    He appealed to Member States, donors, and the international community to fully fund humanitarian operations and meet urgent needs, and again urged countries to support the essential work of UNRWA, the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees.

    Avoid ‘ethnic cleansing’

    “In the search for solutions, we must not make the problem worse,” he continued. 

    “It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law.  It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing.” 

    His third and final point called for reaffirming the two-State solution between Israelis and Palestinians. “Any durable peace will require tangible, irreversible and permanent progress toward the two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part,” he said. 

    He insisted that “a viable, sovereign Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel is the only sustainable solution for Middle East stability.” 

    End West Bank violence

    The Secretary-General turned to the situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, voicing grave concern over rising violence by Israeli settlers and other violations.

    “The violence must stop,” he said.  “As affirmed by the International Court of Justice, Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territory must end.” 

    He said the international community must work toward preserving the unity, contiguity, and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza. 

    He said a strong and unified Palestinian governance is crucial and urged countries to support the Palestinian Authority in this regard.

    Halt ‘enemies of peace’: Committee chair

    The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People was established some 50 years ago by the UN General Assembly. It comprises 25 Member States, with 24 others serving as observers. 

    Ambassador Coly Seck of Senegal, the newly elected chair of the 2025 session, said the ceasefire was a decisive step forward in terms of providing aid and safety, including for people in Gaza to return home, but the past days have seen “worrisome statements” seeking to undermine this.

    “We need to reinvent strategies to block the way for those enemies of peace on Palestinian ground that is so dear to us,” he said, noting that “these postures indeed exacerbate the already difficult situation on the ground.”

    He added that civilians continue to be affected following attacks by the Israeli army, while the provision of aid is suffering due to the recent entry into force of two Israeli laws banning UNRWA operations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

    “Whilst firmly condemning these unilateral legal measures against the Palestinian people, I would call upon the international community to rise up against these measures, to defend this people long oppressed, which has the right, as do all peoples of the world to live in peace on the land of their ancestors,” he said.

    More to follow… 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Whitehouse: Trump’s Shutdown of USAID Will Cause Human Suffering Abroad & Weaken U.S. National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Recognizing that diplomacy and development play a key role alongside defense when it comes to U.S. national security, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 34 of their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing their deep concern regarding the growing chaos and dysfunction at the U.S. Department of State and the Trump Administration’s illegal attempt to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

    USAID is a critical pillar of U.S. national security strategy, providing lifesaving aid and development support around the world to help ensure stability. Yesterday, personnel at USAID were not permitted to enter the agency’s headquarters, and Elon Musk announced that President Donald Trump agreed to close the agency and move it under the State Department – which Trump has no legal authority to do. The Trump Administration, led by Mr. Musk, has also furloughed thousands of senior career civil servants, including two top security officials who denied Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency access to classified documents and systems.

    “…We are deeply concerned by reports of not only growing chaos and dysfunction at the Department of State, but the Administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Mass personnel furloughs of dubious legality and abrupt, blanket stop-work orders without regard to relevant appropriations laws are causing immediate harm to U.S. national security, placing U.S. citizens at risk, disrupting life-saving work and breaking the U.S. government’s contractual obligations to private sector partners,” wrote the 37 U.S. Senators.

    The senators continued, “The Administration’s failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation’s foreign policy. The Administration’s failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act.”

    “Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world. Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research. China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat,” wrote the senators.

    They continued, “Every Administration has the right to review and adjust ongoing assistance programming. However, attempting to arbitrarily turn off core functions of a critical U.S. national security agency, without Congressional consideration or any metric-based review and absent legal authority to do so, is unprecedented and deeply disturbing.”

    In addition to Kaine, Reed, and Whitehouse, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angus S. King (I-ME), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

    The full text of the letter follows.

    Dear Secretary Rubio:

    The effective administration of U.S. foreign assistance is critical to advancing core U.S. national security priorities, including countering the influence of China, Russia and Iran. As you acknowledged at your confirmation hearing, pushing back on China in particular is a top bipartisan priority. 

    As such, we are deeply concerned by reports of not only growing chaos and dysfunction at the Department of State, but the Administration’s brazen and illegal attempts to destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Mass personnel furloughs of dubious legality and abrupt, blanket stop-work orders without regard to relevant appropriations laws are causing immediate harm to U.S. national security, placing U.S. citizens at risk, disrupting life-saving work and breaking the U.S. government’s contractual obligations to private sector partners.

    The Administration’s failure to consult with Congress prior to taking these steps violates the law and impedes Congress’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight of funding, personnel and the nation’s foreign policy. The Administration’s failure to expend funds appropriated on a bipartisan basis by Congress would violate the Impoundment Control Act.

    Foreign assistance is critical to supporting U.S. strategic interests around the world. Foreign assistance protects U.S. national security, advances U.S. values, and ensures the U.S. is the partner of choice for everything from defense procurement to cutting edge scientific research. China, Russia and Iran are already moving rapidly to exploit the vacuum and instability left by the U.S.’s sudden global retreat.

    Every Administration has the right to review and adjust ongoing assistance programming. However, attempting to arbitrarily turn off core functions of a critical U.S. national security agency, without Congressional consideration or any metric-based review and absent legal authority to do so, is unprecedented and deeply disturbing.

    We request immediate clarification on the following:

    Status of USAID:

    1.         Confirmation of your understanding that any effort to abolish USAID or merge USAID into the Department of State absent Congressional consultation and approval is illegal.

    2.         Confirmation of your understanding that adversaries such as China, Russia and Iran are quickly moving into the vacuum left by suspended USAID programs. 

    3.         The Department of State’s assessment of Mr. Elon Musk’s financial ties to China and the impact of these ties to the decision-making process of Mr. Musk and his employees.

    4.         Confirmation that neither you nor any member of your leadership team are taking direction from Mr. Musk with regards to the work of the Department of State or USAID, personnel or financial decisions for either agency, or any other matters relevant to U.S. national security. 

    5.         Confirmation of the names and employment status of individuals directed by Mr. Musk to engage with USAID staff, the qualifications of these individuals, and the level of their security clearances – if any.

    Personnel:

    1.         Confirmation of your understanding that any unauthorized access by or disclosure of classified information to individuals without appropriate security clearance could be considered a criminal offense.

    2.         The legal authority and rationale under which, on January 28, more than 50 senior career civil and foreign service USAID officials were placed on administrative leave. This move was not only unprecedented, but also inconsistent with the Office of Personnel Management’s own guidelines for the use of administrative leave.

    3.         The legal authority under which, on January 28, approximately 390 USAID Institutional Support Contractors (ISCs) were given stop-work orders, and clarification of which Administration official directed the implementation of this termination.

    4.         Whether any Department of State career civil and foreign service or contractors have been placed on administrative leave or removed from their roles as a result of or relating to the assistance freeze or any directives from the Office of Foreign Assistance.

    5.         Clarification of which Administration official directed the implementation of this mass furlough.

    6.         Clarification of whether these individuals were directed to be terminated without cause.

    7.         Confirmation that personnel will not face retaliation or retribution for performing their duties under the previous Administration’s policy direction.

    8.         Under what authorities and by which official’s directive career civil service, foreign service, and Personal Services Contractors (PSC), and those under other hiring authorities have been removed from their roles or limited in their ability to execute their work.

    9.         Confirmation that further career civil service, foreign service and USAID contractors will not be removed from their roles without cause or receive stop work orders.

    10.       Whether, upon full resumption of legally mandated foreign assistance activities, the Administration intends to re-hire contractors who have been removed from their roles.

    11.       Any additional guidance provided to State and USAID staff regarding the foreign assistance freeze, including confirmation of whether direct hires, contractors, or implementing organizations have been directed not to speak publicly about the foreign assistance freeze.

    12.       Public identification of the individual currently serving as the Director or Acting Director of the State Department’s Office of Foreign Assistance and as Acting Deputy Administrator of USAID, and the dates upon which this individual was appointed to each position.

    13.       Confirmation of your understanding that the State Department’s Director of Foreign Assistance has no authority to issue personnel directives for USAID.

    Resumption of Foreign Assistance:

    1.         The specific process and anticipated timeframe for activities to receive exemptions or waivers, as referenced in your January 28, 2025 directive to State and USAID staff.

    2.         The mechanisms and metrics established for this waiver process.

    3.         The timeline for full resumption of legally mandated foreign assistance activities.

    4.         Clarification of what risk assessment or analysis of potential risk to U.S. national security interests were conducted prior to the decision to freeze foreign assistance activities.

    5.         Confirmation of the Department of State’s obligation to comply with U.S. contract law and your responsibility as Secretary of State ensure the Department honors its commitments to contracting partners.

    We welcome your urgent attention to these questions. We and our staff stand ready to work with you to ensure U.S. foreign assistance funding continues to be deployed effectively to protect American citizens, at home and abroad.

    Respectfully,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Orange County Bancorp, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Earnings for Fiscal 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Net Interest Income increased $3.4 million, or 3.8%, to $91.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $88.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023
    • Net Interest Margin grew 5 basis points to 3.83% for the year ended December 31, 2024, from 3.78% for the year ended December 31, 2023
    • Total Loans grew $68.7 million, or 3.9%, to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2024 as compared to $1.7 billion at December 31, 2023.
    • Total Deposits rose $114.6 million, or 5.6%, to $2.2 billion at December 31, 2024, from $2.0 billion at year-end 2023
    • Book value per share increased $1.72, or 11.8%, to $16.35 at December 31, 2024, from $14.63 at December 31, 2023
    • Trust and investment advisory income rose $470 thousand, or 16.7%, to $3.3 million for Q4 2024, as compared to $2.8 million for Q4 2023

    MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” – Nasdaq: OBT), parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Co. (the “Bank”) and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. (“HVIA”), today announced net income of $7.2 million, or $0.63 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024. This compares with net income of $8.1 million, or $0.72 per basic and diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023.   The decrease in earnings per share, basic and diluted, was due primarily to an increase in non-interest expense offset by increases in net interest income and non-interest income during the current period. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, net income was $27.9 million, or $2.47 per basic and diluted share, as compared to $29.5 million, or $2.62 per basic and diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

    Book value per share rose $1.72, or 11.8%, from $14.63 at December 31, 2023 to $16.35 at December 31, 2024. Tangible book value per share increased $1.74, or 12.4%, from $14.06 at December 31, 2023 to $15.80 at December 31, 2024 (see “Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliation” below for additional detail). These increases were driven primarily by earnings during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, offset by an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) associated with unrealized losses within the investment securities portfolio.  

    “Orange Bank closed out 2024 with another solid quarter,” said Company President and CEO Michael Gilfeather.   “Earnings of $7.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 increased our full year total to $27.9 million. Though below our record $29.5 million in earnings the prior year, I am pleased by the results given challenges in the current interest rate environment and significant charges related to a non-performing participation loan. Additionally, given our historically conservative approach to credit quality, we have taken provisions to adequately reserve for charges associated with the previously disclosed participation loan.

    The economic environment in our region remains strong, enabling us to expand and improve the quality of our loan portfolio. For the year just ended, total loans grew nearly $70 million, or 4%, to $1.8 billion.

    Deposit growth was also robust during 2024, with deposits increasing $114.6 million, or 5.6%, to $2.2 billion at December 31, 2024. Even more impressive is the fact the majority of these new deposits were sourced internally as the result of a very targeted and strategic initiative.

    Low cost deposits and strong, high quality loan growth enabled us to expand net interest margin to 3.83% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 3.78% during the year ended December 31, 2023. This is no small achievement given the uncertainty regarding interest rate and economic policy that characterized much of the year.

    Our Wealth Management business also maintained its consistent performance, contributing $3.3 million of trust and investment advisory income for the quarter, a $470 thousand, or 16.7%, increase over the same period last year. We have always viewed this division as an essential component of our business bank model, offering financial, advisory, estate and planning services for business customers and their families. Since inception, these services have allowed us to expand and retain our customer relationships, new and current, and increase overall customer satisfaction. As successful as this initiative has been, we saw an opportunity to leverage its success further through the promotion of David Dineen. David has been tasked with further aligning and expanding the capabilities of the Bank with the needs of our customers and we are very excited by its prospects.

    We have worked hard to deliver strong, consistent results, despite occasional challenges, and it is exciting to see the market recognize our efforts. This resulted in favorable stock price performance during the year that supported a 2-for-1 stock split in Q4, improving liquidity for shareholders. We always seek opportunities that benefit stakeholders, whether customers, shareholders or employees, and it is rewarding to achieve and implement them.

    As we end the year with another solid quarter, I want to again thank our employees for their hard work and dedication, our customers for their trust and business, and our investors for their continued confidence and support.” 

    Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Review

    Net Income

    Net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $7.2 million, a decrease of $960 thousand, or 11.8%, from net income of $8.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease was primarily the result of increased non-interest expense over the same quarter last year. Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $27.9 million, as compared to $29.5 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease similarly reflected increased non-interest expense during the twelve months of 2024 over the same period in 2023.

    Net Interest Income

    For the three months ended December 31, 2024, net interest income rose $929 thousand, or 4.2%, to $23.1 million, versus $22.2 million during the same period last year. The increase was driven primarily by a $1.4 million increase in interest and fees on loans during the current period. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, net interest income reached $91.8 million, representing an increase of $3.4 million, or 3.8%, over the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

    Total interest income rose $639 thousand, or 2.0%, to $32.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $31.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase reflected a 5.4% growth in interest and fees associated with loans and a 3.2% increase in interest income from tax-exempt investment securities. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, total interest income rose $9.5 million, or 8.0%, to $127.2 million as compared to $117.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

    Total interest expense decreased $290 thousand during the fourth quarter of 2024, to $9.1 million, as compared to $9.4 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease represented the combined effect of management focus on low-cost deposits and a decrease in costs associated with brokered deposits and borrowed funds utilized as alternate sources of funding. Interest expense associated with Time Deposits, mainly brokered, decreased to $1.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to $2.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. Interest expense associated with FHLB advances drawn and other borrowings during the quarter totaled $1.9 million, as compared to $2.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, total interest expense rose $6.1 million, to $35.5 million, as compared to $29.4 million for the same period last year.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    As of January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the current expected credit losses methodology (“CECL”) accounting standard, which includes loans individually evaluated, as well as loans evaluated on a pooled basis to assess the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. The Bank seeks to estimate lifetime losses in its loan and investment portfolio using discounted cash flows and supplemental qualitative considerations, including relevant economic considerations, portfolio concentrations, and other external factors, as well as evaluation of investment securities held by the Bank.

    The Company recognized net recovery within its provision for credit losses of $51 thousand for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to a $462 thousand charge for the three months ended December 31, 2023. This recovery was due primarily to slower loan growth during the 2024 fourth quarter combined with the composition of loans closed during the quarter. The allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.44% as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the provision for credit losses totaled $7.7 million as compared to $7.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. No reserves for investment securities were recorded during 2024.

    Non-Interest Income

    Non-interest income rose $562 thousand, or 15.0%, to $4.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $3.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. This growth was due to increased fee income within several of the Company’s fee income categories, including investment advisory income, trust income, and service charges on deposit accounts. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, non-interest income increased $2.6 million, to $16.0 million, as compared to $13.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

    Non-Interest Expense

    Non-interest expense was $18.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting an increase of $3.7 million, or 25.4%, as compared to $14.7 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in non-interest expense consisted primarily of increases in compensation costs, technology charges, and professional fees as well as the recognition of increased costs associated with the nonperforming loan participation and certain costs related to a fraudulent incident within one of our branches. As a result, our efficiency ratio increased to 67.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from 56.9% for the same period in 2023. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, our efficiency ratio increased to 60.5% from 55.8% for the same period in 2023. Non-interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 reached $65.2 million, reflecting an $8.4 million increase over non-interest expense of $56.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

    Income Tax Expense

    Provision for income taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $1.8 million, as compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2023. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the provision for income taxes was $6.9 million, as compared to $7.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease for both 2024 periods was due to lower income before income taxes.   Our effective tax rate for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024 was 20.1%, as compared to 24.1% for the same period in 2023. Our effective tax rate for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2024 was 19.9%, as compared to 20.6% for the same period in 2023.

    Financial Condition

    Total consolidated assets increased $24.5 million, or approximately 1.0%, to $2.5 billion at December 31, 2024. The stability of the balance sheet reflects loan growth and continued increases in deposits and cash, as well as paydowns of borrowings during the current twelve-month period.

    Total cash and due from banks increased from $147.4 million at December 31, 2023, to $150.3 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of approximately $3.0 million, or 2.0%. This slight increase resulted primarily from increases in deposit balances and managed loan growth which elevated cash levels while reducing short-term borrowings.

    Total investment securities decreased $51.0 million, or 10.1%, from $504.5 million at December 31, 2023 to $453.5 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease continues to be driven primarily by investment maturities and paydowns during the twelve months of 2024.

    Total loans increased $68.7 million, or 3.9%, from $1.7 billion at December 31, 2023 to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by an increase of $102.7 million related to commercial real estate loans as well as a $3.8 million increase in home equity loans offset by decreases in all other loan categories during 2024.

    Total deposits increased $114.6 million, reaching $2.2 billion at December 31, 2024, from $2.0 billion at December 31, 2023. This increase was due primarily to $94.1 million of growth in money market accounts, $26.2 million increase in interest bearing demand accounts, and $42.9 million increase in savings accounts. The increases in deposit accounts were offset by a $48.1 million decrease in noninterest-bearing demand accounts and relatively stable balances in certificates of deposit, mainly associated with brokered deposits utilized by the Bank for short term funding purposes. Deposit composition at December 31, 2024 included 45.6% in demand deposit accounts (including NOW accounts) as a percentage of total deposits. Uninsured deposits, net of fully collateralized municipal relationships, remained stable and represented approximately 39% of total deposits at December 31 2024, as compared to 37% of total deposits at December 31, 2023.

    FHLBNY short-term borrowings decreased by $111.0 million, or 49.4%, to $113.5 million as of December 31, 2024, as compared to $224.5 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease in borrowings was driven by increased deposits which outpaced loan growth in 2024 and allowed for paydowns of borrowings while maintaining adequate levels of cash at December 31, 2024. The decrease in borrowings reflects a strategic focus on actively managing liquidity sources and pursuing opportunities to reduce funding costs.

    Stockholders’ equity increased approximately $20.2 million during the year ended 2024, reaching $185.5 million at December 31, 2024 from $165.4 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was due primarily to $27.9 million of net income during the twelve months of 2024, partially reduced by dividends and an increase in unrealized losses of approximately $3.6 million, net of taxes, mainly related to the market value of investment securities within the Company’s equity as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

    At December 31, 2024, the Bank maintained capital ratios in excess of regulatory standards for well capitalized institutions. The Bank’s Tier 1 capital to average assets ratio was 10.23%, both common equity and Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets were 14.12%, and total capital to risk weighted assets was 15.37%.  

    Wealth Management

    At December 31, 2024, our Wealth Management Division, which includes trust and investment advisory, held $1.8 billion in assets under management or advisory, as compared to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2023, a 12.9% increase. Trust and investment advisory income for the year ended December 31, 2024 reached $12.2 million, representing an increase of 18.5%, or $1.9 million, as compared to $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

    The breakdown of trust and investment advisory assets as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, is as follows:

    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    SUMMARY OF AUM/AUA
    (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollar Amounts in thousands)
      At December 31, 2024   At December 31, 2023
      Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent
    Investment Assets Under Management & Advisory $    1,105,143   61.99 %   $       909,384   57.56 %
    Trust Asset Under Administration & Management 677,723   38.01 %   670,515   42.44 %
    Total $    1,782,866   100.00 %   $    1,579,899   100.00 %
                       


    Loan Quality

    At December 31, 2024, the Bank had total non-performing loans of $6.3 million, or 0.35% of total loans. Total non-accrual loans represented approximately $6.3 million of loans as of December 31, 2024, compared to $4.4 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily the result of one commercial real estate participation loan which remains non-performing and in non-accrual status at year end.

    Liquidity

    Management believes the Bank has the necessary liquidity to meet normal business needs. The Bank uses a variety of resources to manage its liquidity position. These include short term investments, cash from lending and investing activities, core-deposit growth, and non-core funding sources, such as time deposits exceeding $250,000, brokered deposits, FHLBNY advances, and other borrowings. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s cash and due from banks totaled $150.3 million. The Bank maintains an investment portfolio of securities available for sale, comprised mainly of US Government agency and treasury securities, Small Business Administration loan pools, mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds. Although the portfolio generates interest income for the Bank, it also serves as an available source of liquidity and funding. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s investment in securities available for sale was $453.5 million, of which $104.7 million was not pledged as collateral or specifically designated to any borrowings. Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s overnight advance line capacity at the FHLBNY was $512.2 million, of which $101.0 million was used to collateralize municipal deposits and $10.0 million was utilized for long term advances. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s unused borrowing capacity at the FHLBNY was $398.7 million. The Bank also maintains additional borrowing capacity of $20 million with other correspondent banks. Additional funding is available to the Bank through the discount window lending by the Federal Reserve. At December 31, 2024, the Bank was not utilizing any available funding from the Federal Reserve.

    The Bank also considers brokered deposits an element of its deposit strategy. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank had brokered deposit arrangements with various terms totaling approximately $180.0 million.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations
    The following table reconciles, as of the dates set forth below, stockholders’ equity (on a GAAP basis) to tangible equity and total assets (on a GAAP basis) to tangible assets and calculates our tangible book value per share.
     
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
      (Dollars in thousands except for share data)
    Tangible Common Equity:          
    Total stockholders’ equity $                    185,531     $                  165,376  
    Adjustments:          
    Goodwill (5,359 )   (5,359 )
    Other intangible assets (821 )   (1,107 )
    Tangible common equity  $                    179,351     $                  158,910  
    Common shares outstanding 11,350,158     11,302,622  
    Book value per common share $                        16.35     $                      14.63  
    Tangible book value per common share $                        15.80     $                      14.06  
               
    Tangible Assets          
    Total assets $                 2,509,927     $               2,485,468  
    Adjustments:          
    Goodwill (5,359 )   (5,359 )
    Other intangible assets (821 )   (1,107 )
    Tangible assets $                 2,503,747     $               2,479,002  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets 7.16 %   6.41 %


    About Orange County Bancorp, Inc

    Orange County Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Company and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. Orange Bank & Trust Company is an independent bank that began with the vision of 14 founders over 125 years ago. It has grown through innovation and an unwavering commitment to its community and business clientele to approximately $2.5 billion in total assets. Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor in Goshen, NY. It was founded in 1996 and acquired by the Company in 2012.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained herein are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods, or by the use of forward looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar terms or variations on those terms, or the negative of those terms. Forward looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to the real estate and economic environment, particularly in the market areas in which the Company operates, competitive products and pricing, fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. Government, inflation, changes in government regulations affecting financial institutions, including regulatory fees and capital requirements, changes in prevailing interest rates, increased levels of loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures, credit risk management, asset-liability management, cybersecurity risks, geopolitical conflicts, public health issues, the financial and securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity.

    The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company wishes to advise readers that the factors listed above could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements. The Company does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    For further information:
    Michael Lesler
    EVP & Chief Financial Officer
    mlesler@orangebanktrust.com
    Phone: (845) 341-5111

     
    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
    (UNAUDITED)
      (Dollar Amounts in thousands except per share data)
                   
          December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
                   
        ASSETS          
                   
    Cash and due from banks $                    150,334     $                    147,383  
    Investment securities – available-for-sale 443,775     489,948  
    (Amortized cost $519,567 at December 31, 2024 and $560,994 at December 31, 2023)          
    Restricted investment in bank stocks 9,716     14,525  
    Loans 1,815,751     1,747,062  
    Allowance for credit losses (26,077 )   (25,182 )
      Loans, net 1,789,674     1,721,880  
                   
    Premises and equipment, net 15,808     16,160  
    Accrued interest receivable 6,680     5,934  
    Bank owned life insurance 42,257     41,447  
    Goodwill 5,359     5,359  
    Intangible assets 821     1,107  
    Other assets 45,503     41,725  
                   
        TOTAL ASSETS $                 2,509,927     $                 2,485,468  
                   
        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
                   
    Deposits:          
      Noninterest bearing $                    651,135     $                    699,203  
      Interest bearing 1,502,224     1,339,546  
        Total deposits 2,153,359     2,038,749  
                   
    FHLB advances, short term 113,500     224,500  
    FHLB advances, long term 10,000     10,000  
    Subordinated notes, net of issuance costs 19,591     19,520  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities 27,946     27,323  
                   
        TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,324,396     2,320,092  
                   
        STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
                   
    Common stock, $0.25 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized;          
      11,366,608 issued; 11,350,158 and 11,302,622 outstanding,          
      at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 2,842     2,842  
    Surplus 120,896     120,392  
    Retained Earnings 129,919     107,361  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (67,751 )   (64,108 )
    Treasury stock, at cost; 16,450 and 63,986 shares at December 31,          
      2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively (375 )   (1,111 )
        TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 185,531     165,376  
                   
        TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $                 2,509,927     $                 2,485,468  
                   
    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollar Amounts in thousands except per share data)
          For Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
          2024     2023   2024   2023
    INTEREST INCOME                
      Interest and fees on loans $ 27,263     $ 25,866   106,030   $ 96,264
      Interest on investment securities:                
        Taxable 2,696     3,153   11,672   12,723
        Tax exempt 582     564   2,304   2,285
      Interest on Federal funds sold and other 1,665     1,984   7,221   6,498
                         
        TOTAL INTEREST INCOME 32,206     31,567   127,227   117,770
                         
    INTEREST EXPENSE                
      Savings and NOW accounts 5,308     4,045   20,475   13,126
      Time deposits 1,658     2,500   7,399   6,393
      FHLB advances and borrowings 1,932     2,643   6,666   8,938
      Subordinated notes 230     230   921   922
        TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE 9,128     9,418   35,461   29,379
                         
        NET INTEREST INCOME 23,078     22,149   91,766   88,391
                         
    Provision for credit losses (51 )   462   7,710   7,868
        NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER                
        PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES 23,129     21,687   84,056   80,523
                         
    NONINTEREST INCOME                
      Service charges on deposit accounts 278     221   1,015   809
      Trust income 1,511     1,391   5,511   5,098
      Investment advisory income 1,772     1,422   6,738   5,241
      Investment securities gains(losses) –     –   –   107
      Earnings on bank owned life insurance 264     259   815   984
      Other 480     450   1,893   1,180
        TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME 4,305     3,743   15,972   13,419
                         
    NONINTEREST EXPENSE                
      Salaries 7,177     6,141   27,475   24,747
      Employee benefits 2,243     2,080   8,938   7,439
      Occupancy expense 1,243     1,147   4,790   4,761
      Professional fees 1,601     1,241   5,931   4,753
      Directors’ fees and expenses 272     769   1,053   1,451
      Computer software expense 1,761     1,336   5,952   5,050
      FDIC assessment 330     380   1,308   1,403
      Advertising expenses 409     583   1,575   1,657
      Advisor expenses related to trust income 18     31   113   120
      Telephone expenses 181     178   746   712
      Intangible amortization 72     72   286   285
      Other 3,159     770   7,043   4,415
        TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSE 18,466     14,728   65,210   56,793
                         
      Income before income taxes 8,968     10,702   34,818   37,149
                         
    Provision for income taxes 1,804     2,578   6,935   7,671
        NET INCOME $ 7,164     $ 8,124   27,883   $ 29,478
                         
    Basic and diluted earnings per share $                          0.63     $                            0.72   $                          2.47   $                          2.62
                         
    Weighted average shares outstanding 11,322,045     11,264,908   11,303,118   11,258,300
    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS
    (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollar Amounts in thousands)
                           
      Three Months Ended December 31,
      2024   2023
      Average
    Balance    		   Interest   Average
    Rate    		   Average
    Balance    		   Interest   Average
    Rate
    Assets:                      
    Loans Receivable (net of PPP) $       1,813,263   $    27,261   5.96%   $    1,725,560   $    25,863   5.95%
    PPP Loans 174   2   4.56%   222   3   5.36%
    Investment securities 456,552   3,207   2.79%   471,955   3,480   2.93%
    Due from banks 143,908   1,665   4.59%   149,312   1,984   5.27%
    Other 9,033   71   3.12%   12,432   237   7.56%
    Total interest earning assets 2,422,930   32,206   5.27%   2,359,481   31,567   5.31%
    Non-interest earning assets 94,263           98,224        
    Total assets $       2,517,193           $    2,457,705        
                           
    Liabilities and equity:                      
    Interest-bearing demand accounts $          339,233   $         402   0.47%   $       314,008   $         409   0.52%
    Money market accounts 698,335   3,967   2.25%   600,451   2,958   1.95%
    Savings accounts 269,244   939   1.38%   228,078   678   1.18%
    Certificates of deposit 162,610   1,658   4.05%   217,137   2,500   4.57%
    Total interest-bearing deposits 1,469,422   6,966   1.88%   1,359,674   6,545   1.91%
    FHLB Advances and other borrowings 132,908   1,932   5.77%   187,989   2,643   5.58%
    Subordinated notes 19,579   230   4.66%   19,508   230   4.68%
    Total interest bearing liabilities 1,621,909   9,128   2.23%   1,567,171   9,418   2.38%
    Non-interest bearing demand accounts 679,727           719,535        
    Other non-interest bearing liabilities 25,664           24,376        
    Total liabilities 2,327,300           2,311,082        
    Total shareholders’ equity 189,893           146,623        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $       2,517,193           $    2,457,705        
                           
    Net interest income     $    23,078           $    22,149    
    Interest rate spread 1         3.04%           2.92%
    Net interest margin 2         3.78%           3.72%
    Average interest earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities 149.4%           150.6%        
                           
    Notes:                      
    1 The Interest rate spread is the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities
    2 Net interest margin is the annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets
    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS
    (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollar Amounts in thousands)
                           
      Twelve Months Ended December 31,
      2024   2023
      Average
    Balance    		   Interest   Average
    Rate    		   Average
    Balance    		   Interest   Average
    Rate
    Assets:                      
    Loans Receivable (net of PPP) $       1,760,057   $   106,022   6.01%   $    1,683,232   $    96,236   5.72%
    PPP Loans 192   8   4.16%   1,133   28   2.47%
    Investment securities 467,145   13,255   2.83%   503,410   14,055   2.79%
    Due from banks 153,634   7,221   4.69%   142,003   6,498   4.58%
    Other 8,218   721   8.75%   11,561   953   8.24%
    Total interest earning assets 2,389,246   127,227   5.31%   2,341,339   117,770   5.03%
    Non-interest earning assets 95,597           96,259        
    Total assets $       2,484,843           $    2,437,598        
                           
    Liabilities and equity:                      
    Interest-bearing demand accounts $          366,103   $       1,751   0.48%   $       331,056   $      1,284   0.39%
    Money market accounts 670,231   15,199   2.26%   617,345   9,429   1.53%
    Savings accounts 254,098   3,525   1.38%   245,663   2,413   0.98%
    Certificates of deposit 168,202   7,399   4.39%   165,239   6,393   3.87%
    Total interest-bearing deposits 1,458,634   27,874   1.91%   1,359,303   19,519   1.44%
    FHLB Advances and other borrowings 126,149   6,666   5.27%   170,371   8,938   5.25%
    Subordinated notes 19,553   921   4.70%   19,481   922   4.73%
    Total interest bearing liabilities 1,604,336   35,461   2.20%   1,549,155   29,379   1.90%
    Non-interest bearing demand accounts 675,983           717,689        
    Other non-interest bearing liabilities 26,440           23,338        
    Total liabilities 2,306,759           2,290,182        
    Total shareholders’ equity 178,084           147,416        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $       2,484,843           $    2,437,598        
                           
    Net interest income     $     91,766           $    88,391    
    Interest rate spread 1         3.11%           3.13%
    Net interest margin 2         3.83%           3.78%
    Average interest earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities 148.9%           151.1%        
                           
    Notes:                      
    1 The Interest rate spread is the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities
    2 Net interest margin is the annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets
    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    SELECTED RATIOS AND OTHER DATA
    (UNAUDITED)
     
      Three Months Ended   December  31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
      2024   2023   2024   2023
    Performance Ratios:               
    Return on average assets (1) 1.14%   1.32%   1.12%   1.21%
    Return on average equity (1) 15.09%   22.16%   15.66%   20.00%
    Interest rate spread (2) 3.04%   2.92%   3.11%   3.13%
    Net interest margin (3) 3.78%   3.72%   3.83%   3.78%
    Dividend payout ratio (4) 19.76%   15.95%   19.05%   17.56%
    Non-interest income to average total assets 0.68%   0.61%   0.64%   0.55%
    Non-interest expenses to average total assets 2.93%   2.40%   2.62%   2.33%
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 149.39%   150.56%   148.92%   151.14%
                   
      At   At        
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023        
    Asset Quality Ratios:              
    Non-performing assets to total assets 0.25%   0.18%        
    Non-performing loans to total loans 0.35%   0.25%        
    Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans 413.99%   568.83%        
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans 1.44%   1.44%        
                   
    Capital Ratios (5):              
    Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) 15.37%   14.16%        
    Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) 14.12%   12.91%        
    Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) 14.12%   12.91%        
    Tier 1 capital (to average assets) 10.23%   9.42%        
                   
    Notes:              
    (1) Annualized for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
    (2) Represents the difference between the weighted-average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted-average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods.
    (3) The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets for the periods.
    (4) The dividend payout ratio represents dividends paid per share divided by net income per share.
    (5) Ratios are for the Bank only.
    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    SELECTED OPERATING DATA
    (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollar Amounts in thousands except per share data)
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,
      2024     2023   2024   2023
    Interest income $                      32,206     $                      31,567   $                 127,227   $                    117,770
    Interest expense 9,128     9,418   35,461   29,379
    Net interest income 23,078     22,149   91,766   88,391
    Provision for credit losses (51 )   462   7,710   7,868
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses 23,129     21,687   84,056   80,523
    Noninterest income 4,305     3,743   15,972   13,419
    Noninterest expenses 18,466     14,728   65,210   56,793
    Income before income taxes 8,968     10,702   34,818   37,149
    Provision for income taxes 1,804     2,578   6,935   7,671
    Net income $                        7,164     $                        8,124   $                   27,883   $                      29,478
                     
    Basic and diluted earnings per share $                          0.63     $                          0.72   $                       2.47   $                          2.62
    Weighted average common shares outstanding 11,322,045     11,264,908   11,303,118   11,258,300
                     
      At     At        
      December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023        
    Book value per share $                        16.35     $                        14.63        
    Net tangible book value per share (1) $                        15.80     $                        14.06        
    Outstanding common shares 11,350,158     11,302,622        
                     
    Notes:                
    (1)  Net tangible book value represents the amount of total tangible assets reduced by our total liabilities. Tangible assets are calculated by reducing total assets, as defined by GAAP, by $5,359 in goodwill and $821, and $1,107 in other intangible assets for December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    LOAN COMPOSITION
    (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollar Amounts in thousands)
      At December 31, 2024   At December 31, 2023
      Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent
    Commercial and industrial (a) $                    251,313   13.84 %   $                    273,562   15.66 %
    Commercial real estate 1,362,054   75.01 %   1,259,356   72.08 %
    Commercial real estate construction 80,993   4.46 %   85,725   4.91 %
    Residential real estate 74,973   4.13 %   78,321   4.48 %
    Home equity 17,365   0.96 %   13,546   0.78 %
    Consumer 29,053   1.60 %   36,552   2.09 %
    Total loans 1,815,751   100.00 %   1,747,062   100.00 %
    Allowance for loan losses 26,077         25,182      
    Total loans, net $                 1,789,674         $                 1,721,880      
                       
    (a) – Includes PPP loans of: $                           170         $                           215      
    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    DEPOSITS BY ACCOUNT TYPE
    (UNAUDITED)
    (Dollar Amounts in thousands)
      At December 31, 2024   At December 31, 2023
      Amount   Percent   Average Rate   Amount   Percent   Average Rate
    Noninterest-bearing demand accounts $               651,135   30.24 %   0.00 %   $      699,203   34.30 %   0.00 %
    Interest bearing demand accounts 331,115   15.38 %   0.42 %   304,892   14.95 %   0.49 %
    Money market accounts 679,082   31.54 %   2.15 %   584,976   28.69 %   2.04 %
    Savings accounts 271,014   12.59 %   1.25 %   228,161   11.19 %   1.19 %
    Certificates of Deposit 221,013   10.26 %   3.97 %   221,517   10.87 %   4.57 %
    Total $            2,153,359   100.00 %   1.31 %   $   2,038,749   100.00 %   1.29 %
                                   
    ORANGE COUNTY BANCORP, INC.
    NON-PERFORMING ASSETS
    (UNAUDITED)
     (Dollar Amounts in thousands)
               
      December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
               
    Non-accrual loans:          
    Commercial and industrial $                           293     $                           556  
    Commercial real estate 6,000     2,692  
    Commercial real estate construction –     –  
    Residential real estate 6     1,179  
    Home equity –     –  
    Consumer –     –  
    Total non-accrual loans 6,299     4,427  
    Accruing loans 90 days or more past due:          
    Commercial and industrial –     –  
    Commercial real estate –     –  
    Commercial real estate construction –     –  
    Residential real estate –     –  
    Home equity –     –  
    Consumer –     –  
    Total loans 90 days or more past due –     –  
    Total non-performing loans 6,299     4,427  
    Other real estate owned –     –  
    Other non-performing assets –     –  
    Total non-performing assets $                        6,299     $                        4,427  
               
    Ratios:          
    Total non-performing loans to total loans 0.35 %   0.25 %
    Total non-performing loans to total assets 0.25 %   0.18 %
    Total non-performing assets to total assets 0.25 %   0.18 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WSCG Announces Marketing Partnership with Joey Gase Racing for the 2025 NASCAR XFINITY Race at Daytona International Speedway

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WSCG, and its consumer brand HUMBL, a leading innovator of digital wallets, web platforms and blockchain technologies, is proud to sponsor NASCAR driver Joey Gase at the upcoming United Rentals 300 on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Daytona International Speedway.

    This marketing partnership includes the HUMBL logo on Gase’s race car, a fan contest for an exclusive Behind the Scenes – VIP Experience and will have its logo featured in the latest NASCAR video game.

    “We’re thrilled to partner again with Joey Gase for the United Rentals 300,” said Brian Foote, CEO of WSCG, Inc. “Joey’s dedication to racing aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and excellence in technology. We look forward to an exciting race and engaging with NASCAR fans through this unique collaboration.”

    As part of the partnership, HUMBL’s logo will be prominently displayed on the quarter panel of Gase’s race car. Race fans will also have the chance to win an exclusive VIP Experience, providing a behind-the-scenes experience and the opportunity to sit on Joey’s pit box during the race at Daytona International Speedway. The contest will be hosted on HUMBL’s social media channels, offering multiple ways to enter.

    Additionally, NASCAR fans can experience the HUMBL-sponsored car in the latest NASCAR video game, allowing players to drive Gase’s car and compete in virtual races from home.

    Registered users of HUMBL Financial will be automatically entered into the VIP Experience contest for two pit passes, making it easy for fans to participate. The giveaway is free to enter – simply create an account at HUMBLFinancial.com for a chance to win. No purchase is necessary to win.

    About WSCG, Inc.

    WSCG is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and staffed by experienced professionals in finance, technology and real estate. The company recently purchased the HUMBL brand and holds licensing and distribution relationships with HUMBL Financial.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the company’s current expectations and assumptions regarding future events. These statements are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “may,” “will,” “could,” and similar expressions. Actual outcomes may differ due to various factors, including but not limited to market conditions, competitive developments, operational challenges, regulatory changes, and the company’s ability to execute its business strategy. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in circumstances or new information, except as required by applicable law.

    Media Contact

    PR@HUMBL.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Palomar Holdings, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results Release Date and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Palomar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLMR) (the “Company”) today announced that it will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results after the market close on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, and will host a conference call at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) the following day, Thursday, February 13, 2025.

    The conference call can be accessed live by dialing 1-877-423-9813 or for international callers, 1-201-689-8573, and requesting to be joined to the Palomar Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call. A replay will be available starting at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on February 13, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921, or for international callers, 1-412-317-6671. The passcode for the replay is 13751157. The replay will be available until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on February 20, 2025.

    Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call by logging onto the investor relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.palomarspecialty.com/. The online replay will remain available for a limited time beginning immediately following the call.

    About Palomar Holdings, Inc.

    Palomar Holdings, Inc. is the holding company of subsidiaries Palomar Specialty Insurance Company (“PSIC”), Palomar Specialty Reinsurance Company Bermuda Ltd., Palomar Insurance Agency, Inc., Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company (“PESIC”), and Palomar Underwriters Exchange Organization, Inc. Palomar’s consolidated results also include Laulima Exchange, a variable interest entity for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Palomar is an innovative specialty insurer serving residential and commercial clients in five product categories: Earthquake, Inland Marine and Other Property, Casualty, Fronting, and Crop. Palomar’s insurance subsidiaries, Palomar Specialty Insurance Company, Palomar Specialty Reinsurance Company Bermuda Ltd., and Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance Company, have a financial strength rating of “A” (Excellent) from A.M. Best.

    To learn more, visit PLMR.com

    Follow Palomar on LinkedIn: @PLMRInsurance

    Contact
    Media Inquiries
    Lindsay Conner
    1-551-206-6217
    lconner@plmr.com

    Investor Relations
    Jamie Lillis
    1-203-428-3223
    investors@plmr.com   
    Source: Palomar Holdings, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Great Elm Group Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great Elm Group, Inc. (“we,” “our,” “GEG,” “Great Elm,” or “the Company”), (NASDAQ: GEG), an alternative asset manager, today announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended December 31, 2024. 

    Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 and Recent Highlights

    • Great Elm Capital Corp. (NASDAQ: GECC) raised an additional $13.2 million of equity at NAV in December 2024, through the issuance of approximately 1.1 million shares of GECC common stock to Summit Grove Partners (“SGP”). 
    • On February 4, 2025, the Company acquired the assets of Greenfield CRE, a leading construction management company and longstanding partner of Monomoy.
      • In connection with the acquisition, Great Elm formed Monomoy Construction Services, LLC (“MCS”) and combined Greenfield with Monomoy BTS Construction Management to launch an integrated, full-service construction business.
      • MCS will be dedicated to serving Great Elm’s various real estate verticals, as well as expanding its existing third-party consulting business.
    • GEG’s fee-paying assets under management (“FPAUM”) and assets under management (“AUM”) totaled approximately $538 million and $751 million, respectively.
      • FPAUM and AUM growth of 17% and 14%, respectively, compared to the prior-year period.
    • Total revenue for the second quarter grew 24% to $3.5 million, compared to $2.8 million for the prior-year period.
      • Growth in revenue was primarily driven by increased revenue from Monomoy BTS, Corporation and increased GECC management fees, due to growth in FPAUM.
      • Great Elm collected incentive fees from GECC totaling $0.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024.
    • Net income from continuing operations for the second quarter was $1.4 million, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of ($0.2) million in the prior-year period.
    • Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $1.0 million, compared to $0.6 million in the prior-year period.
    • Through February 4, 2025, Great Elm has repurchased approximately 4.1 million shares for $7.4 million, at an average price of $1.83 per share, through its share repurchase program.
      • Book value per share was $2.30 as of December 31, 2024, excluding Consolidated Funds.
    • As of December 31, 2024, GEG had approximately $44 million of cash on its balance sheet to support growth initiatives across its alternative asset management platform.

    Management Commentary

    Jason Reese, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated, “We delivered a solid fiscal second quarter 2025, continuing our positive momentum by expanding our assets under management, growing revenue across our credit and real estate businesses and generating strong returns on our investments. Our BDC closed another successful capital raise at NAV, increased its first quarter dividend to 37 cents per share and announced a special dividend in December of 5 cents per share. Additionally, the Great Elm Credit Income Fund (“GECIF”) continued to perform very well, closing December with net inception-to-date returns of approximately 13.9%.¹ GECIF’s established track record leaves us well-positioned to attract further capital to scale our investment management platform.”  

    “In Real Estate, we were thrilled to announce the acquisition of Greenfield CRE into our newly formed Monomoy Construction Services business. We expect this transaction to enhance our construction management expertise, expand our scope of services, and fortify our overall real estate value proposition to our investors and tenants. Our long-standing relationship with Greenfield will allow us to quickly benefit from the launch of our fully integrated, full-service real estate platform. Importantly, we maintained our commitment to the GEG share repurchase program, continuing to buy back shares at an attractive discount to book value. Looking ahead, we remain focused on executing on our strategic priorities: growing our core credit and real estate businesses, pursuing compelling investment opportunities across our platform and leveraging our strong balance sheet to maximize shareholder value.”

    GEG Managed Vehicle Highlights

    • GECC demonstrated continued strong performance, raised meaningful capital and increased its quarterly base distribution.
      • GECC raised $13.2 million of equity at Net Asset Value (“NAV”) through the issuance of approximately 1.1 million shares of GECC common stock to SGP.
      • GEG demonstrated its commitment to growing its credit platform through a $3.3 million investment in SGP.  
      • GECC announced a 5.7% increase on its quarterly base distribution to $0.37 per share for the first quarter of 2025 (compared to the prior $0.35 per share) and paid a special cash distribution of $0.05 per share in January 2025.
    • Monomoy BTS and Monomoy REIT continued to execute on their strategic priorities.
      • Monomoy BTS completed construction of its second build-to-suit property in Mississippi and made meaningful progress on its third project in Florida.
      • Monomoy REIT closed on three property purchases for approximately $3.8 million and maintains a strong pipeline of transaction opportunities and open requirements from our tenants.
    • GECIF delivered a strong return on invested capital of approximately 13.9%, net of fees, for the period from its inception through December 31, 2024.¹

    Discussion of Financial Results for the Fiscal Second Quarter Ended December 31, 2024

    GEG reported total revenue of $3.5 million, up 24% from $2.8 million in the prior-year period.

    GEG recorded net income from continuing operations of $1.4 million, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of ($0.2) million in the prior-year period.

    GEG recorded Adjusted EBITDA of $1.0 million, compared to $0.6 million in the prior-year period.

    Monomoy CRE, LLC Acquisition

    On February 4, 2025, Great Elm acquired the assets of Greenfield, a leading construction management company and longstanding partner of MCRE, our real estate investment manager. In connection with the acquisition, Great Elm formed Monomoy Construction Services, LLC and combined the assets of Greenfield with the assets of Monomoy BTS Construction Management to launch an integrated, full-service construction business. With MCS, Monomoy will offer a full-service, in-house suite of project management, procurement, construction management, asset management, market analysis and feasibility services for its industrial real estate tenants.

    Stock Repurchase Program

    In the fiscal first quarter 2025, GEG’s Board of Directors approved an incremental stock repurchase program under which GEG is authorized to repurchase up to $20 million in the aggregate of its outstanding common stock in the open market. As of February 4, 2025, the Company has repurchased approximately 4.1 million shares for $7.4 million under this program.

    Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Conference Call & Webcast Information
         
    When:   Thursday, February 6, 2025, 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET)
         
    Call:   All interested parties are invited to participate in the conference call by dialing +1 (877) 407-0752; international callers should dial +1 (201) 389-0912. Participants should enter the Conference ID 13746970 if asked.
         
    Webcast:   The conference call will be webcast simultaneously and can be accessed here. A copy of the slide presentation accompanying the conference call, can be found here.
         

    About Great Elm Group, Inc.

    Great Elm Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEG) is a publicly-traded, alternative asset manager focused on growing a scalable and diversified portfolio of long-duration and permanent capital vehicles across credit, real estate, specialty finance, and other alternative strategies. Great Elm Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries currently manage Great Elm Capital Corp., a publicly-traded business development company, and Monomoy Properties REIT, LLC, an industrial-focused real estate investment trust, in addition to other investments. Great Elm Group, Inc.’s website can be found at www.greatelmgroup.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

    Statements in this press release that are “forward-looking” statements, including statements regarding expected growth, profitability, acquisition opportunities and outlook involve risks and uncertainties that may individually or collectively impact the matters described herein. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made and represent Great Elm’s assumptions and expectations in light of currently available information.  These statements involve risks, variables and uncertainties, and Great Elm’s actual performance results may differ from those projected, and any such differences may be material. For information on certain factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from Great Elm’s expectations, please see Great Elm’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Additional information relating to Great Elm’s financial position and results of operations is also contained in Great Elm’s annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC and available for download at its website www.greatelmgroup.com or at the SEC website www.sec.gov.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    The SEC has adopted rules to regulate the use in filings with the SEC, and in public disclosures, of financial measures that are not in accordance with US GAAP, such as adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”). Adjusted EBITDA is derived from methodologies other than in accordance with US GAAP. Great Elm believes that Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure for investors to use in evaluating Great Elm’s businesses. In addition, Great Elm’s management reviews Adjusted EBITDA as they evaluate acquisition opportunities.

    Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it either in isolation from, or as a substitute for, analyzing Great Elm’s results as reported under US GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures reported by Great Elm may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts reported by other companies.

    Included in the financial tables below is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable US GAAP financial measure, net income from continuing operations.

    Endnotes
    ¹Assumes invested at inception on November 1, 2023, and remained invested throughout the succeeding fourteen months ended December 31, 2024, with distributions reinvested, net of founder’s class fees and expenses. Performance results should not be regarded as final until audited financial statements are issued covering the period shown. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy interests in any investment vehicle managed by Great Elm or its affiliates. Any such offer or solicitation will only be made pursuant to the applicable offering documents for such investment vehicle.

    Media & Investor Contact:
    Investor Relations
    geginvestorrelations@greatelmcap.com

    Great Elm Group, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
    Dollar amounts in thousands (except per share data)

    ASSETS   December 31, 2024     June 30, 2024  
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 44,288     $ 48,147  
    Restricted cash     –       1,571  
    Receivables from managed funds     3,725       2,259  
    Investments in marketable securities     –       9,929  
    Investments, at fair value     49,918       44,585  
    Prepaid and other current assets     5,275       1,215  
    Real estate assets, net     6,524       5,769  
    Assets of Consolidated Funds:            
    Cash and cash equivalents     2,568       2,371  
    Investments, at fair value     11,902       11,471  
    Other assets     223       253  
    Total current assets     124,423       127,570  
    Identifiable intangible assets, net     10,510       11,037  
    Right-of-use assets     1,784       225  
    Other assets     1,770       1,614  
    Total assets   $ 138,487     $ 140,446  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Current liabilities            
    Accounts payable   $ 185     $ 317  
    Payable for securities purchased     19       –  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     2,817       7,009  
    Current portion of related party payables     254       634  
    Current portion of lease liabilities     335       137  
    Liabilities of Consolidated Funds:            
    Payable for securities purchased     340       100  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     151       162  
    Total current liabilities     4,101       8,359  
    Lease liabilities, net of current portion     1,442       57  
    Long-term debt (face value $26,945)     26,231       26,090  
    Related party payables, net of current portion     –       –  
    Convertible notes (face value $36,380 and $35,494, including $16,578 and $16,174 held by related parties, respectively)     35,838       34,900  
    Other liabilities     817       845  
    Total liabilities     68,429       70,251  
    Commitments and contingencies            
    Stockholders’ equity            
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 authorized and zero outstanding     –       –  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value; 350,000,000 shares authorized and 29,519,825 shares issued and 27,150,036 outstanding at December 31, 2024; and 31,875,285 shares issued and 30,494,448 outstanding at June 30, 2024     26       30  
    Additional paid-in-capital     3,311,447       3,315,638  
    Accumulated deficit     (3,249,139 )     (3,252,954 )
    Total Great Elm Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity     62,334       62,714  
    Non-controlling interests     7,724       7,481  
    Total stockholders’ equity     70,058       70,195  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 138,487     $ 140,446  
     


    Great Elm Group, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
    Amounts in thousands (except per share data)

        For the three months ended
    December 31,    		     For the six months ended
    December 31,    		  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Revenues   $ 3,507     $ 2,819     $ 7,499     $ 6,129  
    Cost of revenues     458       –       1,093       –  
    Operating costs and expenses:                        
    Investment management expenses     3,431       2,839       6,489       5,601  
    Depreciation and amortization     284       283       557       566  
    Selling, general and administrative     1,306       2,393       3,312       4,108  
    Expenses of Consolidated Funds     5       –       21       –  
    Total operating costs and expenses     5,026       5,515       10,379       10,275  
    Operating loss     (1,977 )     (2,696 )     (3,973 )     (4,146 )
    Dividends and interest income     1,567       2,072       3,125       4,058  
    Net realized and unrealized gain     2,428       1,204       6,206       4,488  
    Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments of Consolidated Funds     (29 )     114       249       114  
    Interest and other income of Consolidated Funds     395       128       779       128  
    Interest expense     (1,030 )     (1,061 )     (2,058 )     (2,123 )
    (Loss) income before income taxes from continuing operations     1,354       (239 )     4,328       2,519  
    Income tax benefit (expense)     –       –       –       –  
    Net (loss) income from continuing operations     1,354       (239 )     4,328       2,519  
    Discontinued operations:                        
    Net income from discontinued operations     –       –       –       16  
    Net (loss) income   $ 1,354     $ (239 )   $ 4,328     $ 2,535  
    Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest, continuing operations     178       111       513       111  
    Net (loss) income attributable to Great Elm Group, Inc.   $ 1,176     $ (350 )   $ 3,815     $ 2,424  
    Net (loss) income attributable to shareholders per share                        
    Basic   $ 0.04     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.13     $ 0.08  
    Diluted   $ 0.04     $ (0.01 )     0.12       0.08  
    Weighted average shares outstanding                        
    Basic     27,983       29,889       28,531       29,734  
    Diluted     28,767       29,889       39,793       30,916  
                                     


    Great Elm Group, Inc.
    Reconciliation from Net Income (loss) from Continuing Operations to Adjusted EBITDA
    Dollar amounts in thousands

        Three months ended
    December 31,    		   Six months ended
    December 31,
    (in thousands)   2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net income (loss) from continuing operations – GAAP   $ 1,354     $ (239 )   $ 4,328     $ 2,519  
    Interest expense     1,030       1,061       2,058       2,123  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     –       –       –       –  
    Depreciation and amortization     284       283       557       566  
    Non-cash compensation     755       839       1,872       1,726  
    (Gain) loss on investments     (2,399 )     (1,318 )     (6,455 )     (4,602 )
    Change in contingent consideration     –       18       (6 )     36  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,024     $ 644     $ 2,354     $ 2,368  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: United Nations ‘Fully Committed to Peace, Stability, Inalienable Rights of Palestinian People’, Secretary-General Tells Committee

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the opening of the 2025 session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, in New York today:

    Ambassador Coly Seck, Bureau members, let me begin by congratulating you on your election.

    I want to salute this Committee for its work.  At its essence, the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people is about the right of Palestinians to simply live as human beings in their own land.

    We have seen the realization of those rights steadily slip farther out of reach.  We have seen a chilling, systematic dehumanization and demonization of an entire people.  Of course, nothing justifies the horrific Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023. And nothing justifies what we have seen unfold in Gaza over the last many months.

    We all know too well the catalogue of destruction and unspeakable horrors.  The nearly 50,000 people — 70 per cent of them women and children — who have been reported killed.

    The majority of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure — hospitals, schools and water facilities — that has been destroyed.  The overwhelming majority of the entire population who have faced displacement after displacement, hunger and disease.  Children, out of school for over a year.  A generation, left homeless and traumatized.

    I welcome the ceasefire and hostage release deal.  I thank the mediators — Egypt, Qatar and the United States — for the continued efforts to ensure implementation.  Now, it is time to be crystal clear about objectives going forward.

    First, we must keep pushing for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages without delay.  We cannot go back to more death and destruction.  For our part, the UN is working around the clock to reach Palestinians in need and scale up support.  That requires humanitarian access that is rapid, safe, unimpeded, expanded and sustained.

    I call on Member States, donors, and the international community to fully fund humanitarian operations and meet urgent needs.  And I once again urge Member States to support the essential work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

    Second, in the search for solutions, we must not make the problem worse.  It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law.  It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing.

    Third, we must reaffirm the two-State solution.  Any durable peace will require tangible, irreversible and permanent progress towards the two-State solution, an end to the occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.  A viable, sovereign Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel is the only sustainable solution for Middle East stability.

    Beyond Gaza, the situation continues to unravel in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.  I am gravely concerned by rising violence by Israeli settlers and other violations.  The violence must stop.

    As affirmed by the International Court of Justice, Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory must end.  International law must be respected and accountability ensured.

    We must work towards preserving the unity, contiguity and integrity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.  A strong and unified Palestinian governance is crucial.  The international community must support the Palestinian Authority to this end.

    The UN is fully committed to peace, stability and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.  I commend this Committee for its steadfast dedication to these goals and call on the international community to fully support these efforts.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Nursing Hosts Air Force Representatives to Explore Potential Career Paths

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Representatives from the United States Air Force visited the School of Nursing to discuss alternative career and leadership opportunities for graduating seniors.

    The visit was part of UConn’s Leadership Capstone course (NURS 4282), led by Laura Eiss, RN, MSN, NPD, BC, CNE. Through engagement with nurse leaders from various health care settings, students gain valuable insights into the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of nursing leadership in today’s dynamic health care landscape.

    Nursing students were gifted Chick-fil-A to enjoy during the Air Force Nurse Corps presentation (contributed photo)

    Lieutenant Colonel Krisha Prentice and Master Sergeant Andrew Magathan, recruiters from the Air Force Nurse Corps, presented various benefits of joining the Air Force, including housing vouchers, scholarships, loan repayment programs, and opportunities for advanced specialization in areas such as surgery, obstetrics, and medical-surgical nursing through the Nurse Transitioning Program (NTC). They also highlighted pathways for nurses pursuing advanced degrees like CRNA, NFP, and NP-Maternal Health.

    MSgt. Magathan and Lt. Col. Krisha Prentice (contributed photo)

    Lt. Col. Prentice shared her experience leading over 350 nurses and staff, emphasizing the dynamic and impactful roles available in the Air Force. MSgt. Magathan underscored the global nature of being a nurse in the Air Force, stating that nurses collaborate with other military branches worldwide. 

    “Many of our students already know they are going to pursue advanced degrees, and for many the financial implications from a 4-year undergrad degree might be a barrier,” says Eiss. “This provides a path for some they may not even knew existed.” 

    The capstone course will continue with presentations from Global Experience students returning from Belgium and from state health care executives to further explore diverse career opportunities. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Midwest City Man Sentenced to Serve 160 Months in Federal Prison for Manufacturing Crack Cocaine and Illegal Firearm Possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTONIO LARINGO KNOX, 53, of Midwest City, has been sentenced to serve more than 13 years in federal prison for manufacturing cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine, and illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    On January 17, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment against Knox, charging him with manufacturing cocaine base and being a felon in possession of firearms, amongst other charges. On November 7, 2024, following a two-day trial, a federal jury convicted Knox of these two charges. According to evidence presented at trial, on September 12, 2023, Oklahoma City Police Department officers executed a search warrant at Mr. Knox’s home, where they found cocaine base, razor blades, digital scales, ammunition, and firearms. Mr. Knox admitted to manufacturing the cocaine base that was recovered.

    At the sentencing hearing on January 31, 2025, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Knox to serve 160 months in federal prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, along with Knox’s criminal history. Public record reflects that Knox’s criminal history includes convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for conspiring to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in case number CF-2004-3693 and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction in case number CF-2006-6617.

    This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and Matthew Anderson prosecuted the case.

    Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lawton Man Sentenced to Serve Life in Federal Prison for Murder After Woman’s Body is Found in Wildlife Refuge in Indian Country

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Co-Defendant Previously Sentenced to Serve 96 Months for Accessory After the Fact to Murder

    OKLAHOMA CITY – TEVIN TERRELL SEMIEN, 30, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve life in federal prison for second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

    According to public record, on May 17, 2023, Karon “Dinkers” Conneywerdy Smith, 68, was found dead in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Investigators searched Smith’s home, which was within Indian Country, and observed blood consistent with a violent struggle. Smith’s vehicle was missing as well. On May 21, 2023, Texas law enforcement observed Smith’s vehicle driving south of Dallas, Texas. Officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the vehicle fled at a high speed and eventually crashed into a lake. The two occupants of the vehicle, later identified as Semien and Nicole Leigh Logsdon, attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended.

    On October 17, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Semien and co-defendant Nicole Leigh Logsdon, 25, also of Lawton. The Indictment charged Semien with one count of first-degree premeditated murder, one alternative count of second-degree murder, and one count of illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction. Logsdon was separately charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

    On April 22, 2024, Semien pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As part of his plea, Semien admitted to deliberately and intentionally killing Smith.

    On January 10, 2024, Logsdon pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder and admitted to helping Semien in his attempt to avoid arrest and prosecution. On July 15, 2024, Logsdon was sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    At the sentencing hearing on February 3, 2025, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Semien to serve life in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, pointing out that Semien’s choices and conduct amounted to an “unfathomably cruel and depraved murder.” Judge Friot also noted Semien’s criminal history.  Public record further reflects that Semien has previous felony convictions which include burglary in Jefferson County, Texas, and conspiracy to commit second degree burglary in Comanche County District Court case number CF-2022-292.

    This case is in federal court because Smith and Logsdon are enrolled members of the Comanche Nation and the murder occurred within Indian Country.

    This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City, Dallas, and New Orleans field offices; the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Comanche Nation Police Department; the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office; the Lawton Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Rice, Texas Police Department; and the Navarro County, Texas Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell and Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman with DOJ’s Criminal Division (former AUSA with the Western District of Oklahoma) prosecuted the case.

    The case furthers the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons efforts to address violence against Native American individuals. More information about this initiative is at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/mmip.

    Reference is made to public filings for more information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Palm Bay Man Sentenced To More Than 11 Years In Federal Prison For Receipt Of Child Sex Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Erik Bjorndal (49, Palm Bay) to 11 years and 4 months in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Bjorndal previously pled guilty on August 21, 2024.

    According to court documents, Bjorndal downloaded multiple videos depicting the violent sexual abuse of children. Some of the videos included sadistic and masochistic conduct and bestiality. Thereafter, the FBI executed a search warrant at Bjorndal’s home and discovered hundreds of CSAM images on his devices. During an interview with FBI agents, Bjorndal admitted to viewing CSAM for “a while,” perhaps since his late 20s.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio holds a press availability with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio holds a press availability with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on February 5, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3q8CAubhwg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Families will benefit from new child care spaces at Marysville Elementary school

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More families in Kimberley will have access to affordable, quality child care with 148 new child care spaces opening soon at Marysville Elementary school.

    “This new child care centre in Kimberley will benefit hard-working families and the whole community for years to come,” said Rohini Arora, B.C.’s parliamentary secretary for child care. “It is a great example of how we are working with community partners to build new child care centres where people need them most throughout B.C.”

    Construction of a new child care centre on school grounds was made possible by more than $8.8 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This fund is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding under the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

    “Everyone deserves access to affordable child care close to home. These new spots in Kimberley support our children’s well-being and help meet parents’ needs,” said Jenna Sudds, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “It’s a significant investment in our children’s future and the strength of our communities.”

    School districts throughout B.C. are partnering with the provincial government to create new child care spaces to help address the child care needs of families within their communities. Child care on school grounds makes life easier for families by requiring only one dropoff and pickup location, streamlining their daily routines, reducing stress and creating a smoother transition for children.

    “This project certainly represents an example of what can be accomplished through exemplary community collaboration,” said Aaron Callaghan, superintendent, Rocky Mountain School District. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved in this undertaking, including the City of Kimberley and Columbia Basin Trust. We are especially grateful to our partner, Summit Community Services Society, whose expertise and dedication will now bring this facility to life, providing essential child care services for families in Kimberley.”

    Since 2018, ChildCareBC’s accelerated space creation programs have helped fund the creation of more than 40,000 new licensed child care spaces in B.C., with more than 23,000 of these operational. Funding the creation of new child care spaces is part of the Province’s ChildCareBC plan to build access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care as a core service families can rely on.

    Quote:

    Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust –

    “This new facility represents an incredible achievement for Marysville and the surrounding community, providing local families with greater access to high-quality child care. We are proud to have partnered with Rocky Mountain School District, Summit Community Services Society, the City of Kimberley and the Province to make this project a reality. Supporting projects like this not only helps families thrive, but also strengthens the foundation of our communities across the basin.”

    Learn More:

    For more information about ChildCareBC, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare

    More information about the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund is available here: www.gov.bc.ca/childcare/newspacesfund

    For more information about the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, visit:
    https://www.canada.ca/en/early-learning-child-care-agreement/agreements-provinces-territories/british-columbia-canada-wide-2021.html

    MIL OSI Canada News –