MIL-OSI China: 2024 WSTDF opens in Beijing

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

The 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum commenced in Beijing on Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo courtesy of the China Association for Science and Technology]
The 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF), hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), commenced in Beijing on Oct. 22. Focusing on the theme of “Science and Technology for the Future,” the forum seeks to advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, harness international expertise for high-quality development, foster cross-cultural scientific exchanges, and tackle global challenges through innovation and technological solutions.
He Junke, executive vice chairman of WSTDF 2024 and executive president of CAST, presided over the opening remarks session and the release of the forum’s achievements. Wan Gang, chairman of WSTDF 2024 and president of CAST, delivered the opening speech. In his address, Wan presented four proposals, namely, deepening global opening up and cooperation in basic research; continuing to promote the healthy development of artificial intelligence; supporting young scientific talents in their innovation and creation; and strengthening global science and technology governance through opening up and collaboration.
Wan Gang emphasized the need for all parties involved to share insights and collective wisdom to achieve mutual benefit in a spirit of unity and cooperation and with an open, inclusive mindset. He called for joint efforts in creating global technological solutions to sustainable development and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Following the opening, participants visited an exhibition honoring Liu Hui, who lived from A.D. 225-295 and is regarded as one of the founders of classical Chinese mathematical theories.
The main activities of the forum in Beijing will run until Oct. 24, featuring six major thematic sessions and three roundtable dialogues, along with several cultural exchange events. Over 350 guests from 33 countries and regions will engage in discussions at the forum. Among them are 14 Nobel, Turing andLasker Award winners, 27 heads of international science and technology organizations, 41 academicians from home and abroad, and over 200 experts and scholars from renowned universities, research institutions and enterprises. The forum is set to conclude in Beijing on Oct. 30.
Initiated by CAST in 2019, the WSTDF has played a positive role in promoting people-to-people exchanges in science and technology, broadening channels for international collaboration, and fostering greater openness, trust and cooperation.

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: United Community Banks, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GREENVILLE, S.C. , Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) (United) today announced net income for the 2024 third quarter of $47.3 million and pre-tax, pre-provision income of $74.2 million. The result included the previously announced strategic decision to sell $318 million in manufactured housing loans, which negatively impacted the quarter by $21.4 million after-tax, or $0.18 per share. Diluted earnings per share of $0.38 for the quarter represented a decrease of $0.01, or 3%, from the third quarter a year ago and a decrease of $0.16, or 30%, from the second quarter of 2024.

On an operating basis, United’s diluted earnings per share of $0.57 was up 27% from the year-ago quarter. The primary drivers of the increased earnings per share year-over-year were higher net interest income and a lower provision for credit losses. The $0.57 result includes a $9.9 million Hurricane Helene related loan loss provision to increase the reserve on $383 million of loans in nine North Carolina counties impacted by the hurricane to 3.5% of loans.

United’s return on assets was 0.67%, or 1.01% on an operating basis. Return on common equity was 5.20% and return on tangible common equity on an operating basis was 11.17%. On a pre-tax, pre-provision basis, operating return on assets was 1.50% for the quarter. At quarter-end, tangible common equity to tangible assets was 8.93%, up 15 basis points from the second quarter of 2024.

Chairman and CEO Lynn Harton stated, “We continue to focus on growth and the third quarter saw the return of modest loan and strong deposit growth. Excluding the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio, announced in early September, loan balances were up 1.5% annualized. Customer deposits, which exclude brokered deposits, were up $262 million, or 5% annualized. Our balance sheet remains highly liquid and our internal capital generation rate is running well in excess of our current capital needs. We maintained robust capital ratios with our preliminary CET1 moving to 13.1% and we opportunistically redeemed $8 million of relatively expensive Trust Preferred securities. The increase in liquidity and capital place us in a great position to take advantage of growth opportunities as we move into 2025.”

Mr. Harton continued, “We elected to sell our manufactured housing loan book, a business that was part of our Reliant Bancorp, Inc. acquisition in January of 2022, as a natural conclusion of our exit from the business, as we ceased originating loans in the third quarter of 2023. The transaction reduces our risk profile and allows us to allocate capital to other growth opportunities.”

United’s net interest margin decreased four basis points to 3.33% from the second quarter. The average yield on United’s interest-earning assets was down four basis points to 5.55%, while its cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased two basis points, leading to the four-basis point reduction in net interest margin. Net charge-offs were $23.7 million, or 0.52% of average loans, during the quarter, up 26 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024 due to transaction-related losses resulting from the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio. NPAs were 42 basis points relative to total assets, down one basis point from the second quarter.

Mr. Harton concluded, “We are pleased with our operating performance this quarter, but we were also reminded this quarter of the importance of community. Many of our employees, customers, and communities have been impacted by the recent hurricanes. We are actively involved in the recovery process through volunteer hours and financial support and will be ready to lead the rebuilding process, when and as needed. Many thanks to our employees throughout the company that have responded, in sometimes heroic ways, to support each other and our customers.”

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

Net income of $47.3 million and pre-tax, pre-provision income of $74.2 million
EPS down 3% compared to third quarter 2023 on a GAAP basis and up 27% on an operating basis; compared to second quarter 2024, EPS down 30% on a GAAP basis and down 2% on an operating basis
The GAAP results were impacted by the decision to sell the manufactured housing loan book at a $21.4 million after-tax loss, or $0.18, approximately one year after making the strategic decision to cease originations
Return on assets of 0.67%, or 1.01% on an operating basis
Pre-tax, pre-provision return on assets of 1.50% on an operating basis
Return on common equity of 5.20%
Return on tangible common equity of 11.17% on an operating basis
A provision for credit losses of $14.4 million, which includes $9.9 million to establish a special reserve for expected credit losses from Hurricane Helene
Net charge-offs of $23.7 million, or 52 basis points as a percent of average loans, which included $11.0 million, or 24 basis points, of transaction-related losses from the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio
Nonperforming assets of 0.42% of total assets, down one basis point compared to June 30, 2024
Loan production of $1.2 billion
Customer deposits were up $262 million from the second quarter, with most of the growth in NOW and money market deposits
Net interest margin of 3.33% decreased by four basis points from the second quarter mostly due to lower purchased loan accretion, the sale of our manufactured housing portfolio, and changing composition of our earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities
Mortgage closings of $239 million compared to $211 million a year ago; mortgage rate locks of $306 million compared to $304 million a year ago
Noninterest income was down $28.5 million on a linked quarter basis with $27.2 million due to losses from the sale of manufactured housing loans. The remaining decrease was primarily driven by the mark on our mortgage servicing rights asset.
Noninterest expenses decreased by $4.0 million compared to the second quarter on a GAAP basis and were up $0.3 million on an operating basis
Efficiency ratio of 65.5%, or 57.4% on an operating basis
Maintained robust capital ratios with preliminary CET1 increasing to 13.1% and opportunistically redeemed $8 million of relatively expensive Trust Preferred securities
Quarterly common dividend of $0.24 per share declared during the quarter, up 4% year-over-year

Conference Call
United will hold a conference call on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the contents of this press release and to share business highlights for the quarter. Participants can pre-register for the conference call by navigating to https://dpregister.com/sreg/10193157/fd9f74293a. Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in by calling 1-866-777-2509. Participants are encouraged to dial in 15 minutes prior to the call start time. The conference call also will be webcast and can be accessed by selecting “Events and Presentations” under “News and Events” within the Investor Relations section of the company’s website, http://www.ucbi.com.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Selected Financial Information
(In thousands, except per share data)
	2024									2023						Third Quarter 2024- 2023 Change		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,						YTD 2024- 2023 Change
		Third Quarter			Second Quarter			First Quarter			Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter		Third Quarter 2024- 2023 Change			2024			2023		YTD 2024- 2023 Change
INCOME SUMMARY
Interest revenue	$	349,086		$	346,965		$	336,728		$	338,698		$	323,147				$	1,032,779		$	898,409
Interest expense	139,900			138,265			137,579			135,245			120,591					415,744			284,097
Net interest revenue	209,186			208,700			199,149			203,453			202,556			3	%	617,035			614,312			—	%
Provision for credit losses	14,428			12,235			12,899			14,626			30,268					39,562			74,804
Noninterest income	8,091			36,556			39,587			(23,090		)	31,977			(75	)	84,234			98,573			(15	)
Total revenue	202,849			233,021			225,837			165,737			204,265			(1	)	661,707			638,081			4
Noninterest expenses	143,065			147,044			145,002			154,587			144,474			(1	)	435,111			416,686			4
Income before income tax expense	59,784			85,977			80,835			11,150			59,791			—		226,596			221,395			2
Income tax expense	12,437			19,362			18,204			(2,940		)	11,925			4		50,003			47,941			4
Net income	47,347			66,615			62,631			14,090			47,866			(1	)	176,593			173,454			2
Non-operating items	29,385			6,493			2,187			67,450			9,168					38,065			21,444
Income tax benefit of non-operating items	(6,276		)	(1,462		)	(493		)	(16,714		)	(2,000		)			(8,231		)	(4,775		)
Net income – operating⁽¹⁾	$	70,456		$	71,646		$	64,325		$	64,826		$	55,034		28		$	206,427		$	190,123		9
Pre-tax pre-provision income⁽⁵⁾	$	74,212		$	98,212		$	93,734		$	25,776		$	90,059		(18	)	$	266,158		$	296,199		(10	)
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Per common share:
Diluted net income – GAAP	$	0.38		$	0.54		$	0.51		$	0.11		$	0.39		(3	)	$	1.43		$	1.44		(1	)
Diluted net income – operating⁽¹⁾	0.57			0.58			0.52			0.53			0.45			27		1.67			1.58			6
Cash dividends declared	0.24			0.23			0.23			0.23			0.23			4		0.70			0.69			1
Book value	27.68			27.18			26.83			26.52			25.87			7		27.68			25.87			7
Tangible book value⁽³⁾	19.66			19.13			18.71			18.39			17.70			11		19.66			17.70			11
Key performance ratios:
Return on common equity – GAAP⁽²⁾⁽⁴⁾	5.20		%	7.53		%	7.14		%	1.44		%	5.32		%			6.61		%	6.69		%
Return on common equity – operating^(1)(2)(4)	7.82			8.12			7.34			7.27			6.14					7.76			7.35
Return on tangible common equity – operating^(1)(2)(3)(4)	11.17			11.68			10.68			10.58			9.03					11.18			10.65
Return on assets – GAAP⁽⁴⁾	0.67			0.97			0.90			0.18			0.68					0.85			0.86
Return on assets – operating⁽¹⁾⁽⁴⁾	1.01			1.04			0.93			0.92			0.79					0.99			0.95
Return on assets – pre-tax pre-provision – operating^(1)(4)(5)	1.50			1.54			1.40			1.33			1.44					1.48			1.60
Net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent)⁽⁴⁾	3.33			3.37			3.20			3.19			3.24					3.30			3.41
Efficiency ratio – GAAP	65.51			59.70			60.47			66.33			61.32					61.76			58.06
Efficiency ratio – operating⁽¹⁾	57.37			57.06			59.15			59.57			57.43					57.84			55.07
Equity to total assets	12.45			12.35			12.06			11.95			11.85					12.45			11.85
Tangible common equity to tangible assets⁽³⁾	8.93			8.78			8.49			8.36			8.18					8.93			8.18
ASSET QUALITY
Nonperforming assets (“NPAs”)	$	114,960		$	116,722		$	107,230		$	92,877		$	90,883		26		$	114,960		$	90,883		26
Allowance for credit losses – loans	205,290			213,022			210,934			208,071			201,557			2		205,290			201,557			2
Allowance for credit losses – total	215,517			224,740			224,119			224,128			219,624			(2	)	215,517			219,624			(2	)
Net charge-offs	23,651			11,614			12,908			10,122			26,638					48,173			42,121
Allowance for credit losses – loans to loans	1.14		%	1.17		%	1.15		%	1.14		%	1.11		%			1.14		%	1.11		%
Allowance for credit losses – total to loans	1.20			1.23			1.22			1.22			1.21					1.20			1.21
Net charge-offs to average loans⁽⁴⁾	0.52			0.26			0.28			0.22			0.59					0.35			0.32
NPAs to total assets	0.42			0.43			0.39			0.34			0.34					0.42			0.34
AT PERIOD END ($ in millions)
Loans	$	17,964		$	18,211		$	18,375		$	18,319		$	18,203		(1	)	$	17,964		$	18,203		(1	)
Investment securities	6,425			6,038			5,859			5,822			5,701			13		6,425			5,701			13
Total assets	27,373			27,057			27,365			27,297			26,869			2		27,373			26,869			2
Deposits	23,253			22,982			23,332			23,311			22,858			2		23,253			22,858			2
Shareholders’ equity	3,407			3,343			3,300			3,262			3,184			7		3,407			3,184			7
Common shares outstanding (thousands)	119,283			119,175			119,137			119,010			118,976			—		119,283			118,976			—

⁽¹⁾Excludes non-operating items as detailed on Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation on next page. ⁽²⁾ Net income less preferred stock dividends, divided by average realized common equity, which excludes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). ⁽³⁾ Excludes effect of acquisition related intangibles and associated amortization. ⁽⁴⁾ Annualized. ⁽⁵⁾ Excludes income tax expense and provision for credit losses.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Non-GAAP Performance Measures Reconciliation
*(in thousands, except per share data)*
	2024									2023						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Third Quarter			Second Quarter			First Quarter			Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter			2024			2023

Noninterest income reconciliation
Noninterest income (GAAP)	$	8,091		$	36,556		$	39,587		$	(23,090	)	$	31,977		$	84,234		$	98,573
Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans	27,209			—			—			—			—			27,209			—
Gain on lease termination	—			—			(2,400		)	—			—			(2,400		)	—
Bond portfolio restructuring loss	—			—			—			51,689			—			—			—
Noninterest income – operating	$	35,300		$	36,556		$	37,187		$	28,599		$	31,977		$	109,043		$	98,573

Noninterest expense reconciliation
Noninterest expenses (GAAP)	$	143,065		$	147,044		$	145,002		$	154,587		$	144,474		$	435,111		$	416,686
Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)	—			(5,100		)	—			—			—			(5,100		)	—
FDIC special assessment	—			764			(2,500		)	(9,995		)	—			(1,736		)	—
Merger-related and other charges	(2,176		)	(2,157		)	(2,087		)	(5,766		)	(9,168		)	(6,420		)	(21,444		)
Noninterest expenses – operating	$	140,889		$	140,551		$	140,415		$	138,826		$	135,306		$	421,855		$	395,242

Net income to operating income reconciliation
Net income (GAAP)	$	47,347		$	66,615		$	62,631		$	14,090		$	47,866		$	176,593		$	173,454
Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans	27,209			—			—			—			—			27,209			—
Bond portfolio restructuring loss	—			—			—			51,689			—			—			—
Gain on lease termination	—			—			(2,400		)	—			—			(2,400		)	—
Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)	—			5,100			—			—			—			5,100			—
FDIC special assessment	—			(764		)	2,500			9,995			—			1,736			—
Merger-related and other charges	2,176			2,157			2,087			5,766			9,168			6,420			21,444
Income tax benefit of non-operating items	(6,276		)	(1,462		)	(493		)	(16,714		)	(2,000		)	(8,231		)	(4,775		)
Net income – operating	$	70,456		$	71,646		$	64,325		$	64,826		$	55,034		$	206,427		$	190,123

Net income to pre-tax pre-provision income reconciliation
Net income (GAAP)	$	47,347		$	66,615		$	62,631		$	14,090		$	47,866		$	176,593		$	173,454
Income tax expense	12,437			19,362			18,204			(2,940		)	11,925			50,003			47,941
Provision for credit losses	14,428			12,235			12,899			14,626			30,268			39,562			74,804
Pre-tax pre-provision income	$	74,212		$	98,212		$	93,734		$	25,776		$	90,059		$	266,158		$	296,199

Diluted income per common share reconciliation
Diluted income per common share (GAAP)	$	0.38		$	0.54		$	0.51		$	0.11		$	0.39		$	1.43		$	1.44
Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans	0.18			—			—			—			—			0.18			—
Bond portfolio restructuring loss	—			—			—			0.32			—			—			—
Gain on lease termination	—			—			(0.02		)	—			—			(0.02		)	—
Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)	—			0.03			—			—			—			0.03			—
FDIC special assessment	—			—			0.02			0.06			—			0.01			—
Merger-related and other charges	0.01			0.01			0.01			0.04			0.06			0.04			0.14
Diluted income per common share – operating	$	0.57		$	0.58		$	0.52		$	0.53		$	0.45		$	1.67		$	1.58

Book value per common share reconciliation
Book value per common share (GAAP)	$	27.68		$	27.18		$	26.83		$	26.52		$	25.87		$	27.68		$	25.87
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles	(8.02		)	(8.05		)	(8.12		)	(8.13		)	(8.17		)	(8.02		)	(8.17		)
Tangible book value per common share	$	19.66		$	19.13		$	18.71		$	18.39		$	17.70		$	19.66		$	17.70

Return on tangible common equity reconciliation
Return on common equity (GAAP)	5.20		%	7.53		%	7.14		%	1.44		%	5.32		%	6.61		%	6.69		%
Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans	2.43			—			—			—			—			0.82			—
Bond portfolio restructuring loss	—			—			—			4.47			—			—			—
Gain on lease termination	—			—			(0.22		)	—			—			(0.07		)	—
Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)	—			0.46			—			—			—			0.16			—
FDIC special assessment	—			(0.07		)	0.23			0.86			—			0.05			—
Merger-related and other charges	0.19			0.20			0.19			0.50			0.82			0.19			0.66
Return on common equity – operating	7.82			8.12			7.34			7.27			6.14			7.76			7.35
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles	3.35			3.56			3.34			3.31			2.89			3.42			3.30
Return on tangible common equity – operating	11.17		%	11.68		%	10.68		%	10.58		%	9.03		%	11.18		%	10.65		%

Return on assets reconciliation
Return on assets (GAAP)	0.67		%	0.97		%	0.90		%	0.18		%	0.68		%	0.85		%	0.86		%
Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans	0.31			—			—			—			—			0.10			—
Bond portfolio restructuring loss	—			—			—			0.57			—			—			—
Gain on lease termination	—			—			(0.03		)	—			—			(0.01		)	—
Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)	—			0.06			—			—			—			0.02			—
FDIC special assessment	—			(0.01		)	0.03			0.11			—			0.01			—
Merger-related and other charges	0.03			0.02			0.03			0.06			0.11			0.02			0.09
Return on assets – operating	1.01		%	1.04		%	0.93		%	0.92		%	0.79		%	0.99		%	0.95		%

Return on assets to return on assets- pre-tax pre-provision reconciliation
Return on assets (GAAP)	0.67		%	0.97		%	0.90		%	0.18		%	0.68		%	0.85		%	0.86		%
Income tax (benefit) expense	0.19			0.29			0.27			(0.04		)	0.18			0.25			0.25
Provision for credit losses	0.21			0.18			0.19			0.21			0.45			0.19			0.38
Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans	0.40			—			—			—			—			0.13			—
Bond portfolio restructuring loss	—			—			—			0.75			—			—			—
Gain on lease termination	—			—			(0.04		)	—			—			(0.01		)	—
Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)	—			0.08			—			—			—			0.03			—
FDIC special assessment	—			(0.01		)	0.04			0.15			—			0.01			—
Merger-related and other charges	0.03			0.03			0.04			0.08			0.13			0.03			0.11
Return on assets – pre-tax pre-provision – operating	1.50		%	1.54		%	1.40		%	1.33		%	1.44		%	1.48		%	1.60		%

Efficiency ratio reconciliation
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)	65.51		%	59.70		%	60.47		%	66.33		%	61.32		%	61.76		%	58.06		%
Loss on sale of manufactured housing loans	(7.15		)	—			—			—			—			(2.25		)	—
Gain on lease termination	—			—			0.60			—			—			0.21			—
Loss on FinTrust (goodwill impairment)	—			(2.07		)	—			—			—			(0.73		)	—
FDIC special assessment	—			0.31			(1.05		)	(4.29		)	—			(0.24		)	—
Merger-related and other charges	(0.99		)	(0.88		)	(0.87		)	(2.47		)	(3.89		)	(0.91		)	(2.99		)
Efficiency ratio – operating	57.37		%	57.06		%	59.15		%	59.57		%	57.43		%	57.84		%	55.07		%

Tangible common equity to tangible assets reconciliation
Equity to total assets (GAAP)	12.45		%	12.35		%	12.06		%	11.95		%	11.85		%	12.45		%	11.85		%
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles	(3.20		)	(3.24		)	(3.25		)	(3.27		)	(3.33		)	(3.20		)	(3.33		)
Effect of preferred equity	(0.32		)	(0.33		)	(0.32		)	(0.32		)	(0.34		)	(0.32		)	(0.34		)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets	8.93		%	8.78		%	8.49		%	8.36		%	8.18		%	8.93		%	8.18		%

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Loan Portfolio Composition at Period-End
	2024							2023					Linked Quarter Change			Year over Year Change
(in millions)		Third Quarter		Second Quarter			First Quarter		Fourth Quarter		Third Quarter		Linked Quarter Change			Year over Year Change
LOANS BY CATEGORY
Owner occupied commercial RE	$	3,323	$	3,297		$	3,310	$	3,264	$	3,279	$	26		$	44
Income producing commercial RE		4,259		4,058			4,206		4,264		4,130	201			129
Commercial & industrial		2,313		2,299			2,405		2,411		2,504	14			(191		)
Commercial construction		1,785		2,014			1,936		1,860		1,850	(229		)	(65		)
Equipment financing		1,603		1,581			1,544		1,541		1,534	22			69
Total commercial		13,283		13,249			13,401		13,340		13,297	34			(14		)
Residential mortgage		3,263		3,266			3,240		3,199		3,043	(3		)	220
Home equity		1,015		985			969		959		941	30			74
Residential construction		189		211			257		302		399	(22		)	(210		)
Manufactured housing		2		321			328		336		343	(319		)	(341		)
Consumer		188		183			180		181		180	5			8
Other		24		(4	)		—		2	—		28			24
Total loans	$	17,964	$	18,211		$	18,375	$	18,319	$	18,203	$	(247	)	$	(239	)

LOANS BY MARKET
Georgia	$	4,470	$	4,411		$	4,356	$	4,357	$	4,321	$	59		$	149
South Carolina		2,782		2,779			2,804		2,780		2,801	3			(19		)
North Carolina		2,586		2,591			2,566		2,492		2,445	(5		)	141
Tennessee		1,848		2,144			2,209		2,244		2,314	(296		)	(466		)
Florida		2,423		2,407			2,443		2,442		2,318	16			105
Alabama		996		1,021			1,068		1,082		1,070	(25		)	(74		)
Commercial Banking Solutions		2,859		2,858			2,929		2,922		2,934	1			(75		)
Total loans	$	17,964	$	18,211		$	18,375	$	18,319	$	18,203	$	(247	)	$	(239	)

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Credit Quality
(in thousands)
		2024
	Third Quarter		Second Quarter		First Quarter
NONACCRUAL LOANS
Owner occupied RE	$	7,783	$	4,820	$	2,310
Income producing RE		31,222		34,285		29,186
Commercial & industrial		28,856		17,335		20,134
Commercial construction		7,356		6,854		1,862
Equipment financing		9,123		8,341		8,829
Total commercial		84,340		71,635		62,321
Residential mortgage		21,851		18,473		16,569
Home equity		4,111		3,779		4,984
Residential construction		118		163		1,244
Manufactured housing		1,808		20,356		19,797
Consumer		152		72		54
Total nonaccrual loans		112,380		114,478		104,969
OREO and repossessed assets		2,580		2,244		2,261
Total NPAs	$	114,960	$	116,722	$	107,230

		2024
	Third Quarter					Second Quarter						First Quarter
(in thousands)	Net Charge- Offs			Net Charge- Offs to Average Loans⁽¹⁾		Net Charge- Offs			Net Charge- Offs to Average Loans⁽¹⁾			Net Charge- Offs			Net Charge- Offs to Average Loans⁽¹⁾
NET CHARGE-OFFS (RECOVERIES) BY CATEGORY
Owner occupied RE	$	(184	)	(0.02	)%	$	163			0.02	%	$	202			0.02	%
Income producing RE		1,409		0.13			2,968			0.29			205			0.02
Commercial & industrial		4,577		0.79			1,281			0.22			3,906			0.65
Commercial construction		36		0.01			(48	)		(0.01	)		20			—
Equipment financing		5,268		1.32			5,502			1.42			6,362			1.66
Total commercial		11,106		0.33			9,866			0.30			10,695			0.32
Residential mortgage		32		—			(107	)		(0.01	)		(16	)		—
Home equity		36		0.01			(27	)		(0.01	)		(54	)		(0.02	)
Residential construction		111		0.22			26			0.04			119			0.17
Manufactured housing		11,556		28.51			1,150			1.43			1,569			1.90
Consumer		810		1.74			706			1.57			595			1.33
Total	$	23,651		0.52		$	11,614			0.26		$	12,908			0.28

⁽¹⁾Annualized.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)	September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	202,644		$	200,781
Interest-bearing deposits in banks		537,395			803,094
Cash and cash equivalents		740,039			1,003,875
Debt securities available-for-sale		4,023,455			3,331,084
Debt securities held-to-maturity (fair value $2,060,729 and $2,095,620, respectively)		2,401,877			2,490,848
Loans held for sale		49,800			33,008
Loans and leases held for investment		17,964,099			18,318,755
Allowance for credit losses – loans and leases		(205,290	)		(208,071	)
Loans and leases, net		17,758,809			18,110,684
Premises and equipment, net		396,696			378,421
Bank owned life insurance		345,703			345,371
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		975,117			990,087
Other assets		681,636			613,873
Total assets	$	27,373,132		$	27,297,251
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	6,222,518		$	6,534,307
NOW and interest-bearing demand		5,951,900			6,155,193
Money market		6,301,956			5,600,587
Savings		1,113,168			1,207,807
Time		3,490,399			3,649,498
Brokered		173,161			163,219
Total deposits		23,253,102			23,310,611
Long-term debt		316,363			324,823
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		396,987			400,292
Total liabilities		23,966,452			24,035,726
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock; $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,662 shares Series I issued and outstanding; $25,000 per share liquidation preference		88,266			88,266
Common stock, $1 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 119,282,762 and 119,010,319 shares issued and outstanding, respectively		119,283			119,010
Common stock issuable; 588,296 and 620,108 shares, respectively		12,661			13,110
Capital surplus		2,707,266			2,699,112
Retained earnings		668,965			581,219
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(189,761	)		(239,192	)
Total shareholders’ equity		3,406,680			3,261,525
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	27,373,132		$	27,297,251

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)		2024			2023		2024			2023
Interest revenue:
Loans, including fees	$	291,574		$	273,781	$	867,152		$	760,696
Investment securities, including tax exempt of $1,713, $1,722, $5,133 and $5,563, respectively		52,997			44,729		149,496			125,775
Deposits in banks and short-term investments		4,515			4,637		16,131			11,938
Total interest revenue		349,086			323,147		1,032,779			898,409

Interest expense:
Deposits:
NOW and interest-bearing demand		43,401			35,613		133,522			80,809
Money market		56,874			46,884		160,883			105,430
Savings		672			868		2,065			2,108
Time		35,202			33,368		107,925			75,464
Deposits		136,149			116,733		404,395			263,811
Short-term borrowings		27			189		87			3,186
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		—			—		—			5,761
Long-term debt		3,724			3,669		11,262			11,339
Total interest expense		139,900			120,591		415,744			284,097
Net interest revenue		209,186			202,556		617,035			614,312
Provision for credit losses		14,428			30,268		39,562			74,804
Net interest revenue after provision for credit losses		194,758			172,288		577,473			539,508

Noninterest income:
Service charges and fees		10,488			10,315		30,372			28,791
Mortgage loan gains and other related fees		3,520			6,159		17,830			17,264
Wealth management fees		6,338			6,451		19,037			17,775
Net (losses) gains from sales of other loans		(25,700	)		2,688		(22,867	)		6,909
Lending and loan servicing fees		3,512			2,985		11,050			9,979
Securities losses, net		—			—		—			(1,644	)
Other		9,933			3,379		28,812			19,499
Total noninterest income		8,091			31,977		84,234			98,573
Total revenue		202,849			204,265		661,707			638,081

Noninterest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits		83,533			81,173		254,336			236,121
Communications and equipment		12,626			10,902		36,534			31,654
Occupancy		11,311			10,941		33,466			31,024
Advertising and public relations		2,041			2,251		6,401			6,914
Postage, printing and supplies		2,477			2,386		7,376			7,305
Professional fees		6,432			7,006		18,464			19,670
Lending and loan servicing expense		2,227			2,697		6,068			7,546
Outside services – electronic banking		4,433			2,561		10,163			8,646
FDIC assessments and other regulatory charges		5,003			4,314		17,036			12,457
Amortization of intangibles		3,528			4,171		11,209			11,120
Merger-related and other charges		2,176			9,168		6,420			21,444
Other		7,278			6,904		27,638			22,785
Total noninterest expenses		143,065			144,474		435,111			416,686
Income before income taxes		59,784			59,791		226,596			221,395
Income tax expense		12,437			11,925		50,003			47,941
Net income		47,347			47,866		176,593			173,454
Preferred stock dividends, net of discount on repurchases		1,573			832		4,719			4,270
Earnings allocated to participating securities		272			259		988			939
Net income available to common shareholders	$	45,502		$	46,775	$	170,886		$	168,245

Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.38		$	0.39	$	1.43		$	1.44
Diluted		0.38			0.39		1.43			1.44
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		119,818			119,506		119,736			116,925
Diluted		119,952			119,624		119,827			117,084

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
		2024								2023
*(dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE))*	Average Balance			Interest		Average Rate			Average Balance			Interest		Average Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income (FTE)⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	$	18,051,741		$	291,164		6.42	%	$	18,055,402		$	273,800		6.02	%
Taxable securities⁽³⁾		6,182,164			51,284		3.32			5,933,708			43,007		2.90
Tax-exempt securities (FTE)⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		361,359			2,292		2.54			368,148			2,313		2.51
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets		505,792			5,440		4.28			538,039			5,093		3.76
Total interest-earning assets (FTE)		25,101,056			350,180		5.55			24,895,297			324,213		5.17

Noninterest-earning assets:
Allowance for credit losses		(215,008	)							(209,472	)
Cash and due from banks		206,995								225,831
Premises and equipment		399,262								367,217
Other assets⁽³⁾		1,615,468								1,568,824
Total assets	$	27,107,773							$	26,847,697

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
NOW and interest-bearing demand	$	5,797,845			43,401		2.98		$	5,285,513			35,613		2.67
Money market		6,342,455			56,874		3.57			5,622,355			46,884		3.31
Savings		1,126,774			672		0.24			1,301,047			868		0.26
Time		3,465,980			34,560		3.97			3,473,191			31,072		3.55
Brokered time deposits		50,364			642		5.07			209,119			2,296		4.36
Total interest-bearing deposits		16,783,418			136,149		3.23			15,891,225			116,733		2.91
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings		1,899			27		5.66			44,164			189		1.70
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		11			—		—			—			—		—
Long-term debt		323,544			3,724		4.58			324,770			3,669		4.48
Total borrowed funds		325,454			3,751		4.59			368,934			3,858		4.15
Total interest-bearing liabilities		17,108,872			139,900		3.25			16,260,159			120,591		2.94

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits		6,239,926								6,916,272
Other liabilities		391,574								435,592
Total liabilities		23,740,372								23,612,023
Shareholders’ equity		3,367,401								3,235,674
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	27,107,773							$	26,847,697

Net interest revenue (FTE)				$	210,280							$	203,622
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)							2.30	%							2.23	%
Net interest margin (FTE)⁽⁴⁾							3.33	%							3.24	%

⁽¹⁾ Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans includes a taxable-equivalent adjustment to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The FTE adjustment totaled $1.09 million and $1.07 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The tax rate used to calculate the adjustment was 25% in 2024 and 26% in 2023, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
⁽²⁾ Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
⁽³⁾ Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, including those related to the transfer from AFS to HTM, have been reclassified to other assets. Pretax unrealized losses of $295 million in 2024 and $430 million in 2023 are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.
⁽⁴⁾ Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.

UNITED COMMUNITY BANKS, INC.
Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2024								2023
*(dollars in thousands, fully taxable equivalent (FTE))*	Average Balance			Interest		Average Rate			Average Balance			Interest		Average Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income (FTE)⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	$	18,187,790		$	866,502		6.36	%	$	17,377,210		$	760,802		5.85	%
Taxable securities⁽³⁾		5,988,368			144,363		3.21			5,982,615			120,212		2.68
Tax-exempt securities (FTE)⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		363,692			6,876		2.52			386,499			7,470		2.58
Federal funds sold and other interest-earning assets		559,786			18,256		4.36			490,703			13,103		3.57
Total interest-earning assets (FTE)		25,099,636			1,035,997		5.51			24,237,027			901,587		4.97

Non-interest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan losses		(214,372	)							(186,428	)
Cash and due from banks		210,982								249,411
Premises and equipment		392,561								347,514
Other assets⁽³⁾		1,613,118								1,518,503
Total assets	$	27,101,925							$	26,166,027

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:
NOW and interest-bearing demand	$	5,913,566			133,522		3.02		$	4,891,214			80,809		2.21
Money market		6,092,649			160,883		3.53			5,349,265			105,430		2.64
Savings		1,159,982			2,065		0.24			1,341,033			2,108		0.21
Time		3,535,343			106,199		4.01			2,936,873			65,856		3.00
Brokered time deposits		50,343			1,726		4.58			280,293			9,608		4.58
Total interest-bearing deposits		16,751,883			404,395		3.22			14,798,678			263,811		2.38
Federal funds purchased and other borrowings		2,001			87		5.81			98,884			3,186		4.31
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		5			—		—			166,355			5,761		4.63
Long-term debt		324,414			11,262		4.64			324,737			11,339		4.67
Total borrowed funds		326,420			11,349		4.64			589,976			20,286		4.60
Total interest-bearing liabilities		17,078,303			415,744		3.25			15,388,654			284,097		2.47

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits		6,306,919								7,226,096
Other liabilities		394,323								393,048
Total liabilities		23,779,545								23,007,798
Shareholders’ equity		3,322,380								3,158,229
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	27,101,925							$	26,166,027

Net interest revenue (FTE)				$	620,253							$	617,490
Net interest-rate spread (FTE)							2.26	%							2.50	%
Net interest margin (FTE)⁽⁴⁾							3.30	%							3.41	%

⁽¹⁾ Interest revenue on tax-exempt securities and loans includes a taxable-equivalent adjustment to reflect comparable interest on taxable securities and loans. The FTE adjustment totaled $3.22 million and $3.18 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. The tax rate used to calculate the adjustment was 25% in 2024 and 26% in 2023, reflecting the statutory federal income tax rate and the federal tax adjusted state income tax rate.
⁽²⁾Included in the average balance of loans outstanding are loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued and loans that are held for sale.
⁽³⁾ Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, including those related to the transfer from AFS to HTM, have been reclassified to other assets. Pretax unrealized losses of $320 million in 2024 and $413 million in 2023 are included in other assets for purposes of this presentation.
⁽⁴⁾ Net interest margin is taxable equivalent net-interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.

About United Community Banks, Inc.
United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 U.S. financial institution that is committed to improving the financial health and well-being of its customers and the communities it serves. United Community provides a full range of banking, wealth management and mortgage services. As of September 30, 2024, United Community Banks, Inc. had $27.4 billion in assets, 202 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as a national SBA lending franchise and a national equipment lending subsidiary. In 2024, United Community became a 10-time winner of J.D. Power’s award for the best customer satisfaction among consumer banks in the Southeast region and was recognized as the most trusted bank in the Southeast. In 2023, United was named by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” for the seventh consecutive year and was recognized in the Greenwich Excellence and Best Brands Awards, receiving 15 awards that included national honors for overall satisfaction in small business banking and middle market banking. Forbes has also consistently listed United Community as one of the World’s Best Banks and one of America’s Best Banks. Additional information about United can be found at ucbi.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release, including the accompanying financial statement tables, contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. This financial information includes certain operating performance measures, which exclude merger-related and other charges that are not considered part of recurring operations, such as “noninterest income – operating”, “noninterest expense – operating”, “operating net income,” “pre-tax, pre-provision income,” “operating net income per diluted common share,” “operating earnings per share,” “tangible book value per common share,” “operating return on common equity,” “operating return on tangible common equity,” “operating return on assets,” “return on assets – pre-tax, pre-provision – operating,” “return on assets – pre-tax, pre-provision,” “operating efficiency ratio,” and “tangible common equity to tangible assets.” These non-GAAP measures are included because United believes they may provide useful supplemental information for evaluating United’s underlying performance trends. These measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative to or substitute for, measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP measures that may be presented by other companies. To the extent applicable, reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable measures as reported in accordance with GAAP are included with the accompanying financial statement tables.

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In general, forward-looking statements usually may be identified through use of words such as “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “continue” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and represent management’s beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed; they are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to general competitive, economic, political and market conditions. Further information regarding additional factors which could affect the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be found in the cautionary language included under the headings “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in United’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other documents subsequently filed by United with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Many of these factors are beyond United’s ability to control or predict. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, shareholders and investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this communication, and United undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for United to predict their occurrence or how they will affect United.

United qualifies all forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

For more information:
Jefferson Harralson
Chief Financial Officer
(864) 240-6208
Jefferson_Harralson@ucbi.com

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Electric, Hybrid Buses Coming to UConn as Next Generation of Clean Transit

Source: US State of Connecticut

For more than 100 years, Storrs students have been able hop on buses of varying kinds – from a 1920s jalopy to today’s sleekly designed “Ice Bus” – on their way to their classes, residence halls, and activities around campus.

While UConn Storrs has grown and even the school’s name has evolved, one thing has remained the same: The buses have been powered by fossil fuels, which has been the standard technology for decades in mass transit around the world.

But that’s about to change. As the State of Connecticut pursues more clean energy options, it is providing two new battery electric buses to the Windham Regional Transit District (WRTD), which operates UConn’s bus system, for use on the Storrs campus starting in the spring semester.

The electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and provide all the features that today’s students need for a comfortable and productive ride. Those amenities include three-position bicycle racks, phone charging ports, comfortable silica cushion seats, on-board electronic information displays, and other features envisioned in the Customer Experience Action Plan of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).

The new buses are part of a larger initiative by CTDOT and state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) in partnership with transit providers to transition from diesel to zero-emissions models under an executive order that Gov. Ned Lamont issued in 2021.

The new 32-seat electric buses fit ideally into UConn’s clean-energy transportation vision, which is part of the broader plan to attain carbon neutrality on campus by 2030. Some of the related initiatives in the works include installing a hydrogen fuel dispenser at Storrs next spring; replacing 24 aging utility fleet vehicles with hydrogen-fueled models; and adding nine hybrid buses, which are currently on order.

Many more electric vehicle charging stations are also being added at Storrs, UConn Health, and other locations statewide. Like the hydrogen fuel station, they will be accessible for public use.

“Transportation is a critical piece in the puzzle at UConn as we work toward carbon neutrality by 2030 and the goal of net carbon zero by 2040,” says Stan Nolan, UConn’s interim associate vice president for facilities operations, which include transportation and fleet services.

“Transitioning our University vehicles to models that operate on more sustainable fuel sources will significantly enhance our progress, along with providing amenities like the charging stations to support and encourage others to adopt green-friendly transportation in our community,” he says.

All told, the University’s fleet vehicles are driven a combined total of about 2,000 miles per day on and around its campuses. About three-quarters of them run on gasoline or diesel fuel, but that percentage is decreasing as vehicles reach the end of their serviceable lives and many are being replaced with clean-energy vehicles.

President Radenka Maric, an internationally recognized expert in clean energy technology, says the impact of transitioning UConn’s fleet to green-energy sources will be an important step in the work toward carbon neutrality.

It also establishes UConn and the State of Connecticut as a partnership model for other states to emulate and underscores ideals of UConn’s Strategic Plan, in which the wellness of people and the planet – starting right on its campuses – are among the six top focus areas.

The two electric buses are expected to be added to the Storrs routes in the spring semester once the charging infrastructure is installed and ready for use at the WRTD bus garage.

The electric buses can run for about 150 to 180 miles per charge in winter, and about 200 to 220 miles per charge in summer. That range is ideal for a location like the Storrs campus, where the buses are constantly circulating on a typical day and the per-charge mileage is expected to be on the higher side since they will travel on flat topography at low speeds, officials say.

They will be around the same size as the current buses, most of which are seven or eight years old. Many of those buses will be taken off the road in coming years as they reach the end of their service life, with more clean-energy vehicles envisioned in their place.

The two new electric buses will include UConn’s logo and other recognizable branding, along with a white noise sound for safety to ensure pedestrians can hear the bus even if they are wearing headphones, ear buds, or other clothes and gear.

The new buses also will include the current audio warnings that are broadcast to indicate to people nearby whenever a bus is turning.

The two new electric buses being deployed at Storrs are part of the State of Connecticut’s initiative to electrify at least 30% of the medium and heavy-duty transit fleet statewide by 2030, and 100% by 2035.

Of the 50 new buses being delivered this year, 34 have been deployed across the various CTtransit divisions in addition to 11 already operating in the Hamden and Stamford areas from the 2022 Electric Bus Pilot program.

“Transitioning our fleet from older diesel models to newer zero-emission buses reduces greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution,” says Benjamin Limmer, CTDOT’s Bureau Chief of Public Transportation. “These state-of-the-art buses are quieter, provide a smoother ride, and offer additional amenities that today’s riders deserve. We’re excited to see them running on the Storrs campus this spring.”

Though UConn is moving into a new generation of clean energy mass transit, bus service at Storrs dates back to the days when it was still the Connecticut Agricultural College.

A news story from a 1921 version of the Connecticut Campus student paper includes a colorful description of transportation options in previous years, including a 25-passenger Kissel car that often lost its front wheel on Route 195’s Spring Hill and a faster but short-lived Studebaker.

One of the most famous – or infamous, some would say – was an old Pierce-Arrow they jokingly called the “Black Maria,” a common nickname for police vehicles.

“Students will remember a good many times when they gave vent to their feelings because of Maria’s mulish behavior,” the newspaper wrote in an April 1921 profile of the driver, who transported students three times daily between Willimantic and the campus.

The idea of a 32-seat passenger bus would have been inconceivable to students then.

In fact, electricity had only arrived on campus starting in 1906 – and only in the chapel, library, and dining hall, not the dorms. Now, almost 120 years later, the two new electric buses and nine new hybrid buses represent the next generation of transportation at UConn.

“UConn has always worked to ensure that its campuses are provided with the most modern, user-friendly, and socially responsible transportation options available. The addition of the new electric buses fits perfectly into that mission,” says Andy Kelly, UConn’s associate director of logistics in its facilities operations division.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rick Witter’s namesake gritter unveiled!

Source: City of York

City of York Council is introducing its new fleet of gritters ahead of the winter season, with one named as Rick Gritter (after Rick Witter, Shed Seven).

The lead singer from the local band Shed Seven has been chosen in recognition of their achievements in the last year.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of City of York Council, said:

We’ve got a couple of new gritters this year, so this is a fantastic opportunity mark a hometown tribute to Rick and the band in recognition of their achievements.

“Our gritting season officially starts in November, with some ‘dry runs’ taking place this month. So, you’ll start to see Rick Gritter on the streets of York soon!”

Here’s how the council is helping residents, visitors and businesses during the winter months:

Gritting

The council has stockpiled 3,000 tonnes of road salt (as per national reserves allow), which is stored in its salt barn at Hazel Court depot.

On average, crews spread around 6,000 tonnes of road salt per season, over 75-80 road treatments (gritter runs). The council has a full crew of staff for its gritters, for the whole season.

Each season, crews treat eight routes across the highway, covering 226miles (365km) of York’s road network, including 13.6miles (22km) of priority footpaths and off road cycle network, and when resources allow, 36miles (58km) of cycle network.

Salt bins in wards

Around 180 salt bins, amounting to approximately 36tonnes of salt in total, are located across the city in prominent places such as near slopes or shopping areas. To locate salt bins, or report them empty visit the council website.

Cycle/walking network

Small tractors will be used to grit 11miles (18km) of York’s cycle/walking network to help keep people safer in winter conditions.

Popular cycle routes, including Scarborough Bridge and other off road bridges too, are included.

Off road cycle networks are often difficult to grit or salt because cycles don’t have the same weight or action as a vehicle tyre. Effective gritting works by vehicles driving over the grit with their tyres which beds the grit into the snow and ice.

Whilst cars or heavy vehicles generally follow the same tyre path. Cycle tyres are much thinner and therefore these typical treatments are less effective.

Snow wardens

The council runs a snow warden scheme, which supports around 200 volunteers and is encouraging more people to join. Volunteers receive training, equipment and insurance cover. They choose where and when to keep pavements free of ice and snow and make a real difference to their neighbourhoods. Find out more online.

For more information about gritting in York, visit the winter page on the council website, or follow Facebook, X, Instagram.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Are Londoners’ voices heard in transport planning?

Source: Mayor of London

Who is using London’s transport, and what is being done to make sure their needs are taken into account in planning services?

Tomorrow, the London Assembly Transport Committee looks at demographic trends in people using different services, and examines what is being done to provide accessible and inclusive transport options for Londoners.

The meeting will focus on the needs of women, children and young adults, and people in low-income households. The Committee has also launched a call for evidence, which is open to transport planners, campaign and advocacy groups with expertise on the needs of Londoners from a broad range of demographics.

Members will ask what more, or alternative, accessibility and inclusion measures Transport for London (TfL) could consider to improve its services, and ask how TfL engages with different groups as it plans and designs our transport system.

The Committee will also hear from Members of some of TfL’s advisory groups, to understand whether they are consulted with and listened to in the transport planning process, and on decisions affecting the services they use.

Guests include:

Panel 1: 2pm – 3.30pm

Dr Emily Barker, Research and Learning Officer, 4in10
Gideon Salutin, Senior Researcher, Social Market Foundation
Dr Liz Hind, Senior Local Partnerships and Training Officer, Women’s Budget Group
Dr Sara Reis, Deputy Director and Head of Research and Policy, Women’s Budget Group

Panel 2: 3.45pm – 4.45pm

James Lee, City Bridge Foundation, TfL’s Independent Disability Advisory Group Board Member
Lauren Price, TfL’s Youth Panel Member
Callum Shakespeare, Whizz Kidz, TfL’s Inclusive Transport Forum Member

The meeting will take place on Thursday 24 October from 2pm, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

Follow us @LondonAssembly.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin took part in the XXV International Housing Congress

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Marat Khusnullin took part in the plenary session “Strategy for the Development of the Real Estate Market”, which was held within the framework of the XXV International Housing Congress

October 23, 2024

Marat Khusnullin took part in the plenary session “Strategy for the Development of the Real Estate Market”, which was held within the framework of the XXV International Housing Congress

October 23, 2024

Marat Khusnullin took part in the plenary session “Strategy for the Development of the Real Estate Market”, which was held within the framework of the XXV International Housing Congress

October 23, 2024

Previous news Next news

Marat Khusnullin took part in the plenary session “Strategy for the Development of the Real Estate Market”, which was held within the framework of the XXV International Housing Congress

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin took part in the plenary session “Strategy for the Development of the Real Estate Market”, which was held as part of the XXV International Housing Congress.

“This year we are completing the national project “Housing and Urban Environment”, and quite successfully, having exceeded all plans. If we take analytics from 1991, the rate of housing commissioning has exceeded – in terms of per capita – the Soviet Union. I consider this our common great achievement. Another achievement is that we have promoted the mortgage market. Today, the mortgage portfolio amounts to 27 trillion rubles. Mortgages today make up 10% of GDP. Considering that the share five years ago was at the level of 2-3%, such a jump in five years is a breakthrough. At present, the mortgage sector remains a serious issue, which we are dealing with in a comprehensive manner. We also have mortgage programs in new and Far Eastern regions, programs for the IT sector and rural mortgages,” said Marat Khusnullin.

As the Deputy Prime Minister noted, the provision of citizens with housing in the amount of 29 square meters per person has also increased by now. At the same time, according to the President’s instruction, this criterion will be gradually increased to 33 square meters by 2030 and to 36–37 square meters by 2036.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the formation of a new national project, “Infrastructure for Life,” is also nearing completion. According to plans, it will allow for a more comprehensive approach to all issues, linking social, transport, and engineering infrastructure, as well as housing development and job creation.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: CoreLogic – Investors take a fresh look at the NZ property market

Source: CoreLogic

Mortgaged multiple property owners (MPOs) remain less active than usual, but there are early signs that some are starting to return – a signal that ‘mum and dad’ investors might be starting to see value in the NZ property market again.

CoreLogic’s October Housing Chart Pack shows that for the month of September, mortgaged MPOs made up 22.6% of all property purchases, up from the record low seen exactly a year ago (20.4%) and the highest seen since around the middle of 2022.

CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said although the share of purchases going to mortgaged multiple property owners (including investors) remains low by historical standards, there have been hints over the past quarter that this group is showing renewed interest.

“That’s likely to reflect lower mortgage rates, which are reducing the required cashflow top-ups on a typical rental property purchase, but also the reinstatement of mortgage interest deductibility and reduced deposit requirements under the LVR rules,” said Mr. Davidson, referring to changes that allow investors to claim 80% of their mortgage interest as a deductible expense for tax purposes.

Data from the October Chart Pack also showed that gross rental yields have been trending higher – albeit slowly – as values have weakened and rents have risen.

From a floor of 2.8% in late 2021, they now stand at 3.9%, which is the highest level since early 2016.

Auckland and Wellington City are hovering in the 3-3.5% range, with Hamilton and Tauranga closer to 4%, and Christchurch and Dunedin a bit above 4%.

“Even though rental yields have trended higher, they’re still quite low compared to mortgage rates, so no doubt some would-be property investors are watching and waiting for interest rates to start falling to an even more favourable level,” added Mr. Davidson. “That said, on individual deals, clearly some savvy investors will already be able to secure yields that exceed the market averages.”

Investors on the rise again?

He said investors are going to be a group to watch in 2025 as rates are expected to keep falling.

“We estimate that a ‘typical’ mortgage rate of around 5.5% could start to entice growing numbers of investors back to the market, but that’s also potentially a rate at which debt-to-income ratio limits might start to have a more noticeable impact.”

“It remains to be seen what the net impact will be. Of course, whatever trade-offs investors might face in terms of lower funding costs but tougher credit rules, the exemption from the DTIs for new-builds could continue to make them a very strong option for would-be buyers.”

October Housing Chart Pack highlights:

New Zealand’s residential real estate market is worth a combined $1.61 trillion.

The CoreLogic Home Value Index (HVI) fell by a further 0.5% in September, the seventh decline in a row, taking the drop from February’s ‘mini peak’ to almost 5%.

Auckland fell again in September, and alongside Wellington, it has seen values drop by more than 3% since June. By contrast, Christchurch and Dunedin are proving a little more resilient.

Values dipped by 1.2% in the year to September, with the small upturn in late 2023 now close to being reversed. Taking the three months to September combined, there was a 2.4% drop in median property values across NZ.

Falls from the peak are now sitting at nearly 18% nationally, with some areas significantly larger.

National rental growth has settled into a more subdued phase, and was 1.2% in the year to September, which is comfortably below the long-term average of 3.2%.

Over the past 2-3 years, gross rental yields have been trending slowly higher, as values have weakened and rents have risen. From a floor of 2.8% in late 2021, they now stand at 3.9%.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: New AIG Office Hub to Create 600 Metro Atlanta Jobs

Source: US State of Georgia

Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a leading global insurance company, will establish a new innovation hub in DeKalb County. The facility will triple AIG’s current Atlanta-area office space to accommodate over 1,000 employees, including the creation of more than 600 new roles over the next five years.

“Again and again, job creators are choosing the No. 1 state for business not just for first-time investment, but for expansion as well,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “AIG’s decision to grow their footprint here in Georgia is just the latest confirmation that we have what businesses want and are leveraging those assets to their fullest so we can bring new opportunity to all parts of the state. I want to thank our local and state partners who made this project possible, and I look forward to it’s long-lasting, positive impacts.”

With operations and network partners in more than 190 countries and jurisdictions, AIG provides insurance solutions that help businesses and individuals protect their assets and manage risks. AIG’s new Atlanta innovation hub, set to open in 2026, will be designed as a collaborative workspace where teams representing every aspect of AIG’s business will work together to test new processes and incubate digital capabilities to build value for clients and partners.

“For many years, AIG has been a part of Atlanta’s thriving business community, and we look forward to creating more than 600 high-quality jobs that will provide rewarding opportunities for the talented and skilled local workforce,” said Peter Zaffino, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, AIG. “This investment is part of our commitment to continue to enhance our expertise to help our clients and partners navigate complex and emerging risks, while building additional capabilities for the future.”

The company will hire for various roles across underwriting, claims, operations, data engineering, and AI. Interested individuals can learn more about open roles and careers with AIG at http://www.aig.com/careers. For more information about AIG’s new Atlanta hub, visit http://www.aig.com/newsroom.

“Known for its highly regarded universities, hospitals, and healthcare industry, DeKalb County is renowned for fostering sustainable economic growth and prosperity,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Ranked as a top Fortune 100 company and recognized on Forbes’ first-ever list of America’s Best Employers for Tech Workers, we are delighted that AIG will bring additional business investment and employment opportunities to our county.”

“The quality of a company like AIG and the caliber of the employees that will call it home is a perfect fit for Brookhaven’s Perimeter Summit,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Park. “Job creation is extremely important in any economy, and we appreciate the leadership and collaboration of GDEcD and Decide DeKalb to bring AIG to Brookhaven.”

“AIG’s expansion is a testament to what we’ve been saying for years: this region was built for business,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “The new Brookhaven location strengthens AIG’s presence in metro Atlanta and creates new jobs for Georgians as the company builds on its continued success.”

Assistant Director of Statewide Projects John Soper represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this project in partnership with Decide DeKalb, Georgia Power, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and the University System of Georgia.

“For years, we lost some of our best and brightest talent to out-of-state opportunities. That’s no longer the case,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “AIG’s office hub is a great example of the type of investment that will keep our well-educated, diverse talent engaged here at home after graduation.”

About American International Group, Inc. (AIG)

American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) is a leading global insurance organization. AIG provides insurance solutions that help businesses and individuals in approximately 190 countries and jurisdictions protect their assets and manage risks through AIG operations and network partners. For additional information, visit http://www.aig.com

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Jayud Global Logistics Expands U.S. Operations with Strategic Acquisitions in California and Georgia

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jayud Global Logistics Limited (NASDAQ: JYD) (“Jayud” or the “Company”), a leading end-to-end supply chain solution provider based in Shenzhen specializing in cross-border logistics, today announced the acquisition of significant stakes in two key logistics facilities in California and a licensed customs brokerage firm in Georgia. These strategic investments are part of Jayud’s ongoing efforts to expand its operational footprint in the United States and enhance its comprehensive suite of logistics services.

Jayud has acquired a 20% stake in a 70,000 sq.ft. warehouse located in Rialto, California, and a 49% stake in a 50,000 sq.ft. warehouse located in Chino, California. These facilities are located in major logistics hubs in California, enhancing Jayud’s capacity to manage and streamline supply chains in one of the U.S.’s busiest trade corridors.

In addition to the warehouse investments, Jayud has secured a 10% stake in LD Global Logistics Inc., a licensed customs broker established in 2016 and certified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Based in Georgia, LD Global Logistics Inc. provides critical brokerage services and operates a fleet of trucks, further supporting Jayud’s logistics operations across the southeastern United States. The inclusion of LD Global Logistics Inc. into Jayud’s portfolio expands its service capabilities and deepens its compliance and customs expertise in a key U.S. region, ensuring smoother and more efficient import and export processes for clients.

The Company issued a total of 3,365,588 Class A ordinary shares as consideration for the three acquisitions.

“These acquisitions are a testament to our commitment to strengthen our global logistics network and enhance service offerings to our clients, particularly in the U.S. market,” said Xiaogang Geng, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Jayud. “By integrating these assets into our portfolio, we are better positioned to offer end-to-end logistics solutions and meet the growing demand for efficient, reliable supply chain management in North America.”

About Jayud Global Logistics Limited

Jayud Global Logistics Limited is one of the leading Shenzhen-based end-to-end supply chain solution providers in China, focusing on cross-border logistics services. Headquartered in Shenzhen, the Company benefits from the unique geographical advantages of providing a high degree of support for ocean, air, and overland logistics. The Company has established a global operation nexus featuring logistic facilities throughout major transportation hubs in China and globally, with footprints in 12 provinces in Mainland China and 16 countries across six continents. Jayud offers a comprehensive range of cross-border supply chain solution services, including freight forwarding, supply chain management, and other value-added services. With its strong service capabilities and research and development capabilities in proprietary IT systems, the Company provides customized and efficient logistics solutions and develops long-standing customer relationships. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.jayud.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “is/are likely to”, “potential”, “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

For more information, please contact:

Jayud Global Logistics Limited
Investor Relations Department
Email: ir@jayud.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
Tel: 347-947-2093
Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: The Pet Hazard Decking Your Halls: truInsights into Foreign Body Ingestion & Holiday Decor

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SEATTLE, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tis the season for holiday decor. But all those haunted Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving centerpieces and Christmas ornaments present a hidden danger pet parents need to watch out for.

In 2023 alone, pet medical insurance company Trupanion (Nasdaq: TRUP) received more than 24,000 foreign body ingestion claims. Foreign body ingestion (FBI) is a painful, sometimes deadly, and costly condition that happens when a pet eats something they can’t pass through their gastrointestinal system without veterinary help.

“Keep a close eye on your pets during the holiday season,” says veterinarian and Trupanion General Manager, Dr. Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA ACVCHM. “And if you suspect your pet ate something they shouldn’t have, don’t risk it—reach out to your veterinarian to have them examined to be sure. It’s better to be safe than sorry in these instances.”

Foreign Body Ingestion: By the Numbers

In 2023, Trupanion paid 24,305 foreign body ingestion claims. The average claim was $878, while the highest claim was $27,403.

Amongst Trupanion’s current population of insured pets, 7% of dogs and 3% of cats have had an FBI claim. Puppies and kittens have the most FBI claims of any age group by far. Pets under 1 year of age claim 322% more than adults and senior pets. Adult pets claim 34% more than senior pets.

Top 5 Dog Breeds Claiming

Doberman Pinscher
Maltese
Boston Terrier
Shih Tzu
German Pointer

Top 5 Cat Breeds Claiming

Persian
Bengal
Russian Blue
Sphynx
Siberian

The Science & Medicine of Foreign Body Ingestion

When a pet eats a foreign object that they can’t pass through their gastrointestinal system, it can become lodged anywhere along the GI Tract and cause a variety of symptoms from vomiting and diarrhea to obstruction, organ damage, and even death.

Early signs and symptoms of foreign body ingestion are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, refusal of food or loss of appetite, whining, restlessness, pain in the belly, straining to defecate or being unable to fully vacate the bowels.

If these symptoms are observed, it’s recommended that the pet is seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible so that they can be evaluated for foreign body ingestion.

During the examination, the vet may perform diagnostic imaging such as x-rays to see if a foreign object can be seen, or use a substance called Barium which when swallowed, illuminates on the radiographs to show if there is a blockage somewhere along the GI tract, and can help track the foreign material.

Surgery is often needed to safely remove foreign objects from the GI tract to prevent further damage. The vet may also support with IV fluids, prescribing pain and/or nausea medications, inducing vomiting, performing bloodwork to check organ function, as well as observation while the pet passes the object.

Prognosis is based on many factors such as what the pet ingested, how long the object has been stuck in the GI tract, where in the tract the object is stuck, and how healthy the pet is otherwise.

Early intervention is always better. If too much time passes before treatment, the pet’s health may continue to decline, and if the blockage is an intestinal or stomach obstruction, the blood flow to organs can be affected, which can result in permanent damage or necrosis of those tissues. In these cases, just a few hours can mean the difference between life or death.

Keeping Your Pets Safe During the Holidays

Common items that pets ingest that result in foreign body ingestion include clothing (often socks and underwear), sticks, bones, corn cobs, champagne corks, food packaging and wrappers, dental floss, hair elastics, and toy stuffing or squeakers.

During the holidays, the big ones to watch out for are decorations like tinsel, garlands, ribbons, and string. In fact, there is a specific type of very dangerous foreign body ingestion called a Linear Foreign Body, where things like strings or ribbons get lodged anywhere from the tongue down the esophagus and into the stomach and intestines. These linear foreign objects can cause the intestines to bunch and slice through the tissues as the body tries to expel them.

“Keep a close eye on your pets during the holiday season,” says veterinarian and Trupanion General Manager, Dr. Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA ACVCHM. “There’s a lot going on—a lot of distractions for pet parents, and a lot of objects around the house this time of year that look like toys to our pets, so it’s vital to remain vigilant. On special occasions, ensure you’re cleaning up wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons after opening gifts, and when entertaining, keep pets contained and out of the kitchen so they don’t have access to food and bones, and to prevent guests from feeding them things they shouldn’t eat. And if you suspect your pet ate something they shouldn’t have, don’t risk it—reach out to your veterinarian to have them examined to be sure. It’s better to be safe than sorry in these instances.”

More Foreign Body Ingestion Safety Tips

Provide gates and pens to control what areas pet have access to
Check toys regularly to ensure they’re still intact
Dispose of toys that are coming apart to prevent ingestion of stuffing, strings and squeakers
Keep laundry room doors closed to prevent access to laundry baskets and detergent pods
Keep bathroom and bedroom doors closed to prevent access to garbage cans and other debris

About truInsights

truInsights is a data focused initiative introduced by Trupanion and designed to deliver valuable health-related data and insights to pet parents, veterinarians and pet lovers alike. With over 20 years of pet health data, Trupanion has explored its veterinary invoice data from nearly two million pets and provides details on data trends, as well as prevention tips for keeping our pets safe.

About Trupanion

Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Puerto Rico and Australia with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). For more information, please visit trupanion.com.

Contacts:

Media: Trupanion Corporate Communications

Corporate.communications@trupanion.com

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: authID Announces Launch of its Biometric Identity Services with Imperial Technologies

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Expands market presence into telecommunications vertical

DENVER, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — authID® (Nasdaq: AUID), a leading provider of biometric identity verification and authentication solutions, today announced Imperial Technologies Inc., a broadband and wireless high-speed internet provider across all 50 states, has signed a multi-year agreement and launched authID’s biometric identity and document verification services to streamline and secure new customer onboarding.

With the high frequency of identity fraud, deepfakes, and social engineering account takeover attacks, Imperial wanted to streamline its customer onboarding and reduce the resources required to perform manual and often error-prone identity checks. The company selected authID because of its ability to deliver a fully orchestrated identity verification solution that is fast, accurate, user-friendly, and helped accelerate good customer conversion, while stopping fraud quickly.

“authID stood out among the various identity providers because of its biometric platform’s ability to securely onboard and seamlessly authenticate our customer base with the highest levels of identity assurance,” said Faiz Chaudhry, CEO of Imperial Technologies. “Together authID and Imperial Technologies are re-shaping the landscape of digital customer acquisition with highly secure identity trust that does not compromise on speed or convenience.”

Imperial Technologies is now leveraging authID’s document-based biometric identity verification to streamline onboarding with an easy, intuitive user experience delivered in any browser to any device. authID stops identity fraud with PAD Level 2 liveness confirmation, ID anti-spoofing checks, and facial biometric matching of a selfie to the credential photo, all in a market-leading 700 milliseconds. To help users seamlessly authenticate their identities at any time, authID extends the value of that root of trust with biometric authentication that replaces friction-filled one-time passwords and easily compromised knowledge-based answers (KBA).

“This customer win and our expansion into the telecommunications vertical demonstrates our broad product fit and our strong ability to ensure enterprises ‘Know Who’s Behind the Device’ during onboarding and throughout the user journey to prevent cybercriminals using malicious AI from impersonating users, deploying deepfakes, or performing account takeovers,” said Rhon Daguro, CEO of authID. “authID is committed to helping Imperial Technologies enjoy the highest levels of identity trust delivered with market-leading speed, accuracy, and frictionless identity experiences that deepen customer loyalty.”

About authID
authID® (Nasdaq: AUID) ensures enterprises “Know Who’s Behind the Device™” for every customer or employee login and transaction through its easy-to-integrate, patented, biometric identity platform. authID quickly and accurately verifies a user’s identity and eliminates any assumption of ‘who’ is behind a device to prevent cybercriminals from compromising account openings or taking over accounts. Combining secure digital onboarding, FIDO2 passwordless login, and biometric authentication and account recovery, with a fast, accurate, user-friendly experience, authID delivers biometric identity processing in 700ms. Binding a biometric root of trust for each user to their account, authID stops fraud at onboarding, detects and stops deepfakes, eliminates password risks and costs, and provides the fastest, frictionless, and the more accurate user identity experience demanded by today’s digital ecosystem. Contact us to discover how authID can help your organization secure your workforce or consumer applications against identity fraud, cyberattacks and account takeover.

About Imperial Technologies Inc.
Imperial Technologies Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, offers wireless & wireline connectivity across North America. Imperial Wireless, Imperial Internet, Imperial Smart Security, Imperial Mobile, Imperial Voice, and Imperial GPS are all part of the same family belonging to Imperial Technologies Inc. Our goal is to simplify your Connectivity experience. Smart Innovation & customer satisfaction are the driving force behind our products. We are committed to ensure that our solutions meet the needs of both households and businesses nationwide. Learn more at http://www.imperialinternet.com

Media Contacts
Walter Fowler
1-631-334-3864
wfowler@nexttechcomms.com

Investor Relations Contacts
Investor-Relations@authid.ai

Gateway Group, Inc.
Cody Slach and Alex Thompson
1-949-574-3860
AUID@gateway-grp.com

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: FTC Solar to Supply Approximately 1GW of Projects for Sandhills Energy

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FTC Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FTCI), a leading provider of solar tracker systems, and Sandhills Energy (“Sandhills”) announced today that FTC will be supplying its innovative 1P Pioneer trackers for 1 gigawatt of projects over three sites.

The projects include a 448-megawatt project in Burt County, Nebraska, a 320-megawatt project in Cass County, Nebraska, both about 50 miles outside of Omaha, and the previously announced 225-megawatt project in Butler County, Nebraska.

“We’re pleased to have selected FTC Solar for these key projects, based on their innovative and differentiated 1P tracker technology and strong support of our objectives,” said Eric Johnson, President of Sandhills Energy. “The high-density design is a major benefit for our projects. These three projects are expected to be among the largest to be built in Nebraska, supporting the growth of renewables in our home state. FTC has proven to be a very strong partner for us.”

Yann Brandt, FTC Solar’s President and CEO, commented, “We’re looking forward to supporting these projects with our Pioneer 1P tracker and continuing to grow our relationship with Sandhills Energy. Market interest in Pioneer continues to grow, driven by key features such as its fast assembly time, high energy density, reduced pile count, and shorter embedment depth.”

Tracker delivery in support of these projects is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025 and continue into the fourth quarter of 2026.

The aggregate value of these projects was included in the contracted portion of the backlog disclosed on August 8, 2024.

About FTC Solar Inc.
Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is a leading provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. Solar trackers significantly increase energy production at solar power installations by dynamically optimizing solar panel orientation to the sun. FTC Solar’s innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.

Sandhills Energy, LLC
Sandhills Energy is a renewable energy development company based in Nebraska and Iowa. Founded in 2012, the company has extensive commercial, municipal and utility generation experience from project identification through development, engineering, construction, and operations. Sandhills Energy is rapidly expanding its presence across the Midwest and beyond to support its multi-gigawatt renewables development pipeline.

FTC Solar Investor Contact:
Bill Michalek
Vice President, Investor Relations
FTC Solar
T: (737) 241-8618
E: IR@FTCSolar.com

Sandhills Energy Contact:
Raphael Martinez
Director, Business Relations
Sandhills Energy
T: (219) 895-1028
E: rmartinez@sandhillsenergy.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on our current expectations and projections regarding our business, operations and other factors relating thereto. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and as such are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. In addition, this press release contains statements about third parties and their commercial activity. We have not independently verified or confirmed such statements and have instead relied on the veracity of information as provided to us by such third parties related to such statements. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements or statements related to third parties or their commercial activities as predictions of future events, as actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements or statements related to third parties or their commercial activities because of several factors, including those described in more detail above and in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained therein. FTC Solar undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or statements related to third parties or their commercial activities contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Kanak leader Christian Tein’s jailing in France overturned in new legal twist

Asia Pacific Report

France’s Supreme Court has overturned a judgment imprisoning pretrial in mainland France Kanak pro-independence leader Christian Tein, who is widely regarded as a political prisoner, reports Libération.

Tein, who is head of the CCAT (Field Action Coordination Unit) in New Caledonia was in August elected president of the main pro-independence umbrella group Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS).

He has been accused by the French authorities of “masterminding” the violence that spread across New Caledonia in May.

The deadly unrest is estimated to have caused €2.2 billion (NZ$3.6 billion) in infrastructural damage, resulting in the destruction of nearly 800 businesses and about 20,000 job losses.

In this new legal twist, the jailing in mainland France of Tein and another activist, Steve Unë, was ruled “invalid” by the court.

“On Tuesday, October 22, the Court of Cassation in Paris overturned the July 5 ruling of the investigating chamber of the Noumea Court of Appeal, which had confirmed his detention in mainland France,” reports NC la 1ère TV.

“The Kanak independence activist, imprisoned in Mulhouse since June, will soon have to appear before a judge again who will decide his fate,” the report said.

Kanak activists’ cases reviewed
The court examined the appeal of five Kanak pro-independence activists — including Tein – who had challenged their detention in mainland France on suspicion of having played a role in the unrest in New Caledonia, reports RFI News.

This appeal considered in particular “the decision by the judges in Nouméa to exile the defendants without any adversarial debate, and the conditions under which the transfer was carried out,” according to civil rights attorney François Roux, one of the defendants’ lawyers.

“Many of them are fathers, cut off from their children,” the lawyer said.

The transfer of five activists to mainland France at the end of June was organised overnight using a specially chartered plane, according to Nouméa public prosecutor Yves Dupas, who has argued that it was necessary to continue the investigations “in a calm manner”.

Roux has denounced the “inhumane conditions” in which they were transported.

“They were strapped to their seats and handcuffed throughout the transfer, even to go to the toilet, and they were forbidden to speak,” he said.

Left-wing politicians in France have also slammed the conditions of detainees, who they underline were deported more than 17,000 km from their home for resisting “colonial oppression”.

Another legal twist over arrested Kanaks . . . Christian Tein wins Supreme Court appeal. Image: APR screenshot Libération

Total of seven accused
A total of seven activists from the CCAT separatist coalition are accused by the French government of orchestrating deadly riots earlier this year and are currently incarcerated – the five in various prisons in France and two in New Caledonia itself.

They are under investigation for, among other things, complicity in attempted murder, organised gang theft with a weapon, organised gang destruction of another person’s property by a means dangerous to people and participation in a criminal association with a view to planning a crime.

Two CCAT activists who were initially imprisoned have since been placed under house arrest in mainland France.

Tein, born in 1968, has consistently denied having incited violence, claiming to be a political prisoner.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Quality of life continues to slide in South Africa’s key economic province, Gauteng – new survey

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Christian Hamann, Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

The Gauteng City-Region, which has long been South Africa’s economic engine, is in decline. The region contributes about 35% of the country’s total economic output, and is home to more than 15 million people, about 25% of the country’s population of 62 million people.

Many in the province have come from far and wide hoping to “make it” in the land of opportunity. Yet both the media and the public raise critical questions about its future amid decaying infrastructure, poor delivery of basic government services, and a steady uptick in violent crime.

New research from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) reveals that development outcomes in the province are declining. The GCRO is an independent institute that produces research and analysis to inform decision making and policy in the Gauteng City-Region. It is a partnership between the Gauteng provincial government, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg, and organised local government (Salga-Gauteng).

The GCRO constructs a multidimensional index of wellbeing that combines 33 variables into one measure, known as the Quality of Life Index, from survey data that has been collected every two to three years since 2009.

This includes measures of health, safety, life satisfaction, socio-economic status, public services, satisfaction with government, and social and political participation. The latest index (2023/24) shows that quality of life in Gauteng has fallen to its lowest level ever since the survey began in 2009. This suggests that the wellbeing of many households has been compromised by the complex and interconnected global challenges, known as the polycrisis, that have emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The composition of the GCRO Quality of Life Index. GCRO Quality of Life 7 Survey (2023/24)

Many of these challenges are linked to the local governance crisis, characterised by unstable political party coalitions. The interaction of complex crises amplifies harmful effects, profoundly affecting quality of life.

A governance crisis emerged in South Africa in the wake of state capture, marked by a stark decline in the provision of quality public services. So, the government has struggled to shield citizens from the worst impacts of the polycrisis. Households face an acute convergence of global and local crises, reflected in health, economic instability, societal unrest, climate challenges, and rising safety concerns.

The research

The 7th Quality of Life Survey involved 13,795 adult residents of Gauteng. Respondents were randomly sampled in every ward of the province. Data was collected by a team of fieldworkers from 28 August 2023 to 16 April 2024. The data is made freely available, and is used by government, academics and civil society. The findings inform policy and strategic planning by government entities across the Gauteng City-Region.

The latest survey results paint a complex picture about the quality of life in Gauteng. Some of the most significant findings which relate to the challenges that household face, and the ways people respond to challenges, are highlighted below. The list of crises includes concerns about public service delivery, satisfaction with government, safety, poverty, and overall quality of life.

Unreliable service delivery

Basic services in Gauteng are characterised by interruptions to supply, inadequate coverage and quality problems. While most residents have access to water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal, satisfaction with these levels has declined substantially since the previous survey in 2020/21.

The latest survey shows that only 61% of respondents were satisfied with their sanitation, only 60% perceived their water as always clean, and only 64% were satisfied with their refuse removal. These are all lower than in the past when satisfaction ranged between 70% and 75%. The impact, for example, is that those who do not have weekly refuse removal are more likely to dump their rubbish in public spaces or burn it – causing various environmental challenges.

Gauteng households use various resources at their disposal to deal with the impacts of unreliable services. For instance, one in seven households (15%) are now generating some or all their own electricity, compared to 4% in 2017/18. This is partly related to the unreliability of electricity provision, and growing efforts to gain independence from the “grid”. But the unreliability and cost of electricity have varied impacts, depending on household income.

Declining satisfaction with government

Only a fifth (21%) of respondents were satisfied with the performance of the national government. A similar proportion (22%) of respondents were satisfied with the performance of provincial and local governments. Satisfaction for all these spheres has declined by between 15 and 20 percentage points since 2017/18.

The effect of dissatisfaction with government is increasing disengagement. Just over half of respondents (54%) felt that politics was a waste of time, and 57% said that South Africa was a failed state. When the survey was conducted, before the 2024 provincial elections, 21% of respondents said they were not planning to vote. Thus, government dissatisfaction and disengagement helps to understand the low voter turnout during the elections.

Poverty

While poverty rates measured in 2023/24 have improved from their peak during the pandemic, the recovery is partial. Sixteen percent of respondents lived below the food poverty line of R760 per month (about US$43). This remains higher than pre-pandemic levels (it was 12% in 2017/18). It shows that a large portion of Gauteng’s households have struggled to meet their basic needs for a long time.

South Africa’s welfare systems remain a lifeline for many households. The proportion of respondents that benefited from any kind of social grant (including child support and old age pensions has increased steadily from 30% in 2011 to just over 50% in 2023/24.

Low-income households are also less likely to recover from shocks because they lack financial safety nets, and cannot afford to replace public services with costly private alternatives.

Safety concerns

Another kind of problem experienced by respondents is insecurity as a result of crime and violence. A fifth of respondents (21%) said that they had been the victim of crime in the last year. This was a two percentage point increase from 2020/21, when lockdowns reduced crime levels. The proportion of respondents who said that the crime situation had worsened was also higher (increasing from 43% in 2020/21 to 48% in 2023/24).

Much larger proportions of respondents felt unsafe in their homes, and when walking in their neighbourhood in the daytime or at night. For example, in 2023/24, 81% of respondents felt unsafe walking in their area at night, compared to 75% in 2020/21. The effect is that 62% of respondents in 2023/24 were dissatisfied with the security services provided by the government, compared to 54% in 2020/21.

Overall quality of life is lower

Overall, in the latest index quality of life reached its lowest point yet since the index was first calculated. The 2023/24 value was calculated at 59.5 out of 100, compared to 61.4 in 2020/21 and a high of 63.9 in 2017/18.

GCRO Quality of Life Index changes over time. GCRO Quality of Life 7 Survey (2023/24)

Most of the dimensions declined, suggesting that the wellbeing of many households has been adversely affected by the interplay between the governance crisis and the polycrisis. Households’ ability to navigate these challenges is strongly shaped by inequality, which remains very high.

The 2023/24 quality of life report shows that the Gauteng City-Region grapples with a series of wicked problems. Public and private sector leaders, along with civil society, need to assess the current situation and collaborate on innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life of all residents in the City-Region.

Shannon Arnold, a junior researcher at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory, contributed to the research and this article.

– Quality of life continues to slide in South Africa’s key economic province, Gauteng – new survey
– https://theconversation.com/quality-of-life-continues-to-slide-in-south-africas-key-economic-province-gauteng-new-survey-241714

MIL OSI Africa –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: How different people around the world understand democracy – and why it matters

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Williamson, Associate Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford

Most people in most countries say they want to be governed democratically. Because democracy’s appeal is so powerful, governments and political leaders everywhere claim to be supporters of democracy.

Take China, for instance. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has ruled for decades under a single-party system, a system that contrasts sharply with traditional definitions of democracy. Democratic systems emphasise competitive elections for key leaders, strong protections for political rights and constraints on executive power.

Yet, ask members of the CCP and they will probably tell you that their governance is democratic because it responds to the preferences of the Chinese public. In their view, what makes a democracy is not elections, liberties and constraints. Rather, strong and unencumbered political leaders can govern well and give the people what they want.

How do people understand democracy? If people around the world hold dramatically different views of what democracy means – or even adhere to understandings of democracy that reflect a more authoritarian style of government – then democracy’s apparent global appeal may not mean very much in practice.

Researchers have long been interested in how people from different countries and backgrounds understand democracy. But it’s a complex issue and previous studies have found it difficult to determine what people really mean when they say they want to be governed democratically. In a new article published in Science, we use an experiment administered via surveys in Egypt, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand and the US to bring fresh evidence to this debate.

We presented survey respondents with paired profiles of hypothetical countries. These profiles randomised nine factors reflecting different theories of how people understand democracy. For instance, we presented respondents with information about the countries’ elections, varying whether they were free and fair, biased, or not held at all.

We also randomised whether political rights were protected or repressed, and whether the executive respected the powers of the legislature and courts or not. These three attributes reflect traditional concepts of democracy.

We also included attributes of the hypothetical countries that reflect alternative understandings of democracy. Some claim that democracy means a political system capable of producing substantial changes that benefit citizens broadly. So we varied whether economic equality in the country is higher or lower. We also adjusted whether social equality between genders is better or worse. And we randomised how much influence technocratic experts wield over policy decisions.

Others argue for a more authoritarian model of democracy in which unconstrained leaders give the people what they want in exchange for their obedience. To reflect this view, we gave information about how often the countries’ political leaders follow the majority’s preferences. We also varied whether people obey the government or not.

After reviewing the country profiles, respondents were asked to determine which hypothetical country was more democratic. Analysing which attributes influenced respondents’ choices more strongly gives us insights into how they understand what democracy means.

Reasons to be cheerful

Our results indicate that the traditional definition of democracy is widely accepted. Across the six diverse countries in our sample, respondents were much more likely to perceive countries as democratic when elections were free and fair and political rights were strongly protected.

This prioritisation of elections held across the board. People felt that way regardless of their individual characteristics such as gender, educational attainment, political ideology, age, minority status and attitudes toward geopolitics.

This finding implies some reasons to be optimistic about support for democracy. It suggests that when people say they want democratic governance, many mean competitive elections and protected liberties. This agreement is important. It makes it more likely that enough people will recognise – and potentially push back – against attempts by anti-democratic political leaders to subvert democratic governance.

Reasons for caution

But our findings also highlight points of caution. First, institutional checks and balances were less central to how our respondents understood democracy. This suggests that political leaders may be able to increase their grip on power more easily by undermining the influence of the legislature and courts.

And anti-democratic politicians can still claim to be democratic by deceptively arguing that they prioritise these elements of the political system, while actually undermining them. A prominent example is former US president Donald Trump. In 2020, Trump tried to overturn his election loss by falsely asserting it had been rigged against him.

Even in outright authoritarian countries, rulers often use controlled elections as “evidence” of their democratic character. In Egypt, for instance, the autocratic president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi declared after winning his rigged 2023 election that he would continue to build “a democratic state that protects its citizens”.

Many people may see through such claims, but autocrats can sometimes build support by using elections to present themselves as democrats – even when they are not free and fair.

While many people reject outright authoritarian notions of what democracy means, factors other than elections and liberties also influence their understanding of democratic governance. In our study, countries were often believed to be more democratic when they delivered good outcomes – for example, by providing higher gender or economic equality.

Gender equality was the only attribute in the experiment which came close to elections and liberties in its ability to shape perceptions of which countries were more democratic. Because gender equality is inherently desirable and is associated with democracy, some autocrats have successfully engaged in “genderwashing”. They’ve done this by (often nominally) reforming women’s rights to reduce pressure for more competitive elections and protected political rights.

Finally, just because people generally agree on what democracy means does not necessarily mean they will continue to support it. If democracies fail to perform effectively or represent their citizens well, people may be persuaded to accept more authoritarian models of governance.

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

– ref. How different people around the world understand democracy – and why it matters – https://theconversation.com/how-different-people-around-the-world-understand-democracy-and-why-it-matters-241617

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Isle of Wight the most successful area with Warmer Homes scheme 23 October 2024 Warmer Homes

Source: Aisle of Wight

A government funded scheme allowing eligible Island residents to apply for free upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient has been the most successful in our region.

Upgrades are worth up to £38,000 per household and could include insulation, air source heat pumps and solar PV panels which can be installed for free, saving households thousands of pounds in the future. The eligibility criteria includes,

You use electric, oil or LPG to heat your home, not mains gas
Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is D, E, F, or G (Warmer Homes can help you find out if you’re not sure).
You have a household income of £36,000 or under, or you or you receive a means-tested benefit.

The Isle of Wight Council was among a group of 23 local authorities to successfully bid for £41.4 million in government funding. The money comes from the Home Upgrade Grant and aims to help lower income households whose home is not very energy efficient and not heated by mains gas.

Councillor Phil Jordan, council leader, said: “We are really pleased that eligible Isle of Wight residents have taken up the Warmer Homes scheme more than anywhere else in the southern region. This is testament to the work we have done to ensure that those who can claim this help have been targeted. We have produced a campaign to included social media and radio ads as well as working closely with our partners to promote the scheme to those eligible residents.’’

He continues ‘’Improving energy efficiency in homes is a key issue. Energy bills are a major concern for many households so anything that can be done to reduce these costs is vital. Making homes more energy efficient at the same time helps to reduce carbon emissions across the Island.”

Katherine Shadwell, Project Manager, AgilityEco said: “We are proud to be supporting the Isle of Wight Council with their delivery of the Warmer Homes scheme. Since 2023, the Warmer Homes scheme has supported Isle of Wight residents with a range of fully funded energy-saving home improvements to help keep their homes warm and their energy bills low. Since the Warmer Homes scheme has been introduced to the Island, we have supported over 120 homes with over £2.5 million of fully funded energy-saving measures.”

The scheme has now been extended by a further month and the application deadline for residents is now the end of November (31/11/2024).

More information can be found on the Isle of Wight Council website by visiting The Warmer Homes programme

You can also call the freephone number on 0800 038 5737 or email: retrofit@warmerhomes.org.uk for further information and guidance.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Representatives of the Don youth gathered at the State University of Management

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

On October 23, the Second Forum of Don Youth “Don Land – Your Future” was held at the State University of Management. It was organized by the ROO “Fellowship of Rostovites “Donskaya Stanitsa” in Moscow with the support of the State University of Management.

The forum was opened by the honorary chairman of the Zemlyachestvo, adviser to the mayor of Moscow, professor of the department of state and municipal management of the State University of Management Vladimir Zotov, who congratulated those gathered on the new meeting:

“You came here and gathered together – this is a holiday. We are all united by love for our small homeland. Special thanks to the State University of Management, which is hosting us within its walls for the second time. This is one of the best management universities in Russia. This year it turned 105 years old, it has a huge potential of scientific schools, a powerful base and a convenient campus. Today we will talk about the profession and education, share experiences, tell about our first steps and give advice.”

State Duma Deputy from Rostov Oblast Larisa Tutova addressed the audience with a welcoming speech:

“I understand that many people who come to Moscow see a career that is not connected to their native region. But I want us to think about our homeland even when we are here and perhaps return there. The authorities of the Rostov region do a lot for young people, provide favorable conditions to start a career, it is enough to remember the unique program “Mortgage for excellent students”, which operates in our native region. We are fellow countrymen, and we must help each other, wherever we are. Strength is in unity, and wealth is in diversity.”

Advisor to the rector’s office of the State University of Management, member of the Rostov community Sergei Chuev noted the importance of love for one’s native land.

“The State University of Management was chosen as the venue for our forum for a reason. There are employees from the Rostov Region here, many students, it was here that the Governor of the Rostov Region Vasily Golubev studied and it was here that he met his wife. Even now I have not become a Muscovite, I position myself as a Rostovite in Moscow. The State University of Management is ready to train and find future jobs in different regions of the country, and today the employers gathered here will show that there is life after the Moscow Ring Road,” shared Sergey Vladimirovich.

Also on stage were veterans of the community, the president of the Moscow regional branch of the International Police Association, police lieutenant general Ivan Sardak and the general director of MP Svyaz, Volgodonsk Telecom LLC in 1993-2011 Nikolai Sungurov, who shared their experience of professional activity and once again emphasized that “the small homeland is the most sacred thing.”

The meeting program continued with a plenary session entitled “Young Specialists – the Core of Regional Development” and a job and internship fair, where Rostov enterprises such as PJSC UAC, OJSC Pipe Metallurgical Company, JSC Doraerodorstroy, JSC Russian Helicopters, and PJSC KB Center-Invest were represented.

At the end of the meeting, the participants were presented with certificates and a group photo was taken.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.10.2024

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Care home abuse concerning

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today said it is highly concerned about a suspected abuse of service users by a staff member at a residential care home for persons with disabilities, and has taken follow-up action upon notification of the case.

The residential care home for persons with disabilities and the organisation concerned have been requested to conduct a thorough investigation and submit improvement plans to avoid similar incidents from happening again, and to protect service users’ well-being.

In August, the care home in question submitted special incident reports to the SWD’s relevant licensing office stating that a male staff member was suspected of having abused two service users while on duty.

The care home made a report to Police and terminated that staff member’s employment. The man was arrested by Police and legal proceedings are underway.

The SWD took immediate follow-up action upon the notification, which involved an unannounced inspection at the care home, and a request for the operator to handle the incident seriously, as well as suitably follow up on the emotional and welfare needs of the two victims and their families.

To express deep concern over the incident, the Labour & Welfare Bureau and the SWD met the operator’s Council of Management and managers to get a briefing on the handling of the incident.

The SWD also issued a warning letter to the operator, requiring a detailed investigation report and the implementation of improvement measures to ensure proper care and protection for the service users.

The measures include a manpower review, enhancement of management officers’ supervision on the care home’s operation, provision of strengthened guidance and training for frontline staff, and persistent supervision over staff members’ work ethics.

The SWD noted that the operator has formed an independent review committee to look into its measures to protect service users.

Additionally, the SWD hosted a sharing session on October 9 for management officers and staff of all care homes on protecting residents from being abused. It will keep providing relevant training to care home staff.

It has also strengthened the requirement on care homes’ monitoring and review of CCTV to further safeguard the well-being of the service users.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Mitigation: Build Back Safer, Stronger

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Mitigation: Build Back Safer, Stronger

Mitigation: Build Back Safer, Stronger

HARRISBURG, Pa. – If you are eligible for disaster assistance under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) you may receive additional FEMA funds within the grant to help you take specific mitigation measures to make your home stronger and more durable. Why the additional funds? Because mitigation works! Mitigation is an action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to hazards. It is part of FEMA’s commitment to make communities more resilient to disaster.In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration may increase an approved disaster loan by twenty percent of the verified loss for mitigation improvements.Homeowners who suffer losses from a presidentially-declared disaster and apply for FEMA assistance will be informed if they qualify for Home Repair Assistance that provides for: Elevating a water heater or furnace to avoid future flood damage. Elevating or moving an electrical panel to avoid flood damage. FEMA believes that incorporating proven techniques which make buildings more resistant to disaster can lessen the cost of restoring the property and shorten the time survivors are out of their homes. If you are interested in learning more about mitigation techniques, you can refer to a FEMA brochure, “Mitigation Ideas: A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards, Jan. 2013.” (https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/fema-mitigation-ideas_02-13-2013.pdf ) The brochure covers hazards from drought and earthquake to flood and wildfire.Whatever technique you choose, remember to get the proper permits required in your locality, and to build back safely, up to local codes and professional standards. ### FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
erika.osullivan
Wed, 10/23/2024 – 12:02

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Blue Foundry Bancorp Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Foundry Bancorp (NASDAQ:BLFY) (the “Company”), the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank (the “Bank”), today reported a net loss of $4.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.11 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2024, and a net loss of $1.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted common share, for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

James D. Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The Company continues to maintain its strong capital position and access to liquidity. We executed on our share repurchase program and increased our tangible book value to $14.74 per share.”

Mr. Nesci also noted, “Deposit growth continued in the third quarter. Increases in our construction and commercial and industrial portfolios drove loan growth during the third quarter as we remain focused on growing our commercial portfolio. Credit quality remained strong highlighted by a 17% improvement in non-performing loans. Our 84 basis point allowance for credit losses now covers non-performing loans by over 2.5 times.”

Highlights for the third quarter of 2024:

Deposits increased $7.5 million to $1.32 billion compared to the prior quarter.
Uninsured deposits to third-party customers totaled approximately 12% of total deposits as of September 30, 2024.
Interest income for the quarter was $21.5 million, an increase of $240 thousand, or 1.1%, compared to the prior quarter.
Interest expense for the quarter was $12.4 million, an increase of $726 thousand, or 6.2%, compared to the prior quarter.
Net interest margin decreased 14 basis points from the prior quarter to 1.82%.
Provision for credit losses of $248 thousand was primarily due to the increase in unused lines of credit partially offset by releases of provision for loans of $5 thousand and for securities of $11 thousand.
Book value per share was $14.76 and tangible book value per share was $14.74. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
521,685 shares were repurchased under our share repurchase plans at a weighted average share price of $10.52 per share.

Loans

The Company continues to focus on diversifying its lending portfolio by growing its commercial portfolios. While total loans decreased by $9.7 million during the first nine months of 2024, our construction portfolio increased by $19.7 million and our commercial real estate portfolio increased by $9.2 million, of which $7.1 million was on owner-occupied properties. In addition, our consumer and other loans increased by $7.7 million as we took advantage of an opportunity to participate in a consumer loan participation at an attractive rate with credit enhancements. The residential and multifamily portfolios decreased by $34.2 million and $16.3 million, respectively.

The details of the loan portfolio are below:

	September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		September 30, 2023
	(In thousands)
Residential	$	516,754	$	526,453	$	540,427	$	550,929	$	567,384
Multifamily		666,304		671,185		671,011		682,564		689,966
Commercial real estate		241,711		241,867		244,207		232,505		236,325
Construction		80,081		71,882		63,052		60,414		45,064
Junior liens		24,174		23,653		22,052		22,503		22,297
Commercial and industrial		14,228		12,261		13,372		11,768		9,904
Consumer and other		7,731		83		56		47		50
Total loans		1,550,983		1,547,384		1,554,177		1,560,730		1,570,990
Less: Allowance for credit losses		13,012		13,027		13,749		14,154		13,872
Loans receivable, net	$	1,537,971	$	1,534,357	$	1,540,428	$	1,546,576	$	1,557,118

Deposits

As of September 30, 2024, deposits totaled $1.32 billion, an increase of $73.8 million, or 5.93%, from December 31, 2023, mostly due to the increases of $104.6 million in time deposits partially offset by decreases in savings, non-interest bearing deposits and NOW and demand accounts of $21.8 million, $5.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The Company’s strategy is to focus on attracting the full banking relationship of small- to medium-sized businesses through an extensive suite of deposit products. While there is strong competition for deposits in the northern New Jersey market, we were able to increase customer deposits during the quarter. Brokered deposits remain unchanged since year end 2023.

The details of deposits are below:

	September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		September 30, 2023
	(In thousands)
Non-interest bearing deposits	$	22,254	$	24,733	$	25,342	$	27,739	$	23,787
NOW and demand accounts		357,503		368,386		373,172		361,139		378,268
Savings		237,651		246,559		250,298		259,402		278,665
Core deposits		617,408		639,678		648,812		648,280		680,720
Time deposits		701,262		671,478		642,372		596,624		572,384
Total deposits	$	1,318,670	$	1,311,156	$	1,291,184	$	1,244,904	$	1,253,104

Financial Performance Overview:

Third quarter of 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2024

Net interest income compared to the second quarter of 2024:

Net interest income was $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.6 million for the second quarter of 2024 as the increase in interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities outpaced the increase in interest received on interest-earning assets.
Net interest margin decreased by 14 basis points to 1.82%.
The yield on average interest-earning assets decreased five basis points to 4.32%, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased nine basis points to 3.03%.
Average interest-earning assets increased by $20.9 million and average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $29.3 million.

Non-interest income compared to the second quarter of 2024:

Non-interest income decreased $149 thousand primarily due the absence of the gain of $123 thousand on the sale of REO property, which was recorded in the second quarter.

Non-interest expense compared to the second quarter of 2024:

Non-interest expense increased $52 thousand primarily driven by increases in professional fees, data processing expense and FDIC insurance premiums of $190 thousand, $77 thousand and $42 thousand, respectively, partially offset by decreases of $329 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses and $32 thousand in occupancy and equipment.

Income tax expense compared to the second quarter of 2024:

The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the third quarter of 2024 and the second quarter of 2024 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

Third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023

Net interest income compared to the third quarter of 2023:

Net interest income was $9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was largely due to increases in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, which outpaced rates received on interest-earning assets.
Net interest margin decreased by 12 basis points to 1.82%.
The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 35 basis points to 4.32%, while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 54 basis points to 3.03%.
Average interest-earning assets decreased by $32.6 million and average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $4.1 million. Average FHLB advances decreased by $48.3 million, while average interest-bearing deposits increased by $44.1 million.

Non-interest expense compared to the third quarter of 2023:

Non-interest expense was $13.3 million, an increase of $873 thousand driven by increases of $666 thousand, $167 thousand and $126 thousand in compensation and benefits expenses, professional services and occupancy and equipment expenses, respectively, partially offset by decreases of $61 thousand in data processing and $27 thousand in FDIC insurance premiums.

Income tax expense compared to the third quarter of 2023:

The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the third quarters of 2024 and 2023 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023

Net interest income compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

Net interest income was $28.1 million, a decrease of $4.6 million.
Net interest margin decreased 28 basis points to 1.90%.
The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 39 basis points to 4.30% while the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 78 basis points to 2.93%.
Average interest-earning assets decreased by $39.1 million and average interest-bearing deposits increased by $37.0 million.
Average borrowings decreased by $43.3 million.

Non-interest income compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

Non-interest income increased $141 thousand primarily due to the gain on the sale of REO property during the second quarter of 2024.

Non-interest expense compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

Non-interest expense was $39.7 million, an increase of $705 thousand.
Compensation and benefits expense increased by $938 thousand and occupancy and equipment costs increased by $474 thousand. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $475 thousand and $224 thousand for data processing expense and fees for professional services, respectively.

Income tax expense compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023:

The Company did not record a tax benefit for the losses incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 due to the full valuation allowance required on its deferred tax assets.
The Company’s current tax position reflects the previously established full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets. At September 30, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $22.2 million.

Balance Sheet Summary:

September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents increased $30.1 million to $76.1 million.

Securities available-for-sale:

Securities available-for-sale increased $7.0 million to $290.8 million due to the decrease in unrealized losses of $7.8 million. The favorable impact of the change in the unrealized loss position was partially offset as maturities, calls and paydowns outpaced purchases during the period.

Other investments:

Other investments decreased $2.1 million due to a decrease in FHLB stock as a result of a reduction in FHLB borrowings.

Total loans:

Total loans held for investment decreased $9.7 million to $1.55 billion.
Residential loans and multifamily loans decreased $34.2 million and $16.3 million, respectively, partially offset by increases in construction loans of $19.7 million, commercial real estate loans of $9.2 million and consumer loans of $7.7 million to further diversify our loan portfolio.
The Company purchased a consumer loan participation of $8.0 million and residential loans totaling $7.8 million during the third quarter.

Deposits:

Deposits totaled $1.32 billion, an increase of $73.8 million from December 31, 2023. This was largely the result of a $104.6 million increase in certificate of deposits.
Core deposits (defined as non-interest bearing checking, NOW and demand accounts and savings accounts) represented 46.8% of total deposits, compared to 52.1% at December 31, 2023.
Brokered deposits totaled $125.0 million at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Uninsured and uncollateralized deposits to third-party customers were $159.6 million, or 12% of total deposits, at the end of the third quarter.

Borrowings:

FHLB borrowings decreased $49.0 million to $348.5 million as deposit growth outpaced asset growth.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $255.7 million of additional borrowing capacity at the FHLB and $78.2 million of other unsecured lines of credit.

Capital:

Shareholders’ equity decreased $16.3 million to $339.3 million. The decrease was primarily driven by the repurchase of shares, including net shares, at a cost of $14.4 million. Additionally, the year-to-date loss, partially offset by favorable changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, also contributed to the decrease.
Tangible equity to tangible assets was 16.50% and tangible common equity per share outstanding was $14.74. See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
The Bank’s capital ratios remain above the FDIC’s “well capitalized” standards.

Asset quality:

As of September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans as a percentage of gross loans was 0.84%.
The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $248 thousand for the third quarter of 2024 and a net release of provision for credit losses of $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. For the third quarter of 2024, there was a provision of $264 thousand in the ACL for off-balance-sheet commitments, offset by a release of $5 thousand in the ACL for loans and $11 thousand in the ACL for held-to-maturity securities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, there was a release of $1.1 million in the ACL for loans and $36 thousand in the ACL for held-to-maturity securities, offset by a provision of $94 thousand in the ACL for off-balance-sheet commitments. The release was driven by the impact of the economic forecasts for the key drivers of our loan segments partially offset by an increase in off-balance-sheet commitments.
Non-performing loans totaled $5.1 million, or 0.33% of total loans compared to $5.9 million, or 0.38% of total loans at December 31, 2023.
Net charge-offs were $11 thousand and $36 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively.
Ratio of allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans was 252.86% at September 30, 2024 compared to 239.98% at December 31, 2023.

About Blue Foundry

Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Rutherford NJ, with a presence in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset and Union counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, innovative bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. With a rich history dating back more than 145 years, Blue Foundry Bank has a longstanding commitment to its customers and communities. To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (888) 931-BLUE. Member FDIC.

Conference Call Information

A conference call covering Blue Foundry’s third quarter 2024 earnings announcement will be held today, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). To listen to the live call, please dial 1-833-470-1428 (toll free) or +1-404-975-4839 (international) and use access code 725750. The webcast (audio only) will be available on ir.bluefoundrybank.com. The conference call will be recorded and will be available on the Company’s website for one month.

Contact:
James D. Nesci
President and Chief Executive Officer
BlueFoundryBank.com
jnesci@bluefoundrybank.com
201-972-8900

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are based on certain current assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations, or increase in the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make; general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected; changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; our ability to access cost-effective funding; fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; demand for loans and deposits in our market area; our ability to implement and change our business strategies; competition among depository and other financial institutions; adverse changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets; changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees, capital requirements and insurance premiums; changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios; technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected; a failure or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyber-attacks; the inability of third party providers to perform as expected; our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk in the current economic environment; our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities; our ability to successfully integrate into our operations any assets, liabilities, customers, systems and management personnel we may acquire and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related there to; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; our ability to retain key employees; the current or anticipated impact of military conflict, terrorism or other geopolitical events; the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits; and changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

	September 30, 2024		June 30, 2024		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(unaudited)		(audited)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	76,109	$	60,262	$	53,753	$	46,025
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value		290,806		297,790		265,191		283,766
Securities held to maturity		33,119		33,169		33,217		33,254
Other investments		18,203		17,942		17,908		20,346
Loans, net		1,537,971		1,534,357		1,540,428		1,546,576
Real estate owned, net		—		—		593		593
Interest and dividends receivable		8,386		7,882		8,001		7,595
Premises and equipment, net		30,161		30,858		31,696		32,475
Right-of-use assets		24,190		24,596		24,454		25,172
Bank owned life insurance		22,399		22,274		22,153		22,034
Other assets		13,749		16,322		30,393		27,127
Total assets	$	2,055,093	$	2,045,452	$	2,027,787	$	2,044,963

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits	$	1,318,670	$	1,311,156	$	1,291,184	$	1,244,904
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank		348,500		342,500		342,500		397,500
Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance		9,909		9,875		9,368		8,929
Lease liabilities		25,870		26,243		26,081		26,777
Other liabilities		12,845		10,081		8,498		11,213
Total liabilities		1,715,794		1,699,855		1,677,631		1,689,323
Shareholders’ equity		339,299		345,597		350,156		355,640
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,055,093	$	2,045,452	$	2,027,787	$	2,044,963

BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY Consolidated Statements of Operations (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)

	Three months ended									Nine months ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023			September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income:
Loans	$	17,646		$	17,570		$	16,728		$	52,408		$	48,778
Taxable investment income		3,850			3,686			3,339			11,150			9,663
Non-taxable investment income		36			36			106			108			329
Total interest income		21,532			21,292			20,173			63,666			58,770
Interest expense:
Deposits		9,712			9,132			7,034			27,257			16,361
Borrowed funds		2,733			2,587			3,263			8,332			9,686
Total interest expense		12,445			11,719			10,297			35,589			26,047
Net interest income		9,087			9,573			9,876			28,077			32,723
Provision for (release of) credit losses		248			(762	)		(717	)		(1,049	)		(597	)
Net interest income after provision for (release of) credit losses		8,839			10,335			10,593			29,126			33,320
Non-interest income:
Fees and service charges		272			296			291			897			833
Gain on sale of loans		—			—			—			36			159
Other income		115			240			78			441			241
Total non-interest income		387			536			369			1,374			1,233
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits		7,306			7,635			6,640			22,490			21,552
Occupancy and equipment		2,230			2,262			2,104			6,684			6,210
Data processing		1,412			1,335			1,473			4,134			4,609
Advertising		87			52			85			211			234
Professional services		813			623			646			2,166			2,390
Federal deposit insurance		236			194			263			629			599
Other		1,183			1,114			1,183			3,410			3,425
Total non-interest expense		13,267			13,215			12,394			39,724			39,019
Loss before income tax expense		(4,041	)		(2,344	)		(1,432	)		(9,224	)		(4,466	)
Income tax expense		—			—			—			—			—
Net loss	$	(4,041	)	$	(2,344	)	$	(1,432	)	$	(9,224	)	$	(4,466	)
Basic loss per share	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.18	)
Diluted loss per share	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.18	)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic		21,263,482			21,735,002			23,278,490			21,695,895			24,289,599
Diluted (1)		21,263,482			21,735,002			23,278,490			21,695,895			24,289,599

(1) The assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock units had an antidilutive effect on diluted earnings per share due to the Company’s net loss for the 2024 and 2023 periods.

BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY Consolidated Financial Highlights (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)

	Three months ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			September 30, 2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Performance Ratios (%):
Return on average assets		(0.79	)		(0.47	)		(0.56	)		(0.57	)		(0.27	)
Return on average equity		(4.68	)		(2.71	)		(3.23	)		(3.25	)		(1.55	)
Interest rate spread ⁽¹⁾		1.29			1.43			1.40			1.33			1.48
Net interest margin ⁽²⁾		1.82			1.96			1.92			1.84			1.94
Efficiency ratio ^{(3) (4)}		140.04			130.73			134.19			128.41			120.98
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		121.37			122.28			122.50			122.93			123.05
Tangible equity to tangible assets ⁽⁴⁾		16.50			16.88			17.25			17.37			17.07
Book value per share ⁽⁵⁾	$	14.76		$	14.70		$	14.61		$	14.51		$	14.27
Tangible book value per share ⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾	$	14.74		$	14.69		$	14.60		$	14.49		$	14.24

Asset Quality:
Non-performing loans	$	5,146		$	6,208		$	6,691		$	5,898		$	6,139
Real estate owned, net		—			—			593			593			593
Non-performing assets	$	5,146		$	6,208		$	7,284		$	6,491		$	6,732
Allowance for credit losses to total loans (%)		0.84			0.84			0.88			0.91			0.88
Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans (%)		252.86			209.84			205.48			239.98			225.97
Non-performing loans to total loans (%)		0.33			0.40			0.43			0.38			0.39
Non-performing assets to total assets (%)		0.25			0.30			0.36			0.32			0.33
Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the period (%)		—			—			—			—			0.01

(1) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(2) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
(3) Efficiency ratio represents adjusted non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus non-interest income.
(4) See the “Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures” tables below for additional information regarding our non-GAAP measures.
(5) September 30, 2024 per share metrics computed using 22,990,908 total shares outstanding.

BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY Analysis of Net Interest Income (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended,
	September 30, 2024						June 30, 2024						September 30, 2023
	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	1,548,962	$	17,646	4.53	%	$	1,550,736	$	17,570	4.56	%	$	1,577,173	$	16,728	4.21	%
Mortgage-backed securities		181,596		1,186	2.60	%		167,219		960	2.31	%		170,326		840	1.96	%
Other investment securities		173,008		1,527	3.51	%		175,394		1,688	3.87	%		194,953		1,507	3.07	%
FHLB stock		17,666		406	9.15	%		17,223		447	10.44	%		21,047		456	8.60	%
Cash and cash equivalents		61,507		767	4.96	%		51,290		627	4.92	%		51,884		642	4.91	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,982,739		21,532	4.32	%		1,961,862		21,292	4.37	%		2,015,383		20,173	3.97	%
Non-interest earning assets		61,787						56,826						58,042
Total assets	$	2,044,526					$	2,018,688					$	2,073,425
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
NOW, savings, and money market deposits	$	598,048		1,925	1.28	%	$	611,931		1,955	1.28	%	$	684,228		2,123	1.23	%
Time deposits		688,570		7,787	4.50	%		655,755		7,177	4.40	%		558,252		4,911	3.49	%
Interest-bearing deposits		1,286,618		9,712	3.00	%		1,267,686		9,132	2.90	%		1,242,480		7,034	2.25	%
FHLB advances		347,076		2,733	3.13	%		336,742		2,587	3.09	%		395,359		3,263	3.27	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,633,694		12,445	3.03	%		1,604,428		11,719	2.94	%		1,637,839		10,297	2.49	%
Non-interest bearing deposits		23,421						25,076						25,540
Non-interest bearing other		43,713						41,061						44,628
Total liabilities		1,700,828						1,670,565						1,708,007
Total shareholders’ equity		343,698						348,123						365,418
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,044,526					$	2,018,688					$	2,073,425
Net interest income			$	9,087					$	9,573					$	9,876
Net interest rate spread ⁽²⁾					1.29	%					1.43	%					1.48	%
Net interest margin ⁽³⁾					1.82	%					1.96	%					1.94	%

(1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
(2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY Analysis of Net Interest Income (Dollars in Thousands) (Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024						2023
	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	1,551,734	$	52,408	4.50	%	$	1,571,204	$	48,778	4.15	%
Mortgage-backed securities		169,765		3,022	2.37	%		174,742		2,789	2.13	%
Other investment securities		177,455		4,867	3.65	%		197,522		4,523	3.06	%
FHLB stock		18,335		1,345	9.77	%		21,343		1,106	6.93	%
Cash and cash equivalents		54,810		2,024	4.92	%		46,363		1,574	4.54	%
Total interest-earning assets		1,972,099		63,666	4.30	%		2,011,174		58,770	3.91	%
Non-interest earning assets		59,245						56,762
Total assets	$	2,031,344					$	2,067,936
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
NOW, savings, and money market deposits	$	608,677	$	5,816	1.27	%	$	753,419	$	6,350	1.13	%
Time deposits		654,639		21,441	4.36	%		472,866		10,011	2.83	%
Interest-bearing deposits		1,263,316		27,257	2.87	%		1,226,285		16,361	1.78	%
FHLB advances		352,544		8,332	3.15	%		395,800		9,686	3.27	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,615,860		35,589	2.93	%		1,622,085		26,047	2.15	%
Non-interest bearing deposits		24,992						23,092
Non-interest bearing other		42,120						44,572
Total liabilities		1,682,972						1,689,749
Total shareholders’ equity		348,372						378,187
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,031,344					$	2,067,936
Net interest income			$	28,077					$	32,723
Net interest rate spread ⁽²⁾					1.37	%					1.76	%
Net interest margin ⁽³⁾					1.90	%					2.18	%

(1) Average loan balances are net of deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts and include non-accrual loans.
(2) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(3) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

BLUE FOUNDRY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
Supplemental Information – Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(Unaudited)

This press release contains certain supplemental financial information, described in the table below, which has been determined by methods other than U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) that management uses in its analysis of Blue Foundry’s performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide information useful to investors in understanding Blue Foundry’s financial results. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results and Blue Foundry strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

Net income, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, includes the provision for credit losses and income tax expense, while pre-provision net revenue does not.

	Three months ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			September 30, 2023
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Pre-provision net revenue and efficiency ratio:
Net interest income	$	9,087		$	9,573		$	9,417		$	9,196		$	9,876
Other income		387			536			451			572			369
Total revenue		9,474			10,109			9,868			9,768			10,245
Operating expenses		13,267			13,215			13,242			12,543			12,394
Pre-provision net loss	$	(3,793	)	$	(3,106	)	$	(3,374	)	$	(2,775	)	$	(2,149	)
Efficiency ratio		140.0	%		130.7	%		134.2	%		128.4	%		121.0	%

Core deposits:
Total deposits	$	1,318,670		$	1,311,156		$	1,291,184		$	1,244,904		$	1,253,104
Less: time deposits		701,262			671,478			642,372			596,624			572,384
Core deposits	$	617,408		$	639,678		$	648,812		$	648,280		$	680,720
Core deposits to total deposits		46.8	%		48.8	%		50.2	%		52.1	%		54.3	%

Total assets	$	2,055,093		$	2,045,452		$	2,027,787		$	2,044,963		$	2,101,055
Less: intangible assets		300			386			473			557			644
Tangible assets	$	2,054,793		$	2,045,066		$	2,027,314		$	2,044,406		$	2,100,411

Tangible equity:
Shareholders’ equity	$	339,299		$	345,597		$	350,156		$	355,640		$	359,149
Less: intangible assets		300			386			473			557			644
Tangible equity	$	338,999		$	345,211		$	349,683		$	355,083		$	358,505

Tangible equity to tangible assets		16.50	%		16.88	%		17.25	%		17.37	%		17.07	%

Tangible book value per share:
Tangible equity	$	338,999		$	345,211		$	349,683		$	355,083		$	358,505
Shares outstanding		22,990,908			23,505,357			23,958,888			24,509,950			25,174,412
Tangible book value per share	$	14.74		$	14.69		$	14.60		$	14.49			14.24

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Around 40,000 litres of illegal alcoholic beverages seized under OLAF’s lead

Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

The European Anti-Fraud Office coordinated an action that led the EU Member States’ and Norwegian customs authorities to seize around 40,000 litres of illicit alcoholic beverages. The targeted action is part of operation OPSON XIII, the global initiative coordinated alongside Europol to tackle food fraud and ensure the safety of food and beverages across Europe.

The operation, which ran from December 2023 to May 2024, focused on identifying and removing counterfeit and substandard food and drinks from markets while disturbing the criminal network behind these illicit products.

As in previous years, OLAF led a targeted action focused specifically on illicit alcoholic beverages. The operation revealed sophisticated schemes aimed at infiltrating the EU market with products of inferior quality – mostly beer, homemade alcohol and wine. Fraudsters used deceptive packaging, falsified documents and false labels to sell these products to consumers.

The OLAF coordinated action involved customs authorities from 15 Member States and one non-EU country: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Slovakia.

More information on Operation OPSON XIII is available in Europol’s press release.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Sunrun Builds and Operates New York’s Largest Residential Power Plant in Partnership with Orange and Rockland Utilities

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PEARL RIVER, N.Y. and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the nation’s leading provider of clean energy as a subscription service, and Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED), one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, have successfully activated New York’s largest residential power plant using more than 300 solar-plus-storage systems. During dozens of peak electricity demand events this summer, the home batteries supplied stored solar energy to help stabilize the electric grid.

The Sunrun-managed power plant was initiated by O&R and approved as a demonstration project by the New York State Public Service Commission. The year-round program supports New York’s transition to clean and reliable energy and helps the state reach its nation-leading storage and electrification goals. Under this program, Sunrun synchronizes the discharging of the participating batteries to deliver stored solar power to reduce stress on the electric grid during times of peak energy usage. The solar-plus-storage systems also provide a source of backup power to the homes of participating customers.

“This is an important step toward the future of fortifying New York’s energy grid, utilizing innovation to build a more affordable and reliable way to deliver power. We are excited to see residents of New York benefit from the sharing of stored solar power and know this partnership with Orange and Rockland will show the path forward for the rest of the state,” said CEO of Sunrun, Mary Powell.

“The creation of this virtual power plant unlocks incredible benefits to the electric grid that will provide our customers with the clean and reliable energy that they expect and deserve,” said Andre Wellington, O&R director of Distributed Resource Integration. “Home solar-plus-storage is an innovative, flexible resource that can be called upon during times of stress on our electric system and O&R is happy to be part of this opportunity to advance New York State’s clean energy goals.”

Enrolled customers received a free or heavily discounted home battery in exchange for participating in the 10-year program to help the resiliency of the electric grid. Sunrun receives an upfront payment from O&R based on the battery capacity installed, which allows Sunrun to offer the battery for free or at a heavily discounted price to customers. Customers will also benefit from consuming their own stored solar power and from utility bill credits for the excess energy they supply to the electric grid. Even when O&R dispatches the batteries for load relief, customers’ batteries will still retain 20% or more of the stored solar power to provide their homes with backup power in the event of a local power outage.

“We quickly signed up once we learned that a Sunrun solar and battery system could protect our home from outages while also bolstering the grid for our community,” said Joseph Ortiz, a Sunrun and O&R customer in Rockland County. “It’s gratifying to know that—without us even lifting a finger—our home is supplying clean solar energy back to the grid to benefit everyone.”

With more than 1 million customers and 116,000 installed storage systems, Sunrun is the nation’s largest developer of residential clean energy systems. Sunrun is responsible for nearly half of all new home battery installations in the country. Sunrun operates more than a dozen power plants across the country, including the nation’s largest single-owner virtual power plant.

About Sunrun
Sunrun Inc. (Nasdaq: RUN) revolutionized the solar industry in 2007 by removing financial barriers and democratizing access to locally-generated, renewable energy. Today, Sunrun is the nation’s leading provider of clean energy as a subscription service, offering residential solar and storage with no upfront costs. Sunrun’s innovative products and solutions can connect homes to the cleanest energy on earth, providing them with energy security, predictability, and peace of mind. Sunrun also manages energy services that benefit communities, utilities, and the electric grid while enhancing customer value. Discover more at http://www.sunrun.com

About O&R
Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, is a regulated utility. O&R provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey (through its subsidiary Rockland Electric Company) and natural gas service to approximately 140,000 customers in New York State. Visit http://www.oru.com for more.

Sunrun Media Contact
Wyatt Semanek
Director, Corporate Communications
press@sunrun.com

Sunrun Investor & Analyst Contact
Patrick Jobin
SVP, Deputy CFO & Investor Relations Officer
investors@sunrun.com

O&R Media Contact
Vito Signorile
Manager, Media Relations
signorilev@oru.com

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: Quality of life continues to slide in South Africa’s key economic province, Gauteng – new survey

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Christian Hamann, Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

The Gauteng City-Region, which has long been South Africa’s economic engine, is in decline. The region contributes about 35% of the country’s total economic output, and is home to more than 15 million people, about 25% of the country’s population of 62 million people.

Many in the province have come from far and wide hoping to “make it” in the land of opportunity. Yet both the media and the public raise critical questions about its future amid decaying infrastructure, poor delivery of basic government services, and a steady uptick in violent crime.

New research from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) reveals that development outcomes in the province are declining. The GCRO is an independent institute that produces research and analysis to inform decision making and policy in the Gauteng City-Region. It is a partnership between the Gauteng provincial government, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg, and organised local government (Salga-Gauteng).

The GCRO constructs a multidimensional index of wellbeing that combines 33 variables into one measure, known as the Quality of Life Index, from survey data that has been collected every two to three years since 2009.

This includes measures of health, safety, life satisfaction, socio-economic status, public services, satisfaction with government, and social and political participation. The latest index (2023/24) shows that quality of life in Gauteng has fallen to its lowest level ever since the survey began in 2009. This suggests that the wellbeing of many households has been compromised by the complex and interconnected global challenges, known as the polycrisis, that have emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of these challenges are linked to the local governance crisis, characterised by unstable political party coalitions. The interaction of complex crises amplifies harmful effects, profoundly affecting quality of life.

A governance crisis emerged in South Africa in the wake of state capture, marked by a stark decline in the provision of quality public services. So, the government has struggled to shield citizens from the worst impacts of the polycrisis. Households face an acute convergence of global and local crises, reflected in health, economic instability, societal unrest, climate challenges, and rising safety concerns.

The research

The 7th Quality of Life Survey involved 13,795 adult residents of Gauteng. Respondents were randomly sampled in every ward of the province. Data was collected by a team of fieldworkers from 28 August 2023 to 16 April 2024. The data is made freely available, and is used by government, academics and civil society. The findings inform policy and strategic planning by government entities across the Gauteng City-Region.

The latest survey results paint a complex picture about the quality of life in Gauteng. Some of the most significant findings which relate to the challenges that household face, and the ways people respond to challenges, are highlighted below. The list of crises includes concerns about public service delivery, satisfaction with government, safety, poverty, and overall quality of life.

Unreliable service delivery

Basic services in Gauteng are characterised by interruptions to supply, inadequate coverage and quality problems. While most residents have access to water, electricity, sanitation and refuse removal, satisfaction with these levels has declined substantially since the previous survey in 2020/21.

The latest survey shows that only 61% of respondents were satisfied with their sanitation, only 60% perceived their water as always clean, and only 64% were satisfied with their refuse removal. These are all lower than in the past when satisfaction ranged between 70% and 75%. The impact, for example, is that those who do not have weekly refuse removal are more likely to dump their rubbish in public spaces or burn it – causing various environmental challenges.

Gauteng households use various resources at their disposal to deal with the impacts of unreliable services. For instance, one in seven households (15%) are now generating some or all their own electricity, compared to 4% in 2017/18. This is partly related to the unreliability of electricity provision, and growing efforts to gain independence from the “grid”. But the unreliability and cost of electricity have varied impacts, depending on household income.

Declining satisfaction with government

Only a fifth (21%) of respondents were satisfied with the performance of the national government. A similar proportion (22%) of respondents were satisfied with the performance of provincial and local governments. Satisfaction for all these spheres has declined by between 15 and 20 percentage points since 2017/18.

The effect of dissatisfaction with government is increasing disengagement. Just over half of respondents (54%) felt that politics was a waste of time, and 57% said that South Africa was a failed state. When the survey was conducted, before the 2024 provincial elections, 21% of respondents said they were not planning to vote. Thus, government dissatisfaction and disengagement helps to understand the low voter turnout during the elections.

Poverty

While poverty rates measured in 2023/24 have improved from their peak during the pandemic, the recovery is partial. Sixteen percent of respondents lived below the food poverty line of R760 per month (about US$43). This remains higher than pre-pandemic levels (it was 12% in 2017/18). It shows that a large portion of Gauteng’s households have struggled to meet their basic needs for a long time.

South Africa’s welfare systems remain a lifeline for many households. The proportion of respondents that benefited from any kind of social grant (including child support and old age pensions has increased steadily from 30% in 2011 to just over 50% in 2023/24.

Low-income households are also less likely to recover from shocks because they lack financial safety nets, and cannot afford to replace public services with costly private alternatives.

Safety concerns

Another kind of problem experienced by respondents is insecurity as a result of crime and violence. A fifth of respondents (21%) said that they had been the victim of crime in the last year. This was a two percentage point increase from 2020/21, when lockdowns reduced crime levels. The proportion of respondents who said that the crime situation had worsened was also higher (increasing from 43% in 2020/21 to 48% in 2023/24).

Much larger proportions of respondents felt unsafe in their homes, and when walking in their neighbourhood in the daytime or at night. For example, in 2023/24, 81% of respondents felt unsafe walking in their area at night, compared to 75% in 2020/21. The effect is that 62% of respondents in 2023/24 were dissatisfied with the security services provided by the government, compared to 54% in 2020/21.

Overall quality of life is lower

Overall, in the latest index quality of life reached its lowest point yet since the index was first calculated. The 2023/24 value was calculated at 59.5 out of 100, compared to 61.4 in 2020/21 and a high of 63.9 in 2017/18.

Most of the dimensions declined, suggesting that the wellbeing of many households has been adversely affected by the interplay between the governance crisis and the polycrisis. Households’ ability to navigate these challenges is strongly shaped by inequality, which remains very high.

The 2023/24 quality of life report shows that the Gauteng City-Region grapples with a series of wicked problems. Public and private sector leaders, along with civil society, need to assess the current situation and collaborate on innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life of all residents in the City-Region.

Shannon Arnold, a junior researcher at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory, contributed to the research and this article.

Christian Hamann is employed by the Gauteng CIty-Region Observatory which receives funding from the Gauteng Provincial Government.

Rashid Seedat is employed by the Gauteng CIty-Region Observatory which receives funding from the Gauteng Provincial Government. He is also a Board member of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

– ref. Quality of life continues to slide in South Africa’s key economic province, Gauteng – new survey – https://theconversation.com/quality-of-life-continues-to-slide-in-south-africas-key-economic-province-gauteng-new-survey-241714

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Rosneft Builds a New Educational Centre in Bashkiria

Source: Rosneft

Headline: Rosneft Builds a New Educational Centre in Bashkiria

With the support of Bashneft (a subsidiary of Rosneft), a new multifunctional educational centre was opened in the village of Elan-Chishma in the Ermekeyevsky District of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The 2,000 square metre school was built under the cooperation agreement between Rosneft and the region.

Rosneft implements social projects aimed at creating favourable living conditions in the regions where it operates. This includes supporting initiatives in the field of education and upbringing of the younger generation.

The multifunctional educational centre was built on the site of an old rural school that was constructed 70 years ago. It was housed in five wooden rooms, which significantly complicated the learning process and created everyday difficulties for schoolchildren.

The building accommodates three institutions at once: a kindergarten, a comprehensive school and an art school. The centre has spacious classrooms, a workshop, a large library, a canteen, and a multifunctional gym that can be easily transformed into an assembly hall.

The new educational centre has become a real attraction spot for people of all ages of Yelan-Chishma village and other nearby settlements, where about 2 thousand people live. The centre is fully autonomous: it has its own modular boiler house and substation transformer. In addition, the surrounding territory has been landscaped – children’s and sports grounds have been equipped, gazebos have been installed, shrubs and large trees have been planted.

In total, more than 40 projects on construction and reconstruction of educational institutions have been implemented over the last 5 years within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement between Bashkortostan and Rosneft. These include the construction of a 300-seat polylingual boarding school in Neftekamsk, kindergartens in the village of Kushnarenkovo, Kushnarenkovsky district, and in the village of Stary Kurdym, Tatyshlinsky district, an educational building in the children’s health camp ‘Orlyonok’ in Ilishevsky district, a school in the village of Raevsky, Alsheyevsky district, and a major overhaul of the Ufa forestry school, the oldest secondary specialised educational institution in the capital of Bashkortostan.

Reference:

Bashneft is one of the oldest oil and gas enterprises in the country engaged in oil extraction and processing. Bashneft’s main production facilities are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Oil and gas exploration and production are also carried out in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area–Yugra, Nenets Autonomous Area, Orenburg Region and the Republic of Tatarstan.

Rosneft
Information Division
September 2, 2024

Keywords: Social News 2024

MIL OSI Economics –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Child Poverty Taskforce aims to ‘give all children the best start in life’

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Voices of struggling families, anti-poverty organisations and local leaders will be put at the centre of the Child Poverty Taskforce’s work to build an ambitious strategy to give all children the best start in life, ministers have pledged in a new framework published today [Wednesday 23 October].

Child Poverty Taskforce co-chairs Liz Kendall and Bridget Phillipson speak to parents and Barnardo’s CEO at a charity centre in Brent
Comes as new framework sets out how Child Poverty Taskforce will build a bold strategy to break down barriers to opportunity and give all children the best start in life
Ministers to host events and travel across the United Kingdom to hear views and experiences of local leaders, charities and those living in poverty

The Taskforce today publishes a framework for the strategy that will come out in the Spring.

Over the coming months the Taskforce will focus on reducing the number of children in relative poverty after housing costs, reducing the number of children who are going without essentials, and giving all children the best start in life.

The publication outlines how the Taskforce will work with key anti-poverty organisations around targets such as reducing costs, increasing incomes and improving access to early year’s support for struggling families.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP kicked off this engagement by visiting a Barnardo’s Family Centre in Brent alongside Barnardo’s CEO Lynn Perry MBE. They joined a children’s session focused on healthy eating and heard how parents – including single parents – are struggling with the cost of essentials.

Later today, ministers will meet with the likes of Ofgem, The Food Foundation, Water UK and other leading organisations on the theme of reducing household costs.

The new document sets out how ministers will take part in events across the nations and regions of the United Kingdom, bringing together a diverse range of voices and expertise to address the systemic drivers of poverty – ranging from employment to housing – as it creates an ambitious strategy to be set out in the Spring.

Taskforce co-chair and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP will visit Scotland next month to bring together local leaders, key charities and organisations as well as parents, children and frontline workers.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said:

Children can’t fulfil their potential without food in their bellies or a roof over their head. And Britain cannot fulfil its potential when the talents of so many children are being denied.

It is unacceptable that more than 4m children are now growing up in poverty. Under our new government, this will change.

We will work with campaigners and experts – and struggling families across the country to deliver a bold and ambitious strategy that drives down poverty and drives up opportunity in every corner of the land.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP said:

The stain of poverty of child poverty in this country has jeopardised the life chances of too many children for too long.

Ending child poverty is a complex and difficult task, but our defining mission is to break down the unfair link between background and success – so every child believes that opportunity can belong to them.

Today’s framework sets the clear direction on this mission, ensuring we are united across government and with stakeholders to drive down household costs.

A new forum of parents and carers living across the UK will be set up to ensure the experiences of children in poverty, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, feed into the final strategy.

Leading organisations such as Barnardo’s, Citizens Advice, the National Children’s Bureau and Save the Children will share their knowledge with Ministers, and a new board of leading academics and experts on tackling poverty will inform, test and scrutinise the work being done on the Strategy.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive, Lynn Perry MBE, said:  

We are seeing epidemic levels of poverty amongst children in the UK. Across the country, families are facing a desperate struggle to put food on the table, keep the lights on and heat their homes this winter. More than 4.3 million children are growing up in poverty, with one in four families saying they’ve struggled to afford food in the last 12 months alone. 

Growing up in poverty can have a devastating impact on a child’s life, affecting their learning, mental and physical health long into adulthood, while limiting their life chances.

We’re grateful to the Secretaries of State for Work and Pensions and Education for their visit to meet children and families at our Brent service which supports those struggling with the cost-of-living. We look forward to working with ministers to find long-term solutions to these issues whilst recognising families also need immediate help this winter.

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice, said:

The cost-of-living crisis has squeezed household finances and tipped many into significant hardship. Our frontline advisors are still seeing families doing all they can but unable to afford essentials for their children.

A clear strategy to combat child poverty is urgently needed. It must be ambitious and ensure that people facing acute pressures get the help they need soon, while also delivering change that will last.

Anna Feuchtwang, Chief Executive of the National Children’s Bureau, said:

4.3 million children living in poverty in the UK is an unacceptable blight on our society and children deserve better.

NCB welcomes the Government’s commitment to consulting with a broad range of stakeholders to understand how to make this happen. It is crucial that the voices of children and families with lived experience of poverty are central not just to the development of the strategy, but to implementing it as well.

We desperately need to see progress for children in this area – asking the right questions is a good start.

Dan Paskins, Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns at Save the Children UK, said:

For too long child poverty has been shamefully high, so we welcome the recognition from the UK Government today that tackling it is a moral imperative.

The root causes of poverty are complex and can only be solved by listening to and working with those most affected. We are therefore really pleased to be working with the UK Government to facilitate the Child Poverty Taskforce hearing directly from children, their families, and our partners in communities across the UK.

We look forward to working with UK Government, with organisations across the sector, and across the regions and nations of the UK, to develop a Child Poverty Strategy that ensures all children have the guaranteed support that they desperately need and deserve.

The development of this ambitious strategy will be guided by the internationally recognised measure ‘Relative Poverty After Housing Costs’. 

To support struggling families, we have already boosted the Household Support Fund by a further £421 million in England while the Warm Home Discount remains in place for low-income households as the Government stands firms on its commitment to protect those most at risk this winter.

This comes alongside Government plans to deliver quality work and better pay through the Employment Rights Bill, create 3,000 new nurseries, and lower energy bills through Great British Energy.

Additional Information

There are currently 4.3m children in relative poverty after housing costs in the United Kingdom as of 2022/23.
Relative Poverty After Housing Costs takes into account the proportion of families with below 60% of the median income after housing costs are deducted.
The Barnardo’s Family Centre in Brent offers a wide range of free advice to families while providing crisis funding through vouchers, hosts cooking sessions and holds activity days for children to give them the best start in life and ease the burden on those living in poverty.
The ’Tackling Child Poverty: Developing our Strategy’ document is available here: Tackling Child Poverty: Developing Our Strategy – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Following the Household Support Fund extension, an estimated £79million will be made available to the Devolved Governments to support their citizens as they see fit.

Published 23 October 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis partners with Michigan State Housing Development Authority to launch Rate Relief Mortgage Program

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an effort to make homeownership more accessible and affordable in Michigan, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis or the Bank) and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) have created the MSHDA Rate Relief Mortgage Program to benefit low-income, first-time homebuyers in the state.

This new program will allow qualified low-income first-time homebuyers to reduce the cost of their mortgage by one full percentage point if they finance through a MSHDA-approved lender that also is a Bank member. This will allow hundreds of Michigan’s first-time homebuyers to save money every month on their mortgage.

“Every Michigander should be able to raise their family in a home they love,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “That is why we have made historic investments to build or rehabilitate 34,000 housing units and announced the largest housing investment in state history. The MSHDA Rate Relief Mortgage program will lower the mortgage interest rate for eligible homebuyers by a full percentage point, saving families hundreds each year, keeping money in their pockets, and helping more Michigan families achieve their dream of homeownership. Let’s keep working together to build more affordable housing and create a brighter future for Michigan families.”

FHLBank Indianapolis is supporting the program by purchasing a $50 million MSHDA bond (Series F), allowing Bank members the opportunity to sell single-family mortgage loans to MSHDA at below-market rates.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to own a home,” said Cindy Konich, President and CEO of FHLBank Indianapolis. “That’s why the MSHDA Rate Relief Mortgage Program — and our growing partnership with MSHDA — is so important. It reflects our shared vision and values of providing affordable housing solutions, eliminates financing barriers, and opens the door to a brighter future for hundreds of first-time homebuyers in Michigan.”

Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA, agreed.

“This program is a game changer for Michigan families. Saving first-time homebuyers a full percentage point on their mortgages will make a big difference, helping more families make it in Michigan,” Hovey said.

MSHDA’s Homeownership Division offers mortgages with competitive interest rates, connections to homebuyer education and counseling, and up to $10,000 in down-payment assistance. Last year, this team backed mortgages and down-payment assistance worth more than $728 million, helping 5,082 first-time homebuyers achieve access to this important wealth-building tool. The Michigan Legislature is currently considering House Bill 5032, which would eliminate the current cap of $224,500 on mortgages eligible for MSHDA support.

Key facts about the program:

Who’s eligible? First-time homebuyers with a qualifying income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI); a credit score of 640 or higher; and must work through an FHLBank Indianapolis member that is also a MSHDA-participating lender.
Other qualifications: New or existing single-family residences, including some types of manufactured homes; 30-year terms; and a maximum sales price limit of $224,500 (per Michigan law. Other restrictions may apply.)
Launch date: The program opened Oct. 21, 2024, and will continue until funds are depleted on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to apply: Interested first-time homebuyers can get more information at their local lending institution. FHLBank Indianapolis members can find more specifics on the Bank’s MemberLink portal and through the Bank’s direct member communications.

Current MSHDA participating lenders who also are FHLBank Indianapolis members are below:

1st State Bank Adventure Credit Union Bank of Ann Arbor Case Credit Union ChoiceOne Bank Commercial Bank Dart Bank Dort Federal Credit Union Financial Plus Credit Union First Merchants Bank (Level One Bank)	Grand River Bank Horizon Bank Independent Bank Kellogg Community Credit Union Lake Michigan Credit Union Macatawa Bank Mercantile Bank of MI Metro Community Development, Inc. Michigan First Mortgage, a division of Michigan First Credit Union	Northland Area Credit Union Northpointe Bank Superior National Bank and Trust United Bank of Michigan United Federal Credit Union University Bank West Shore Bank

This is the second housing partnership the Bank and MSHDA have created this year. In January, they jointly announced the launch of the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program (TNHDAP). That program is aimed at building on tribal nations’ existing capacity and providing resources and support to develop affordable housing programs and projects that respond to their unique housing needs. FHLBank Indianapolis is supporting the program with a grant of up to $3 million.

Media contacts:
FHLBank Indianapolis Corporate Communications
Scott Thien, Sr. Communications Lead
sthien@fhlbi.com

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
Katie Bach, Communications Director
Partnerships and Engagement Division
BachK@michigan.gov

About Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis:
FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to provide access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members’ customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and they receive no Congressional appropriations. One of 11 independent regional cooperative banks across the U.S., FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit http://www.fhlbi.com and follow the Bank on LinkedIn, and Instagram and X at @FHLBankIndy.

About MSHDA
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), established in 1966, provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: This Atlanta neighborhood hired a case manager to address rising homelessness − and it’s improving health and safety for everyone

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ishita Chordia, Ph.D. Candidate in Information Science, University of Washington

Mural by artist Chris Wright on Metropolitan Avenue in East Atlanta. Art Rudick/Atlanta Street Art Map, CC BY-ND

Homelessness has surged across the United States in recent years, rising 19% from 2016 though 2023. The main cause is a severe shortage of affordable housing. Rising homelessness has renewed debates about use of public space and how encampments affect public safety.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently weighed in on these debates with its 2024 decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson. The court’s ruling grants cities the authority to prohibit individuals from sleeping and camping in public spaces, effectively condoning the use of fines and bans to address rising rates of homelessness.

East Atlanta Village, a historically Black neighborhood in Atlanta with about 3,000 residents, is trying something different. In the fall of 2023, with support from the Atlanta City Council, the mayor’s office and Intown Cares, a local nonprofit that works to alleviate homelessness and hunger, the neighborhood hired a full-time social worker to support people experiencing homelessness.

Michael Nolan, an Intown Cares social worker, is trained in an approach that emphasizes individual autonomy and dignity, recognizes that being homeless is a traumatic experience, and prioritizes access to housing. His role includes helping individuals get the documentation they need to move off the streets, such as copies of their birth certificates and Social Security cards. He also has a dedicated phone line that community members can use to alert him about dangerous situations that involve homeless people.

Michael Nolan, East Atlanta Village’s social worker, spends 40-plus hours weekly providing supplies, services and other help to people experiencing homelessness.

I am a researcher at the University of Washington studying programs and technologies that help urban neighborhoods flourish. I’m also a resident of East Atlanta Village and have helped the neighborhood organize and evaluate this experiment.

For the past year, my colleagues and I have collected data about the neighborhood social work program to understand how well it can support both people without housing and the broader community. Our preliminary findings suggest that neighborhood social work is a promising way to address challenges common in many neighborhoods with homelessness.

I believe this approach has the potential to provide long-term solutions to homelessness and improve the health and safety for the entire neighborhood. I also see it as a sharp contrast with the punitive approach condoned by the Supreme Court.

Resolving conflicts over public space

One of the people I interviewed while evaluating this initiative was Rebecca, a resident of East Atlanta Village who walks her dog in the local park every day. In the fall of 2023, she noticed that a man had moved into the park and set up a tent. At first, the area was clean, but within a few weeks there was garbage around the tent and throughout the park.

Rebecca felt that the trash was ruining one of the few green spaces in the neighborhood. She decided to contact Nolan. Nolan told her that he knew the unhoused man, was working with him to secure permanent housing and in the meantime would help him move his tent to a less-frequented space.

Such negotiations around public spaces are common challenges for neighborhoods with large homeless populations, especially in dense urban areas. Other examples in our data included conflicts when a homeless person began sleeping in his car outside another resident’s home, and when a homeless man wandered into a homeowner’s yard.

The standard approach in these situations is to fine, ban or imprison the unhoused individual. But those strategies are expensive, can prolong homelessness and do little to actually resolve the issues.

In contrast, hiring a social worker has enabled East Atlanta Village to resolve conflicts gently, through conversation and negotiation. The solutions address concerns about public health and safety and also offer people without homes an opportunity for long-term change.

Meeting basic needs

Over the past year, this program has helped 13 people move into housing. Nolan has facilitated over 180 medical and mental health care visits for people living on the street.

Eighty-six people have been connected to Medicaid, food assistance or Social Security benefits. Thirty-five people have health care for the first time, and six people have started receiving medication for their addictions.

Research shows that addressing people’s basic needs by helping them obtain food, medicine, housing and other necessities not only supports those individuals but also produces cascading benefits for the entire community. They include reduced inequality, better health outcomes and lower crime rates.

Managing mental and behavioral health

Studies have found that about two-thirds of unhoused individuals struggle with mental health challenges. Unmet mental and behavioral health needs can contribute to unsafe and illegal behavior.

The United States does not have a comprehensive system in place for supporting people who are living on the street and struggling with chronic mental and behavioral health challenges. While much more infrastructure is needed, in East Atlanta Village, Nolan is able to check in on people experiencing homelessness, work with clinics to deliver medication for addiction and mental health needs and alert community members about dangerous situations.

As an example, in December 2023 a homeless man was arrested in East Atlanta Village for trespassing, stealing mail and other erratic behavior. When concerned residents posted to the neighborhood Facebook group, Nolan responded that he knew the man well, that this behavior was not typical and that he would look into the situation.

Nolan later updated his post, commenting that the man had been arrested but that he would “continue to follow up and ensure that his current behaviors do not return upon his release.”

In other examples, Nolan has helped de-escalate situations when people experienced mental health episodes in local coffee shops and churches.

A model for other cities

Cities around the U.S. have decisions to make about addressing homelessness and its associated challenges. Neighborhood social work is not a magic bullet, but my colleagues and I see it as a promising approach to address the most common challenges that neighborhoods with high rates of homelessness face.

East Atlanta Village is currently working with the Atlanta City Council to renew funding for this program, which cost US$100,000 in its initial year. We hope that other neighborhoods also consider this strategy when deciding how to address homelessness in their own areas.

Ishita Chordia is affiliated with the East Atlanta Neighborhood Association. She volunteers for the neighborhood association and has helped organize and evaluate the neighborhood social work program.

– ref. This Atlanta neighborhood hired a case manager to address rising homelessness − and it’s improving health and safety for everyone – https://theconversation.com/this-atlanta-neighborhood-hired-a-case-manager-to-address-rising-homelessness-and-its-improving-health-and-safety-for-everyone-236466

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: What’s in a pantsuit? Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s fashion choices say a lot about their personalities − and vision for the future

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Therèsa M. Winge, Fashion Professor, Michigan State University

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have very different policy positions and political approaches − as well as fashion choices. Jacquelyn Martin/pool/AFP via Getty Images and Win McNamee/Getty Images

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Republican contender Donald Trump could not be more different – and this split between them extends far beyond politics and into their fashion choices.

While Harris tends to wear form-fitting pantsuits and feminine tops, Trump opts for ill-fitting, boxy, navy suits and long red ties.

All American politicians often wear American flag pins on their lapels, as well as red, white and blue clothing. But my research shows how fashion plays an important, symbolic role in politics that goes far beyond patriotism. A person’s appearance reflects their identity and how they want others to perceive them.

It makes sense that political campaigns often work with professional stylists to dress and style their top candidates, as a way to define and reflect politicians’ different personalities, identities and policy positions.

Kamala Harris arrives to speak at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 22, 2024, wearing a dark blue pantsuit.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Harris’ professional, feminine look

Harris typically wears an updated version of Hillary Clinton’s famous power pantsuits.

While Clinton’s pantsuits during the 2016 presidential campaign had rigid silhouettes that did not show the shape of her body, Harris’ pantsuits are more relaxed and less formal.

As a senator, Harris, alongside other Democratic female politicians, wore a white pantsuit to commemorate and celebrate the suffragettes.

Harris now typically wears dark, bold hues, almost monochromatic ensembles, with either dark high heels or sneakers.

At the Democratic National Convention in August 2024, Harris accepted the presidential nomination wearing a perhaps unsurprising navy blue pantsuit with the standard politician’s American flag pin on the lapel. She topped off the look with medium-heel dress shoes and a dark blue pussycat bow blouse, sometimes also called a lavallière. The pussycat bow blouse, which was popularized in the 1970s among professional women, is a feminine version of a traditional tie.

This type of tie has a soft, floppy bow at the neck that can be tied in numerous ways.

Harris’ decision to regularly wear pussycat bow blouses shows that she has a feminine flair, and it’s also a nod to past feminist icons who wore that type of bow.

When Harris wears sneakers – which are often Chuck Taylors – with a pantsuit, it reminds me of how the actress Helen Hunt’s character wore practical commuter sneakers with business clothing in the 1990s and 2000s “Mad About You” TV series.

The unlikely combination of a pantsuit with sneakers shows that Harris is a busy, professional woman – who is also youthful, energetic and relatable to other women.

Walz’s American dad style

Tim Walz speaks at a campaign rally in Volant, Pa., on Oct. 15, 2024, wearing one of his signature flannel shirts.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, has also received public attention for his clothing choices.

At the Democratic National Convention in August, former President Barack Obama remarked about Walz regularly wearing plaid, flannel shirts. “You can tell those flannel shirts he wears don’t come from some political consultant. They come from his closet, and they have been through some stuff,” Obama said.

Walz’s typical outfits, including plaid shirts, jeans and a well-worn suit with the shirt collar unbuttoned and no tie, signals that he is authentic and relatable to the average American.

This unofficial uniform also helps cement the public perception of Walz as an archetypal American coach and dad.

The Harris-Walz campaign has capitalized on Walz’s image by selling merchandise that seems like something out of his closet.

The campaign’s camouflage hat, which spells out “HARRIS WALZ” in a bold, orange font, has become an extremely popular item – selling out and resulting in the manufacturer scrambling to find materials and sewing machines to make more hats.

Donald Trump and JD Vance attend a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the World Trade Center at Ground Zero in New York City on Sept. 11, 2024.
Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Vance’s and Trump’s aesthetics

Republican politicians also show who they are, or who they want to be, through their fashion choices. Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, for example, has noticeably changed his appearance from when he first became involved in politics a few years ago to when he became a senator in 2023.

In 2017, Vance often wore jeans, a button-down, open-collar shirt and an unbuttoned blazer during his book tour. When he was elected as a senator in 2023, he began wearing suits and ties.

More recently, Vance began dressing in the unofficial Make America Great Again uniform, consisting of a tailored dark blue suit, red tie and white shirt with dark shoes. With this outfit choice, Vance is wrapping himself in red, white and blue, referencing the American flag and signaling his patriotism.

Trump wears a nearly identical political uniform that has become instantly recognizable and closely associated with conservative politicians.

When Trump selected Vance as his running mate in July 2024, Vance also dyed his gray hair to brown to possibly appear more youthful. Perhaps it became more important for Vance to appear younger after 81-year-old President Joe Biden stepped down from the Democratic ticket and 60-year-old Harris became the presidential candidate.

Beyond the campaign, in February 2024, Trump released 1,000 pairs of limited edition high-top sneakers called “Never Surrender.” These shoes, which quickly sold out, were covered in gaudy, gold lamé and had an American flag printed around the collar of the sneakers.

I recently found several examples of pairs of Trump sneakers for sale on eBay and other online shops for thousands of dollars.

People at a Trump rally in Las Vegas hold a pair of his gold sneakers on Sept. 13, 2024.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Fashion on both sides

Harris’ monochromatic blouses and pantsuit with sneakers combination, alongside Walz’s Midwestern dad outfits, will likely help the campaign’s effort for its candidates to appear as relatable to many working class voters and women.

Likewise, Trump’s classic MAGA red hat and tie, in addition to Vance’s similar uniform of navy blue suit, white button-down shirt and red tie, evoke their focus on masculine conservatism.

The candidates’ styles don’t tell voters any details about campaign promises or political policies, but they do give an idea of who the candidates think they are.

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

– ref. What’s in a pantsuit? Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s fashion choices say a lot about their personalities − and vision for the future – https://theconversation.com/whats-in-a-pantsuit-kamala-harris-and-donald-trumps-fashion-choices-say-a-lot-about-their-personalities-and-vision-for-the-future-240084

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Announces $110 Million in Awards from ARPA-H’s Sprint for Women’s Health to Accelerate New Discoveries and Innovation

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden created the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research to fundamentally change how our nation approaches and funds women’s health research. Despite making up more than half the population, women have historically been understudied and underrepresented in health research. Since its launch in November 2023, the Initiative has made significant investments to close gaps in research on women’s health—from menopause-related conditions to endometriosis to auto-immune conditions to cardiovascular disease—so that we can improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, and differently.
Today in Las Vegas, Nevada, the First Lady will announce $110 million in awards from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to accelerate transformative research and development in women’s health. President Biden established ARPA-H, a new research and development funding agency, with bipartisan Congressional support to generate high-impact biomedical and health breakthroughs. In February 2024, the First Lady launched ARPA-H’s Sprint for Women’s Health, the first major deliverable of the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. Over the last 10 months, ARPA-H received an unprecedented response to this call for solutions for women’s health, with over 1,700 submissions across 45 states and D.C. as well as 34 countries.
In less than a year, the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research has galvanized nearly a billion dollars in funding for women’s health research, including the First Lady’s recent announcement of $500 million from the U.S. Department of Defense and $200 million from the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, in his State of the Union address, President Biden called on Congress to make a bold, transformative investment of $12 billion in new funding for women’s health research. President Biden also signed a first-of-its-kind Executive Order on Advancing Women’s Health Research and Innovation, directing the most comprehensive set of executive actions ever taken to expand and improve research on women’s health. Through the Initiative, federal agencies have committed to taking over 100 actions to prioritize investments in women’s health research and integrate women’s health across the federal research portfolio.
Accelerating Progress in Women’s Health Research
Today’s ARPA-H awardees will spur innovation and advance high-impact, novel approaches to diseases and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, and differently. Today’s awardees are working across a range of women’s health issues—from pursuing new ways to prevent, detect, and treat cardiovascular conditions, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, neurological diseases, and pain in women to developing next-generation approaches to menopause, migraines, obstetrics, and gynecological care.
One-quarter of today’s awardees are pursuing “launchpad” projects, meaning those projects have the potential for commercialization within two years. The remaining awardees are pursuing “spark” projects that are in the early stage of research. ARPA-H’s support for these projects will help ensure that women and their health care providers can soon benefit from the research investments being made today.
The $110 million in ARPA-H awards announced today across 23 teams fund bold and transformative women’s health solutions, including:
Aspira Women’s Health Inc. of Shelton, Connecticut will receive $10 million to create a first-of-its-kind definitive, non-invasive blood test to diagnose endometriosis. Endometriosis is a debilitating condition that affects about 1 in 10 women and often takes years and surgery to be diagnosed. Aspira Women’s Health Inc. aims to reduce the time it takes to diagnose endometriosis from years to days while helping health care providers identify the most appropriate treatment option for each woman’s needs.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts will receive $9.1 million to improve our ability to assess brain disorders in women through a novel non-invasive MRI imaging biomarker. Even though conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and multiple sclerosis disproportionately affect women, there are significant gaps in our knowledge about how to prevent, detect, and treat these conditions in women. By developing a novel and non-invasive MRI technology to measure a specific brain protein, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. will advance our understanding of, and improve treatments for, brain disorders in women.
Children’s Research Institute of Washington, DC—through its research arm on families—will receive $8.1 million to develop a novel way to assess chronic pain in women. Women experience pain differently than men which can lead health care providers to underestimate and undertreat this pain, resulting in prolonged suffering, delayed diagnosis and treatment, and a reluctance to seek medical care. Despite this need, there is currently no objective, quantitative indicator of chronic pain in women. Children’s Research Institute aims to fill this gap by studying how a woman’s eyes react to external stimulation, which is directly related to how she perceives pain.
Gravidas Diagnostics, Inc. of Los Angeles, California will receive $3 million to create a first-of-its-kind at-home test to revolutionize our ability to detect early preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. By making it easier to identify preeclampsia quickly, Gravidas Diagnostics Inc.’s new low-cost fingerstick test would help women and their doctors get the information they need sooner to reduce pregnancy-related complications and improve maternal and child health.
The University of Iowa will receive $10 million to revolutionize the treatment for late-stage and metastatic ovarian cancer by using personalized nanoparticles to boost a woman’s immune system. More than half of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed only after the cancer has metastasized, making it harder to treat and reducing survival rates. Leveraging nanotechnology, the University of Iowa will engineer personalized nanoparticles to use a woman’s own immune system to attack multiple cancers and help more women get the treatment they need to live longer.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) will receive $3 million to improve our ability to treat migraines in women. Women are more likely than men to suffer from migraines, which can be extremely debilitating. UNC-Chapel Hill will study the lymphatic system to better understand why women are more susceptible to migraines than men—with the goal of treating migraines with new drugs specifically targeting the brain lymphatics and developing personalized treatments to reduce women’s debilitating migraines.
Additional information and a full list of awardees is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Mayor of London’s Dinner for HM Judges 2024: Lord Chancellor’s Speech

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

At this annual event for HM Judges the Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP spoke about the importance of prisons in maintaining the rule of law.

Location:: Mansion House
Delivered on:: 22 October 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Political content has been removed from this transcript

My Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, my Lady Chief Justice, members of His Majesty’s judiciary, ladies and gentlemen.

I want to thank Michael [Mainelli, Lord Mayor] and Elisabeth [Reuß, Lady Mayoress] for hosting us this evening…

And express my gratitude for their year of service to the City of London…

I am looking forward to welcoming the next Lord Mayor, Alastair King, in a ceremony at the House of Lords on Monday.

As the first Muslim Lord Chancellor, I’m afraid I won’t partake in sipping port from the Loving Cups…

But I am looking forward to the shortbread.

Let me say what an honour it is to be here for the first time as Lord Chancellor.

Unlike most of my 11 predecessors across the last 14 years…

It will not also be my last.

I understand that, in the past, my predecessors have peppered these speeches with humour.

But you may have seen the very serious announcements that I made earlier today…

And so, sadly, this is not a time for levity.

Instead, I want to take this opportunity to explain why I had to make them and what they mean.

But let me start with something that should never be contentious: the rule of law.

My parents came to the UK just a few decades ago…

Leaving a country created by partition.

They were so-called ‘Mangla Dam affectees’…

A people whose land was seized and then flooded by an overbearing and unaccountable state.

But when they came here, to Britain…

They found a home where no one is above the law – not even a government…

And where no one can fall below it either.

It was that inheritance…

And an argumentative disposition…

That led me to the bar…

And left me with an enduring belief in the sanctity of the rule of law…

The most enduring of British values.

That defines who we are and how our country works.

Here, the law rules, not the mob…

And our disagreements are resolved through the careful crafting of arguments.

This Great British value is also of great value to Britain…

Underpinning our economy…

Giving businesses, large and small, the confidence to trade….

In the knowledge that any disputes that arise will be settled fairly.

In every instance, those who come before the courts…

Know that their case will be decided on the facts by learned judges – by you…

And that those judgments will be done without interference or commentary…

From politicians like me or my colleagues.

The oath that I swore when I took this job: to respect the rule of law and defend the independence of the judiciary…

Is one that I take extremely seriously.

It was at the forefront of my mind when I was appointed as Lord Chancellor.

Our prisons were not just in crisis…

They were on the point of collapse.

Weeks away from running out of space altogether.

And had that happened, the consequences are hard to contemplate:

The police unable to make arrests…

Your courts forced to cancel trials.

Justice would have come to a grinding halt.

As my officials explained the enormity of the situation…

My oath rang in my ears.

Would I be the Lord Chancellor who days after swearing to uphold the rule of law…

Oversaw the breakdown of law and order?

I had no choice but to take drastic action…

To make sure the justice system could continue to function…

Anything else would have been a betrayal of my constitutional duty.

I simply could not allow that to happen.

So, I took the decision to bring forward the release point for some prisoners serving standard determinate sentences…

From the usual 50 percent to 40 percent…

Spending the remainder on strict licence conditions in the community.

The first releases happened in September and more took place today.

Given the disgraceful disorder just a few weeks after we took office, the necessity of that decision was soon apparent.

At one point, the prison places remaining in the adult male estate…

Fell into double figures.

And let me place on record, once again, my deepest thanks for all that you did this summer…

Handing down justice, swiftly, to those responsible.

I have no doubt at all that your work brought that disorder to a halt.

The measures that I was forced to take…

To bring our prisons back from the brink…

Were not a long-term solution.

So today, in parliament, I set out a long-term plan for our prisons…

To ensure the scenes that we have witnessed today, of the emergency release of prisoners, are never witnessed again.

And that starts by building more prisons.

But we must be honest:

We cannot build our way out of this crisis.

This isn’t a matter of ideology.

It is simple mathematics.

Every year, our prison population grows by around 4,500 prisoners…

To keep up with that demand would require us to build the equivalent of HMP Birmingham, in my own constituency, four and a half times over, every single year.

We simply cannot build that fast.

For that reason, I have today launched a landmark review of sentencing.

It will have one clear goal:

To ensure we are never again in a position where we have more prisoners than space in our prisons.

The review will follow 3 principles:

First, sentences must punish offenders and protect the public.

For dangerous offenders, prison will always remain the answer.

Punishment and public protection will be this government’s first priority.

There will be dangerous offenders who must always receive a custodial sentence…

And there must always be space in our prisons for them.

The second principle of the review is that sentences must encourage offenders to turn their backs on lives of crime.

The system needs both sticks and carrots.

In this, I will be encouraging the reviewers to learn from those who have succeeded in other jurisdictions.

The third principle of the review will be to expand punishment that offenders receive outside of prison.

There are already ways that we severely constrain offenders…

Limiting their freedom outside of prison.

Those under Home Detention Curfews are, in practice, under a highly effective form of house arrest.

And sobriety tags enforce teetotalism almost as strict as my own.

And we must explore how the next generation of technology can ensure the eyes of the state follow an offender on the outside…

As closely – or even more so – than a prison officer, on the inside.

Moving punishment out of prison – for those who can be safely managed there – has huge benefits:

Outside of prison, offenders can engage in work that pays back the communities and individuals who they have harmed.

And the evidence is clear that those who serve their sentences outside prison are far less likely to reoffend…

Making our streets safer…

And reducing the cost to society of reoffending, which has been most recently valued at over £22bn a year.

I am pleased to say that the review will be led by a former Lord Chancellor, David Gauke…

A highly regarded Minister who served in multiple roles across government…

And who I know earned the trust and respect of many of you in the room this evening.

I will work with him to assemble a panel of reviewers who will draw together deep expertise and experience in the criminal justice system…

Including judicial colleagues.

And the review will take a bipartisan and evidence-based look at an issue that has – for far too long – been a political football, booted around by both sides.

David Gauke will report back with his recommendations in the Spring…

And I look forward to discussing them with the senior judiciary then.

I know that for many in this room, it may seem like this government is preoccupied with what is happening in our prisons…

Where an acute crisis could easily shroud the great challenges that we face across our justice system.

I want you to know that I fully recognise all of those challenges…

I know our courts backlogs are at historic highs…

That, for far too many victims, justice delayed now means justice denied.

I know you are working under immense pressure…

In the delivery of justice…

And in the defence of the rule of law.

This government will support you.

Speaking before a budget, my lips are – by necessity – sealed.

But let me say this:

This government will pursue the hard work of restoring and reforming our justice system.

We will support you in delivering justice more swiftly…

We will promote this country’s standing as a global beacon of the rule of law…

And we will back our legal sector, which is so vital to this government’s mission to kickstart economic growth.

All this, I must acknowledge, will take time.

I know that you have grown weary of the merry-go-round of Lord Chancellors…

Holding this ancient office for the blink of an eye…

With every judges’ dinner yet another introduction…

More warm words and bromides from the new Lord Chancellor…

Who promises the world but goes out with a whimper.

This time, it will be different.

I am a Lord Chancellor who is here for the long haul.

I won’t hide the difficulty of the job at hand.

But nor will I resile from the hard work of pursuing it.

I will, I must admit, need your support along the way.

When times are good…

And when we agree…

We will support each other.

And when we disagree, as I am sure we will on occasion…

We must be frank with each other, albeit in private…

Always critical friends in the pursuit of a shared endeavour.

As I mentioned earlier, the rule of law runs strongly through my background.

My parents did not study Magna Carta, Habeas Corpus and the Bill of Rights, as I would go on to do.

But they had a strong sense when they arrived here from rural Kashmir…

That this country was different…

Because it has rules to which all people are subject.

That inheritance from my parents only grew stronger…

As I went on to practise and was then elected to Parliament.

My personal commitment to the rule of law is something you should never doubt.

I hope I have shown already that I am willing to take the difficult and even unpopular decisions required to ensure that justice can be done in this country.

It is a habit I intend to keep…

As we, together, uphold the rule of law and promote justice…

Through a period of great challenge, but also of great opportunity.

It is an honour to be here with you this evening, as we embark upon it.

Which leaves me only to thank our gracious hosts, who have brought us here together…

So let’s raise our glasses and toast:

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress!

Thank you.

Published 23 October 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025

Category: housing

Gritting

Salt bins in wards

Cycle/walking network

Snow wardens

Marat Khusnullin took part in the plenary session “Strategy for the Development of the Real Estate Market”, which was held within the framework of the XXV International Housing Congress

Marat Khusnullin took part in the plenary session “Strategy for the Development of the Real Estate Market”, which was held within the framework of the XXV International Housing Congress

Marat Khusnullin took part in the plenary session “Strategy for the Development of the Real Estate Market”, which was held within the framework of the XXV International Housing Congress

The research

Unreliable service delivery

Declining satisfaction with government

Poverty

Safety concerns

Overall quality of life is lower

Reasons to be cheerful

Reasons for caution

The research

Unreliable service delivery

Declining satisfaction with government

Poverty

Safety concerns

Overall quality of life is lower

Additional Information

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