NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • Centre launches geo-coded address system under ‘Dhruva’ Policy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The centre has introduced the ‘Dhruva’ Policy, a pioneering initiative aimed at transforming how addresses are structured and managed across the country. At the heart of this policy is a geo-coded grid system that assigns unique codes called DIGIPINs to every location within a 4×4 metre area, promising enhanced location accuracy and more efficient service delivery.

    The policy introduces a new ‘Digital Address’ layer, allowing individuals and institutions to generate personalized address labels. By combining the DIGIPIN with traditional descriptors like house numbers and street names, users can create precise, easy-to-share digital addresses. This innovation is expected to simplify navigation, streamline logistics, and strengthen digital infrastructure.

    Designed with a federated and interoperable framework, the initiative enables every physical location in India to be digitally mapped and identified. This is expected to bolster service delivery in sectors such as postal services, telecommunications, and broadband-particularly in remote and underserved regions.

    Notably, the Dhruva Policy is built entirely on indigenous technology. Its open-source architecture supports domestic innovation and aligns with the government’s vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. Officials believe that the system will help reduce delivery costs, improve resource planning, and promote digital inclusion by making public services more accessible and responsive.

    The initiative is currently at the proof-of-concept stage. A draft policy document has been circulated for stakeholder consultation to gather feedback and refine the framework.

    Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, shared the information in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Leader reflects on Derby’s diverse communities

    Source: City of Derby

    In her latest column, Councillor Nadine Peatfield reflects on the diverse communities that make up Derby, creating a rich and vibrant place to live and work…

    As a councillor, celebrating and investing in our communities has always been, and continues to be, the most important part of the job.

    Now more than ever before, it is critical that we celebrate the diverse communities that make our city what it is. This isn’t just a feel-good exercise, it’s essential to be a stronger and more creative society. When we embrace and celebrate experiences, we discover so much potential that benefits us all.

    Here in Derby, we have a long history of celebrating the wide range of cultures represented in our city. During the Spanish Civil War, 50 children came to Derby as refugees and lived at Burnaston House – now the site of the Toyota Burnaston site – between 1937 and 1938 as part of a national effort to protect these children from the horrors of war. This story was in one of the newspapers we uncovered in a time capsule, whilst refurbishing Derby’s Market Hall.

    During the Second World War, Derby also became the temporary home to around 270 Belgian refugees, many of whom made Derby their permanent home after the war ended, as well as many displaced Ukrainians who have contributed significantly to our city. These are just a few examples of our city stepping up to help those in need of a new or temporary home and giving them a warm Derby welcome. If you’re interested, you can find out more about these refugees in our Local Studies Library.

    Back to the present day, I had the privilege of attending the Community Party in Arboretum Park earlier last month, organised by Rosehill Infant School and Community One, as well as other local organisations. The event was all based around ‘Celebrating Culture’ and residents enjoyed entertainment, sports, food and most importantly, had fun together whilst celebrating the many different cultures represented, particularly in Arboretum and Normanton.

    Events like these play a crucial role in putting the unity into community. When we take the time to learn about traditions that are different to our own, we break down barriers and build a greater understanding of our neighbours.

    Did you know that, according to the most recent Census, more than 80 languages are spoken in Derby, including British Sign Language? I loved visiting the Royal School for the Deaf Derby recently to meet their students, teachers and some of the parents. It was such a joyous occasion with choirs signing expressively to music and a keynote speech from the Council’s very own Corey Beck. Whilst there, I had a wonderful conversation with recent OBE recipient, Wendy Daunt, an absolute inspiration who has been rightly recognised for her life-long campaigning for sign language. I hope to be able to support her further aspirations for deaf inclusion across our city.

    I was also invited to attend the opening service of the RCCG Solid Rock Church in their new home on East Street. It’s fabulous to have such a vibrant place of worship right in the heart of our city. I’ve very grateful to Pastor James and his team, who work tirelessly for communities and people facing challenges. I hope everyone will take the opportunity to welcome them to the city centre and learn more about their church.

    Celebrating its 50th year, the Caribbean Carnival organised by the Derby West Indian Community Association is a highlight of our calendar, bringing together communities and celebrating Caribbean culture – how can you not love the vibrant costumes, energetic dancers and fabulous music?!  Our city would be a much duller place without it.

    Different backgrounds bring different problem-solving approaches, leading to more robust solutions and greater innovation. Look at all the different global organisations that have put down roots in Derby, such as Toyota, which not only enhance our city, but create new jobs and boost our local economy.  

    By celebrating the diversity of our city, we’re not prioritising one group of people over another or forgetting our history, but rather about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, valued and respected for who they are. Diversity, in its truest sense, encompasses a vast spectrum: race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, and countless other features that make us unique. Ignoring or downplaying these differences isn’t just a missed opportunity, it harms our society.

    Increasingly, we are seeing more and more hurtful, divisive, and frankly unacceptable language used online about the cultures and communities represented in our city. Let me be clear; racism has no place in Derby, and I’d like to challenge anyone who is tempted to engage with or contribute to this negativity to consider the damage that this does to our city and to our communities.

    I know that celebrating diversity isn’t always easy. It requires conscious effort, open-mindedness, and a willingness to confront our own biases. It means actively seeking out diverse voices, listening to their stories, and creating platforms for their contributions. This is why the Council is actively taking steps to genuine inclusion, empowering all our communities to thrive.

    In these turbulent global times, let’s celebrate our differences and reap the benefits that it brings to all of us. After all, we have far more in common than that which divides us.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Turning waste into economic growth

    [. This growth has solidified Alberta as a leader across Canada and the world in producing manufactured goods and materials.

    To build on the province’s leadership, Alberta’s government is investing up to $49 million from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program to support 18 new projects. These projects will create close to 1,600 jobs and inject $233 million into Alberta’s economy.

    “Manufacturing is a pillar of our economy, employing tens of thousands of Albertans and solving real-world challenges. This funding will help manufacturers do more with the resources we already have, producing the goods Albertans rely on while strengthening the province’s global competitiveness, creating more jobs and protecting the environment.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    The province’s investment through Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) will expand the development of waste management, carbon utilization, critical minerals, energy storage, geothermal, oil sands and more. It will also create Alberta’s first recycling system for agricultural plastics and a facility that turns wood waste from construction, demolition and renovation into valuable building materials.

    “By investing in advanced materials and circular economy solutions, we’re helping Alberta’s industries stay competitive, create jobs and reduce emissions. This funding supports technologies that make better use of our resources while cutting costs. It’s a win for both the economy and the environment.”

    Justin Riemer, chief executive office, Emissions Reduction Alberta

    The funding will help businesses such as Pro-Pipe Service and Sales in Nisku create new technology that aims to lower costs and expand the use of geothermal energy projects in Alberta and beyond. Carbonova Corporation in Calgary will also use the funding to develop its process to turn plant-based waste like woodchips and byproducts from oil refining into carbon nanofibers, which are 40 times stronger than steel, and used in products like batteries and sports equipment.

    “Support from the provincial government through Emissions Reduction Alberta is instrumental in launching our organics processing pilot facility in Alberta. By converting organic material into clean, high-value cellulosic fiber, we’re helping avoid methane emissions from landfills and creating low-carbon feedstocks that support decarbonization across multiple downstream industries.”

    Dane McSpedon, chief executive officer, Hughes Energy Group

    “ERA’s support in developing higher-performing recycled materials reflects the Government of Alberta’s confidence in homegrown innovation. NOVA Chemicals has a proud legacy of advancing technologies that reshape plastics for a better future, and we are pleased to receive this funding as we demonstrate how Alberta ingenuity can deliver sustainable solutions with global impact.”

    Rocky Vermani, senior vice-president of innovation, sustainability and strategy, NOVA Chemicals

    “Government of Alberta funding through ERA is the catalyst that makes industrial-scale wood recovery possible. It sends a clear signal to investors and municipalities that Alberta is ready to lead the shift toward a low-carbon, circular building economy.”

    Jay Sanderson, president, Backroads Reclamation

    “Support from the Government of Alberta through Emissions Reduction Alberta is a game-changer for our Nisku facility. This funding accelerates our timeline, creates local jobs and helps launch a new made-in-Alberta carbon-based battery materials industry utilizing abundant sustainable carbon waste. It’s a major step forward in building local clean-tech solutions with global impact.”

    Mitchell Miller, chief executive officer, Atlas Power Technologies Inc.

    Quick facts

    • The 18 projects will reduce about 3.4 million tonnes of emissions by 2030.
    • All projects involve field testing, piloting, demonstration or first-of-kind implementation of a new technology.
    • The TIER fund uses industry dollars to help Alberta facilities invest in innovative emissions-reduction technology to stay globally competitive, create jobs and save money.

    Related information

    • Emissions Reduction Alberta
    • Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction System

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo) 
    Mosquito control
     
         The representative of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reported to the PCSC the situation of mosquito proliferation this year thus far. The gravidtrap indices for Aedes albopictus from April to June 2025 (1.2 per cent in April, 8.6 per cent in May and 9.5 per cent in June) were lower than those in the same period in 2024 (4.2 per cent in April, 15.7 per cent in May and 14 per cent in June) and remained at a relatively low level. With the rainy season approaching, the FEHD has continued to intensify the mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD will continue to conduct on-site inspections with relevant departments, and provide them with professional advice and technical support. The rainfall from April to June in 2025 was lower than the previous year, and with the effort of the Government and relevant stakeholders, the gravidtrap indices in some monitored areas reaching alert levels (zero in April, six in May and two in June) dropped compared with the same period in 2024 (one in April, 10 in May and four in June).
     
    In spite of that, the rainfall in June 2025 reached 237.3 millimeters, which was higher than in April (57.1 millimeters) and May (81.6 millimeters). As the hot and rainy weather approaches, combined with the increase in inbound and outbound passenger traffic during the upcoming summer holiday, the overall risk of mosquito borne diseases may rise significantly. The departments will closely monitor the situation of mosquito infestation as reflected by the surveillance indices and strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures based on the recommendations discussed at the meeting, including constantly updating the list of mosquito infestation hotspots to adjust and plan their work based on the actual situation, to ensure that mosquito prevention and control work is prompt and effective.
     
         It is worth noting that in addition to dengue fever, Aedes albopictus can also transmit chikungunya fever (CF). CF is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Recently, a considerable number of CF infection cases have been reported in neighbouring regions and some overseas countries. As Hong Kong people frequently travel to and from different places, if a citizen is infected with CF abroad and is bitten by mosquitoes in Hong Kong during the infectious period, and subsequently the mosquitoes bite other people, local transmission may occur. In view of this, although there have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020, the industry and the public must remain vigilant and intensify mosquito prevention and control efforts to avoid the risk of local cases during the summer.
     
         Owing to the communicable disease notification mechanism established by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has kept abreast of the latest situation of CF in Guangdong Province.  At the meeting, the CHP briefed the PCSC about the latest global situation and international response measures regarding CF, as reported by the World Health Organization. 
     
    The CHP has reminded the public to take precautionary and personal protection measures against mosquitoes, both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong. The CHP’s Port Health Division has stepped up inspections at the boundary control points to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. The Division also conducts temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fever will be assessed on health conditions and referred to hospitals for follow up when necessary. The CHP will also maintain close liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as airlines and the travel industry, to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner. The CHP has set up a dedicated webpage on CF (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html 
         In addition, the CHP has issued a letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to provide them with the latest epidemiological information and appeal them to watch out for CF-related symptoms among those who return to Hong Kong from outbound travel. If CF cases are detected, they should be immediately referred to hospitals for treatment and reported to the DH in accordance with the established mechanism, so that the DH can initiate epidemiological investigations, and implement prevention and control measures. The Hospital Authority (HA) has reminded healthcare professionals to be vigilant in early identification of patients for timely diagnosis and management of patients. Once a suspected case is detected, the HA will activate the surveillance and notification mechanism and report the case to the CHP immediately.
     
         Following Typhoon Wipha, the accumulation of stagnant water may have created mosquito breeding places, increasing the risk of mosquito infestation. Relevant departments and stakeholders will promptly launch a new round of actions to thoroughly eliminate mosquito breeding places, supplemented by fogging operations (i.e. ultra-low volume spraying) to eradicate adult mosquitoes. Subsequently, the departments will continue to take proactive anti-mosquito measures, including clearing potential breeding grounds at least once a week during the rainy season and timely co-ordination of fogging operations until the season ends, in a collective effort to safeguard public health.
     
    Rodent control
     
         Starting from 2024, the FEHD has fully adopted thermal imaging cameras with AI technology to conduct the Rodent Activity Survey (RAS) and establish a RAR in each district. The FEHD uses AI to analyse thermal images captured by cameras to detect and understand rodent pathways and activity ranges. This helps assess rodent infestation objectively and effectively to allocate resources precisely for targeted rodent control measures. The RAR in the second half of 2024 was 94 per cent (for every 100 images, 94 of them did not detect rodents), and the number of survey locations with RAR lower than 80 per cent has decreased by 10 as compared to the first half of 2024. From 2025, the FEHD’s RAS has been extended to public housing estates and parks managed by the Housing Authority and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Relevant departments will have more data to enhance precision in rodent control work and make the survey more representative.
     
         Making reference to the results of the RAS, the FEHD continues to strengthen rodent control and implement a series of targeted rodent prevention and control measures, including overnight anti-rodent operations and the application of new anti-rodent technologies and tools, which have gradually shown positive results. From January to June, 2025, the FEHD collected a total of approximately 57 200 live rodents, marking an increase of 92 per cent and 54 per cent as compared to the same periods in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
     
         In the meeting, the FEHD briefed participants on how to make effective use of the RAR data to address rodent blackspots, and properly allocate resources to step up rodent prevention and control work so as to achieve a precise and effective rodent control strategy, for reference by relevant departments.
     
         The effectiveness of prevention and control of rodents relies on the co-operation of stakeholders from various sectors. On December 31, 2024, the FEHD launched the first phase of the Anti-rodent Charter, targeting residential premises to raise residents’ awareness of environmental hygiene and foster good habits to create a rodent-free environment. Residential premises that sign the Charter will be provided with free anti-rodent technical support from the FEHD, including invitations to attend pest control seminars organised by the department. As of June 15, 2025, 640 residential premises have signed the Charter, covering over 580 000 households. Two premises, with over 40 households, that signed the Charter have participated in the Pilot Scheme on Joint Property Management. Other participants joining the Pilot Scheme will be gradually invited to sign the Charter when they are ready.
     
         The FEHD has actively provided technical support to residential premises that signed the Charter and organised 48 publicity and education activities over the past six months, including rodent control seminars, exhibitions and site visits, to encourage community participation in daily anti-rodent efforts. A total of approximately 2 150 people took part. Among these, two large-scale rodent control seminars held by the FEHD in March and June, 2025 were very well-received, attracting over 400 anti-rodent liaison ambassadors.
     
         All departments agreed to continue to strengthen rodent prevention and control measures in premises under their respective management, to strengthen internal monitoring and assessment of the outcome of rodent control work, and to actively encourage relevant sectors and stakeholders to co-operate with the Government’s work, eliminating rodents’ fundamental survival conditions of food, harbourage and passages from their respective areas.
     
         The second-stage environmental hygiene-related legislative amendments was passed by the Legislative Council on May 8, 2025 and will come into effect on August 17, to more effectively tackle rodent infestation and other environmental hygiene issues. The FEHD can now serve a “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” to persons responsible for management of the building (e.g. property management companies) when appropriate, for their follow-up action to eliminate vermin infestation in common parts of a building. Under the legislative amendments, the maximum penalty for non-compliance with “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” will be raised from a fine at level 2 ($5,000) and a daily fine of $100 to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and a daily fine of $450, so as to enhance deterrent effect.
     
    The meeting was chaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong. Participants of the meeting came from three policy bureaux and 20 government departments and organisations.
    Issued at HKT 22:32

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo) 
    Mosquito control
     
         The representative of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reported to the PCSC the situation of mosquito proliferation this year thus far. The gravidtrap indices for Aedes albopictus from April to June 2025 (1.2 per cent in April, 8.6 per cent in May and 9.5 per cent in June) were lower than those in the same period in 2024 (4.2 per cent in April, 15.7 per cent in May and 14 per cent in June) and remained at a relatively low level. With the rainy season approaching, the FEHD has continued to intensify the mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD will continue to conduct on-site inspections with relevant departments, and provide them with professional advice and technical support. The rainfall from April to June in 2025 was lower than the previous year, and with the effort of the Government and relevant stakeholders, the gravidtrap indices in some monitored areas reaching alert levels (zero in April, six in May and two in June) dropped compared with the same period in 2024 (one in April, 10 in May and four in June).
     
    In spite of that, the rainfall in June 2025 reached 237.3 millimeters, which was higher than in April (57.1 millimeters) and May (81.6 millimeters). As the hot and rainy weather approaches, combined with the increase in inbound and outbound passenger traffic during the upcoming summer holiday, the overall risk of mosquito borne diseases may rise significantly. The departments will closely monitor the situation of mosquito infestation as reflected by the surveillance indices and strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures based on the recommendations discussed at the meeting, including constantly updating the list of mosquito infestation hotspots to adjust and plan their work based on the actual situation, to ensure that mosquito prevention and control work is prompt and effective.
     
         It is worth noting that in addition to dengue fever, Aedes albopictus can also transmit chikungunya fever (CF). CF is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Recently, a considerable number of CF infection cases have been reported in neighbouring regions and some overseas countries. As Hong Kong people frequently travel to and from different places, if a citizen is infected with CF abroad and is bitten by mosquitoes in Hong Kong during the infectious period, and subsequently the mosquitoes bite other people, local transmission may occur. In view of this, although there have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020, the industry and the public must remain vigilant and intensify mosquito prevention and control efforts to avoid the risk of local cases during the summer.
     
         Owing to the communicable disease notification mechanism established by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has kept abreast of the latest situation of CF in Guangdong Province.  At the meeting, the CHP briefed the PCSC about the latest global situation and international response measures regarding CF, as reported by the World Health Organization. 
     
    The CHP has reminded the public to take precautionary and personal protection measures against mosquitoes, both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong. The CHP’s Port Health Division has stepped up inspections at the boundary control points to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. The Division also conducts temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fever will be assessed on health conditions and referred to hospitals for follow up when necessary. The CHP will also maintain close liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as airlines and the travel industry, to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner. The CHP has set up a dedicated webpage on CF (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html 
         In addition, the CHP has issued a letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to provide them with the latest epidemiological information and appeal them to watch out for CF-related symptoms among those who return to Hong Kong from outbound travel. If CF cases are detected, they should be immediately referred to hospitals for treatment and reported to the DH in accordance with the established mechanism, so that the DH can initiate epidemiological investigations, and implement prevention and control measures. The Hospital Authority (HA) has reminded healthcare professionals to be vigilant in early identification of patients for timely diagnosis and management of patients. Once a suspected case is detected, the HA will activate the surveillance and notification mechanism and report the case to the CHP immediately.
     
         Following Typhoon Wipha, the accumulation of stagnant water may have created mosquito breeding places, increasing the risk of mosquito infestation. Relevant departments and stakeholders will promptly launch a new round of actions to thoroughly eliminate mosquito breeding places, supplemented by fogging operations (i.e. ultra-low volume spraying) to eradicate adult mosquitoes. Subsequently, the departments will continue to take proactive anti-mosquito measures, including clearing potential breeding grounds at least once a week during the rainy season and timely co-ordination of fogging operations until the season ends, in a collective effort to safeguard public health.
     
    Rodent control
     
         Starting from 2024, the FEHD has fully adopted thermal imaging cameras with AI technology to conduct the Rodent Activity Survey (RAS) and establish a RAR in each district. The FEHD uses AI to analyse thermal images captured by cameras to detect and understand rodent pathways and activity ranges. This helps assess rodent infestation objectively and effectively to allocate resources precisely for targeted rodent control measures. The RAR in the second half of 2024 was 94 per cent (for every 100 images, 94 of them did not detect rodents), and the number of survey locations with RAR lower than 80 per cent has decreased by 10 as compared to the first half of 2024. From 2025, the FEHD’s RAS has been extended to public housing estates and parks managed by the Housing Authority and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Relevant departments will have more data to enhance precision in rodent control work and make the survey more representative.
     
         Making reference to the results of the RAS, the FEHD continues to strengthen rodent control and implement a series of targeted rodent prevention and control measures, including overnight anti-rodent operations and the application of new anti-rodent technologies and tools, which have gradually shown positive results. From January to June, 2025, the FEHD collected a total of approximately 57 200 live rodents, marking an increase of 92 per cent and 54 per cent as compared to the same periods in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
     
         In the meeting, the FEHD briefed participants on how to make effective use of the RAR data to address rodent blackspots, and properly allocate resources to step up rodent prevention and control work so as to achieve a precise and effective rodent control strategy, for reference by relevant departments.
     
         The effectiveness of prevention and control of rodents relies on the co-operation of stakeholders from various sectors. On December 31, 2024, the FEHD launched the first phase of the Anti-rodent Charter, targeting residential premises to raise residents’ awareness of environmental hygiene and foster good habits to create a rodent-free environment. Residential premises that sign the Charter will be provided with free anti-rodent technical support from the FEHD, including invitations to attend pest control seminars organised by the department. As of June 15, 2025, 640 residential premises have signed the Charter, covering over 580 000 households. Two premises, with over 40 households, that signed the Charter have participated in the Pilot Scheme on Joint Property Management. Other participants joining the Pilot Scheme will be gradually invited to sign the Charter when they are ready.
     
         The FEHD has actively provided technical support to residential premises that signed the Charter and organised 48 publicity and education activities over the past six months, including rodent control seminars, exhibitions and site visits, to encourage community participation in daily anti-rodent efforts. A total of approximately 2 150 people took part. Among these, two large-scale rodent control seminars held by the FEHD in March and June, 2025 were very well-received, attracting over 400 anti-rodent liaison ambassadors.
     
         All departments agreed to continue to strengthen rodent prevention and control measures in premises under their respective management, to strengthen internal monitoring and assessment of the outcome of rodent control work, and to actively encourage relevant sectors and stakeholders to co-operate with the Government’s work, eliminating rodents’ fundamental survival conditions of food, harbourage and passages from their respective areas.
     
         The second-stage environmental hygiene-related legislative amendments was passed by the Legislative Council on May 8, 2025 and will come into effect on August 17, to more effectively tackle rodent infestation and other environmental hygiene issues. The FEHD can now serve a “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” to persons responsible for management of the building (e.g. property management companies) when appropriate, for their follow-up action to eliminate vermin infestation in common parts of a building. Under the legislative amendments, the maximum penalty for non-compliance with “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” will be raised from a fine at level 2 ($5,000) and a daily fine of $100 to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and a daily fine of $450, so as to enhance deterrent effect.
     
    The meeting was chaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong. Participants of the meeting came from three policy bureaux and 20 government departments and organisations.
    Issued at HKT 22:32

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WHITE HOUSE UNVEILS AMERICA’S AI ACTION PLAN

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    WASHINGTON, DC – The White House today released “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan”, in accordance with President Trump’s January executive order on Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI. Winning the AI race will usher in a new golden age of human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security for the American people.
    The Plan identifies over 90 Federal policy actions across three pillars – Accelerating Innovation, Building American AI Infrastructure, and Leading in International Diplomacy and Security – that the Trump Administration will take in the coming weeks and months.
    Key policies in the AI Action Plan include:
    Exporting American AI: The Commerce and State Departments will partner with industry to deliver secure, full-stack AI export packages – including hardware, models, software, applications, and standards – to America’s friends and allies around the world.
    Promoting Rapid Buildout of Data Centers: Expediting and modernizing permits for data centers and semiconductor fabs, as well as creating new national initiatives to increase high-demand occupations like electricians and HVAC technicians.
    Enabling Innovation and Adoption: Removing onerous Federal regulations that hinder AI development and deployment, and seek private sector input on rules to remove.
    Upholding Free Speech in Frontier Models: Updating Federal procurement guidelines to ensure that the government only contracts with frontier large language model developers who ensure that their systems are objective and free from top-down ideological bias.
    “America’s AI Action Plan charts a decisive course to cement U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence. President Trump has prioritized AI as a cornerstone of American innovation, powering a new age of American leadership in science, technology, and global influence. This plan galvanizes Federal efforts to turbocharge our innovation capacity, build cutting-edge infrastructure, and lead globally, ensuring that American workers and families thrive in the AI era. We are moving with urgency to make this vision a reality,” said White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios.
    “Artificial intelligence is a revolutionary technology with the potential to transform the global economy and alter the balance of power in the world. To remain the leading economic and military power, the United States must win the AI race. Recognizing this, President Trump directed us to produce this Action Plan. To win the AI race, the U.S. must lead in innovation, infrastructure, and global partnerships. At the same time, we must center American workers and avoid Orwellian uses of AI. This Action Plan provides a roadmap for doing that,” said AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks.
    “Winning the AI Race is non-negotiable. America must continue to be the dominant force in artificial intelligence to promote prosperity and protect our economic and national security. President Trump recognized this at the beginning of his administration and took decisive action by commissioning this AI Action Plan. These clear-cut policy goals set expectations for the Federal Government to ensure America sets the technological gold standard worldwide, and that the world continues to run on American technology,” said Secretary of State and Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio.
    Learn more at ai.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University

    The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

    For many decades Vlisco, the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

    We conducted research to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of only 9.7 million, the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

    We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

    “Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

    Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

    One Togolese trader summed up the attraction:

    Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?

    Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

    The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

    In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – the country’s primary export.

    Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

    China displaces the Dutch

    Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

    While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

    Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

    They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

    Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

    In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

    Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

    While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

    Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

    While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

    Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

    After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

    All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

    – Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders
    – https://theconversation.com/togos-nana-benz-how-cheap-chinese-imports-of-african-fabrics-has-hurt-the-famous-women-traders-260924

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University

    The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined the African women traders who have long shaped the retail and distribution of this cloth.

    For many decades Vlisco, the Dutch textile group which traces its origins to 1846 and whose products had been supplied to west Africa by European trading houses since the late 19th century, dominated manufacture of the cloth. But in the last 25 years dozens of factories in China have begun to supply African print textiles to west African markets. Qingdao Phoenix Hitarget Ltd, Sanhe Linqing Textile Group and Waxhaux Ltd are among the best known.

    We conducted research to establish how the rise of Chinese-made cloth has affected the African print textiles trade. We focused on Togo. Though it’s a tiny country with a population of only 9.7 million, the capital city, Lomé, is the trading hub in west Africa for the textiles.

    We conducted over 100 interviews with traders, street sellers, port agents or brokers, government officials and representatives of manufacturing companies to learn about how their activities have changed.

    “Made in China” African print textiles are substantially cheaper and more accessible to a wider population than Vlisco fabric. Our market observations in Lomé’s famous Assigamé market found that Chinese African print textiles cost about 9,000 CFA (US$16) for six yards – one complete outfit. Wax Hollandais (50,000 CFA or US$87) cost over five times more.

    Data is hard to come by, but our estimates suggest that 90% of imports of these textiles to Lomé port in 2019 came from China.

    One Togolese trader summed up the attraction:

    Who could resist a cloth that looked similar, but that cost much less than real Vlisco?

    Our research shows how the rise of China manufactured cloth has undermined Vlisco’s once dominant market share as well as the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.

    The traders, known as Nana-Benz because of the expensive cars they drove, once enjoyed an economic and political significance disproportionate to their small numbers. Their political influence was such that they were key backers of Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio – himself a former director of the United Africa Company, which distributed Dutch cloth.

    In turn, Olympio and long-term leader General Gnassingbé Eyadéma provided policy favours – such as low taxes – to support trading activity. In the 1970s, African print textile trade was considered as significant as the phosphate industry – the country’s primary export.

    Nana-Benz have since been displaced – their numbers falling from 50 to about 20. Newer Togolese traders – known as Nanettes or “little Nanas” – have taken their place. While they have carved out a niche in mediating the textiles trade with China, they have lower economic and political stature. In turn, they too are increasingly threatened by Chinese competition, more recently within trading and distribution as well.

    China displaces the Dutch

    Dating back to the colonial period, African women traders have played essential roles in the wholesale and distribution of Dutch cloth in west African markets. As many countries in the region attained independence from the 1950s onwards, Grand Marché – or Assigamé – in Lomé became the hub for African print textile trade.

    While neighbouring countries such as Ghana limited imports as part of efforts to promote domestic industrialisation, Togolese traders secured favourable conditions. These included low taxes and use of the port.

    Togolese women traders knew the taste of predominantly female, west African customers better than their mostly male, Dutch designers. The Nana-Benz were brought into the African print textile production and design process, selecting patterns and giving names to designs they knew would sell.

    They acquired such wealth from this trade that they earned the Nana-Benz nickname from the cars they purchased and which they used to collect and move merchandise.

    Nana-Benz exclusivity of trading and retailing of African print textiles cloth in west African markets has been disrupted. As Vlisco has responded to falling revenues – over 30% in the first five years of the 21st century – due to its Chinese competition, Togolese traders’ role in the supply chain of Dutch cloth has been downgraded.

    In response to the flood of Chinese imports, the Dutch manufacturer re-positioned itself as a luxury fashion brand and placed greater focus on the marketing and distribution of the textiles.

    Vlisco has opened several boutique stores in west and central Africa, starting with Cotonou (2008), Lomé (2008) and Abidjan (2009). The surviving Nana-Benz – an estimated 20 of the original 50 – operate under contract as retailers rather than traders and must follow strict rules of sale and pricing.

    While newer Togolese traders known as Nanettes are involved in the sourcing of textiles from China, they have lower economic and political stature. Up to 60 are involved in the trade.

    Former street sellers of textiles and other petty commodities, Nanettes began travelling to China in the early to mid-2000s to source African print textiles. They are involved in commissioning and advising on the manufacturing of African print textiles in China and the distribution in Africa.

    While many Nanettes order the common Chinese brands, some own and market their own. These include what are now well-known designs in Lomé and west Africa such as “Femme de Caractère”, “Binta”, “Prestige”, “Rebecca Wax”, “GMG” and “Homeland”.

    Compared to their Nana-Benz predecessors, the Nanettes carve out their business from the smaller pie available from the sale of cheaper Chinese cloth. Though the volumes traded are large, the margins are smaller due to the much lower final retail price compared to Dutch cloth.

    After procuring African print textiles from China, Nanettes sell wholesale to independent local traders or “sellers” as well as traders from neighbouring countries. These sellers in turn break down the bulk they have purchased and sell it in smaller quantities to independent street vendors.

    All African print textiles from China arrive in west Africa as an incomplete product – as six-yard or 12-yard segments of cloth, not as finished garments. Local tailors and seamstresses then make clothes according to consumer taste. Some fashion designers have also opened shops where they sell prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) garments made from bolts of African print and tailored to local taste. Thus, even though the monopoly of the Nana-Benz has been eroded, value is still added and captured locally.

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese actors have become more involved in trading activity – and not just manufacturing. The further evolution of Chinese presence risks an even greater marginalisation of locals, already excluded from manufacturing, from the trading and distribution end of the value chain. Maintaining their role – tailoring products to local culture and trends and linking the formal and informal economy – is vital not just for Togolese traders, but also the wider economy.

    Rory Horner receives funding from the British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship. He is also a Research Associate at the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg.

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

    – ref. Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders – https://theconversation.com/togos-nana-benz-how-cheap-chinese-imports-of-african-fabrics-has-hurt-the-famous-women-traders-260924

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $204 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $204 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects

    Governor Stein, Department of Environmental Quality Announce $204 Million for Drinking Water and Wastewater Projects
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor Josh Stein announced today that 27 counties across the state will receive more than $204 million in funding for 48 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The awards will improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, address PFAS and other forever chemicals, identify and replace lead pipes, and improve resiliency after future storms.

    “When you turn on the faucet in your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether that water is safe for your family,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These investments will help ensure North Carolinians have access to clean drinking water and will help keep people safe when disaster strikes.”   

    “At DEQ, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to clean water,” said Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson. “This funding will address aging infrastructure and improve public health for communities large and small.”

    Notable projects include:

    • The Town of Bryson City (Swain County) will receive $9.2 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for wastewater treatment plant improvements.
    • The Town of Waynesville (Haywood County) will receive $8.2 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for improvements to the Little Champion Gravity Sewer and Pump Station.
    • The City of Graham (Alamance County) will receive $3.4 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for Graham-Mebane Water Treatment Plant improvements.
    • The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (Cumberland County) will receive $20.5 million from IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for the P.O. Hoffer / Glenville Lake Water Treatment Plant Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) facility.
    • The Town of River Bend (Craven County) will receive $6.3 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for Phase II drinking water improvements.
    • The Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority will receive $1 million in IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund-Emerging Contaminant (PFAS) Construction funding for GAC filters for PFAS removal.
    • The City of Lenoir (Caldwell County) will receive $5.6 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for Lower Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Basin Improvements. Lenoir will also receive $1 million in IIJA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line funding for its Lead Service Line Inventory Phase 3 project.
    • The City of Lexington (Davidson County) will receive $13.7 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for the Lexington Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Solids Handling Improvements project.
    • The City of Henderson (Vance County) will receive $10.7 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Sandy Creek Pump Station and Force Main project.
    • The Town of Warrenton (Warren County) will receive $10 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for its Phase IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements project.
    • The City of Sanford (Lee County) will receive $7.3 million in Clean Water State Revolving Funds for its Dry Creek Basin Sewer Rehabilitation project and $1 million each for its Sanford/TriRiver Water/Chatham County and Sanford/TriRiver Water/Siler City Lead Service Line Inventory projects.
    • The Pfeiffer-North Stanly Water Association (Stanly County) will receive $4.9 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for its N. Main Street and Old 52 waterline replacement project.
    • Carolina Water Service, Inc. will receive a total of $5.5 million for six projects involving PFAS-related, lead service line identification or water line-related funding in Cumberland, Gaston, Moore and Pender counties.

    A list of all projects selected for funding is available on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) website.

    NCDEQ’s Division of Water Infrastructure reviewed 133 eligible applications, which requested a total of $1.57 billion. The State Water Infrastructure Authority approved the awards during its July 16 meeting. The Authority is an independent body with primary responsibility for awarding federal and state funding for water infrastructure projects. 

    Funding this round came from the State Revolving Funds, including IIJA funds. The State Revolving Funds provide low-interest loans that may be partially forgiven for drinking water and wastewater projects. State Revolving Funds are funded by federal capitalization grants and revolving loan repayments. This round included IIJA Emerging Contaminants (PFAS) funds and IIJA Lead Service Line Replacement funds. 

    The Division of Water Infrastructure’s Fall 2025 funding round begins July 29. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 30, 2025. Funding for the Fall 2025 round will come from multiple existing programs, including evaluating options to address PFAS contamination, identifying and replacing lead service lines, and Viable Utility Reserve grants. The Viable Utility Reserve provides grants to local government units that are designated as Distressed for planning and construction projects that will support the long-term viability of the utility. 

    In addition, the Division will accept applications on a rolling basis for the new federal supplemental appropriations from the 2025 American Relief Act to build resilience to infrastructure for Hurricane Helene-impacted communities. Helene State Revolving Fund supplemental funds for western North Carolina towns that have experienced Helene damage will continue to be available through year-round applications starting at the end of July until 2026.  

    The Division of Water Infrastructure will conduct in-person funding application training for the Fall 2025 funding round at six locations: Clyde, Hickory, Boone, Fayetteville, Winterville, and Research Triangle Park/Durham. A virtual option via Webex will also be available, and a recording of the training will be posted on the Division’s training web page.

    Learn more about the Division of Water Infrastructure’s funding programs here. 

    Jul 23, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester Day this weekend – everything you need to know!

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester’s favourite day of the year is back this weekend with a fantastic day of free music-themed family fun on Saturday (26 July) to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent and this year’s big summer of live music in the city.

    Inspired by what is proving to be a sensational summer of music in Manchester, expect pop-up performances, astounding acrobatics and banging beats throughout the city’s streets and squares as the whole city comes together for Manchester Day 2025.

    The council has worked with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day this year that is full of surprises and promises lots of free fun all with a musical twist.

    The day kicks off with a mini parade at 12 noon from St Peter’s Square, that will make its way along Deansgate and on to the Cathedral.  Led by two fantastical creatures, and with over 400 participants, including live bands, dancing birds, plenty of drummers and some of Manchester’s many community groups dancing and performing their way along the route in a riot of colour and sound, it’s definitely one not to miss.

    From English National Opera and Walk the Plank teaming up with football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, a hip-hop wrestling ring, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage, the day will see non-stop surprises throughout. 

    Expect sparks to fly as the world’s largest dhol drum rolls into town, opening up to reveal dancers and drummers, whilst award-winning dance company Levantes will be dressed to impress at their ‘High Tea with a Twist’, in New Cathedral Street. 

    Throw some shapes and bust some moves over on the Deansgate dancefloor where Moroccan trance music and Bhangra dance will be the order of the day, whilst French street theatre company Stoptoï will be combining dance, drumming and juggling in a brand-new, high-energy show on St Mary’s Gate.

    Enjoy music and performance from some of Manchester’s finest groups including the Bridgewater Hall Singers, or kick back and relax with a drink at the Capri Beach bar, before having a wander around one of the city-wide music trails, exploring Manchester’s musical heritage and hotspots. 

    Don’t miss the Perfect Pitch Three O’clock Kick-off, or the show-stopping grand finale in Cathedral Gardens combining opera singing and football chants at 4:30 pm in Cathedral Gardens, where a main stage will feature a fantastic programme of music throughout the day, The Urban Playground Team will perform Zoo Humans, a parkour performance piece that blends movement and storytelling.

    The day will also see a whole host of free have-a-go activities for youngsters of all ages to join in with from circus skills, drumming workshops, and ukulele introduction sessions, to music-themed craft activities and the ever-popular sport pop-ups.

    Manchester Day visitors are also invited this year to join Manchester Opera House for an exclusive free behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic venue, with the chance also to take part in special performance-themed workshops, or to try their hand at crafting band posters from recycled show posters.

    And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled throughout the day for a majestic lion, a cheeky gorilla, giant seagulls and a host of marvellous bees and butterflies – just a few of the weird and wonderful walkabout acts waiting to surprise people on the day.

    Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “We’ve got a fantastic Manchester Day lined up for everyone this year which is going all out to celebrate the music our city and our fabulous communities make.  We’ve got an absolute ton of stuff going on for families and people of all ages on Manchester’s favourite day of the year. So shake your maracas, slip on your dancing shoes, prepare to make some noise, and come on down and join us!”

    Manchester Day has been created in collaboration with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank who have also worked with community groups across the city to put together what is set be a vibrant and lively mini parade.

    Liz Pugh, Creative Producer, Walk the Plank, said: “The mini parade celebrates the wonderful creativity and diverse traditions of our modern city and highlights the contribution of some of our newest communities.  We’re bringing the talents of some of Manchester’s finest carnival artists, and will be welcoming back groups like Keep Manchester Tidy and the School of Samba, as well as some exciting newcomers.”

    Manchester Day 2025 is sponsored by Manchester Airport Group, with activations across the city on the day by Red Bull, Capri Beach Club, Shaken Udder, Just My Look, Manchester Originals, and The Cut & Craft.  The event is also backed by Redgate and Department, and partners Great Northern Warehouse and The Opera House, as well as through long-standing partnerships with Biffa and Manchester Evening News.

    Activities run throughout the day on Saturday 26 July from 12 noon to 5 pm.

    Here’s the full lowdown on what’s happening and where throughout the day:

    MINI PARADE
    Fantastical winged creatures, a Phoenix, and beautiful birds of paradise will feature in this year’s mini parade which involves over 20 community groups and bands and more than 400 participants.

    Two playful inflatable Griffins will lead the parade whilst the Queen Bee sits atop her Gondola made from recycled cutlery, repurposed into a beautiful vessel that sails through the streets, and Walk the Plank’s giant Dhol Drum beats out Punjabi rhythms as it makes its way along Deansgate.

    Dancers from the Filipino Anglo Club of Greater Manchester and Colibri Dance bring the traditions of the Philipines and Mexico to Manchester, whilst the Hong Kong Cultural community takes part for the first time with a Phoenix kite-bird and Lo Ting a character who is half-human, half-fish and according to legend is the ancestor of Hong Kong’s people.

    Manchester’s Lithuanian Association will be bringing a Lithuanian legend to life with their Queen of Serpents who changed her children into trees, and the Guangxi Cultural Association will be performing traditional Chinese dance in full costumes.

    Parade highlights also include Manchester Airport Group with their planes, traffic controllers, and dancing chandeliers, and more dance from Ad Hoc Dance, one of the longest running community dance groups, as well as hip hop from young street dancers from FreshSkillz.

    With the Irish pipes of Fiana Phadraig Pipe Band from Wythenshawe, drummers from the Manchester Dhol Players, the Brazilian-inspired brass of Jubacana, two samba bands, and singers from the Perfect Pitch collaboration with English National Opera, it promises to be a loud and lively start to the day. 

    The mini parade leaves St Peter’s Square at 12 noon, travelling along Peter Street to Deansgate, then along the length of Deansgate before ending at the Cathedral at approximately 1 pm.

    CATHEDRAL GARDENS
    Enjoy main stage performances from Baked a la Ska, who will be serving up original tunes along with playful ska-infused covers of your favourite hits, alongside synth pop star Michael Aldag and world music from Manchester International Roots Orchestra.Be transported to the sunny shores of the Caribbean by steel band, Arthur’s Class Act.

    The Urban Playground Team will perform Zoo Humans, a parkour performance piece that blends movement and storytelling. Keep your eyes peeled for a surprise performance later on it the afternoon.

    Plus listen out for chart-topping hits played on ukuleles and a stunning PERFECT PITCH mass choir finale from 4:25 pm featuring football fans, community choirs, internationally acclaimed soprano Camilla Kerslake and some extra surprises. 

    Look out also for pop-up performances from Cocky Robins, beautiful Butterflies, Giant Seagulls, and a pair of post-match footballers who aren’t afraid of getting down in the dirt and a Three o’clock kick-off penalty shoot-out like no other.

    ST ANN’S SQUARE
    Join us in our wrestling ring stage – hosted by Trans Creative’s Kate O’Donnell – for West End showtunes from Sam Buttery, mind boggling magic from Fay Presto, music from rapper OneDa, an acoustic performance from viral sensation Michael Aldag, and opera with a twist from Flat Pack Music, plus hula hooper extraordinaire Danielle de la Wonk, and wrestling demos from Future Shock Pro Wrestling, 

    Marvel at the larger-than-life Birdcage Stage where a giant canary and two musical cats will defy the laws of gravity to try and outwit each other in cartoon capers full of slapstick silliness. Who will end up inside the cage at the end?
    And look out for a lion on the loose and a mischievous stowaway from Borneo.

    DEANSGATE
    Watch the mini parade snake its way along Deansgate between 12 noon and 1 pm, led by two giant fantastical griffins, followed by live bands, dancing birds, drummers and some of Manchester’s many community groups in a riot of colour and sound.

    Marvel as sparks fly when the world’s largest dhol drum rolls into town, opening up to reveal the Nachda Sansaar dancers and drummers.

    Get on down to live acts on the Deansgate dancefloor, including Moroccan trance music, Bhangra dance, Kemoy and the KYSO Collective, and the Soul Beats dance troupe.

    Seasoned cyclists or complete beginners are all invited to join the Manchester Day Pedal Party. Hop onto a balance bike, try out an e-cargo bike, or test a top of the range road bike. There’ll also be accessible, adapted bikes that can be ridden.

    NEW CATHEDRAL STREET
    New Cathedral Street will be alive with the sound of music, as the Bridgewater Hall Singers serenade crowds with songs from across the decades, and ukulele orchestras play chart-topping hits.

    Enjoy High Tea with a Twist with Levantes Dance, who will be dressed to impress and performing daring dance and acrobatics above a tastefully laid tea table, plus hilarious street theatre heroes delivering a sizzling mix of slapstick comedy, and the world’s only mobile football stadium.

    MARKET STREET
    Visit Circus House to learn a whole new set of circus skills.

    Discover the finest regional produce at the Manchester Day Craft Market by Manchester Markets, selling everything from home-made bakes and locally sourced honey, to hand dipped candles and artisan doughnuts.

    ST MARY’S GATE
    Don’t miss French street theatre company Stoptoï combine dance, drumming and juggling in a high-energy show full of rhythm and imagination.

    Get your blood pumping at the 60m, pop up athletic track supplied by GLL, or dive into the fast and furious world of The Hundred, a turbo charged version of traditional test cricket.

    Try batting, bowling, and catching in a special area, meet players from Manchester Originals, and be in with the chance of winning prizes.

    Enjoy astounding acrobatic performances and master a new skill with the folks from Circus House.  

    OPERA HOUSE 
    Take a free, guided, behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic Manchester venue on Quay Street, craft a band poster from recycled show posters, or take part in a performance themed workshop.

    KING STREET
    King Street turns into Guitar Street as the Music for the Senses art trail takes over the city centre, with amazing artworks and interactive installations that celebrate Manchester’s legendary music scene. In association with Wild in Art.

    EXCHANGE STREET
    Make some noise with Manchester Libraries and craft a harmonica or tambourine to take home.  

    MCR LIVE ’25 HUB
    Roll with it at the city’s newest destination on Piccadilly Gardens to help celebrate the mammoth summer of live music in Manchester.

    Grab a drink at the bar, sample some of the North West’s best street food or catch a free DJ or live music act on the outdoor stage. 

    Locations and activities may be subject to change. Find out the most up-to-date information 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: EnerPure Appoints Advisory Board Members to Support Strategic Growth and Commercialization Efforts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Winnipeg, MB, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EnerPure Inc. (“EnerPure” or the “Company”), a waste to energy company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Farrar, Susan Rohac, and Mogens L. Mathiesen as Advisory Board Members. Each of these newly appointed Advisors brings significant industry experience and expertise in their respective areas and their thought leadership, strategic acumen, and experience will be invaluable to management as EnerPure moves through the commercialization and growth phase.

    “Gary, Susan, and Mogens as true experts in their respective fields provide tremendous depth and width to the knowledge base of our team, we are honoured to have them on the team” said Rick Koshman, President and CEO of EnerPure. “Each of them brings a unique and highly complementary skill set that aligns perfectly with our goal to deploy 21 recycling plants in 6 years. Gary with over 46 years experience in UMO recycling, Susan as one of Canada’s most prolific Cleantech investors, and Mogens with his shipping decarbonization focus provide us with priceless industry insights and know-how as we look to navigate the next few years.”

    About Gary Farrar
    Gary is a seasoned executive with over 45 years of leadership in the used motor oil (UMO) recycling and environmental services industry across North America. His expertise spans operations, business development, logistics, refinery supply, and sales. He has held senior roles including U.S. Vice President of Supply and Product Sales at Safety-Kleen, where he led the growth of recycled oil streams and oversaw the world’s largest UMO re-refinery. As General Manager of Safety-Kleen Canada, he managed nationwide operations and multiple business lines. At Heritage-Crystal Clean, he helped launch and scale a 75-million-gallon refinery in Indianapolis. Gary is known for building high-performing teams and driving operational and commercial success in complex industrial environments.

    About Susan Rohac – LinkedIn
    Susan recently retired from BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) after 34 years of service. As Managing Partner of the Climate Tech venture capital fund, she led a pan-Canadian team of investment professionals and managed a portfolio of over $1 billion in assets including a $500 million fund that was launched in 2022 focusing on investing in Canada’s most promising cleantech companies. She has invested in a wide range of climate technologies such as CCUS, CDR, hydrogen, critical minerals, energy storage/battery, mobility, proptech, and advanced materials. Susan was recognized as a Climate Leader in 2024 by the Clean50 and was recipient of the Clean16 award. Susan holds honour degrees in both science and finance and has her executive MBA and ICD governance designation.

    About Mogens L. Mathiesen – LinkedIn
    Mogens has over 25 years of expertise in maritime technology and sustainability. Specializing in maritime decarbonisation, he has pioneered data-driven solutions to reduce shipping emissions. As Chief Industry and Strategy Officer at HUB Ocean, Mogens led initiatives to enable green shipping routes and foster industry collaboration. He co-founded Arundo Analytics, driving the development of analytics platforms for maritime applications, and volunteers in the Ocean Rescue Service in Norway. With an M.Sc. in Ocean Engineering and Marine Cybernetics from the NTNU and UC Berkeley, Mogens is committed to advancing sustainable practices through innovation and strategic leadership.

    About EnerPure – https://enerpure.tech
    “We recycle Used Motor Oil (UMO) to reduce GHG emissions while producing a lower carbon-intensive marine fuel.”

    Each year ~17 billion litres of UMO* are improperly burned or dumped, causing widespread environmental harm. EnerPure sees a tremendous opportunity to solve this problem through the deployment of its modular micro-scale recycling plants using its patented technology to convert UMO into high-quality marine fuel.

    EnerPure is entering its next phase of growth, with our first commercial plant planned for Alberta. Our recycling plants require ~5% of the capex of traditional solutions, enabling localized recycling (while reducing the cost of collection) and providing strong economic returns. 

    Our technology has been proven via our pilot plant (operating at 43% of scale) with 1.6 million litres processed and validated through the sale of over 1.2 million litres. Our drop-in ISO 8217-compliant marine fuel is in high demand in a growing market with its 14.6% lower carbon intensity.  Annually each recycling plant can reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions and criteria air contaminants by 36,315 and 437 tonnes, respectively.

    EnerPure, while delivering strong economic returns, offers a proven, scalable platform where environmental need meets commercial opportunity, powering the energy transition through smart regional recycling.

    *UMO is defined as any petroleum-based or synthetic lubricating oil that cannot be used for its original purpose due to contamination.

    Disclosure and Caution
    This press release may contain certain disclosures that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. In making the forward-looking statements, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. However, the forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to economic, capital expenditures, and engineering projections, that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or 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.

    The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.

     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Gene editing technology could be used to save species on the brink of extinction

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cock Van Oosterhout, Professor of Evolutionary Genetics, University of East Anglia

    Earth’s biodiversity is in crisis. An imminent “sixth mass extinction” threatens beloved and important wildlife. It also threatens to reduce the amount of genetic diversity – or variation – within species.

    This variation in genes within a species is crucial for their ability to adapt to changes in the environment or resist diseases. Genetic variation is therefore crucial for species’ long term survival.

    Traditional conservation efforts – such as protected areas, measures to prevent poaching, and captive breeding – remain essential to prevent extinction. But even when these measures succeed in boosting population numbers, they cannot recover genetic diversity that has already been lost. The loss of a unique gene variant can take thousands of years of evolution before it is recovered by a lucky mutation.

    In a new paper in Nature Reviews Biodiversity, an international team of geneticists and wildlife biologists argues that the survival of some species will depend on gene editing, along with more traditional conservation actions. Using these advanced genetic tools, like those already revolutionising agriculture and medicine, can give endangered species a boost by adding genetic diversity that isn’t there.

    Genetic engineering is not new. Plant breeders have used it for decades to develop crops with traits to boost disease resistance and drought tolerance. Around 13.5% of the world’s arable land grows genetically modified crops. Gene-editing tools such as Crispr are also being used in “de-extinction” projects that aim to recreate extinct animals.

    The Dallas-based company Colossal Laboratory & Biosciences has attracted headlines for its efforts to bring back the woolly mammoth, dodo and dire wolf. In de-extinction, the DNA of a living relative species is edited (changed) to approximate the extinct species’ most charismatic traits.

    For example, to “resurrect” a woolly mammoth, Colossal’s researchers plan to splice mammoth genes (recovered from ancient remains) into the genome of the Asian elephant to produce a cold-hardy, hairy elephant-mammoth hybrid. Colossal recently engineered grey wolf pups with 20 gene edits from the extinct dire wolf’s DNA.

    Colossal edited grey wolves to have traits from extinct dire wolves.
    Colossal

    The “Jurassic Park”-style revival of long-gone creatures has attracted considerable attention and funding, which has accelerated the development of genome engineering techniques. These same genome editing tools can be used for conservation of existing and endangered species. If we can edit a mouse to have mammoth hair, or edit a wolf to resemble a dire wolf, why not edit an endangered bird’s genome to make it more resilient to disease and climate change?

    Museum specimens

    Using DNA from historical specimens, scientists can identify important genetic variants that a species has lost. Many museums hold century-old skins, bones, or seeds – a genomic time capsule of past diversity. With genome editing, it is possible to reintroduce these lost variants into the wild gene pool.

    By restoring genetic variation, species can be fortified against emerging diseases and environmental change. A sharp decline in population numbers is called a “bottleneck”. During a bottleneck, inbreeding and genetic drift lead to the random loss of genetic diversity. Harmful mutations can also increase in frequency. Such “genomic erosion” compromises the health of individuals and can make populations more prone to extinction.

    If we can pinpoint a particularly damaging mutation that has become widespread in the population or a variant that has been lost, we could replace it in a few individuals using gene editing. Aided by natural selection, the healthy variant would gradually spread in the population.

    If a threatened species lacks genes that it desperately needs to survive new conditions, why not borrow them from a close relative that already has those traits? Known as facilitated adaptation, this could help wildlife cope with threats such as climate change.

    In agriculture, such cross-species gene transfers are routine. Tomatoes have been engineered with a mustard plant gene to tolerate cold, and chestnut trees got a wheat gene for disease resistance. There is no reason why such techniques cannot be expanded to animals.

    These genetic interventions can complement, but never replace traditional conservation measures. Habitat protection, control of invasive predators, captive breeding programmes, and other on-the-ground action remain absolutely necessary. Importantly, gene editing only makes sense if the target population has recovered in numbers enough (often through conservation), to allow natural selection to do its job.

    Measuring the risk of extinction

    Gene-edited animals or plants wouldn’t have a chance if released into a barren habitat or a poaching hotspot. Genomic tools can give an extra edge to species that are already being saved from immediate threats, equipping them for adaptive evolution in the future.

    Climate zones are shifting, new diseases are spreading, and once-isolated populations are cut off in small fragments of habitat. Without intervention, even intensive habitat management might not prevent a wave of extinctions.

    However, a strategy of gene editing also comes with significant risks and unknowns. One technical concern is off-target effects – Crispr and other gene-editing techniques might make unintended DNA changes in addition to the intended edit. In other words, you attempt to insert a disease-resistance gene, but accidentally disrupt another gene in the process. Similarly, a gene may have more than one function, which is known as pleiotropy.

    Especially in less-well studied species, we may not be aware of all those functions or pleiotropic effects. Regulatory inertia and public scepticism may also present big obstacles – these issues have historically limited the rollout of genetically modified (GM) organisms, particularly in agriculture.

    There are also evolutionary and ecological uncertainties. A deliberate gene edit might have knock-on effects on how the species evolves over time. For instance, if one individual is given a highly beneficial gene that spreads rapidly, it could replace all the other gene variants at that location in the genome (the full complement of DNA in the organism’s cell). This is known as a “selective sweep”, and it inadvertently reduces the genetic diversity in that region of the genome.

    Some critics argue that the narrative of a genetic quick fix could distract from the root causes of biodiversity loss. If people believe we can simply “edit” a species to save it, will that undermine the urgency to protect habitats or cut carbon emissions? Portraying extinction as reversible might seed false hope and reduce the motivation for tough environmental action.

    Conservation efforts, strong environmental policies and legal protections remain indispensable. So do habitat restoration, climate action and reducing the impact made on the environment by humans.

    Nevertheless, genome engineering is a new tool in the conservation toolbox. It’s one that –given the right assistance and environmental encouragement – can help save species from extinction.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Cock Van Oosterhout receives funding from the Royal Society for conservation genomics work on threatened bird species in Mauritius, and a donation by the Colossal Foundation for conservation genomic research on the pink pigeon. He is member of the Conservation Genetics Specialist Group of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

    – ref. Gene editing technology could be used to save species on the brink of extinction – https://theconversation.com/gene-editing-technology-could-be-used-to-save-species-on-the-brink-of-extinction-261419

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Grandparent care: women from poorer backgrounds help out most with childcare

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Giorgio Di Gessa, Lecturer in Data Science, UCL

    szefei/Shutterstock

    Grandparents play a pivotal role in family life. They are often a vital part of the childcare puzzle, stepping in to look after their grandchildren while parents are at work or busy. And there’s a lot of grandparent care taking place.

    In England, around half of all grandparents provide care for their grandchildren when the parents are not around. And the percentage of grandparents providing care is even higher when they have grandchildren aged 16 and under, who are more likely to require supervision, care, and support from an adult when the parents are busy at work or unavailable. In this case, 66% of grandparents help out.

    I used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, to analyse the caring roles of over 5,000 grandparents. I used data collected in 2016-17 to assess how often grandparents looked after their grandchildren, the activities they did with them, and why they helped out. I also discovered that there are clear gender and socioeconomic patterns. Further analysis of data from 2018-19 showed that providing care as a grandparent can affect wellbeing.

    I found that in England, among grandparents who looked after grandchildren, 45% of grandparents spent at least one day a week looking after their young grandchildren. They did so consistently throughout the year, with 8% doing so almost daily. Approximately one in three grandparents provided care to their grandchildren during school holidays.

    Around 25% of grandparents who looked after their grandchildren were still working. Most grandparents reported having overall good physical health.

    And most grandparents who cared for their grandchildren also lived relatively close to them – less than half an hour away from their closest grandchild – and had at least one grandchild aged under six years old.

    Most of the grandparents in the study who cared for grandchildren – 80% – mentioned that they played or took part in leisure activities with their grandchildren. Around half said that they frequently cooked for them and helped with picking them up and dropping them off from schools and nurseries. And although it was less common, grandparents also helped with homework and taking care of their grandchildren when they were not feeling well.

    About three grandparents in four (76%) said that their motivation for helping out was to give their grandchildren’s parents some time out from childcare responsibilities. A similar percentage – 70% – said they wanted to provide some economic support, either by offering financial assistance or by allowing parents to go to work.

    Just over half of grandparents (52%) said that being able to provide emotional support was what drove their motivation to provide grandchild care: they wanted to feel engaged with young people and help their grandchildren develop. But 17% say that they felt obliged to help out, and found it difficult to refuse.

    The grandmother’s role

    But while we tend to talk about “grandparents” as a group, grandmothers and grandfathers often experience and approach caregiving in distinctly different ways.

    In particular, when examining the specific activities undertaken with their grandchildren, there are clear gender distinctions. I found that grandmothers were more likely than grandfathers to engage in hands-on tasks: preparing meals, helping with homework, caring for grandchildren when they are sick, and doing school pick-ups.

    Grandfathers were less likely to do hands-on caring activities, such as school pickups.
    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    Grandfathers, while also involved, tended to participate less in these activities. This is the case even among grandparent couples who lived together and jointly cared for their grandchildren.

    The role of wealth

    The extent and nature of grandparental care is also closely linked to grandparents’ socioeconomic status. For example, grandparents with fewer financial resources tended to offer childcare more regularly than their wealthier counterparts.

    Socioeconomic disparities also shape the nature of caregiving tasks. Less affluent grandparents were more likely to engage in hands-on activities, such as cooking meals and taking their grandchildren to and from school. In contrast, grandparents with more education were more likely than those with less education to help with homework frequently.

    The reasons for providing care also varied according to grandparents’ socioeconomic status. Grandparents with greater financial resources and higher levels of education were more likely to report providing childcare to help parents manage work and other responsibilities, as well as to offer emotional support to their grandchildren. Conversely, those with fewer financial resources were more likely to feel obliged to help or to struggle to refuse caregiving duties.

    Grandparent wellbeing

    What grandparents do with their grandchildren and why they have an active role in caring for them can also affect their wellbeing in complex ways. Grandparents who often took part in fun or enriching activities with their grandchildren, such as leisure activities or helping with homework, tended to report higher wellbeing compared to their peers who did not look after grandchildren.

    However, grandparents who cared for their grandchildren when they were sick or who had them stay overnight without parents tended to report, over time, lower wellbeing.

    Motivations also matter for grandparents’ wellbeing. Grandparents had a higher quality of life if they cared for their grandchildren because they wanted to help them develop as people, or to feel engaged with young people. However, grandparents who felt obliged to help, perhaps due to family pressure or lack of alternatives, experienced lower wellbeing.

    In short, these findings remind us that behind the broad label of “grandparenting” lies a diverse world of individuals whose involvement in caring for grandchildren – how often they care, what they do, and why – is closely linked to and varies with gender norms and socioeconomic status.

    Also, the meaning behind grandparenting and the type of interactions shared with grandchildren seems to matter for grandparents’ wellbeing. Overall, these insights suggest that these caring responsibilities may contribute to the reinforcement or even deepening of existing gender, socioeconomic and health inequalities among older adults.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

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

    – ref. Grandparent care: women from poorer backgrounds help out most with childcare – https://theconversation.com/grandparent-care-women-from-poorer-backgrounds-help-out-most-with-childcare-253168

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Congress has a chequered history of overseeing US intelligence and national security

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Luca Trenta, Associate Professor in International Relations, Swansea University

    Tonya Ugoretz, a top FBI intelligence analyst, was placed on administrative leave in June. The FBI has not said why. But the decision came around the time she refused to endorse what was reportedly a thinly sourced report accusing China of interfering in the 2020 US presidential election in favour of Joe Biden.

    At the Bureau, loyalty tests and polygraph checks have also allegedly become routine as part of a crackdown on news leaks. When approached by the New York Times about the matter, the FBI declined to comment and cited “personnel matters and internal deliberations”.

    The situation does not seem to be much different at the CIA. In May, agency director John Ratcliffe ordered a review of the intelligence community’s earlier conclusion that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential campaign on behalf of Donald Trump. The conclusion, Ratcliffe contends, was unwarranted and imposed by political pressure – a claim that has been rejected by one of the report’s leading authors.

    The intelligence community has reportedly also been under pressure to substantiate Trump’s claims that the recent military strikes on Iran had obliterated its nuclear sites. This is despite mixed evidence regarding the extent of their success. These examples suggest a growing politicisation of intelligence and national security in the US.

    Researchers and observers have highlighted the detrimental effect of this process. When intelligence is conducted by ideologues that are screened for loyalty, it often becomes more about pleasing the leader than collecting accurate information and preventing failure.

    Less attention has been paid to the permissive attitude of Congress. Many Republicans in Congress have taken an unquestioning attitude toward the claims made by the president and other officials, allowing intelligence agencies to pursue Trump’s agenda unimpeded.

    While Trump and Patel’s focus on personal loyalty when it comes to intelligence is new, partisan influence in congressional oversight is not. In fact, Congress has a long history of supporting the intelligence priorities of the governing administration.

    For much of the cold war, Congress was not involved – and did not want to be involved – in matters of intelligence. This view was expressed by former CIA legal counsel, Walter Pforzheimer, during an interview in 1988. Reflecting on the early days of oversight, he stated: “It wasn’t that we were attempting to hide anything. Our main problem was we couldn’t get them [Congress] to sit still and listen.”

    This quote isn’t entirely true. In research from 2023, I showed that Congress was more involved than was generally believed. The US-backed 1954 coup in Guatemala, which deposed the democratically elected president, Jacobo Árbenz, is a case in point. Leading members of Congress were “in the know” and others pushed Dwight Eisenhower’s administration to be even more aggressive.

    But Congress took on a more active role in intelligence matters in the 1970s. Following a series of public revelations about the CIA’s behaviour, a select committee was established in 1975 and exposed abuses by intelligence agencies including the surveillance of US citizens, experiments with drugs and involvement in assassinations.

    In the wake of this, Congress established intelligence committees with oversight duties. The idea was that the CIA would present a document signed by the president to notify congressional committees of its intentions.

    However, the system ran into trouble in the 1980s, and partisanship and politicisation were part of the story. The Ronald Reagan administration’s support for the “contra” rebels in Nicaragua made intelligence a matter of severe partisan conflict.

    Removing Nicaragua’s government

    When Reagan took office in 1981, one of the primary foreign policy priorities for his administration was removing the Sandinista National Liberation Front from power in Nicaragua. The administration saw the Sandinistas as a threat to the region and – in Reagan’s black-and-white thinking – as puppets of Communist Moscow and Havana.

    The administration sought to convince Congress that its aims were limited. The aim, or so CIA director William Casey told the intelligence committees, was to obstruct the transfer of weapons from Nicaragua to neighbouring El Salvador. Another left-wing guerrilla movement, the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front, was threatening the US-supported government there.

    Initially, the policy received bipartisan support in Congress. The linchpin of this policy was the creation of an insurgent group in Nicaragua called the contras (contrarevolucionarios). It was made up of members of the previous regime’s brutal national guard, as well as other groups that had become disgruntled with the Sandinistas.

    Nicaraguan contras, who fought against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua during the 1980s.
    Tiomono / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-NC-SA

    News stories soon made clear that the size of the contra army had radically expanded, from the 500 members discussed by Casey in his initial briefing to thousands. The contras’ stated goal of overthrowing the Sandinistas, which they ultimately failed to do, also contradicted the earlier Reagan administration’s statements to Congress.

    Democrats in Congress pushed the leadership of intelligence committees to curtail the administration’s activities. Edward Boland, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, penned and helped to pass two amendments. The first prohibited any US government support for the purpose of overthrowing the Nicaraguan government.

    When the administration found loopholes to circumvent this, Boland’s second amendment prohibited any US funds from being spent in support of the contras. This amendment is generally understood as a first step towards the so-called Iran-Contra scandal.

    The Reagan administration illegally funded the contras behind Congress’s back by using the proceeds from secret arms sales to Iran – a state the US had been at loggerheads with since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

    The Boland amendments also helped make an intelligence and covert operations issue a matter of public debate and – more importantly – congressional votes. Republicans in Congress abandoned their oversight duties and followed the administration’s guidelines.

    Votes on contra aid became an opportunity for partisan controversy, vitriolic attacks, accusations of betrayal and large-scale influence campaigns. Instead of oversight, a deep partisan divide materialised.

    Counting on Congress? Think again

    The role of Congress is to conduct oversight. It is the role of the governing administration to keep Congress informed of intelligence matters, particularly covert operations. History shows this has often been hard to achieve.

    Congress has been complacent, complicit and often too willing to follow the government’s lead. In some cases, Congress has acted but primarily in the aftermath of major scandals or media revelations. This is called “firefighting” behaviour.

    But “firefighters” seem to now be in short supply. As much as domestic constraints on Trump’s power are decreasing, the same is happening in the context of intelligence and foreign policy.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Luca Trenta received funding from British Academy Grant SRG21211237.

    – ref. Congress has a chequered history of overseeing US intelligence and national security – https://theconversation.com/congress-has-a-chequered-history-of-overseeing-us-intelligence-and-national-security-261120

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How RUDN University ecologists conducted an expedition to Baskunchak

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Institute of Ecology has had a student popular science travel club for 5 years, opened by NSO GreenLab. With the support of teachers, students organize independent expeditions – scientific research trips with the implementation of a set scientific task, as well as popular science and educational trips.

    “GreenLab does not go on hikes just like that. Each of our outdoor events has a scientific or educational purpose. We see a request from students to participate in such scientific expeditions. Most are not interested in just walking or driving a route to see something beautiful and take a photo for the sake of it – they need something to take with them, in addition to vivid impressions. New knowledge, skills necessary for a future career, understanding of the structure of various ecosystems and natural processes. We select those who are in solidarity with our values and are ready not only to travel, but also to study. So not only students from other RUDN departments go with us, but also from other universities,” – Daniil Mironov, GreenLab outdoor manager, student of the Institute of Ecology (Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, 1st year).

    During the existence of the NSO, students have been on expeditions not only within Russia, but also abroad. The young researchers have worked in Kamchatka Krai, Murmansk Oblast, the Republic of Dagestan, Kalmykia, Karelia, Primorsky Krai, as well as in the regions of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Italy and the Czech Republic.

    One of the latest expeditions took place in the Astrakhan region. A group of students went to the vicinity of Lake Baskunchak. This is not only a famous salt lake, but also karst caves and chalk quarries with various minerals and ancient fossils.

    “The goal of the expedition is to study steppe ecosystems, as well as the geological features of Lake Baskunchak and Mount Bogdo. Bogdo is only 150 meters high, but it is the highest point of the Caspian lowland. Few people know, but this mountain is a real salt dome covered with sedimentary rocks. The salt layers below gradually squeeze it out, causing it to grow by several millimeters per year, promising to erupt in millions of years as real salt lava,” Daniil Mironov, GreenLab outdoor manager, student at the Institute of Ecology (“Applied Mathematics and Computer Science”, 1st year).

    “We got acquainted with the local flora and fauna – we saw menacing solpugs, anxious snakes and numerous dung beetles. We experienced the changeability of the weather in the steppes – we conducted radial walks under the scorching sun, and in the evenings we cooked dinner and listened to lectures in the rain. We managed to walk along the surface of Baskunchak and in its brine (salt solution of lake water), the bottom of which is covered with the mineral halite – the same table salt that we use and which is mined here on an industrial scale,” – Lada Yaseneva, a student of the Institute of Ecology (Ecology and Nature Management, 2nd year).

    Lake Baskunchak itself is fed by 19 springs, of which only 2 are fresh. Underground water passes through layers of salt, becoming saturated and then flowing into Baskunchak itself. The concentration of salt in the lake is about 250 ml/l, which makes it one of the saltiest in Russia and in the world. Salt is not the only mineral that can be found in the vicinity of Baskunchak. There are chalk quarries around – active and exhausted, in which you can find minerals and ancient fossils, such as vertebrae of fish that lived more than 200 million years ago. Participants were able to take away samples of gypsum and feldspars.

    “In a few days, we managed to visit the most interesting places: we climbed Mount Bogdo with its incredible views, visited a gypsum quarry where the land resembled alien landscapes, and, of course, we reached Lake Baskunchak. We had to walk 10 km to the lake, but it was worth it! Walking on salt was painful – my legs cut like broken glass – but the feeling of standing in the middle of an endless white desert was unforgettable. And as souvenirs, we brought home salt crystals and gypsum,” – Daria Dobrova, a student at the Institute of Ecology (“Energy and Resource-Saving Processes in Chemical Engineering, Petrochemistry and Biotechnology”, 1st year).

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on StatsCan release of 2024 police-reported crime statistics

    Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in response to Statistics Canada’s release of 2024 police-reported crime statistics:

    “The newly released 2024 police-reported crime stats are encouraging. B.C.’s Crime Severity Index fell 11% last year to its lowest level in six years, marking the largest drop in the country.

    “This progress reflects the continued efforts by the B.C. government, First Nations and local governments, police services, community organizations and businesses to work together to build safer communities.

    “This reduction is also the result of focused investments in policing, mental-health and addictions supports, housing and crime-prevention initiatives. We are seeing the positive impacts of new provincial programs to strengthen public safety, such as expanded integrated response teams and targeted enforcement against repeat violent offenders and organized crime. For example, in British Columbia, violent firearm offences dropped by 20%, homicides dropped 24%, robbery dropped by 8% and mischief dropped by 4%.

    “While these results are promising, we know we have more work to do and there are specific areas where we need to renew our focus. If you are the victim of a theft or an attack, these statistics do not make you feel any safer.

    “I am committed to supporting front-line officers and community partners, addressing the root causes of crime and ensuring that there are specific areas where we need to strengthen our efforts. There is much more to do and we’re going to keep working hard to make sure people in British Columbia can build a good life in safe, healthy communities.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Group of men convicted of murdering two people in Archway

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A group of five men, who killed two people they mistook for rival gang members in Archway have been convicted of murder.

    Lorik Lupqi, 21 (22.09.2003) of St John’s Way, N19, Abel Chunda, 29 (03.01.1996) of Caldy Walk, N1, Jason Furtado, 28 (18.12.1996) of Halton Road, N1, Eden Clark, 29 (28.01.94), of Huddleston Road N7 and Xavier Poponne, 21 (06.11.2002) of Halton Road, Islington, N1 appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 23 July.

    Following a 15-week trial, all men were all convicted of murdering 15-year-old Leonardo Reid and 23-year-old Klevi Shekaj and attempting to murder another man.

    Detective Inspector Jim Barry of Specialist Crime North said “These violent men went into this estate with the intention of killing anyone they could, under the false impression that those there were rival gang members. This was a senseless, violent act which has shattered the lives of so many, especially Leonardo and Klevi’s loved ones.”

    On Thursday, 29 June 2023, there had been a large gathering on the Elthorne estate to film a music video.

    Lorik Lupqi, a gang member from Islington saw this gathering at around 8:30pm and took it as an opportunity to hurt who he thought were gang opponents. He messaged his girlfriend stating that “opps were outside.” She advised him to remain inside, but Lupqi decided to contact his close friend and gang associate Jason Furtado.

    They formed a plan and recruited three gang members to travel to the Elthorne estate. By the time they arrived two hours later, the filming had concluded, and most people had left, but some local children and teenagers remained in the area.

    The group then fatally stabbed 15-year-old Leonardo Reid, who sadly died at the scene and 23-year-old Klevi Shekaj who died in hospital. They also stabbed another man, who was taken to hospital.

    A double murder and attempted murder investigation was launched with extensive enquiries taking place.

    The enquiries carried out by Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command included reviewing CCTV, forensic examinations and analysis of phone data. This data showed that there were 50 short phone calls between this group in the two hours before the murders. After the attack, the four went to Abel Chunda’s house and called organiser Furtado.

    They were identified as key suspects and work began to bring them into custody.

    Chuna and Furtado were arrested on 3 July with Clarke travelling to the Suffolk coast and changing his appearance in an attempt to evade arrest. Met Officers quickly located him and arrested him on 12 July.

    One suspect, Lupqi illegally travelled to Kosovo days after the murders. He had sent messages to his girlfriend, telling her not to wait for him. Met officers worked closely with the Kosovan authorities, the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service to extradite him back to the UK and arrest him at Luton Airport on 12 November 2024.

    Following Poponne’s arrest in November 2023, damning lyrics were found in a drill song written the day after the murders. These lyrics glorified the murders and made references to elements of the attack which could only be known to those involved. In these lyrics, he also referenced how Leonardo and Klevi were not involved in gang criminality. Shortly after the murders, he also changed his social media name to ‘X3’ referencing the number of people he had stabbed.

    During the trial, the group refused to admit responsibility with some stating that they were in the area to deal drugs but not involved in the murders.

    They all appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 23 July where they were all convicted of two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. They will appear at the same court on Thursday, 25 September and Friday, 26 September for sentencing.

    Detective Inspector Jim Barry added: “Our team have remained focused on getting justice for those affected by this violent and unnecessary attack.

    “This dangerous group of men will now spend a long time behind bars but the effect of what they did will be felt by the victim’s shattered families for longer.

    “I thank the members of the public who tried to help and save the lives of those injured and have assisted our team with enquiries.

    “We will continue to tackle violent offenders and ensure that justice is bought for the safety of our communities.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Juniata Valley Financial Corp. Announces Results for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mifflintown, PA, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Juniata Valley Financial Corp. (OTCQX:JUVF) (“Juniata”), announced net income for the three months ended June 30, 2025 of $1.9 million, an increase of 9.5% compared to net income of $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Earnings per share, basic and diluted, increased 8.6%, to $0.38, during the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $0.35 during the three months ended June 30, 2024. Net income was $3.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of 26.4% compared to net income of $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Earnings per share, basic and diluted, increased 25.8%, to $0.78, during the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $0.62 during the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    President’s Message

    President and Chief Executive Officer, Marcie A. Barber stated, “We are pleased to announce second quarter net income of $1.9 million which represents a 9.5% increase over the same quarter last year and a year-to-date net income increase of 26.4% compared to the first six months last year. These improvements are due primarily to disciplined loan and deposit pricing and healthy loan growth. Our credit quality remains strong with nonperforming loans totaling 0.1% of the total loan portfolio and delinquent and nonperforming loans comprising 0.3% of the portfolio. We anticipate continued strong loan activity throughout the remainder of 2025, which would be expected to contribute to the positive trend in our net interest margin.”     

    Financial Results Year-to-Date

    Annualized return on average assets for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was 0.92%, an increase of 27.8% compared to the annualized return on average assets of 0.72% for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Annualized return on average equity for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was 15.76%, an increase of 4.1% compared to the annualized return on average equity of 15.14% for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    Net interest income was $12.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $11.3 million during the comparable 2024 period. Average earning assets decreased $11.6 million, or 1.3%, to $846.3 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, due primarily to a decrease of $18.2 million, or 5.8%, in average investment securities as principal paydowns on the mortgage-backed securities portfolio were used for funding needs rather than being reinvested into the securities portfolio. This decline was partially offset by a $7.9 million, or 1.5%, increase in average loans over the same six month periods. Average interest bearing liabilities decreased by $13.6 million, or 2.2%, for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024. This decrease was primarily due to a decline of $26.0 million, or 33.9%, in average borrowings and other interest bearing liabilities, which was partially offset by an increase in average time deposits of $16.2 million, or 8.0%, for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    The yield on earning assets increased 17 basis points, to 4.46%, for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to same period last year driven by an increase in loan yields of 18 basis points, while the cost to fund interest earning assets with interest bearing liabilities decreased three basis points, to 2.24%. The net interest margin, on a fully tax equivalent basis, increased from 2.68% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 to 2.89% for the six months ended June 30, 2025.

    Juniata recorded a provision for credit losses of $453,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to a provision for credit losses of $239,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in the provision for credit losses between six month periods was primarily due to 4.2% growth in total loans in 2025.

    Non-interest income was $2.8 million during both the six months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024. Most significantly impacting the comparative six month periods was an increase of $99,000 in customer service fees in the 2025 period, which was offset by decreases of $75,000 in fees derived from loan activity primarily due to a decline in title insurance commissions, as well as $41,000 in commissions from sales of non-deposit products in the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024.

    Non-interest expense was $9.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $10.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024, a decrease of 4.9%. Most significantly impacting non-interest expense in the comparative six month periods were decreases in employee compensation and benefits expenses of $367,000 and $130,000, respectively. The primary drivers for these declines were decreases in employee salary expenses compared to the 2024 period, with the 2024 expenses having been elevated due to overtime pay from the 2024 core conversion and actions taken to optimize staffing levels, and employee benefits expense due to a decrease in medical claims expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2024. Also contributing to the decrease in non-interest expense between the comparative six month periods was a decrease of $80,000 in professional fees. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $91,000 in equipment expense primarily due to an increase in office depreciation expenses.

    An income tax provision of $700,000 was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to an income tax provision of $497,000 recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2024, due primarily to the increase in taxable income in the 2025 period.

    Financial Results for the Quarter

    Annualized return on average assets for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was 0.89%, an increase of 9.9%, compared to 0.81% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Annualized return on average equity for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was 15.01%, a decrease of 8.4%, compared to 16.38% for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Net interest income was $6.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $5.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Average interest earning assets decreased 1.0%, to $849.8 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, due to a decrease of $18.3 million, or 5.8%, in average investment securities, which was partially offset by an $11.2 million, or 2.1%, increase in average loans. Average interest bearing liabilities decreased by $11.3 million, or 1.8%, for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. This decrease was primarily due to a decline of $28.1 million, or 38.1%, in average borrowings and other interest bearing liabilities, which was partially offset by increases in average interest bearing demand and time deposits of $4.9 million, or 2.4%, and $14.9 million, or 7.3%, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    The yield on earning assets increased 14 basis points, to 4.50%, for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to same period last year, driven by an increase in loan yields of 11 basis points, while the cost to fund interest earning assets with interest bearing liabilities decreased eight basis points, to 2.21%. The net interest margin, on a fully tax equivalent basis, increased from 2.73% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 to 2.95% for the three months ended June 30, 2025.

    Juniata recorded a provision for credit losses of $349,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to a provision for credit losses of $119,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in the provision for credit losses between three month periods was primarily due to growth in outstanding loans in the 2025 period.

    Non-interest income was $1.5 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024. Most significantly impacting non-interest income in the comparative three month periods were decreases of $40,000 in commissions from sales of non-deposit products and $32,000 in trust fees. Partially offsetting these declines were increases of $31,000 in the change in value of equity securities and $44,000 in other non-interest income primarily due to recording an IRS refund on an amended tax return and an increase in online banking fees in the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared the three months ended June 30, 2024.

    Non-interest expense was $5.1 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024. Most significantly impacting non-interest expense in the comparative three month periods was a decrease of $134,000 in employee compensation expense, due primarily to the 2024 expenses having been elevated due to overtime pay from the 2024 core conversion and actions taken to optimize staffing levels. Partially offsetting this decline were increases of $57,000 in taxes, other than income, due to an increase in Pennsylvania Shares Tax expense and $176,000 in other non-interest expense due primarily to an increase in the provision for unfunded commitments in the three months ended June 30, 2025.

    An income tax provision of $329,000 was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to an income tax provision of $296,000 recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to greater taxable income in the 2025 period.

    Financial Condition

    Total assets as of June 30, 2025 were $866.4 million, an increase of $17.6 million, or 2.1%, compared to total assets of $848.9 million at December 31, 2024. Cash and cash equivalents increased by $1.1 million, or 10.1%, as of June 30, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024, while total debt and equity securities decreased by $4.9 million, or 1.9%, over the same period as cash flows were used for funding needs rather than reinvested into the investment portfolio. Total loans increased by $22.5 million, or 4.2%, as of June 30, 2025 compared to year-end 2024 mainly due to an increase in commercial loans. Total deposits increased by $11.4 million, or 1.5%, as of June 30, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024 due to an increase in interest bearing deposits. Short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements increased by $7.5 million, or 17.7%, as of June 30, 2025 compared to year-end 2024 primarily due to an increase in overnight borrowings, which were used to replace a FHLB long-term advance that matured in June 2025, resulting in the $5.0 million, or 100.0%, decline in long-term debt between comparative periods.

    Juniata maintained a strong liquidity position as of June 30, 2025, with additional borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh of $203.9 million and $50.7 million in additional borrowing capacity from the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window. In addition, Juniata has internal authorization for brokered deposits of up to $175.0 million. Juniata had no brokered deposits outstanding as of June 30, 2025.

    Subsequent Event

    On July 15, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.22 per share to shareholders of record on August 18, 2025, payable on September 1, 2025.

    Management considers subsequent events occurring after the statement of condition date for matters which may require adjustment to, or disclosure in, the consolidated financial statements. The review period for subsequent events extends up to and including the filing date of a public company’s consolidated financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the financial information in this release is subject to change.

    The Juniata Valley Bank, the principal subsidiary of Juniata Valley Financial Corp., is headquartered in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, with fourteen community offices located in Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Franklin, McKean and Potter Counties. More information regarding Juniata Valley Financial Corp. and The Juniata Valley Bank can be found online at www.JVBonline.com. Juniata Valley Financial Corp. trades through the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol JUVF.

    Forward-Looking Information

    *This press release may contain “forward looking” information as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Juniata’s management with respect to, among other things, future events and Juniata’s financial performance. When words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative variations of those words or similar expressions are used in this release, Juniata is making forward-looking statements. Such information is based on Juniata’s current expectations, estimates and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of its business, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond the control of Juniata. These statements are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance, events or results and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materializes, or if underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from this forward-looking information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and many factors could affect future financial results. Juniata undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward looking information, whether because of new or updated information, future events, or otherwise. For a more complete discussion of certain risks and uncertainties affecting Juniata, please see the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Forward-Looking Statements” set forth in the Juniata’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Financial Statements

    Juniata Valley Financial Corp. and Subsidiary
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

                 
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data)      (Unaudited)       
        June 30, 2025   December 31, 2024
    ASSETS            
    Cash and due from banks   $ 4,874     $ 5,064  
    Interest bearing deposits with banks     7,237       5,934  
    Cash and cash equivalents     12,111       10,998  
                 
    Equity securities     1,154       1,189  
    Debt securities available for sale     64,231       64,623  
    Debt securities held to maturity (fair value $182,845 and $182,773, respectively)     187,174       191,627  
    Restricted investment in bank stock     2,283       2,530  
    Total loans     556,319       533,869  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses     (6,622 )     (6,183 )
    Total loans, net of allowance for credit losses     549,697       527,686  
    Premises and equipment, net     9,177       9,382  
    Bank owned life insurance and annuities     16,009       15,214  
    Investment in low income housing partnerships     671       832  
    Core deposit and other intangible assets     223       258  
    Goodwill     9,812       9,812  
    Mortgage servicing rights     65       69  
    Deferred tax asset, net     9,004       9,842  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets     4,823       4,812  
    Total assets   $ 866,434     $ 848,874  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
    Liabilities:              
    Deposits:              
    Non-interest bearing   $ 192,629     $ 196,801  
    Interest bearing     566,678       551,156  
    Total deposits     759,307       747,957  
                 
    Short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements     49,720       42,242  
    Long-term debt     —       5,000  
    Other interest bearing liabilities     776       830  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     4,250       5,388  
    Total liabilities     814,053       801,417  
    Commitments and contingent liabilities            
    Stockholders’ Equity:              
    Preferred stock, no par value: Authorized – 500,000 shares, none issued     —       —  
    Common stock, par value $1.00 per share: Authorized 20,000,000 shares; Issued – 5,151,279 shares at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024; Outstanding – 5,018,799 shares at June 30, 2025 and 5,003,384 shares at December 31, 2024     5,151       5,151  
    Surplus     24,741       24,896  
    Retained earnings     54,840       53,126  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (30,211 )     (33,320 )
    Cost of common stock in Treasury: 132,480 shares at June 30, 2025; 147,895 shares at December 31, 2024     (2,140 )     (2,396 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     52,381       47,457  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 866,434     $ 848,874  

    Juniata Valley Financial Corp. and Subsidiary
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

                             
        Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)   June 30,    June 30, 
           2025      2024   2025      2024  
    Interest income:                
    Loans, including fees   $ 8,112   $ 7,778   $ 15,893   $ 15,245  
    Taxable securities     1,372     1,455     2,737     2,920  
    Tax-exempt securities     30     29     60     59  
    Other interest income     20     49     37     92  
    Total interest income     9,534     9,311     18,727     18,316  
    Interest expense:                            
    Deposits     2,889     2,722     5,692     5,364  
    Short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements     440     712     971     1,410  
    Long-term debt     21     89     51     206  
    Other interest bearing liabilities     7     8     14     17  
    Total interest expense     3,357     3,531     6,728     6,997  
    Net interest income     6,177     5,780     11,999     11,319  
    Provision for credit losses     349     119     453     239  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     5,828     5,661     11,546     11,080  
    Non-interest income:                            
    Customer service fees     466     456     926     827  
    Debit card fee income     450     470     872     874  
    Earnings on bank-owned life insurance and annuities     62     58     119     114  
    Trust fees     112     144     243     251  
    Commissions from sales of non-deposit products     69     109     170     211  
    Fees derived from loan activity     158     177     273     348  
    Change in value of equity securities     40     9     12     (4 )
    Gain from life insurance proceeds     20     —     20     —  
    Other non-interest income     100     56     188     154  
    Total non-interest income     1,477     1,479     2,823     2,775  
    Non-interest expense:                            
    Employee compensation expense     2,098     2,232     4,073     4,440  
    Employee benefits     502     533     1,048     1,178  
    Occupancy     301     327     667     659  
    Equipment     243     226     460     369  
    Data processing expense     778     815     1,407     1,478  
    Professional fees     247     279     453     533  
    Taxes, other than income     95     38     126     94  
    FDIC Insurance premiums     119     139     254     294  
    Amortization of intangible assets     17     20     35     42  
    Amortization of investment in low-income housing partnerships     80     80     161     161  
    Other non-interest expense     585     409     1,066     1,009  
    Total non-interest expense     5,065     5,098     9,750     10,257  
    Income before income taxes     2,240     2,042     4,619     3,598  
    Income tax provision     329     296     700     497  
    Net income   $ 1,911   $ 1,746   $ 3,919   $ 3,101  
    Earnings per share                            
    Basic   $ 0.38   $ 0.35   $ 0.78   $ 0.62  
    Diluted   $ 0.38   $ 0.35   $ 0.78   $ 0.62  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 2 ways cities can beat the heat: Which is best, urban trees or cool roofs?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Smith, Research Scientist in Earth & Environment, Boston University

    Trees like these in Boston can help keep neighborhoods cooler on hot days. Yassine Khalfalli/Unsplash, CC BY

    When summer turns up the heat, cities can start to feel like an oven, as buildings and pavement trap the sun’s warmth and vehicles and air conditioners release more heat into the air.

    The temperature in an urban neighborhood with few trees can be more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 Celsius) higher than in nearby suburbs. That means air conditioning works harder, straining the electrical grid and leaving communities vulnerable to power outages.

    There are some proven steps that cities can take to help cool the air – planting trees that provide shade and moisture, for example, or creating cool roofs that reflect solar energy away from the neighborhood rather than absorbing it.

    But do these steps pay off everywhere?

    We study heat risk in cities as urban ecologists and have been exploring the impact of tree-planting and reflective roofs in different cities and different neighborhoods across cities. What we’re learning can help cities and homeowners be more targeted in their efforts to beat the heat.

    The wonder of trees

    Urban trees offer a natural defense against rising temperatures. They cast shade and release water vapor through their leaves, a process akin to human sweating. That cools the surrounding air and reduces afternoon heat.

    Adding trees to city streets, parks and residential yards can make a meaningful difference in how hot a neighborhood feels, with blocks that have tree canopies nearly 3 F (1.7 C) cooler than blocks without trees.

    Comparing maps of New York’s vegetation and temperature shows the cooling effect of parks and neighborhoods with more trees. In the map on the left, lighter colors are areas with fewer trees. Light areas in the map on the right are hotter.
    NASA/USGS Landsat

    But planting trees isn’t always simple.

    In hot, dry cities, trees often require irrigation to survive, which can strain already limited water resources. Trees must survive for decades to grow large enough to provide shade and release enough water vapor to reduce air temperatures.

    Annual maintenance costs – about US$900 per tree per year in Boston – can surpass the initial planting investment.

    Most challenging of all, dense urban neighborhoods where heat is most intense are often too packed with buildings and roads to grow more trees.

    How cool roofs can help on hot days

    Another option is “cool roofs.” Coating rooftops with reflective paint or using light-colored materials allows buildings to reflect more sunlight back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it as heat.

    These roofs can lower the temperature inside an apartment building without air conditioning by about 2 to 6 F (1 to 3.3 C), and can cut peak cooling demand by as much as 27% in air-conditioned buildings, one study found. They can also provide immediate relief by reducing outdoor temperatures in densely populated areas. The maintenance costs are also lower than expanding urban forests.

    Two workers apply a white coating to the roof of a row home in Philadelphia.
    AP Photo/Matt Rourke

    However, like trees, cool roofs come with limits. Cool roofs work better on flat roofs than sloped roofs with shingles, as flat roofs are often covered by heat-trapping rubber and are exposed to more direct sunlight over the course of an afternoon.

    Cities also have a finite number of rooftops that can be retrofitted. And in cities that already have many light-colored roofs, a few more might help lower cooling costs in those buildings, but they won’t do much more for the neighborhood.

    By weighing the trade-offs of both strategies, cities can design location-specific plans to beat the heat.

    Choosing the right mix of cooling solutions

    Many cities around the world have taken steps to adapt to extreme heat, with tree planting and cool roof programs that implement reflectivity requirements or incentivize cool roof adoption.

    In Detroit, nonprofit organizations have planted more than 166,000 trees since 1989. In Los Angeles, building codes now require new residential roofs to meet specific reflectivity standards.

    In a recent study, we analyzed Boston’s potential to lower heat in vulnerable neighborhoods across the city. The results demonstrate how a balanced, budget-conscious strategy could deliver significant cooling benefits.

    For example, we found that planting trees can cool the air 35% more than installing cool roofs in places where trees can actually be planted.

    However, many of the best places for new trees in Boston aren’t in the neighborhoods that need help. In these neighborhoods, we found that reflective roofs were the better choice.

    By investing less than 1% of the city’s annual operating budget, about US$34 million, in 2,500 new trees and 3,000 cool roofs targeting the most at-risk areas, we found that Boston could reduce heat exposure for nearly 80,000 residents. The results would reduce summertime afternoon air temperatures by over 1 F (0.6 C) in those neighborhoods.

    While that reduction might seem modest, reductions of this magnitude have been found to dramatically reduce heat-related illness and death, increase labor productivity and reduce energy costs associated with building cooling.

    Not every city will benefit from the same mix. Boston’s urban landscape includes many flat, black rooftops that reflect only about 12% of sunlight, making cool roofs that reflect over 65% of sunlight an especially effective intervention. Boston also has a relatively moist growing season that supports a thriving urban tree canopy, making both solutions viable.

    Phoenix, left, already has a lot of light-colored roots, compared with Boston, right, where roofs are mostly dark.
    Imagery © Google 2025.

    In places with fewer flat, dark rooftops suitable for cool roof conversion, tree planting may offer more value. Conversely, in cities with little room left for new trees or where extreme heat and drought limit tree survival, cool roofs may be the better bet.

    Phoenix, for example, already has many light-colored roofs. Trees might be an option there, but they will require irrigation.

    Getting the solutions where people need them

    Adding shade along sidewalks can do double-duty by giving pedestrians a place to get out of the sun and cooling buildings. In New York City, for example, street trees account for an estimated 25% of the entire urban forest.

    Cool roofs can be more difficult for a government to implement because they require working with building owners. That often means cities need to provide incentives. Louisville, Kentucky, for example, offers rebates of up to $2,000 for homeowners who install reflective roofing materials, and up to $5,000 for commercial businesses with flat roofs that use reflective coatings.

    In Boston, planting trees, left, and increasing roof reflectivity, right, were both found to be effective ways to cool urban areas.
    Ian Smith et al. 2025

    Efforts like these can help spread cool roof benefits across densely populated neighborhoods that need cooling help most.

    As climate change drives more frequent and intense urban heat, cities have powerful tools for lowering the temperature. With some attention to what already exists and what’s feasible, they can find the right budget-conscious strategy that will deliver cooling benefits for everyone.

    Lucy Hutyra has received funding from the U.S. federal government and foundations including the World Resources Institute and Burroughs Wellcome Fund for her scholarship on urban climate and mitigation strategies. She was a recipient of a 2023 MacArthur Fellowship for her work in this area.

    Ian Smith 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. 2 ways cities can beat the heat: Which is best, urban trees or cool roofs? – https://theconversation.com/2-ways-cities-can-beat-the-heat-which-is-best-urban-trees-or-cool-roofs-260188

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Urumqi ranks among China’s top summer destinations

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

    URUMQI, July 23 — Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, recorded 50.57 million tourist visits in the first half of 2025, making it China’s third most popular summer travel destination, said a press conference on Wednesday.

    A series of cultural and tourism events, such as traditional folk performances and performing arts festivals, have drawn tourists from around the world, according to the regional people’s government.

    The city’s tourism boom has been supported by an increasingly convenient transport network. Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, a national gateway hub, boasts annual passenger trips of 48 million and a cargo throughput of 550,000 tonnes. It operates 258 flight routes connecting over 100 cities at home and abroad.

    Last year, Xinjiang received over 300 million tourist visits, generating more than 359 billion yuan (about 50.27 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue, a year-on-year increase of 21 percent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Diane Davis Appointed to Boards of First Fed and First Northwest Bancorp

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORT ANGELES, Wash., July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Northwest Bancorp (NASDAQ: FNWB), the holding company for First Fed Bank, announced the appointment of Diane C. Davis to the Boards of Directors of both First Fed Bank and First Northwest Bancorp.

    Ms. Davis brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the insurance industry, with expertise in executive management, strategy, risk management, and corporate governance. Further, Diane is an experienced community bank board member, having served on the board of First Financial Northwest Bancorp, which was acquired earlier this year.

    “Diane’s extensive experience in risk oversight and executive leadership will be a tremendous asset to our organization as we continue to grow and serve our communities,” said Geri Bullard, Interim CEO of First Fed. “Her proven expertise in strategy and governance aligns with our long-term goals, and we are excited to welcome her to the Board.”

    “Community banks play a vital role in building strong, resilient local economies, and I’m deeply passionate about supporting that mission. I’m honored to join First Fed’s board and work alongside its dedicated executive team and fellow board members,” said Diane Davis.

    Ms. Davis began her career at Farmers New World Life Insurance Company in 1992 and advanced through a variety of leadership roles, including Chief Risk Officer and ultimately President from 2016 until her retirement in 2019. She also served as Regional Chief Risk Officer for Global Life North America at Zurich Insurance Company Ltd., bringing broad actuarial and strategic planning experience to her board role.

    She holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington. A Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Ms. Davis currently serves as co-chair of 5050 Women on Boards of Greater Seattle and is a former member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County.

    Her appointment reflects First Fed’s ongoing commitment to strong governance, sustainable growth, and long-term financial security for its customers and communities.

    About FNWB

    First Northwest Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWB) is a financial holding company engaged in investment activities including the business of its subsidiary, First Fed Bank. First Fed is a Pacific Northwest-based financial institution which has served its customers and communities since 1923. Currently, First Fed has 18 locations in Washington State including 12 full-service branches. First Fed’s business and operating strategy is focused on building sustainable earnings by delivering a full array of financial products and services for individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations and commercial customers. In 2022, First Northwest made an investment in The Meriwether Group, LLC, a boutique investment banking and accelerator firm. Additionally, First Northwest focuses on strategic partnerships to provide modern financial services such as digital payments and marketplace lending. First Northwest Bancorp was incorporated in 2012 and completed its initial public offering in 2015 under the ticker symbol FNWB. First Fed is headquartered in Port Angeles, Washington.

    First Fed Bank was recognized by Puget Sound Business Journal as a Best Workplace in 2023 and top Corporate Philanthropist in 2023 and 2024. By popular vote, First Fed received 2024 awards for Best Bank and Best Lender in Best of the Peninsula for Clallam County. First Fed is a Member FDIC and equal housing lender.

    Geri Bullard, Interim CEO / Chief Operating Officer
    First Fed 105 W. Eight Street
    Port Angeles, WA 98362
    360-565-8556

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Greene County Bancorp, Inc. Reports Record High Net Income of $31.1 Million for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025, Announces Plans to Expand into Saratoga County

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CATSKILL, N.Y., July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greene County Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GCBC), the holding company for the Bank of Greene County and its subsidiary Greene County Commercial Bank, today reported net income for the quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Net income for the quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 was $9.3 million, or $0.55 per basic and diluted share, and $31.1 million, or $1.83 per basic and diluted share, respectively, as compared to $6.7 million, or $0.40 per basic and diluted share, and $24.8 million, or $1.45 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, respectively. Net income increased $2.6 million, or 38.6%, when comparing the quarters ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, and increased $6.3 million, or 25.7%, when comparing the fiscal years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.

    Highlights:

    • Net Income: $31.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, a new record high
    • Total Assets: $3.0 billion at June 30, 2025, a new record high
    • Net Loans: $1.6 billion at June 30, 2025, a new record high
    • Total Deposits: $2.6 billion at June 30, 2025
    • Return on Average Assets: 1.10% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025
    • Return on Average Equity: 14.08% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025

    Donald Gibson, President & CEO, stated: “I am pleased to report record high net income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, marking 16 years of the past 17 years that our Company has achieved record earnings. This sustained performance is a testament to our disciplined business model, strong community partnerships and exceptional execution of our team. As we look ahead, we are excited to announce plans to expand into Saratoga County with our first branch in that market area, expanding our geographic footprint from five to six counties within New York State, and further strengthening our position as the leading economic engine of the communities we serve. Additionally, we are honored to be recognized by the Albany Business Review, first as one of the Capital Regions 11 fastest growing large companies, defined as those with revenue exceeding $100.0 million, and second, on July 17, 2025, we ranked as the number one commercial mortgage lender in New York’s Capital Region for commercial loan volume in 2024. I believe the distinction reflects our financial strength and our long-term commitment to organic growth that benefits customers, communities and shareholders alike.”

    Total consolidated assets for the Company were $3.0 billion at June 30, 2025, primarily consisting of $1.6 billion of net loans and $1.1 billion of total securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity. Consolidated deposits totaled $2.6 billion at June 30, 2025, consisting of retail, business, municipal and private banking relationships.

    Pre-provision net income was $32.5 million for the year ended June 30, 2025 as compared to $25.5 million for the year ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $7.0 million, or 27.1%. Pre-provision net income measures the Company’s net income less the provision for credit losses. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure assists investors in comprehending the impact of the provision for credit losses on the Company’s reported results, offering an alternative view of the Company’s performance and the Company’s ability to generate income in excess of its provision for credit losses. The Company strategically managed its balance sheet by focusing on higher-yielding loans and securities, and lowering deposit rates to align with the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts. This resulted in a higher net interest margin for the year ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the year ended June 30, 2024. The Company will continue to monitor the Federal Reserve and interest rates paid on deposits, while maintaining our long-term customer relationships.

    Selected highlights for the quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 are as follows:

    Net Interest Income and Margin

    • Net interest income increased $3.8 million to $16.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 from $12.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Net interest income increased $9.1 million to $60.1 million for the year ended June 30, 2025 from $51.0 million for the year ended June 30, 2024. The increase in net interest income was due to an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets which increased $219.0 million and $170.7 million when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, an increase in interest rates on interest-earning assets, which increased 16 basis points and 26 basis points when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and a decrease of 26 basis points in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities when comparing the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024. The increase in net interest income was offset by increases in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities, which increased $203.4 million and $168.3 million when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and an increase of 4 basis points in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities when comparing the years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.

      Average loan balances increased $145.9 million and $96.6 million and the yield on loans increased 18 basis points and 23 basis points when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The average balance of securities increased $87.0 million and $79.1 million and the yield on such securities increased 24 basis points and 36 basis points when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Average interest-bearing bank balances and federal funds decreased $13.8 million and $5.0 million and the yield on interest-bearing bank balances and federal funds decreased 172 basis points and 36 basis points when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

      The cost of NOW deposits decreased 34 basis points and 2 basis points, the cost of certificates of deposit decreased 81 basis points and 21 basis points, and the cost of savings and money market deposits decreased 1 basis point and increased 7 basis points when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The growth in interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to an increase in average NOW deposits of $178.0 million and $135.1 million and an increase in average certificates of deposits of $75.0 million and $62.7 million when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. This was partially offset by a decrease in average savings and money market deposits of $15.0 million and $22.8 million when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Yields on interest-earning assets increased when comparing the three months and years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 as the Company continued to reprice assets into the higher interest rate environment. During the year ended June 30, 2025, the Company implemented a strategic reduction in deposit rates that aligns with the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts, while providing competitive financial solutions to the Company’s customers that reflect the prevailing economic conditions, while growing new relationships.

    • Net interest rate spread increased 42 basis points to 2.14% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 1.72% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Net interest rate spread increased 22 basis points to 1.97% for the year ended June 30, 2025, compared to 1.75% for the year ended June 30, 2024.
      Net interest margin increased 40 basis points to 2.37% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 1.97% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Net interest margin increased 21 basis points to 2.19% for the year ended June 30, 2025, compared to 1.98% for the year ended June 30, 2024. The increase in net interest rate spread and margin during the three months and year ended June 30, 2025, was due to increases in interest income on loans and securities, as they continue to reprice at higher yields and the interest rates earned on new balances were higher than the historic low levels from the prior periods.
    • Net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis includes the additional amount of interest income that would have been earned if the Company’s investment in tax-exempt securities and loans had been subject to federal and New York State income taxes yielding the same after-tax income. Tax equivalent net interest margin was 2.67% and 2.24% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and was 2.47% and 2.25% for the years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

    Credit Quality and Provision for Credit Losses

    • Provision for credit losses amounted to a benefit of $880,000 and $151,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was primarily attributable to an improvement in the qualitative factors assessments on loans, partially offset by a modest deterioration in the economic forecasts used in the Current Expected Credit Loss models on loans as of June 30, 2025, and growth in securities held-to-maturity that require an allowance. Provision for credit losses amounted to a charge of $1.3 million and $766,000 for the years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The provision for the year ended June 30, 2025, was primarily attributable to growth in gross loans, a modest deterioration in the economic forecasts used in the Current Expected Credit Loss models on loans as of June 30, 2025 and growth in securities held-to-maturity that require an allowance, partially offset by an improvement in the qualitative factors assessments on loans. The allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans receivable was 1.24% at June 30, 2025 compared to 1.28% at June 30, 2024.
    • Loans classified as substandard and special mention totaled $45.4 million at June 30, 2025 and $48.6 million at June 30, 2024, a decrease of $3.2 million. Of the loans classified as substandard or special mention, $42.1 million were performing at June 30, 2025. There were no loans classified as doubtful or loss at June 30, 2025 or June 30, 2024.
    • Net charge-offs on loans amounted to $44,000 and $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, a decrease of $956,000. Net charge-offs totaled $349,000 and $1.4 million for years ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. There were no material charge-offs in any loan segment during the three months and year ended June 30, 2025.
    • Nonperforming loans amounted to $3.1 million at June 30, 2025 and $3.7 million at June 30, 2024. The activity in nonperforming loans during the period included $2.6 million in loan repayments, $128,000 in charge-offs or transfers to foreclosure, $67,000 in loans returning to performing status, and $2.1 million of loans placed into nonperforming status. At June 30, 2025, nonperforming assets were 0.10% of total assets compared to 0.13% at June 30, 2024. At June 30, 2025, nonperforming loans were 0.19% of net loans compared to 0.25% at June 30, 2024.

    Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expense

    • Noninterest income increased $46,000, or 1.2%, to $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase during the three months ended June 30, 2025 was primarily due to a $128,000 increase in fee income earned on customer interest rate swap contracts. This was partially offset by a $152,000 decrease of investment services income. Noninterest income increased $1.3 million, or 9.5%, to $15.2 million for the year ended June 30, 2025 compared to $13.9 million for the year ended June 30, 2024. The increase during the year ended June 30, 2025 was primarily due to a $610,000 Employee Retention Tax Credit, an increase in fee income earned on customer interest rate swap contracts of $528,000, loan fees of $242,000, service charge account fees of $235,000, and income from bank owned life insurance of $363,000. This was partially offset by a $665,000 loss on sales of securities available-for-sale.
    • Noninterest expense increased $497,000, or 5.0%, to $10.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $9.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase during the three months ended June 30, 2025 was primarily due to a $204,000 increase in service and data processing fees and a $170,000 increase in computer and software supplies. Noninterest expense increased $2.1 million, or 5.6%, to $39.4 million for the year ended June 30, 2025 as compared to $37.3 million for the year ended June 30, 2024. The increase during the year ended June 30, 2025 was primarily due to an increase of $579,000 in salaries and employee benefit costs, as new positions were created during the period to support the Company’s continued growth, an increase of $544,000 in service and data processing fees, an increase of $796,000 in the allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments, due to the Company’s increased contractual obligations to extend credit, and an increase of $183,000 in occupancy expenses mostly due to repairs and maintenance on the Company’s buildings. This was partially offset by a decrease of $164,000 in legal and professional fees during the year ended June 30, 2025.

    Income Taxes

    • Provision for income taxes reflects the expected tax associated with the pre-tax income generated for the given period and certain regulatory requirements. The effective tax rate was 14.8% and 10.2% for the three months and year ended June 30, 2025, and 1.4% and 7.6% for the three months and year ended June 30, 2024, respectively. The statutory tax rate is impacted by the benefits derived from tax-exempt bond and loan income, the Company’s real estate investment trust subsidiary income, income received on the bank owned life insurance and tax credits, to arrive at the effective tax rate. The increase during the three months and year ended June 30, 2025 is primarily due to higher pre-tax income and reflects a lower mix of tax-exempt income from municipal bonds, tax advantage loans, and bank owned life insurance in proportion to pre-tax income. Additionally, the Company was able to recognize historic preservation tax credits on the Company’s wealth management center, located at 345 Main Street, in Catskill New York for the year ended June 30, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Summary

    • Total assets of the Company were $3.0 billion at June 30, 2025 and $2.8 billion at June 30, 2024, an increase of $214.8 million, or 7.6%.
    • Total cash and cash equivalents for the Company were $183.1 million at June 30, 2025 and $190.4 million at June 30, 2024. The Company has continued to maintain strong capital and liquidity positions as of June 30, 2025.
    • Securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity increased $91.9 million, or 8.8%, to $1.1 billion at June 30, 2025 as compared to $1.0 billion at June 30, 2024. Securities purchases totaled $444.2 million during the year ended June 30, 2025, and consisted primarily of $308.5 million of state and political subdivision securities, $88.4 million of mortgage-backed securities, $24.7 million of U.S. Treasury securities, $16.7 million of collateralized mortgage obligations, and $5.9 million of corporate debt securities. Principal pay-downs and maturities during the year ended June 30, 2025 amounted to $353.5 million, primarily consisting of $258.7 million of state and political subdivision securities, $58.0 million of U.S. Treasury securities, $32.7 million of mortgage-backed securities, $2.8 million of collateralized mortgage obligations and $1.3 million of corporate debt securities. Sales during the year ended June 30, 2025 amounted to $6.7 million of U.S. Treasury securities.
    • Net loans receivable increased $127.0 million, or 8.6%, to $1.6 billion at June 30, 2025 as compared to $1.5 billion at June 30, 2024. Loan growth experienced during the year ended June 30, 2025 consisted primarily of $117.9 million in commercial real estate loans, $5.5 million in commercial loans, and $4.9 million in home equity loans.
    • Deposits totaled $2.6 billion at June 30, 2025 and $2.4 billion at June 30, 2024, an increase of $250.6 million, or 10.5%. The Company had $51.6 million and zero brokered deposits at June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. NOW deposits increased $192.6 million, or 10.9%, and certificates of deposits increased $89.7 million, or 64.8%, when comparing June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024. Noninterest bearing deposits decreased $15.3 million, or 12.2%, money market deposits decreased $10.5 million, or 9.3%, and savings deposits decreased $5.9 million, or 2.3%, when comparing June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024.
    • Borrowings amounted to $128.1 million at June 30, 2025 compared to $199.1 million at June 30, 2024, a decrease of $71.0 million. At June 30, 2025, borrowings included $74.0 million of overnight borrowings with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”), $49.9 million of Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes, and $4.2 million of long-term borrowings with the FHLB.
    • Shareholders’ equity increased to $238.8 million at June 30, 2025 compared to $206.0 million at June 30, 2024, resulting primarily from net income of $31.1 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $6.2 million, partially offset by dividends declared and paid of $4.5 million.

    Corporate Overview

    Greene County Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for the Bank of Greene County, and its subsidiary Greene County Commercial Bank. The Company is the leading provider of community-based banking services throughout the Hudson Valley and Capital Region of New York State. Its customers include individuals, businesses, municipalities and other institutions. Greene County Bancorp, Inc. (GCBC) is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market and is dedicated to promoting economic development and a high quality of life in the communities it serves. For more information on Greene County Bancorp, Inc., visit www.tbogc.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This earnings release contains statements about future events that constitute forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by references to a future period or periods or by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “assume,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” and other similar terms of expressions. Forward-looking statements should not be relied on because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, local, regional, national and international general economic conditions, including actual or potential stress in the banking industry, financial and regulatory changes, changes in interest rates, regulatory considerations, competition, technological developments, retention and recruitment of qualified personnel, changes in customer deposit behavior, and market acceptance of the Company’s pricing, products and services.

    The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and advises readers that various factors, including, but not limited to, those described above and other factors discussed in the Company’s annual and quarterly reports previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results or circumstances for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.

    Unless required by law, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligations to, publicly release any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    For more information, please see our reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

    Non-GAAP Measures

    In addition to presenting information in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), this news release contains financial information determined by methods other than GAAP (non-GAAP). The following measures used in this release, which are commonly utilized by financial institutions, have not been specifically exempted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and may constitute “non-GAAP financial measures” within the meaning of the SEC’s rules.

    The Company has provided in this news release supplemental disclosures for the calculation of net interest margin utilizing a fully taxable-equivalent adjustment and pre-provision net income. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company from time to time are useful in evaluating the Company’s performance and that such information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for or superior to the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similar measures presented by other companies. Refer to the tables on page 9 for Non-GAAP to GAAP reconciliations.

     
    Greene County Bancorp, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Income, and Selected Financial Ratios (Unaudited)
                               
      At or for the Three Months   At or for the Years
      Ended June 30,   Ended June 30,
    Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data   2025     2024       2025     2024  
    Interest income $ 30,739   $ 27,328     $ 117,705   $ 103,664  
    Interest expense   14,033     14,471       57,584     52,685  
    Net interest income   16,706     12,857       60,121     50,979  
    Provision for credit losses   (880 )   (151 )     1,316     766  
    Noninterest income   3,765     3,719       15,233     13,908  
    Noninterest expense   10,394     9,897       39,372     37,302  
    Income before taxes   10,957     6,830       34,666     26,819  
    Tax provision   1,624     98       3,528     2,050  
    Net income $ 9,333   $ 6,732     $ 31,138   $ 24,769  
             
    Basic and diluted EPS $ 0.55   $ 0.40     $ 1.83   $ 1.45  
    Weighted average shares outstanding   17,026,828     17,026,828       17,026,828     17,026,828  
    Dividends declared per share (4) $ 0.09   $ 0.08     $ 0.36   $ 0.32  
             
    Selected Financial Ratios        
    Return on average assets(1)   1.28 %   1.00 %     1.10 %   0.93 %
    Return on average equity(1)   15.98 %   13.36 %     14.08 %   12.87 %
    Net interest rate spread(1)   2.14 %   1.72 %     1.97 %   1.75 %
    Net interest margin(1)   2.37 %   1.97 %     2.19 %   1.98 %
    Fully taxable-equivalent net interest margin(2)   2.67 %   2.24 %     2.47 %   2.25 %
    Efficiency ratio(3)   50.77 %   59.71 %     52.25 %   57.49 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets       0.10 %   0.13 %
    Non-performing loans to net loans       0.19 %   0.25 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans       658.37 %   516.20 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans       1.24 %   1.28 %
    Shareholders’ equity to total assets       7.85 %   7.29 %
    Dividend payout ratio(4)       19.67 %   22.07 %
    Actual dividends paid to net income(5)       14.37 %   13.08 %
    Book value per share     $ 14.03   $ 12.10  
           
    (1) Ratios are annualized when necessary.
    (2) Interest income calculated on a taxable-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) includes the additional interest income that would have been earned if the Company’s investment in tax-exempt securities and loans had been subject to federal and New York State income taxes yielding the same after-tax income.
    (3) The efficiency ratio has been calculated as noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income.
    (4) The dividend payout ratio has been calculated based on the dividends declared per share divided by basic earnings per share. No adjustments have been made to account for dividends waived by Greene County Bancorp, MHC (“MHC”), the Company’s majority shareholder, owning 54.1% of the shares outstanding.
    (5) Dividends declared divided by net income. The MHC waived its right to receive dividends declared during the three months ended June 30, 2023, December 31, 2023, March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2025. Dividends declared during the three months ended September 30, 2023, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2024 were paid to the MHC.
     
    Greene County Bancorp, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)
     
      At
    June 30, 2025    		   At
    June 30, 2024
    Dollars In thousands, except share data      
    Assets      
    Cash and due from banks $ 12,788     $ 13,897  
    Interest-bearing deposits   170,290       176,498  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   183,078       190,395  
           
    Long term certificate of deposit   1,425       2,831  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   356,062       350,001  
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses of $548 and $483 at June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024   776,147       690,354  
    Equity securities, at fair value   402       328  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost   5,504       7,296  
           
    Loans receivable   1,627,406       1,499,473  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans   (20,146 )     (19,244 )
    Net loans receivable   1,607,260       1,480,229  
           
    Premises and equipment, net   15,232       15,606  
    Bank owned life insurance   59,795       57,249  
    Accrued interest receivable   16,381       14,269  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   19,323       17,230  
    Total assets $ 3,040,609     $ 2,825,788  
           
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity      
    Noninterest bearing deposits $ 110,163     $ 125,442  
    Interest bearing deposits   2,529,672       2,263,780  
    Total deposits   2,639,835       2,389,222  
           
    Borrowings, short-term   74,000       115,300  
    Borrowings, long-term   4,189       34,156  
    Subordinated notes payable, net   49,867       49,681  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   33,881       31,429  
    Total liabilities   2,801,772       2,619,788  
    Total shareholders’ equity   238,837       206,000  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 3,040,609     $ 2,825,788  
    Common shares outstanding   17,026,828       17,026,828  
    Treasury shares   195,852       195,852  
           

    The above information is preliminary and based on the Company’s data available at the time of presentation.

    Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliations

    The following table summarizes the adjustments made to arrive at the fully taxable-equivalent net interest margins.

      For the three months ended
    June 30,    		 For the years ended
    June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Net interest income (GAAP) $ 16,706   $ 12,857   $ 60,121   $ 50,979  
    Tax-equivalent adjustment(1)   2,130     1,740     7,679     6,791  
    Net interest income-fully taxable-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) $ 18,836   $ 14,597   $ 67,800   $ 57,770  
             
    Average interest-earning assets (GAAP) $ 2,824,952   $ 2,605,966   $ 2,739,472   $ 2,568,756  
    Net interest margin-fully taxable-equivalent basis (non-GAAP)   2.67 %   2.24 %   2.47 %   2.25 %
                             

    (1) Interest income calculated on a taxable-equivalent basis (non-GAAP) includes the additional interest income that would have been earned if the Company’s investment in tax-exempt securities and loans had been subject to federal and New York State income taxes yielding the same after-tax income. The rate used for this adjustment was 21% for federal income taxes for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, 4.44% for New York State income taxes for the three and twelve months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.

    The following table summarizes the adjustments made to arrive at pre-provision net income.

      For the three months ended June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024  
    Net income (GAAP) $ 9,333   $ 6,732  
    Provision for credit losses   (880 )   (151 )
    Pre-provision net income (non-GAAP) $ 8,453   $ 6,581  
      For the years ended June 30,
    (Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024  
    Net income (GAAP) $ 31,138   $ 24,769  
    Provision for credit losses   1,316     766  
    Pre-provision net income (non-GAAP) $ 32,454   $ 25,535  
                 

    The above information is preliminary and based on the Company’s data available at the time of presentation.

    For Further Information Contact:
    Donald E. Gibson
    President & CEO
    (518) 943-2600
    donaldg@tbogc.com

    Nick Barzee
    SVP & CFO
    (518) 943-2600
    nickb@tbogc.com

     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Understanding the violence against Alawites and Druze in Syria after Assad

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Güneş Murat Tezcür, Professor and Director of the School of Politics and Global Studies, Arizona State University

    Bedouin fighters at Mazraa village on the outskirts of Sweida city, during clashes in southern Syria on July 18, 2025. AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed

    In July 2025, clashes between the Druze religious minority and Sunni Arabs backed by government-affiliated forces led to hundreds of deaths in Sweida province in southern Syria. Israel later launched dozens of airstrikes in support of the Druze.

    This eruption of violence was an eerie reminder of what had unfolded in March 2025 when supporters of the fallen regime led by Bashar Assad, an Alawite, targeted security units. In retaliation, militias affiliated with the newly formed government in Damascus carried out indiscriminate killings of Alawites.

    While exact figures remain difficult to verify, more than 1,300 individuals, most of them Alawites, lost their lives. In some cases, entire families were summarily executed.

    Although the Syrian government promised an investigation into the atrocities, home invasions, kidnappings of Alawite women and extrajudicial executions of Alawite men continue.

    The violence in Sweida also bore a sectarian dimension, pitting members of a religious minority against armed groups aligned with the country’s Sunni majority.

    A key difference, however, involved the active Israeli support for the Druze and the U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire.

    Post-Assad Syria has seen promising developments, including the lifting of international sanctions, a resurgence of civil society and the end of diplomatic isolation. There was even a limited rapprochement with the main Kurdish political party controlling northeastern Syria.

    The persistent violence targeting the Alawites and, to a more limited extent, the Druze, starkly contrasts with these trends. As a scholar of religious minorities and the Middle East, I argue that the current political situation reflects their historical persecution and marginalization.

    History of the Alawites

    The Alawites emerged as a distinct religious community in the 10th century in the region of the Latakia coastal mountains, which today make up northwestern Syria.

    Although their beliefs have some commonalities with Shiite Islam, the Alawites maintain their own unique religious leadership and rituals. Under the Ottoman regime in the late 19th century, they benefited from reforms such as the expansion of educational opportunities and economic modernization, while gaining geographical and social mobility.

    After Hafez Assad, the father of Bashar, came to power in a coup in 1970, he drew upon his Alawite base to reinforce his regime. Consequently, Alawites became disproportionately represented in the officer corps and intelligence services.

    Prior to the civil war, which began in 2011, their population was estimated at around 2 million, constituting roughly 10% of Syria’s population. During the civil war, Alawite young men fighting for the regime suffered heavy casualties. However, most Alawites remained in Syria, while Sunni Arabs and Kurds were disproportionately displaced or became refugees.

    Members of the Alawite minority gather outside the Russian air base in Hmeimim, near Latakia in Syria’s coastal region, on March 11, 2025, as they seek refuge there after violence and retaliatory killings in the area.
    AP Photo/Omar Albam

    Among Syria’s minorities, two key factors make the Alawites most vulnerable to mass violence in post-Assad Syria. The first factor is that, like the Druze, Alawites have their own distinct beliefs that deviate from Sunni Islam. Their religious practices and teachings are often described as “esoteric” and remain mostly inaccessible to outsiders.

    In my 2024 book “Liminal Minorities: Religious Difference and Mass Violence in Muslim Societies,” I categorize the Alawites and Druze in Syria alongside Yezidis in Iraq, Alevis in Turkey and Baha’is in Iran as “liminal minorities” – religious groups subject to deep-seated stigmas transmitted across generations.

    These groups are often treated as heretics who split from Islam and whose beliefs and rituals are deemed beyond the pale of acceptance. For instance, according to Alawite beliefs, Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, is a divine manifestation of God, which challenges the idea of strict monotheism central to Sunni Islam.

    From the perspective of Sunni orthodoxy, these groups’ beliefs have been a source of suspicion and disdain. A series of fatwas by prominent Sunni clerics from the 14th to the 19th century declared Alawites heretics.

    Resentment against the Alawites

    The second factor contributing to the Alawites’ vulnerability is the widespread perception that they were the main beneficiaries of the Assad regime, which engaged in mass murder against its own citizens. Although power remained narrowly concentrated under Assad, many Alawites occupied key positions in the security apparatus as well as the government.

    In today’s political landscape where the central government remains weak and its control over various armed groups is limited, religious stigmatization and political resentment create fertile ground for mass violence targeting the Alawites.

    The massacres of March 2025 were accompanied by sectarian hate speech, including open calls for the extermination of the Alawites, both in the streets and on social media.

    While many Sunni Muslims in Syria also perceive the Druze as heretics, they maintained a greater degree of distance from the Assad regime and were less integrated into its security apparatus.

    Nonetheless, in recent months the situation deteriorated rapidly in the Druze heartland. The Druze militias and local Bedouin tribes engaged in heavy fighting in July 2025. Unlike the Alawites, the Druze received direct military assistance from Israel, which has its small but influential Druze population. This further complicates peaceful coexistence among religious groups in post-Assad Syria.

    A sober future

    Sunni Arab identity is central to the newly formed government in Damascus, which can come at the expense of religious and ethnic pluralism. However, it has incentives to rein in arbitrary violence against the Alawites and Druze. Projecting itself as a source of order and national unity helps the government internationally, both diplomatically and economically.

    Internally, however, the new government remains fractured and lacks effective control over vast swaths of territory. While it pays lip service to transitional justice, it is also cautious about being perceived as overly lenient toward individuals associated with the Assad regime and its crimes. Meanwhile, Alawite and Druze demands for regional autonomy continue to stoke popular Sunni resentments and risk triggering further cycles of instability and violence.

    I believe that in a post-Assad Syria defined by fractured governance and episodic retribution, the Alawites as well as Druze are likely to face deepening marginalization.

    Güneş Murat Tezcür 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. Understanding the violence against Alawites and Druze in Syria after Assad – https://theconversation.com/understanding-the-violence-against-alawites-and-druze-in-syria-after-assad-255292

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Affluenz Magazine Unveils Commemorative Issue Spotlighting United Arab Emirates (UAE) Founding Father Sheikh Zayed, Noura Al Kaabi, and African Visionary Elvis Sepenya

    Source: APO

    Affluenz Magazine (www.Affluenz.com), International’s leading global luxury, leadership, and impact publication, has officially released its much-anticipated July/August 2025 issue — a special edition commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates.

    This commemorative edition features a powerful trio of cover stories — spotlighting the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the cultural diplomacy of UAE’s Minister of State, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, and the entrepreneurial excellence of Elvis Sepenya, CEO of Skywise Group, one of Africa’s most innovative investment firms.

    This historic issue celebrates Sheikh Zayed’s vision of unity, progress, and inclusion — a legacy that continues to define the modern UAE. Affluenz Magazine delves into his leadership, values, and role in positioning the Emirates as a hub of diplomacy, innovation, and tolerance.

    Also on the cover is Noura Al Kaabi, a global advocate for cultural dialogue and creative economies. In her exclusive interview, she discusses the UAE’s mission to foster global cultural exchange and its investment in youth empowerment across the Arab world and Africa.

    Rounding out the trio is Elvis Sepenya, the young African magnate who has risen to prominence through Skywise Group’s diversified holdings in aviation, real estate, and tech. His story of resilience, reinvention, and corporate leadership offers inspiration for a new generation of African entrepreneurs.

    Beyond the covers, the issue features in-depth profiles on several influential leaders and institutions across Africa and the Middle East — from oil and gas executives and royalty to social innovators and philanthropists — all of whom are making measurable impact in their sectors and communities.

    Beyond its striking covers, the July/August 2025 edition of Affluenz Magazine delivers an enriching array of exclusive features and compelling interviews that spotlight transformative figures shaping Africa and the global stage.

    Among the celebrated personalities is Ameera Abraham, the trailblazing founder of The Nail Bar, who shares her journey in redefining luxury wellness and empowering a new wave of African beautypreneurs. Equally inspiring is Tonya Lawani, the formidable force behind SEAL Group, whose strategic leadership continues to drive innovation and empowerment across industries.

    Linda Turner, founder of Linda Hope Initiatives and CEO of Jat Holdings, exemplifies the powerful blend of business acumen and humanitarian spirit. With ventures spanning real estate, fashion, interior design, and hospitality, she personifies resilience and compassion, balancing her roles as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and advocate—all grounded in her unwavering commitment to uplifting lives.

    Adunni Rinwa emerges as a beacon of integrity and innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector. As founder and CEO of Rinwa Realty, she has revolutionized property investment and homeownership, raising the bar for transparency and delivery in the industry.

    The issue also features Hassan Imam, Managing Director of Keystone Bank, recognized for his strategic role in redefining digital banking and financial inclusion in Nigeria. From the UAE, Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb is profiled for his contributions to sustainable urban development and visionary leadership in construction and infrastructure.

    Adding to the intellectual gravitas of the edition is Peace Hyde, celebrated media entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Aim Higher Africa. Her voice continues to inspire a generation to dream big and build boldly.

    Together, these stories reflect the essence of Affluenz Magazine: a publication committed to elevating Africa’s voices, capturing legacies in the making, and connecting excellence across continents.

    Founded in 2011 as Pleasures Magazine and rebranded as Affluenz Magazine in 2024, the publication has evolved into a world-class platform that highlights African and Middle Eastern excellence, entrepreneurship, and culture. With editorial offices in Abuja, Dubai,Riyadh Accra, Washington DC and London, the magazine reaches readers in over 103 countries and maintains syndication through platforms like Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, and Washington Times.

    Speaking about the new edition, Executive Publisher Adedotun Olaoluwa remarked:

    “This special issue is not just a tribute to Sheikh Zayed, but a celebration of global visionaries — individuals building bridges across continents. Affluenz continues to be a vessel for celebrating our shared humanity and transformative leadership from Africa to the Middle East.”

    The July/August 2025 issue is now available in digital and print formats across select global outlets, including Barnes & Noble (US), WHSmith (UK), and Virgin Megastore (UAE), as well as through Affluenz’s official website: www.Affluenz.com and Selar (https://apo-opa.co/4f7wBiA).

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Affluenz (formerly Pleasures Magazine).

    Contact:
    Dotmount Communications
    Email: info@affluenz.com
    Instagram: @ affluenzmag
    Phone: +234 816 090 6918
    https://apo-opa.co/4f7wBiA

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal alien pleads guilty to leading smuggling organization involving transportation of over 100 persons

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 40-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has admitted to an alien smuggling conspiracy and illegal reentry into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    The investigation revealed Edgar Ruiz-Briones arranged transportation and coordinating trips for illegal aliens coming over the southern border with Mexico. Ruiz-Briones was the leader of the smuggling organization, recruiting drivers from as far away as Kansas to come to the Rio Grande Valley.

    Drivers would communicate directly with Ruiz-Briones to set up the trips, give updates on progress and set meeting spots for drop-offs in Houston after successful smuggling operations. They would pick up illegal aliens from different stash houses and transport them to Houston, where they met with Ruiz-Briones before going further into the United States. 

    Ruiz-Briones handled payments from the aliens to come into the United States and payments to the drivers he recruited. 

    Over the course of the 18-month conspiracy, Ruiz-Briones arranged for over 100 aliens to enter, remain and be transported further into the United States.

    An illegal alien himself, having been removed from the United States on multiple occasions, he also pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States from Mexico and remaining here in violation of the law.

    U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing Oct. 30. At that time. Ruiz-Briones faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the alien smuggling conspiracy and 20 years for illegally re-entering the United States.

    Ruiz-Briones has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New York Man Charged For Making And Attempting To Use Improvised Explosive Devices In Manhattan

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia; and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today charges against MICHAEL GANN alleging that he manufactured at least seven improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”) using precursor chemicals—chemicals that can be combined to create an explosive mixture—that he had ordered on the internet, stored at least five IEDs and shotgun shells on adjoining rooftops of residential apartment buildings in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, threw at least one IED onto the subway tracks of the Williamsburg Bridge, and subsequently lied to law enforcement about having disposed of his explosives and supplies in a dumpster.  This case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho.

    “The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “As alleged, Michael Gann built explosive devices, stored them on a rooftop in SoHo, and threw one onto the subway tracks—putting countless lives at risk.  Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed.  That vigilance assuredly prevented a tragedy in New York.”

    “Michael Gann allegedly produced multiple improvised explosive devices intended for use in Manhattan,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.  “Due to the successful partnership of law enforcement agencies in New York, Gann was swiftly brought to justice before he could harm innocent civilians shortly after his dangerous actions became known.  The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is enduring in its commitment and determination to protect the homeland.”

    “This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “He threw one of these devices onto an active subway track and stored others on the rooftop of a residential building, but because of the skilled investigative work and swift response from the NYPD and our partners, we were able to intervene before he caused any harm.  I am grateful to the members of the NYPD, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for all the work they do every day to keep New Yorkers safe.”

    As alleged in the Complaint, Indictment, and public court filings:[1]

    In or about May 2025, GANN ordered approximately two pounds of potassium perchlorate and approximately one pound of aluminum powder—precursor chemicals—online, along with over 200 cardboard tubes and over 50-feet worth of fuses.  In or about early June 2025, GANN received his packages containing the precursor chemicals and other supplies, mixed the precursor chemicals together, applied a flame to the mixture, and caused an explosion.  GANN subsequently assembled at least seven IEDs using the precursor chemicals, cardboard tubes, and fuses.

    GANN stored the precursor chemicals and at least five IEDs, pictured below, on the rooftops of residential apartment buildings in SoHo.  The pictured black device contained approximately 30 grams of explosive powder—approximately 600 times the legal limit for consumer fireworks.

    GANN also stored at least four shotgun shells on the same rooftops, which he intended to combine with one or more of the IEDs.

    GANN threw a sixth IED onto the subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge, as pictured below.

    On or about June 5, 2025, law enforcement agents arrested GANN in SoHo, incident to which they recovered a seventh IED from GANN’s person.  Following GANN’s arrest, GANN falsely told law enforcement, in substance and in part, that he had disposed of the precursor chemicals and the shotgun shells in a dumpster in Manhattan.

    In or about May and June 2025, GANN conducted internet searches related to explosives and firearms, including: “will i pass a background check,” “gun background check test,” “can i buy a gun in any state without ffl [federal firearms license],” “3D gun printing,” “gun stores,” “clorine bomb,” “how to make flash powder from household items,” “what to mix with potassium perchlorate to make flash powder,” “alluminum powder,” “black powder nearby,” “quarter stick m1000 firecracker,” “1/2 stick dynamite,” and “rechargeable nail gun to shoot into steal.”

    On or about June 5, 2025, just hours before GANN was arrested with an IED on his person, GANN posted to Instagram, “Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?”

    *               *                *

    GANN, 55, of Inwood, New York, is charged with one count of attempted destruction of property by means of explosives, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of transportation of explosive materials, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices, which also carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

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

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding efforts of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force of the FBI, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Nassau County Police Department; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky, Michael D. Lockard, and Chelsea L. Scism, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Isaacson, are in charge of the prosecution.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the charging instruments and other public filings to date constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DRUG TRAFFICKER SENTENCED TO 120 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR ROLE IN DRUG TRAFFICKING GANG

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    St. Thomas, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on
    Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Kai James, 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and six years
    of supervised release by District Judge Mark A. Kearney. He pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to
    conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana for his role in a drug trafficking
    conspiracy led by James and his brother, Ivan James. Other members in the James gang, Ivan James,
    Joh Williams, Malachi Benjamin, Ariel Petersen, Jahkiebo Joseph, Tillisa Ceaser, and Luis Ortiz, Jr.,
    all of St. Croix, were previously sentenced by Judge Kearney for their roles in the drug trafficking
    conspiracy.
    According to court documents and evidence introduced at the trial of Ivan James and Joh
    Williams and other hearings, the investigation into the James drug trafficking organization began in
    January 2013 after Bureau of Corrections officers at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility seized
    an iPhone from then-inmate Joh Williams. A search of the cell phone seized from Williams revealed
    text messages related to smuggling and distribution of controlled substances in the prison. Thereafter,
    Drug Enforcement Administration obtained authorization to intercept calls from a second cell phone
    used by Williams while incarcerated. The wire investigation revealed evidence of distribution of
    controlled substances within the facility by Williams, supplied by Ivan James. The investigation
    further revealed that Vivian Ford, a former corrections officer, was a member of James’ organization
    who smuggled narcotics into Golden Grove in food containers for distribution by Williams.
    Members of the gang who worked at the Henry Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix used their
    secured access to smuggle multiple kilograms of cocaine per week onboard commercial aircrafts
    destined for the continental United States. Testimony revealed that Ivan and Kai James recruited
    couriers to deliver bricks of cocaine as passengers on board commercial flights. As a
    manager/supervisor in the drug trafficking gang, Kai James used as many as 10 couriers to travel to
    New York, North Carolina, and Florida with 2 to 3 kilograms of cocaine per trip in this broad and
    brazen drug trafficking operation.
    In addition, a search warrant was executed on the family home of Ivan and Kai James. Law
    enforcement recovered marijuana, cocaine, and marijuana cultivation equipment. In a field adjacent
    to the property, agents seized over 1,000 marijuana plants.
    A federal jury found Ivan James guilty on drug conspiracy, possession of 1,000 marijuana
    plants, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and possession of firearms resulting
    in the death of Levar Pogson. On his conviction, Judge Kearney sentenced James to 420 months of
    imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Joh Williams was also found guilty on
    the drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by seven
    years of supervised release. Ariel Petersen and Jahkiebo Joseph pleaded guilty to possession of
    firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and importation of firearms. Petersen was sentenced to
    93 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and Joseph was sentenced
    to 68 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Malachi Benjamin
    pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 72
    months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Tillisa Ceaser and Luis Ortiz,
    Jr. both pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Ceaser was sentenced to 62 months of imprisonment, and
    Ortiz was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
    “Due to the tremendous work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security
    Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of
    Corrections, the members of this drug trafficking organization have received just and lengthy
    sentences for their involvement in these crimes,” said Acting United States Attorney Adam Sleeper.
    “This sentence sends a clear message, and it is credited to the extensive collaboration between
    federal and local law enforcement partners. Our joint efforts are essential in the U.S. Virgin Islands
    towards combatting drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and the myriads of other illicit activities of
    transnational criminal organizations in our area of responsibility,” said Homeland Security
    Investigations Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos.
    “The guilty plea of Kai James represents a decisive blow against the violent narcotics
    conspiracy that plagued the people of St. Croix for far too long,” stated DEA Caribbean Division
    Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda. “This case underscores the unwavering commitment
    of the DEA and our law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal organizations that threaten the
    safety and well-being of our communities. We are proud to have worked alongside the USAO, HSI,
    FBI, CBP, and ATF to bring justice to those impacted by these crimes. Let this serve as a clear
    message: we will not relent in our fight to protect the Caribbean from the scourge of drug trafficking
    and violence.”
    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)
    investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money
    launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a
    prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal,
    state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security
    Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of
    Corrections. It was prosecuted by former United States Attorney Delia Smith, Acting Assistant United
    States Attorney Adam Sleeper, and lead OCDETF attorney Kyle Payne.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Graphjet visited by Japanese trading company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, United States, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Graphjet Technology (“Graphjet” or “the Company”) was honoured to welcome a delegation from a Japanese trading company with international presence for an official visit on JULY 23, 2025 to discuss on the provision of sustainable graphite materials to their customers.

    This visit highlights the Japanese trading company’s strong interest in Graphjet’s proprietary technology, which utilize palm kernel shells as a renewable feedstock to produce high purity synthetic graphite. This patented process significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional graphite production methods, aligning with global efforts toward decarbonization and green manufacturing.

    With over 75 years of history, this renowned Japanese enterprise is one of the major integrated trading houses in Asia, actively engaged in diverse sectors including aerospace components, advanced machinery and automation systems, and chemical products, it serves industry leaders across multiple sector for customers like Toshiba and Hitachi. With annual revenue of around ¥‎30 billion, the firm maintains operations in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

    During the visit, the delegation toured Graphjet’s R&D production facilities, gaining valuable insights into the company’s manufacturing process and quality assurance system.

    “This engagement marks a meaningful step forward in strengthening mutual understanding and laying the groundwork for future collaboration in the field of sustainable graphite and next generation technology.” said Chris Lai the CEO of Graphjet.

    Graphjet Technology remains committed to advancing green innovation and building strong partnership with global industry leaders to drive sustainable progress in the graphite and graphene sector.

    About Graphjet Technology Sdn. Bhd.

    Graphjet Technology Sdn. Bhd. (Nasdaq: GTI) was founded in 2019 in Malaysia as an innovative graphene and graphite producer. Graphjet Technology has the world’s first patented technology to recycle palm kernel shells generated in the production of palm seed oil to produce single layer graphene and artificial graphite. Graphjet’s sustainable production methods utilizing palm kernel shells, a waste agricultural product that is common in Malaysia, will set a new shift in graphite and graphene supply chain of the world. For more information, please visit https://www.graphjettech.com/.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    The information in this press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “aim,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result” and similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) changes in the markets in which Graphjet competes, including with respect to its competitive landscape, technology evolution or regulatory changes; (ii) the risk that Graphjet will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plans, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (iii) Graphjet is beginning the commercialization of its technology and it may not have an accurate estimate of future capital expenditures and future revenue; (iv) statements regarding Graphjet’s industry and market size; (v) financial condition and performance of Graphjet, including the anticipated benefits, the implied enterprise value, the financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, the products, the expected future performance and market opportunities of Graphjet; (vi) Graphjet’s ability to develop and manufacture its graphene and graphite products; and (vii) those factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that will be described in the “Risk Factors” section of the documents to be filed by Graphjet from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward- looking statements, and while Graphjet may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Graphjet does not give any assurance that Graphjet will achieve its expectations.

    Graphjet Technology Contacts

    Investors
    ceo.office@graphjettech.com

    Media
    ceo.office@graphjettech.com

    ###

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pacvue Partners with Unlimitail, a Leading European Grocery Media Network, to Expand Retail Media Access Across Europe, Starting with Carrefour

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pacvue today announced a strategic partnership with Unlimitail, the retail media network serving over 35 leading retailers across Europe and Latin America.

    This collaboration will expand Pacvue clients’ self-service capabilities by enabling brands and agencies to activate campaigns across Unlimitail’s network via Pacvue’s commerce operating system. It also unlocks incremental demand by opening access to global and regional budgets through Pacvue’s platform. The partnership will begin with Carrefour, the number one grocery player in Europe, with campaigns launchable starting this summer in France.

    This integration reflects the increasing maturity of Europe’s retail media landscape and aligns with the best practices established in the most advanced markets. It also showcases Unlimitail’s and Pacvue’s continued investments in creating a more unified, standardized, and accessible ecosystem through streamlined platforms and partner integrations.

    Through this integration, Pacvue now offers streamlined access to Carrefour France’s onsite media inventory, allowing brands and agencies to seamlessly plan, launch, and optimize retail media campaigns with greater precision, efficiency, and control. The partnership will progressively expand to other countries and other retailers in Europe.

    Strategic Impact for brands and agencies

    This partnership, enabled by Unlimitail’s exclusive retail media offering and ad tech infrastructure, positions Pacvue clients to capitalize on the growth of the European retail media market with more personalized campaigns, real-time optimization, and access to one of the region’s most influential grocery retail media channels.

    This partnership will bring key benefits to brands:

    • Access to exclusive retail media inventory: Activate campaigns across Unlimitail onsite media inventories, starting with Carrefour in France. Reach shoppers in high-impact placements throughout the whole purchase journey.
    • Performance measurement powered by transactional data: Use Pacvue’s platform to monitor and optimize campaigns in real time, with performance insights enriched by retailer’s transactional data.
    • Streamlined access to a top-tier retail media networks: Leverage Pacvue’s platform to easily activate and manage campaigns across one of Europe’s most influential retail media networks and advanced retailers, with centralized visibility and control. This global connectivity for brands and agencies will bring Europe closer to the most mature markets in retail media.

    “At Unlimitail, our mission is to make omnichannel retail media simpler, smarter, and more impactful for brands. Partnering with Pacvue, the worldwide leading Commerce platform, does exactly that, by allowing us to expand the accessibility of our retailer’s inventories to more global agencies and advertisers. This global connectivity, powered by Pacvue tools, is a significant step in steering the European markets towards the most mature countries in retail media. More than ever, we are committed to lead the way in helping brands put retail media at the core of their Marketing & Commerce strategies,” declares Thibault Hennion, COO of Unlimitail.

    Victor De La Fuente, the Head of Global eCommerce at Nestle, shared, “We’re thrilled about the opportunities this partnership between Unlimitail and Pacvue brings. Accessing and managing Carrefour’s data through the Pacvue solution marks a significant advancement in our retail digital media initiatives across Europe, enhancing operational efficiency and driving performance.”

    Unlocking Carrefour’s Retail Media Ecosystem

    This partnership will start by providing access to Carrefour inventories in France. Carrefour.fr welcomes close to 17 million unique monthly visitors, with nearly 2 million new visitors added in the past year (source: Médiamétrie net ratings, February 2025). In France, 1 in 4 people now visit the retailer regularly, with 97% of shoppers still shopping through the website at least 2 years after their first purchase (source: Kantar).

    With such a loyal and high-traffic environment, Unlimitail and Carrefour offer a strong foundation for performance. According to Unlimitail’s latest benchmark study, Retail Media Decoded, Sponsored Product campaigns in Europe on grocery reach an average click-through rate around 1,0%, with 1-1 ROAS above 3x and Halo ROAS around 6x, demonstrating the power of well-executed activations and their impact not only on products, but brands as a whole.

    Pacvue’s Investment in European Expansion

    This announcement comes as Pacvue deepens its investment in Europe with the appointment of Mark James as VP, Head of EMEA. With over 15 years of experience in retail media and digital advertising, James will support the company’s continued growth and localized value for brands across the region.

    The partnership with Unlimitail underscores Pacvue’s commitment to expanding its European footprint. Backed by Mark James’ 15+ years of experience in retail media and digital advertising, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities and foster them for clients in the EMEA region.

    Pacvue CRO Ross McNab commented: “Mark is the ideal leader to drive Pacvue’s growth across the EMEA region. He has deep expertise in retail media and a proven track record. Coupled with our partnership with Unlimitail, this is a big leap forward in our mission to give brands a competitive advantage through cutting-edge retail media capabilities.”

    Romain Schneider, eRetail Media Director at WPP, underscored what this move signals for the brands and advertisers: “We’re always looking for innovative, scalable ways to drive meaningful outcomes for our clients at WPP. The partnership between Pacvue and Carrefour represents a significant advancement for retail media in Europe. Access to Carrefour’s high-traffic, data-rich ecosystem via Pacvue’s platform gives our brands unprecedented precision, speed, and control in campaign execution.”

    About Unlimitail, The Retail Media Powerhouse

    Unlimitail is a global retail media platform enabling brands and retailers to deploy simplified, unified, and optimized retail media strategies. Through deep consumer insights, omnichannel campaign activation, and end-to-end measurement, Unlimitail helps drive visibility and generate sales.

    The company stands out for its advanced advertising technologies through Epsilon Retail Media, offering unified onsite and offsite solutions, as well as its global reach and premium data assets. Unlimitail aggregates over 2 billion monthly page views and connects more than 220 million addressable customers worldwide through 35 retail partners.

    For more information, visit www.unlimitail.com

    Unlimitail Communications Department: communication@unlimitail.com

    About Pacvue

    Pacvue is the leading commerce acceleration platform that integrates retail media, commerce management and measurement. The company’s first-to-market platform drives incrementality, profitability and market share for brands, while turning insights into actionable recommendations. Backed by a global team of experts, Pacvue works with over 70,000 brands and agencies across 95+ retailers worldwide including Amazon, Walmart, Target and Instacart. With the incorporation of Pacvue’s enterprise solution with Helium 10 for SMBs, Pacvue is now the most comprehensive commerce and retail media platform available in the market. Founded in 2018, their global presence includes locations in Chicago, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, London, Shanghai and Tokyo.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FFB Bancorp Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FRESNO, Calif., July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FFB Bancorp (the “Company”) (OTCQX: FFBB), the parent company of FFB Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $6.04 million, or $1.94 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $8.08 million, or $2.54 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2024, and $8.10 million, or $2.55 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2025.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net income was $14.13 million, or $4.50 per diluted share, compared to $15.87 million, or $4.99 per diluted share, for the same period in 2024. All results are unaudited.

    Second Quarter 2025 Summary: As of, or for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024:

    • Operating revenue (net interest income, before the provision for credit losses, plus non-interest income) increased 11% to $27.35 million.
    • Pre-tax, pre-provision income increased 1% to $11.58 million.
    • Net income decreased 25% to $6.04 million.
    • Return on average equity (“ROAE”) was 13.75%.
    • Return on average assets (“ROAA”) was 1.59%.
    • Net interest margin contracted 22 basis points to 5.09% from 5.31%.
    • Total assets increased 2% to $1.47 billion.
    • Total portfolio of loans increased 13% to $1.09 billion.
    • Total deposits increased 6% to $1.23 billion.
    • Shareholder equity increased 17% to $173.91 million.
    • Book value per common share increased 22% to $56.87.
    • The Company’s tangible common equity ratio was 11.80%, while the Bank’s regulatory leverage capital ratio was 14.41%, and the total risk-based capital ratio was 20.61% at June 30, 2025.

    “During the quarter FFB Bank was recognized as #1 in American Banker’s top-performing public banks with under $2B in assets and #34 in S&P Global’s 100 best-performing US community banks of 2024, for bank’s under $3B in assets,” said Steve Miller, President & CEO. “This recognition is a testament to the consistent success we’ve enjoyed, and a reminder of the results we expect and continue to strive toward. As we navigate the challenges this year has brought, we’re proud to build upon our history of success.”

    “During the quarter we have made continued and timely progress on the matters outlined in our consent order, although ultimate compliance will be determined by our regulators. We are confident we can continue to address these items going forward. Although the added resource allocation to properly address the order will have near-term impacts to our performance, we feel that building a best in-class compliance and risk frame-work will enable the bank to drive results over the long-term.”

    Update on Stock Repurchase Program:

    On January 22, 2025, the Company announced that it had authorized a plan to utilize up to $15.0 million of capital to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. As of June 30, 2025, the Company has repurchased 133,021 shares, at an average price of $76.79, totaling $10.22 million. This represents approximately 5.33% of total shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2025. During the second quarter of 2025 the Company repurchased 91,106 shares, at an average price of $74.58, totaling $6.79 million. These purchases represent approximately 3.54% of total shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2025.

    Under the terms of the repurchase plan, the Company may repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time, through December 31, 2025, in open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases under the plan may also be made pursuant to a trading plan under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which would permit shares to be repurchased by the Company when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or other regulatory restrictions. The timing, manner, price and exact amount of any repurchases by the Company will be determined at the Company’s discretion and depend on various factors including the performance of the Company’s stock price, general market and economic conditions, applicable legal and regulatory requirements, availability of funds, and other relevant factors. Through December 31, 2025, the repurchase plan may be discontinued, suspended or restarted at any time.

    Results of Operations

    Quarter ended June 30, 2025:

    Operating revenue, consisting of net interest income before the provision for credit losses and non-interest income, increased 11% to $27.35 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $24.73 million for the second quarter a year ago, and decreased 4% from $28.48 million for the first quarter of 2025.

    Net interest income, before the provision for credit losses, increased 5% to $18.11 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $17.31 million for the same quarter a year ago, and decreased 4% to $18.90 million from last quarter. “Net interest income has benefited from strong loan portfolio growth, partially offset by higher funding costs,” said Bhavneet Gill, Chief Financial Officer. “We have been able to capitalize on a higher yielding loan portfolio, but that yield was impacted by a $261,000 interest reversal as loans, totaling $11.86 million, were placed on non-accrual during the quarter.”

    The Company’s net interest margin (“NIM”) decreased by 22 basis points to 5.09% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to 5.31% for the second quarter of 2024, and decreased 26 basis points from 5.35% for the preceding quarter. “The decrease in NIM is primarily the result of an increase in deposit and borrowing interest expense, and the decrease in investment interest income. During the quarter, average non-interest bearing deposits decreased $37.67 million. The resulting shift in the deposit portfolio saw the cost of deposits increase 13 basis points,” noted Gill. “During the second quarter of 2025 we sold $48.05 million in investment securities to generate liquidity ahead of anticipated deposit outflows due to ISO partner exits. That transaction was the driver of the decrease in investment interest income in the current quarter and will result in lower investment income in future quarters.”

    The yield on earning assets was 6.18% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to 6.40% for the second quarter a year ago, and 6.31% for the previous quarter. The cost to fund earning assets increased to 1.09% for the second quarter of 2025 compared to 0.96% for the previous quarter, and 1.10% for the same quarter a year earlier. This increase is the result of an increase in brokered deposits and overnight borrowings during the quarter due to ISO deposit outflow that occurred in early June.

    Total non-interest income was $9.24 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $7.42 million for the second quarter of 2024, and $9.58 million for the previous quarter. The increase in non-interest income, from the second quarter of 2024, was driven by more gain on the sale of loans, higher merchant services revenue, and a reduction in loss on sale of investments. The quarter-over-quarter decrease in non-interest income was attributed to a decrease in merchant services revenue, partially offset by more gain on the sale of loans.

    Merchant services revenue increased 9% to $6.61 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $6.07 million from the second quarter of 2024. The increase over prior year was primarily related to higher volume across ISO partner sponsorship lines and higher gross revenue related to FFB Payments. Merchant services revenue decreased from $7.86 million when compared to the first quarter of 2025 as a result of seasonality and the loss of a significant FFB Payments direct merchant.

    During the first and second quarters of 2025, ISO Partner Sponsorship volumes included $2.78 billion and $2.56 billion in volume, respectively, for the ISO partners that were exited in the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, the first and second quarters of 2025 included ISO Partner Sponsorship revenues of $990,000 and $1.09 million, respectively, from the ISO partners that were exited in the second quarter of 2025. “These ISO exits were driven by our efforts to comply with the Consent Order and designed to ensure best in class oversight. We anticipate replacing this volume and revenue through growth in FFB Payments and with our remaining ISO partners as we move forward,” said Miller.

    Merchant ISO Processing Volumes(in thousands)
    Source   Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024
    ISO Partner Sponsorship   $ 5,347,695   $ 5,007,998   $ 4,891,643   $ 4,556,868   $ 4,391,365  
    FFB Payments – Sub-ISO Merchants     20,766     21,551     22,950     24,661     24,414  
    FFB Payments – Direct Merchants     71,746     97,095     91,133     64,512     76,059  
    Total volume   $ 5,440,207   $ 5,126,644   $ 5,005,726   $ 4,646,041   $ 4,491,838  
    Merchant ISO Processing Revenues(in thousands)
    Source of Revenue   Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024
    Net Revenue*:            
    ISO Partner Sponsorship   $ 2,654   $ 2,410   $ 2,535   $ 2,284   $ 2,156  
                 
    Gross Revenue:            
    FFB Payments – Sub-ISO Merchants     727     745     764     810     795  
    FFB Payments – Direct Merchants     3,228     4,709     4,262     2,476     3,117  
          3,955     5,454     5,026     3,286     3,912  
    Gross Expense:            
    FFB Payments – Sub-ISO Merchants     708     616     638     723     675  
    FFB Payments – Direct Merchants     2,179     2,558     2,511     1,766     1,989  
          2,887     3,174     3,149     2,489     2,664  
    Net Revenue:            
    FFB Payments – Sub-ISO Merchants     19     129     126     87     120  
    FFB Payments – Direct Merchants     1,049     2,151     1,751     710     1,128  
    FFB Payments Net Revenue     1,068     2,280     1,877     797     1,248  
    Net Merchant Services Income:   $ 3,722   $ 4,690   $ 4,412   $ 3,081   $ 3,404  
    *ISO Partnership Sponsorship is recognized net of expense in Merchant Services Income. FFB Payments revenues are recognized gross in Merchant Services Income and Merchant Services expenses are recognized in Non-Interest Expense.

    Total deposit fee income increased 1% to $854,000 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $847,000 for the second quarter of 2024, and increased 1% from $849,000 for the previous quarter.

    There was a $1.45 million gain on the sale of loans during the second quarter of 2025, compared to a gain on the sale of loans of $509,000 during the second quarter 2024, and a gain on the sale of loans of $261,000 in the previous quarter. There was a $243,000 loss on the sale of investments during the second quarter of 2025, compared to a $459,000 loss recorded during the second quarter of 2024, and no loss recorded in the previous quarter. The gain on the sale of loans was the result of $16.95 million in SBA loans sold and a $31.77 million RE-multifamily loan sale package that was completed during the quarter. These sales contributed $968,000 and $482,000 in gain respectively.

    Non-interest expense increased 19% to $15.77 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $13.29 million for the second quarter 2024, and decreased 4% from $16.47 million from the previous quarter. The increase on a year-over-year comparison was driven by increases in salaries and employee benefits expense, and increases in other operating expense, primarily data and software related expenses and professional fees. Compared to the first quarter of 2025 the decrease in non-interest expense was attributed to a decrease in merchant services operating expenses, marketing expense, director fess, and operational losses.

    Salaries and employee benefits increased 19% to $8.00 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $6.72 million for the second quarter 2024. The increase year-over-year was primarily the result of expense associated with the increase in full-time employees. Full-time employees increased to 181 at June 30, 2025, compared to 147 full-time employees a year earlier, and 175 full-time employees from the previous quarter. Total salaries and employee benefits decreased 1% from $8.06 million in the previous quarter. The decrease when compared to the first quarter of 2025 is the result of a decrease in payroll tax expense and increased loan originations, partially offset by higher salary expense from additional full-time employees. Compensation related direct costs associated with loan originations offset salary and employee benefits expense upon loan origination.

    Occupancy and equipment expenses decreased 19% from a year ago, representing 2% of non-interest expense, and remained consistent with the preceding quarter. Merchant operating expense totaled $2.89 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $2.66 million for the second quarter of 2024 and $3.17 million for the previous quarter. The change in merchant operating expense is attributed to fluctuations in volume and revenue for the FFB Payments lines of business. Merchant operating expenses include interchange fees, chargebacks, partnership fees, and other card brand fees.

    Other operating expense increased 31% or $1.07 million to $4.53 million from a year earlier and decreased 7% or $357,000 from the previous quarter. The year-over-year increase was driven by increases of $458,000 in data and software related expense, $327,000 in professional fees, $136,000 in regulatory assessment expense, and $127,000 in marketing expense. The increase in data and software expense and professional fees, which include legal, audit, and consulting fees, are primarily due to actions taken to enhance the Company’s AML/CFT, compliance, and merchant services programs.

    The efficiency ratio was 57.15% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to 52.74% for the same quarter a year ago, and 57.83% for the preceding quarter. The efficiency ratio can fluctuate period-over-period based on changes in merchant services’ gross revenues and associated expenses. The Company also calculates an adjusted efficiency ratio where the merchant services’ gross expense, which is included in non-interest expense, is netted against merchant services’ revenue in non-interest income. The adjusted efficiency ratio was 52.14% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to 47.15% for the same quarter a year ago, and 52.54% for the previous quarter.

    “Over the last few quarters, we’ve made intentional investments in people and technology to ensure that the bank can efficiently scale moving forward, and specifically to support our payment ecosystem, product development, regional expansion, and compliance/risk management initiatives. We saw elevated legal, audit, and technology related expenses in the first half of the year mostly related to addressing the Consent Order,” said Miller.

    Six months ended June 30, 2025:

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025, operating revenue increased 15% to $55.83 million, compared to $48.34 million for the same period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net interest income before the provision for credit losses increased 11% to $37.01 million, compared to $33.44 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in revenue is attributed to growth in the loan portfolio, partially offset by a decrease in investment interest income, an increase in interest bearing liabilities, and the cost of funds. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the yield on earning assets was 6.24% compared to 6.27% for the same period in 2024, while the cost to fund earning assets was 1.02% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 1.05% for the same period in 2024.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025, non-interest income increased 26% to $18.82 million compared to $14.90 million for the same period in 2024. Deposit fee income increased 4% to $1.70 million resulting from growth in business demand deposit accounts. The year-over-year growth in non-interest income was also largely attributable to the decrease in loss on sale of investments, an increase in the gain on sale of loans, and an increase in merchant services revenue.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025, operating expenses increased by 24% to $32.24 million from $25.99 million for the same period in 2024. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 21% to $16.06 million as a result of the increase in FTE. There was a 21% increase in merchant services operating expenses, to $6.06 million, which represents 19% of total operating expenses for six months ended June 30, 2025. Other operating expenses increased 38% to $9.41 million due to a $711,000 increase in technology related expenses, increases of $683,000 in professional fees, and increase of $389,000 in marketing expense, and a $293,000 increase in operational losses.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the efficiency ratio was 57.49%, compared to 52.85% for the same period ended June 30, 2024. The adjusted efficiency ratio was 52.34%, compared to 47.48% for the same period ended June 30, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Review

    Total assets increased 2% to $1.47 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $1.44 billion at June 30, 2024, and decreased 6% compared to March 31, 2025.

    The total portfolio of loans increased 13%, or $122.20 million, to $1.09 billion, compared to $969.76 million at June 30, 2024, and remained consistent with the $1.09 billion reported at March 31, 2025.

    Commercial real estate loans increased 22% year-over-year to $683.74 million, representing 63% of total loans at June 30, 2025. The CRE portfolio includes approximately $254.16 million in multi-family loans originated by the Southern California team that the Company may consider selling at some point in the future for liquidity and concentration management. The multi-family portfolio includes $74.32 million in short-term bridge loans for transitional projects of multi-family properties. The short-term bridge loans are conservatively underwritten with minimum DSCR and liquidity requirements. The bank continues to market our bridge loan product in a more measured approach, keeping to our conservative underwriting standards. The real estate construction and land development loan portfolio decreased 84% from a year ago to $12.78 million, representing 1% of total loans, while residential RE 1-4 family loans totaled $17.07 million, or 2% of loans, at June 30, 2025, compared to $17.44 million one year ago.

    The commercial and industrial (C&I) portfolio increased 15% to $266.81 million, at June 30, 2025, compared to $232.79 million a year earlier, and increased 3% from $260.06 million at March 31, 2025. C&I loans represented 24% of total loans at June 30, 2025. Agriculture loans represented 10% of the loan portfolio at June 30, 2025. At June 30, 2025, the SBA, USDA, and other government agencies guaranteed loans totaled $53.36 million, or 4.9% of the loan portfolio.

    Investment securities totaled $254.18 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $345.49 million a year earlier, and decreased $59.65 million from $313.83 million at March 31, 2025. Investment securities were sold during the quarter to generate liquidity ahead of anticipated deposit outflows due to ISO partner exits. The investment portfolio consists of mortgage-backed and municipal securities, both tax exempt and taxable, treasury securities as well as other domestic debt. At June 30, 2025, the Company had a net unrealized loss position on its investment securities portfolio of $25.41 million, compared to a net unrealized loss of $24.50 million at March 31, 2025. The Company’s investment securities portfolio had an effective duration of 6.26 years at June 30, 2025, compared to 5.61 years at March 31, 2025.

    Total deposits increased 6%, or $65.69 million, to $1.23 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $1.17 billion from a year earlier, and decreased $85.73 million from $1.32 billion at March 31, 2025. Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased 4% to $759.30 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $731.03 million at June 30, 2024, and decreased $66.10 million from $825.40 million at March 31, 2025. Non-interest bearing demand deposits represented 61% of total deposits at June 30, 2025. During the second quarter of 2025 non-interest bearing demand deposits were reduced by $111.20 million due to ISO partner exits completed in early June 2025. Certificates of deposits increased 49%, or $55.01 million, during the quarter primarily due to the addition of $51.00 million in brokered deposits that mature over the next 12 months.

    Included in non-interest bearing deposits at June 30, 2025 are $75.83 million from ISO partners for merchant reserves, $45.24 million from ISO partners for settlement, and $11.61 million in ISO partner operating accounts, totaling $132.68 million. These deposits represent 17.5% of non-interest bearing deposits and 10.7% of total deposits.

    Within the $132.68 million in ISO partner deposits retained as of June 30, 2025 are $29.56 million in deposits for ISO partners being exited in the second half of 2025. The Bank plans to replace these non-interest bearing deposits with growth from new Bank customers in its markets and from the existing ISO partners it will continue to support. In the short-term, the new deposit growth will likely be made up of a higher percentage of interest bearing deposits.

    There was $16.00 million in short-term borrowings at June 30, 2025, compared to $68.00 million at June 30, 2024, and $10.00 million at March 31, 2025. The Company primarily utilizes FHLB advances and the Federal Reserve discount window for short-term borrowings. The following table summarizes the Company’s primary and secondary sources of liquidity which were available at June 30, 2025:

    Liquidity Source
    (in thousands)    		   June 30, 2025 March 31, 2025
           
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 77,244   $ 103,071  
    Unpledged investment securities, fair value     67,952     104,732  
    FHLB advance capacity     293,198     338,036  
    Federal Reserve discount window capacity     162,755     130,590  
    Correspondent bank unsecured lines of credit     71,500     71,500  
        $ 672,649   $ 747,929  

    The total primary and secondary liquidity of $672.65 million at June 30, 2025 represents a decrease of $75.28 million in primary and secondary liquidity quarter-over-quarter. The decreases in unpledged investment securities and the FHLB advance capacity are the result of investment and loan sales that occurred during the quarter.

    Shareholders’ equity increased 17% to $173.91 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $148.64 million from a year ago, and decreased slightly from the $174.71 million reported at March 31, 2025. Book value per common share increased 22% to $56.87, at June 30, 2025, compared to $46.79 at June 30, 2024, and increased 2% from $55.52 at March 31, 2025. The tangible common equity ratio was 11.80% at June 30, 2025, compared to 10.30% a year earlier, and 11.20% at March 31, 2025. Book value improved as a result of quarterly net income and a reduction in shares outstanding through the bank’s strategic share repurchase program.

    At the Bank level, unrealized losses and gains reflected in AOCI are not included in regulatory capital. As a result, Tier-1 capital at the Bank for regulatory purposes was $222.14 million at quarter end excluding the unrealized loss. The regulatory leverage capital ratio was 14.41% for the current quarter, while the total risk-based capital ratio was 20.61%, exceeding regulatory minimums to be considered well-capitalized.

    Asset Quality

    Nonperforming assets, which consists of nonperforming loans and other real estate owned, increased to $27.23 million, or 1.85% of total assets, at June 30, 2025, compared to $15.37 million, or 0.98% of total assets, from the previous quarter. Of the $26.29 million in nonperforming loans, $10.98 million are covered by SBA guarantees. Total delinquent loans decreased to $2.86 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $19.12 million at March 31, 2025. The increase in nonperforming loans is primarily the result of two multi-family loans, which are real estate secured, totaling $10.00 million to a related group of borrowers. These loans were included in the delinquent balances for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. As a result of their non-accrual status, the balance of the loans exceeding the real estate collateral value is reserved for in the allowance for credit loss, resulting in $1.62 million of additional reserve. The Bank is working closely with the borrowers as they work through stabilization and sale of the properties.

    Past due loans 30-60 days were $1.80 million at June 30, 2025, compared to $17.53 million at March 31, 2025, and $1.05 million at June 30, 2024. There were $1.02 million past due loans from 60-90 days at June 30, 2025, compared to $1.54 million at March 31, 2025 and $175,000 in past due loans from 60-90 days a year earlier. Past due loans 90+ days at quarter end totaled $46,000 at June 30, 2025, compared to $1.05 million, at June 30, 2024. Of the $2.86 million in past due loans at June 30, 2025, $965,000 were purchased government guaranteed loans, which are guaranteed by the SBA for the full payment of the principal plus interest.

    Delinquent Loan Summary   Organic Purchased Govt. Guaranteed Total
    (in thousands)  
             
    Delinquent accruing loans 30-59 days   $ 877   $ 919   $ 1,796  
    Delinquent accruing loans 60-89 days     1,020     —     1,020  
    Delinquent accruing loans 90+ days     —     46     46  
    Total delinquent accruing loans   $ 1,897   $ 965   $ 2,862  
             
    Non-Accrual Loan Summary   Organic Purchased Govt. Guaranteed Total
    (in thousands)  
             
    Loans on non-accrual   $ 26,285   $ —   $ 26,285  
    Non-accrual loans with SBA guarantees     10,979     —     10,979  
    Net Bank exposure to non-accrual loans   $ 15,306   $ —   $ 15,306  

    There was a $3.16 million provision for credit losses in the second quarter of 2025, compared to $291,000 provision for credit losses in the second quarter a year ago, and a $1.16 million provision for credit losses booked in the first quarter of 2025. The provision recorded during the second quarter of 2025 is the result of changes in loan portfolio concentrations, net charge-offs recognized, and a $10.92 million increase in total non-accrual loans which were individually evaluated in the allowance for credit losses.

    The ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans was 1.40% at June 30, 2025, compared to 1.11% a year earlier and 1.18% at March 31, 2025. The Company individually evaluates non-accrual loans in the allowance for credit losses which has resulted in carrying a higher level of reserve.

    During the second quarter of 2025 the Bank recorded $949,000 in other real estate owned (“OREO”). This OREO was the result of a loan foreclosure completed during the quarter where the bank acquired a single-family-residence property as payment through collateral. The property is in good condition and is anticipated to sell during the second half of 2025.

    “As SBA loans have historically been the primary driver of nonperforming loans, the portfolio is watched very closely. Rates have increased so rapidly over the last two years putting pressure on borrowers. A majority of the loans within the portfolio are floating rate loans tied to WSJ Prime and reset quarterly. Borrowers saw a 50bps reduction in their rates on January 1, 2025 and additional rate relief may occur during the second half of 2025,” added Miller. “The ratio of allowance for credit losses to the total, non-guaranteed, loan portfolio was 1.48%, as of June 30, 2025, and our total non-guaranteed exposure on these SBA loans is $44.61 million spread over 222 loans.”

    “We incurred net charge offs of $605,000 during the current quarter, compared to $27,000 in net recoveries in the second quarter a year ago, and $167,000 in net charge offs in the previous quarter,” said Miller. “Our loan portfolio increased 13% from a year ago with commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans representing 63% of the total loan portfolio. Within the CRE portfolio, there are $49.90 million in loans for CRE office as shown in the table below. Since the majority of our CRE office exposure is concentrated in the Central Valley, we are experiencing less volatility than city center CRE markets. Our credit metrics remain strong as we continue to maintain conservative underwriting standards.”

    (in thousands)   CRE Office Exposure of June 30, 2025
    Region   Owner-Occupied Non-Owner Occupied Total
    Central Valley   $ 24,611   $ 17,268   $ 41,879  
    Southern California     2,262     350     2,612  
    Other California     4,463     417     4,880  
    Total California     31,336     18,035     49,371  
    Out of California     —     524     524  
    Total CRE Office   $ 31,336   $ 18,559   $ 49,895  


    About FFB Bancorp

    FFB Bancorp, formerly Communities First Financial Corporation, a bank holding company established in 2014, is the parent company of FFB Bank, founded in 2005 in Fresno, California. As a leading SBA Lender in California’s Central Valley and one of the few direct acquiring banks in the United States, FFB Bank offers clients a range of personal and business checking accounts, payment processes, and loan programs. Among the Bank’s awards and accomplishments, it was ranked #1 on American Banker’s list of the Top 20 Publicly Traded Banks under $2 Billion in Assets for 2024. The Bank was also ranked by S&P Global as the #34 best performing US community bank under $3 billion in assets. The Company has also received recognition as part of the OTCQX Best 50 Companies for 2019, 2023, and 2024. For additional information, you can visit the Company’s website at www.ffb.bank or by contacting a representative at 559-439-0200.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This earnings release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. The forward-looking statements are based on managements’ expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to effectively execute its business plans; the impact of the Consent Order on our financial condition and results of operations; changes in general economic and financial market conditions; changes in interest rates, and in particular, actions taken by the Federal Reserve to try and control inflation; changes in the competitive environment; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; losses, customer bankruptcy, claims and assessments; changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the Company’s business; international developments; the tariff strategy of the Trump administration, and its related effects on the agriculture industry and connected businesses in the Central Valley; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect events or circumstances after today, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

    Member FDIC

    Select Financial Information and Ratios   For the Quarter Ended:   Year to Date as of:
      June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024   June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
    BALANCE SHEET – ENDING BALANCES:                    
    Total assets   $ 1,473,927     $ 1,560,376     $ 1,443,723          
    Total portfolio loans     1,091,964       1,092,441       969,764          
    Investment securities     254,177       313,826       345,491          
    Total deposits     1,234,648       1,320,381       1,168,957          
    Shareholders equity, net     173,908       174,711       148,640          
                         
    INCOME STATEMENT DATA                    
    Operating revenue     27,349       28,476       24,729       55,825       48,340  
    Operating expense     15,768       16,467       13,285       32,235       25,986  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income     11,581       12,009       11,444       23,590       22,354  
    Net income after tax     6,036       8,098       8,076       14,134       15,866  
                         
    SHARE DATA                    
    Basic earnings per share   $ 1.95     $ 2.56     $ 2.54     $ 4.51     $ 5.00  
    Fully diluted EPS   $ 1.94     $ 2.55     $ 2.54     $ 4.50     $ 4.99  
    Book value per common share   $ 56.87     $ 55.52     $ 46.79          
    Common shares outstanding     3,057,874       3,146,727       3,176,611          
    Fully diluted shares     3,104,067       3,175,178       3,183,844       3,139,346       3,178,974  
    FFBB – Stock price   $ 78.00     $ 76.50     $ 89.00          
                         
    RATIOS                    
    Return on average assets     1.59 %     2.14 %     2.31 %     1.86 %     2.32 %
    Return on average equity     13.75 %     18.83 %     22.89 %     16.26 %     23.08 %
    Efficiency ratio     57.15 %     57.83 %     52.74 %     57.49 %     52.85 %
    Adjusted efficiency ratio     52.14 %     52.54 %     47.15 %     52.34 %     47.48 %
    Yield on earning assets     6.18 %     6.31 %     6.40 %     6.24 %     6.27 %
    Yield on investment securities     4.13 %     4.36 %     4.60 %     4.25 %     4.54 %
    Yield on portfolio loans     6.70 %     6.81 %     6.89 %     6.75 %     6.79 %
    Cost to fund earning assets     1.09 %     0.96 %     1.10 %     1.02 %     1.05 %
    Cost of interest-bearing deposits     2.81 %     2.60 %     2.75 %     2.71 %     2.73 %
    Net Interest Margin     5.09 %     5.35 %     5.31 %     5.22 %     5.22 %
    Equity to assets     11.80 %     11.20 %     10.30 %        
    Net loan to deposit ratio     88.44 %     82.74 %     82.96 %        
    Full time equivalent employees     181       175       147          
                         
    BALANCE SHEET – AVERAGES                    
    Total assets     1,525,601       1,531,573       1,407,255       1,528,570       1,377,447  
    Total portfolio loans     1,112,380       1,076,848       954,871       1,094,712       940,216  
    Investment securities     289,127       325,699       334,416       307,312       325,117  
    Total deposits     1,281,357       1,300,550       1,199,124       1,290,901       1,164,121  
    Shareholders equity, net     176,074       174,410       141,881       175,247       138,251  
    Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)   June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (in thousands)      
    ASSETS            
    Cash and due from banks   $ 55,897     $ 83,033     $ 46,477  
    Interest bearing deposits in banks     21,347       20,038       26,842  
    CDs in other banks     1,722       1,724       1,683  
    Investment securities     254,177       313,826       345,491  
    Loans held for sale     —       —       —  
                 
    Construction & land development     12,784       12,649       79,132  
    Residential RE 1-4 family     17,066       17,146       17,439  
    Commercial real estate     683,743       696,625       562,548  
    Agriculture     109,926       104,616       77,518  
    Commercial and industrial     266,810       260,063       232,786  
    Consumer and other     1,635       1,342       341  
    Portfolio loans     1,091,964       1,092,441       969,764  
    Deferred fees & discounts     (3,541 )     (3,946 )     (4,106 )
    Allowance for credit losses     (15,330 )     (12,913 )     (10,749 )
    Loans, net     1,073,093       1,075,582       954,909  
                 
    Non-marketable equity investments     9,809       8,890       8,440  
    Cash value of life insurance     12,594       12,496       12,211  
    Other real estate owned     949       —       —  
    Accrued interest and other assets     44,339       44,787       47,670  
    Total assets   $ 1,473,927     $ 1,560,376     $ 1,443,723  
                 
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY            
    Non-interest bearing deposits   $ 759,300     $ 825,404     $ 731,030  
    Interest checking     75,815       109,555       75,907  
    Savings     49,657       54,686       51,052  
    Money market     183,071       218,940       184,495  
    Certificates of deposits     166,805       111,796       126,473  
    Total deposits     1,234,648       1,320,381       1,168,957  
    Short-term borrowings     16,000       10,000       68,000  
    Long-term debt     38,086       38,046       39,678  
    Other liabilities     11,285       17,238       18,448  
    Total liabilities     1,300,019       1,385,665       1,295,083  
                 
    Common stock     29,501       35,693       37,430  
    Retained earnings     162,272       156,235       129,856  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (17,865 )     (17,217 )     (18,646 )
    Shareholders’ equity     173,908       174,711       148,640  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 1,473,927     $ 1,560,376     $ 1,443,723  
    Consolidated Income Statement (unaudited)   Quarter ended:   Year ended:
    (in thousands)   June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024   June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
                         
    INTEREST INCOME:                    
    Loan interest income   $ 18,582     $ 18,069     $ 16,354     $ 36,651     $ 31,726  
    Investment income     2,978       3,499       3,823       6,477       7,335  
    Int. on fed funds & CDs in other banks     270       574       316       844       572  
    Dividends from non-marketable equity     141       132       394       272       523  
    Total interest income     21,971       22,274       20,887       44,244       40,156  
                         
    INTEREST EXPENSE:                    
    Int. on deposits     3,288       2,891       3,008       6,178       5,526  
    Int. on short-term borrowings     126       31       109       158       258  
    Int. on long-term debt     451       451       464       902       929  
    Total interest expense     3,865       3,373       3,581       7,238       6,713  
    Net interest income     18,106       18,901       17,306       37,006       33,443  
    PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES     3,157       1,164       291       4,321       670  
    Net interest income after provision     14,949       17,737       17,015       32,685       32,773  
                         
    NON-INTEREST INCOME:                    
    Total deposit fee income     854       849       847       1,703       1,643  
    Debit / credit card interchange income     215       191       186       407       353  
    Merchant services income     6,609       7,864       6,068       14,473       12,137  
    Gain on sale of loans     1,446       261       509       1,707       961  
    Loss on sale of investments     (243 )     —       (459 )     (243 )     (833 )
    Other operating income     362       410       272       772       636  
    Total non-interest income     9,243       9,575       7,423       18,819       14,897  
                         
    NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:                    
    Salaries & employee benefits     8,002       8,056       6,724       16,058       13,306  
    Occupancy expense     352       353       437       705       820  
    Merchant services operating expense     2,887       3,174       2,664       6,060       5,023  
    Other operating expense     4,527       4,884       3,460       9,412       6,837  
    Total non-interest expense     15,768       16,467       13,285       32,235       25,986  
                         
    Income before provision for income tax     8,424       10,845       11,153       19,269       21,684  
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     2,388       2,747       3,077       5,135       5,818  
    Net income   $ 6,036     $ 8,098     $ 8,076     $ 14,134     $ 15,866  
    ASSET QUALITY   June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (in thousands)      
    Delinquent accruing loans 30-60 days   $ 1,796     $ 17,533     $ 1,046  
    Delinquent accruing loans 60-90 days     1,020       1,537       175  
    Delinquent accruing loans 90+ days     46       46       1,052  
    Total delinquent accruing loans   $ 2,862     $ 19,116     $ 2,273  
                 
    Loans on non-accrual   $ 26,285     $ 15,366     $ 11,250  
    Other real estate owned     949       —       —  
    Nonperforming assets   $ 27,234     $ 15,366     $ 11,250  
                 
    Delinquent 30-60 / Total Loans     0.16 %     1.60 %     0.11 %
    Delinquent 60-90 / Total Loans     0.09 %     0.14 %     0.02 %
    Delinquent 90+ / Total Loans     — %     — %     0.11 %
    Delinquent Loans / Total Loans     0.26 %     1.75 %     0.23 %
    Non-accrual / Total Loans     2.41 %     1.41 %     1.16 %
    Nonperforming assets to total assets     1.85 %     0.98 %     0.78 %
                 
    Year-to-date charge-off activity            
    Charge-offs   $ 772     $ 167     $ —  
    Recoveries     —       —       31  
    Net charge-offs (recoveries)   $ 772     $ 167     $ (31 )
    Annualized net loan losses to average loans     0.14 %     0.06 %     (0.01 )%
                 
    CREDIT LOSS RESERVE RATIOS:            
    Allowance for credit losses   $ 15,330     $ 12,913     $ 10,749  
                 
    Total loans   $ 1,091,964     $ 1,092,441     $ 969,764  
    Purchased govt. guaranteed loans   $ 15,138     $ 16,081     $ 18,141  
    Originated govt. guaranteed loans   $ 38,224     $ 45,285     $ 41,201  
                 
    ACL / Total loans     1.40 %     1.18 %     1.11 %
    ACL / Loans less 100% govt. gte. loans (purchased)     1.42 %     1.20 %     1.13 %
    ACL / Loans less all govt. guaranteed loans     1.48 %     1.25 %     1.18 %
    ACL / Total assets     1.04 %     0.83 %     0.74 %
    SELECT FINANCIAL TREND INFORMATION   For the Quarter Ended:
      June 30, 2025 March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 September 30, 2024 June 30, 2024
    BALANCE SHEET – PERIOD END            
    Total assets   $ 1,473,927   $ 1,560,376   $ 1,504,128   $ 1,512,241   $ 1,443,723  
    Loans held for sale     —     —     —     —     —  
    Loans held for investment     1,091,964     1,092,441     1,071,079     998,222     969,764  
    Investment securities     254,177     313,826     322,186     345,428     345,491  
                 
    Non-interest bearing deposits     759,300     825,404     828,508     826,708     731,030  
    Interest bearing deposits     475,348     494,977     455,869     460,241     437,927  
    Total deposits     1,234,648     1,320,381     1,284,377     1,286,949     1,168,957  
    Short-term borrowings     16,000     10,000     —     —     68,000  
    Long-term debt     38,086     38,046     38,007     37,967     39,678  
                 
    Total equity     191,773     191,928     186,574     176,350     167,286  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (17,865 )   (17,217 )   (18,182 )   (12,715 )   (18,646 )
    Shareholders’ equity     173,908     174,711     168,392     163,635     148,640  
                 
    QUARTERLY INCOME STATEMENT            
    Interest income   $ 21,971   $ 22,274   $ 22,403   $ 21,404   $ 20,887  
    Interest expense     3,865     3,373     3,591     3,617     3,581  
    Net interest income     18,106     18,901     18,812     17,787     17,306  
    Non-interest income     9,243     9,575     9,435     7,616     7,423  
    Gross revenue     27,349     28,476     28,247     25,403     24,729  
                 
    Provision for credit losses     3,157     1,164     1,671     762     291  
                 
    Non-interest expense     15,768     16,467     13,270     12,735     13,285  
    Net income before tax     8,424     10,845     13,306     11,906     11,153  
    Tax provision     2,388     2,747     3,588     3,343     3,077  
    Net income after tax     6,036     8,098     9,718     8,563     8,076  
                 
    BALANCE SHEET – AVERAGE BALANCE            
    Total assets   $ 1,525,601   $ 1,531,573   $ 1,529,439   $ 1,477,259   $ 1,704,255  
    Loans held for sale     —     —     —     —     —  
    Loans held for investment     1,112,380     1,076,848     1,038,215     982,152     954,871  
    Investment securities     289,127     325,699     333,135     343,096     334,416  
                 
    Non-interest bearing deposits     812,753     850,426     838,748     822,200     758,977  
    Interest bearing deposits     468,604     450,124     460,321     432,143     440,147  
    Total deposits     1,281,357     1,300,550     1,299,069     1,254,343     1,199,124  
    Short-term borrowings     11,110     2,856     951     —     10,053  
    Long-term debt     38,068     38,028     37,989     39,479     39,660  
                 
    Shareholders’ equity     176,074     174,410     167,268     161,363     141,881  
    Contact: Steve Miller – President & CEO
      Bhavneet Gill – EVP & CFO
      (559) 439-0200

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