Category: housing

MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey, Leader Schumer Call on FCC to Stop Partisan Games, Drop Frivolous CBS Investigation in Light of Fox News’ Misleading Editing of Trump’s Epstein Comments

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

The FCC is pursuing an investigation into CBS’ edits of an October 2024 interview with then-Vice President and Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (July 16, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) today wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr about a “Fox & Friends” June 2024 interview in which Donald Trump was asked whether he would release the Epstein files if he were elected president. The network aired only a portion of Trump’s answers, potentially misleading viewers about Trump’s intentions regarding those files. This past weekend, Donald Trump discounted the importance of the Epstein Files on Truth Social.

In the June interview, Trump appeared to have answered the question about whether he would release the Epstein files by saying “Yeah, yeah I would.” But right after those words — in a portion of the interview unaired on “Fox & Friends” — Trump appeared to hedge his answer by saying, “I guess I would. I think that less so because, you don’t know, you don’t want to affect people’s lives if it’s phony stuff in there, because it’s a lot of phony stuff with that whole world. But I think I would.” Asked if it would restore trust, he said, “Yeah. I don’t know about Epstein so much as I do the others. Certainly about the way he died. It’d be interesting to find out what happened there, because that was a weird situation and the cameras didn’t happen to be working, etc., etc. But yeah, I’d go a long way toward that one.”

In the letter, the lawmakers write, “When the full interview was released on a Fox News radio program, reporters picked up on this selective editing, suggesting that Fox News ‘massaged’ the interview. No wonder, then, many Trump’s supporters were surprised this weekend when Trump said his supporters should ‘not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein.’ This selective editing appears to be far more misleading than the run-of-the-mill editorial decision-making in CBS’s interview with Harris last fall. In October 2024, CBS aired excerpts from an interview with Harris on its programs 60 Minutes and Face the Nation. As the transcript of the interview — which you effectively forced CBS to release after months of public pressure — demonstrates, the excerpts aired on CBS were a quintessential example of editorial decision-making. In stark contrast to Fox News’s handling of Trump’s interview, CBS’s edits did not alter the meaning of any of Harris’s answers. Yet, the FCC has opened a docket to accept comments on the Harris interview as a potential violation of the FCC’s little-used news distortion policy, an outrageous abuse of the Commission’s enforcement powers.”

The lawmakers conclude, “The FCC should stop its partisan investigations into the news media and cease interfering with independent journalism altogether. To be clear, the FCC should not investigate or pressure either CBS or Fox. Editorial discretion lies at the heart of press freedom and should not be subject to government interference. Rather than opening an investigation into Fox, the FCC should close the docket in its investigation over the Harris interview on 60 Minutes and stop wielding its regulatory power as a weapon against the news media.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parents to know more about child’s school progress

Source: New Zealand Government

Parents will know more about how their children are doing at school with the confirmation of a new assessment tool in Years 3-10 classrooms from 2026, the latest part of the Government’s plan to teach the basics brilliantly.

Janison Solution Pty Ltd will deliver the Student, Monitoring, Assessment and Report Tool (SMART) which will enable twice-yearly assessment of reading, writing and maths in schools nationwide.

“Last year the Auditor General found there was no consistent and comprehensive summary of student achievement and progress in New Zealand, and what information the Ministry of Education had was more detailed for some students than for others. This new tool changes that,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“The check-ins will be low stakes measures of student progress and provide teachers with information on next steps in learning. They’ll give parents confidence as to how their children are progressing so they can support learning at home. It will also provide crucial information to the Government to know where to invest more resource to help accelerate learning.”

SMART will be modern, flexible and curriculum aligned. It will also be bilingual to cover pānui, tuhituhi and pāngarau in kura. Years 9 and 10 have been included so parents and teachers know how ready students are for NCEA.

“This builds on our new suite of classroom tools that help parents and teachers understand more about student progress. The Phonics Checks undertaken at 20 weeks of schooling and repeated at 40 weeks identifies a child’s reading ability early and wrap around support if needed. A similar approach is being taken with maths, from 2026 every child will have their maths ability checked in Year 2.

“I am committed to helping parents clearly understand their child’s progress at school, because when parents are informed and involved, students are more likely to reach their full potential,” Ms Stanford says.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: reAlpha Tech Corp. Announces Pricing of $2 Million Public Offering

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBLIN, Ohio, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) (the “Company” or “reAlpha”), an AI-powered real estate technology company, today announced the pricing of a public offering of an aggregate of 13,333,334 shares of its common stock, together with Series A-1 warrants to purchase up to 13,333,334 shares of common stock and Series A-2 warrants to purchase up to 13,333,334 shares of common stock, at a combined public offering price of $0.15 per share and accompanying warrants. The Series A-1 warrants and the Series A-2 warrants will have an exercise price of $0.15 per share and will be exercisable beginning on the effective date of stockholder approval of the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the warrants. The Series A-1 warrants will expire five years from the date of stockholder approval and the Series A-2 warrants will expire twenty-four months from the date of stockholder approval. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about July 18, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offering.

The gross proceeds from the offering, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company, are expected to be approximately $2 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, which could include repayment of debt, future acquisitions, capital expenditures and the purchase of cryptocurrencies in accordance with the Company’s cryptocurrency investment policy.

The securities described above are being offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-288571), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 16, 2025. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement relating to the offering. A preliminary prospectus relating to the offering has been filed with the SEC. Electronic copies of the final prospectus, when available, may be obtained on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may also be obtained by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at placements@hcwco.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About reAlpha Tech Corp.

reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) is an AI-powered real estate technology company transforming the multi-trillion-dollar U.S. real estate services market. reAlpha is developing an end-to-end platform that streamlines real estate transactions through integrated brokerage, mortgage, and title services. With a strategic, acquisition-driven growth model and proprietary AI infrastructure, reAlpha is building a vertically integrated ecosystem designed to deliver a simpler, smarter, and more affordable path to homeownership. For more information, visit www.realpha.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements.” Any statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein, including statements as to the completion of the offering, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the offering, the receipt of stockholder approval and the intended use of net proceeds from the offering, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “project”, “strive”, “budget”, “forecast”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: reAlpha’s ability to regain and sustain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s continued listing standards and remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market; reAlpha’s ability to pay contractual obligations; reAlpha’s liquidity, operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; reAlpha’s limited operating history and that reAlpha has not yet fully developed its AI-based technologies; whether reAlpha’s technology and products will be accepted and adopted by its customers and intended users; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; reAlpha’s ability to successfully enter new geographic markets; reAlpha’s ability to integrate the business of its acquired companies into its existing business and the anticipated demand for such acquired companies’ services; reAlpha’s ability to scale its operational capabilities to expand into additional geographic markets and nationally; the potential loss of key employees of reAlpha and of its subsidiaries; the outcome of certain outstanding legal proceedings against reAlpha; reAlpha’s ability to obtain, and maintain, the required licenses to operate in the U.S. states in which it, or its subsidiaries, operate in, or intend to operate in; reAlpha’s ability to successfully identify and acquire companies that are complementary to its business model; the inability to maintain and strengthen reAlpha’s brand and reputation; any accidents or incidents involving cybersecurity breaches and incidents; the inability to accurately forecast demand for AI-based real estate-focused products; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain reAlpha’s growth; the inability of reAlpha’s customers to pay for reAlpha’s services; the inability of reAlpha to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against reAlpha; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in reAlpha’s SEC filings. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although reAlpha believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. reAlpha’s future results, level of activity, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements. For more information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to reAlpha’s filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and reAlpha does not undertake any 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.

Media Contact:
Cristol Rippe, Chief Marketing Officer
cristol@realpha.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Adele Carey, VP of Investor Relations
investorrelations@realpha.com

The MIL Network –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Eyeing China opportunities, multinational giants seek closer supply chain collaboration with Chinese partners

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

Eyeing China opportunities, multinational giants seek closer supply chain collaboration with Chinese partners

BEIJING, July 16 — As the third China International Supply Chain Expo opened Wednesday in Beijing, multinational companies are looking to strengthen supply chain collaborations in a move that will inject more certainty into the world economy.

The five-day event has attracted 651 companies and institutions from 75 countries and regions. Overseas exhibitors account for 35 percent, a three-percentage-point increase from last year. Among the first-time multinational participants are major players such as Nvidia, Schneider Electric, L’Oreal, Louis Dreyfus and Medtronic.

The growth in global participation highlights mounting confidence in the Chinese market and supply chain. The participating companies see China as both a stabilizing force and an innovation driver in the global supply chain.

“The expo is an important gathering for innovation and collaboration, helping to strengthen the sustainable development of global manufacturing and international supply chains,” said Mohamed Kande, global chairman of PwC.

CLOSER COLLABORATION

The expo comes on the heels of China’s announcement of a 5.3 percent economic growth for the first half of the year despite rising challenges and external uncertainties.

China’s steady economic growth, coupled with its robust supply chain and commitment to further opening up, positions it as a key partner for multinational companies.

Jensen Huang, CEO of U.S. tech giant Nvidia, on Tuesday praised China’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) during his visit to Beijing, describing the Chinese market as both “large” and “dynamic.”

While speaking at the opening ceremony of the expo on Wednesday, Huang lauded China’s supply chain as a “miracle.” China’s open-source AI is a catalyst for global progress, giving every country and industry a chance to join the AI revolution, he said.

“China is a very important country where the development of AI will continue to be very fast and we hope to be part of that,” Huang told reporters on Wednesday, adding that there’s so much opportunity and confidence in the Chinese market.

Huang confirmed on Tuesday that Nvidia’s H20 chips will soon be available in the Chinese market again, following the U.S. government’s approval of the company’s filing licenses for shipping H20s to China.

The expo has become a key venue for global firms to forge and expand supply chain collaborations.

The expo serves as a platform for expanding McDonald’s supply chain partnerships, Xu Jansen, head of Impact Strategy at M (China) Co., Ltd. The fast food chain attended the expo for a second straight year, teaming up with 11 suppliers this year.

Xu emphasized the importance of the Chinese market, noting that half of the 2,000 new McDonald’s stores opening each year globally are located here.

The company has built a network of local suppliers and also helped many of them ship products overseas. China serves as a stabilizer to the global supply chain and global economic growth, Xu said in an interview.

For French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, the expo is also an opportunity to showcase its ecosystem and build collaborations.

“Here, we explore innovative collaborations with our global partners, from R&D to production and patient accessibility enhancement, and share the latest results of localized practices,” said Wayne Shi, president of Sanofi Greater China. Sanofi will continue to support the Healthy China initiative with innovative drugs and vaccines, Shi said.

RESILIENCE

Business executives and experts assert that, given the current global economic climate, no single country can fulfill every role in industrial and supply chains. It is essential for countries to work together to achieve win-win results.

Global firms view China as a pivotal destination for enhancing and diversifying their supply chains, owing to the country’s vast manufacturing capacity, robust industrial ecosystem, and improving business environment.

Xiao Song, chairman, president and CEO of Siemens China, said that at a time when the global industrial landscape is undergoing rapid restructuring, the expo is becoming an important platform to promote the deep integration of all sections of the industrial chain.

Siemens aims to help Chinese firms upgrade with digital and low-carbon technologies, helping build a green competitive edge globally as well as a more resilient and sustainable global industrial and supply chains, Xiao said.

As the world’s first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the expo is an internationally shared public product. First held in 2023, the expo has contributed to building more secure, stable, open and inclusive global industrial and supply chains.

With over 70 special events and new alliances for exhibitors in each of the six supply chains showcased at the expo, the expo helps enterprises find partners, application scenarios and solutions, according to Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the event’s organizer.

Ren called on global business leaders to work together to uphold the multilateral trade system with the World Trade Organization at its core.

Xu Jiabin, a professor at the Business School of Renmin University of China, said that as a manufacturing and trading powerhouse, China has made significant contributions to the stability and resilience of the global supply chain.

“The expo will help mitigate the negative effects of trade barriers and safeguard the global international economic and trade order,” Xu said.

MIL OSI China News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Israel strikes Syrian presidential palace area, army HQ in Damascus

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

Israeli warplanes intensified their air campaign across southern Syria on Wednesday, striking the Syrian Army General Command headquarters and the presidential palace area in central Damascus.

The Syrian health authorities said one civilian was killed, and 18 others injured in the strikes on the capital, which included at least five separate air raids targeting central Damascus. Footage aired on local TV showed smoke billowing from Umayyad Square, where the army’s main command building is located.

Smoke is seen near the Syrian Army General Command headquarters in Damascus, Syria, on July 16, 2025. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said parts of the headquarters and the defense authorities were destroyed, and additional strikes hit buildings in the upscale al-Malki neighborhood and near the Tishreen Palace. The fate of senior officials inside the facilities remained unknown.

An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the operation, saying that “the military headquarters in Damascus is the location from which Syrian regime commanders direct combat operations and deploy regime forces to the Sweida area.”

In a statement, the spokesperson added that also “a military target in the area of the Syrian regime’s presidential palace in Damascus was struck.”

A fire truck is seen near a structure damaged in an Israeli airstrike at the Syrian Army General Command headquarters in Damascus, Syria, on July 16, 2025. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

In southern Syria, Israeli strikes also targeted government forces’ convoys and positions in Sweida province, killing at least three senior officers in the village of al-Majimer, according to the observatory. Earlier raids in the region had killed at least seven others, bringing the total toll among government forces to 10.

Additional air raids late Wednesday struck multiple locations in and around Daraa city, including the governor’s palace, the military intelligence branch, and the civil registry office, the observatory said. Further strikes hit the 189th regiment in Jabab and the 132nd brigade west of Daraa, prompting ambulances to rush to the scene.

In the Damascus countryside, Israeli jets also bombed the town of al-Kiswah, though no casualties were immediately reported.

Photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a building of the Syrian Army General Command headquarters damaged in an Israeli airstrike in Damascus, Syria. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

The strikes came after the collapse of a ceasefire between Syrian government forces and armed Druze groups in Sweida, the heartland of the Druze community in Syria. The war monitor said at least 248 people have been killed in the area since Sunday.

The Druze are a religious and ethnic minority originating from Islam, living primarily in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, with smaller communities in Jordan and elsewhere.

Israel carried out several waves of strikes in Damascus and Sweida, with the stated aim of preventing the Druze minority from being harmed.

MIL OSI China News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: We were part of the world heritage listing of Murujuga. Here’s why all Australians should be proud

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo McDonald, Professor, Director of Centre for Rock Art Research + Management, The University of Western Australia

Senior Ranger, Mardudunhera man Peter Cooper, oversees the Murujuga landscape Jo McDonald, CC BY-SA

On Friday, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in northwest Western Australia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We were in Paris to see Murujuga become Australia’s 21st world heritage property, but only our second property listed exclusively for its Indigenous cultural values.

Murujuga, meaning “hip bone sticking out”, is an ancient rocky landscape rising out of the Indian Ocean in northwest Australia.

Murujuga is shaped by the Lore and the presence of Ngarda-Ngarli – the collective term for the Traditional Owner groups of the coastal Pilbara – since Ngurra Nyujunggamu, when the earth was soft, the beginning of time.

Murujuga includes the Burrup Peninsula, the Dampier Archipelago’s 42 islands and the listed property covers almost 100,000 hectares of land and sea country. Across this cultural landscape are between one to two million petroglyphs – rock art – created by carving designs into rock surfaces. The petroglyphs record Ngarda Ngarli’s attachment and adaptation to a changing environment through deep time.

The UNESCO listing recognises the “outstanding universal value” of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape. This value lies in the traditional system governing it, in tangible and intangible attributes that attest to 50,000 years of Ngarda-Ngarli using and caring for the land and seascape.

The Ngarda-Ngarli have campaigned for World Heritage Listing of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape for more than 20 years.

Murujuga Board and Circle of Elders members in Sydney at the ICOMOS General Assembly, where they hosted a Symposium on the Cultural Landscape nomination.
Jo McDonald, CC BY-SA

A controversial nomination

While the outstanding universal values of this place were not in question, the nomination became mired with broader climate concerns.

Industrial development began at Murujuga in the 1950s and was established before Traditional Owners had decision-making authority. The Dampier Archipelago, as well as housing petroglyphs across 42 islands, is also home to one of the largest industrial hubs in the southern hemisphere.

The recent approval for the North-West Gas Hub has elevated climate change concerns and raised questions about whether the government is serious about protecting Murujuga.

The Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program (MRAMP) year two report was released around the same time as the north west gas hub announcement.

While acidic pollution has been suggested by some, our work on the monitoring program found rain and dust at the site was pH neutral, and there is no acid rain impacting on the petroglyphs.

Other criticism included that the air quality at the site is compromised by local gas production. The research found the air quality at Murujuga is “good” to “very good” by international standards. We also found average annual nitrogen dioxide levels − the emission under most scrutiny − is five times lower than World Health Organisation guidelines.

According to MRAMP research, Murujuga’s air quality is well within national standards. Nitrogen dioxide is 16 times lower than the national standard, and sulphur dioxide never exceeding 10% of the national standard.

Importantly, the research program is ongoing and will transition to monitoring led by the Ngarda-Ngarli with support and training from the scientists. And this ongoing monitoring will be part of the management regime in place to protect Murujuga as a world heritage listed site.

The MRAMP monitoring team in action at Murujuga.
Ben Mullins, CC BY-SA

Ngard-Ngarli leadership

Traditional Owners and Custodians led the world heritage nomination, supported by State and Commonwealth governments.

Traditional Owners consider the listing will better protect Ngarda-Ngarli knowledge, lore and culture as expressed through the landscape and in the petroglyphs.

World heritage recognition will support Ngarda-Ngarli decision-making and ongoing management across the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.

This global recognition is a mechanism to help Ngarda-Ngarli do what they have always done: protect their culture and decide what is right for Country for future generations.

The inscription is a testament to the old people who started this quest decades ago, many of whom have not lived to celebrate this victory.

The Australian delegation on the floor of UNESCO during the inscription session.
Jo McDonald, CC BY

Australia’s deep time heritage

Australia now has two places on the World Heritage List which are exclusively listed as Indigenous sites of outstanding universal value to all humanity.

The Murujuga Cultural Landscape joins on the list the southwestern Victorian site Budj Bim, one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems.

Murujuga Aboriginal Custodians celebrate the Word Heritage listing decision in Paris this week.
Jo McDonald, CC BY

By this listing, the world has recognised the deep time creative genius and ongoing connection of Ngarda-Ngarli to the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.

This international acclaim recognises the extraordinary resilience of Australia’s First Nations peoples and should be a source of pride and celebration for all Australians.

Jo McDonald is an employee of the University of Western Australia and receives funding from the Australian Research Council.The Centre for Rock Art Research and Management receives funding for its research and training operations from Rio Tinto. Jo was a member of the World Heritage committee and contributed to the writing of the dossier.

Amy Stevens is an employee of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which receives funding from the Australian Government, the WA Government and industry and was a lead author on the Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination.

Belinda Churnside serves as Deputy Chair. Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.

MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.

All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.

Ben Mullins is the lead scientist on the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Project, which is funded by the Government of Western Australia.

Peter Hicks is the Chair of the Board of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC). Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.

MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.

All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.

Terry Bailey is a World Heritage advisor to Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and WA Government and was lead editor and co-author of Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination. His appointment is funded by the WA Government.

– ref. We were part of the world heritage listing of Murujuga. Here’s why all Australians should be proud – https://theconversation.com/we-were-part-of-the-world-heritage-listing-of-murujuga-heres-why-all-australians-should-be-proud-261066

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 17, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: We were part of the world heritage listing of Murujuga. Here’s why all Australians should be proud

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo McDonald, Professor, Director of Centre for Rock Art Research + Management, The University of Western Australia

Senior Ranger, Mardudunhera man Peter Cooper, oversees the Murujuga landscape Jo McDonald, CC BY-SA

On Friday, the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in northwest Western Australia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We were in Paris to see Murujuga become Australia’s 21st world heritage property, but only our second property listed exclusively for its Indigenous cultural values.

Murujuga, meaning “hip bone sticking out”, is an ancient rocky landscape rising out of the Indian Ocean in northwest Australia.

Murujuga is shaped by the Lore and the presence of Ngarda-Ngarli – the collective term for the Traditional Owner groups of the coastal Pilbara – since Ngurra Nyujunggamu, when the earth was soft, the beginning of time.

Murujuga includes the Burrup Peninsula, the Dampier Archipelago’s 42 islands and the listed property covers almost 100,000 hectares of land and sea country. Across this cultural landscape are between one to two million petroglyphs – rock art – created by carving designs into rock surfaces. The petroglyphs record Ngarda Ngarli’s attachment and adaptation to a changing environment through deep time.

The UNESCO listing recognises the “outstanding universal value” of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape. This value lies in the traditional system governing it, in tangible and intangible attributes that attest to 50,000 years of Ngarda-Ngarli using and caring for the land and seascape.

The Ngarda-Ngarli have campaigned for World Heritage Listing of the Murujuga Cultural Landscape for more than 20 years.

Murujuga Board and Circle of Elders members in Sydney at the ICOMOS General Assembly, where they hosted a Symposium on the Cultural Landscape nomination.
Jo McDonald, CC BY-SA

A controversial nomination

While the outstanding universal values of this place were not in question, the nomination became mired with broader climate concerns.

Industrial development began at Murujuga in the 1950s and was established before Traditional Owners had decision-making authority. The Dampier Archipelago, as well as housing petroglyphs across 42 islands, is also home to one of the largest industrial hubs in the southern hemisphere.

The recent approval for the North-West Gas Hub has elevated climate change concerns and raised questions about whether the government is serious about protecting Murujuga.

The Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program (MRAMP) year two report was released around the same time as the north west gas hub announcement.

While acidic pollution has been suggested by some, our work on the monitoring program found rain and dust at the site was pH neutral, and there is no acid rain impacting on the petroglyphs.

Other criticism included that the air quality at the site is compromised by local gas production. The research found the air quality at Murujuga is “good” to “very good” by international standards. We also found average annual nitrogen dioxide levels − the emission under most scrutiny − is five times lower than World Health Organisation guidelines.

According to MRAMP research, Murujuga’s air quality is well within national standards. Nitrogen dioxide is 16 times lower than the national standard, and sulphur dioxide never exceeding 10% of the national standard.

Importantly, the research program is ongoing and will transition to monitoring led by the Ngarda-Ngarli with support and training from the scientists. And this ongoing monitoring will be part of the management regime in place to protect Murujuga as a world heritage listed site.

The MRAMP monitoring team in action at Murujuga.
Ben Mullins, CC BY-SA

Ngard-Ngarli leadership

Traditional Owners and Custodians led the world heritage nomination, supported by State and Commonwealth governments.

Traditional Owners consider the listing will better protect Ngarda-Ngarli knowledge, lore and culture as expressed through the landscape and in the petroglyphs.

World heritage recognition will support Ngarda-Ngarli decision-making and ongoing management across the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.

This global recognition is a mechanism to help Ngarda-Ngarli do what they have always done: protect their culture and decide what is right for Country for future generations.

The inscription is a testament to the old people who started this quest decades ago, many of whom have not lived to celebrate this victory.

The Australian delegation on the floor of UNESCO during the inscription session.
Jo McDonald, CC BY

Australia’s deep time heritage

Australia now has two places on the World Heritage List which are exclusively listed as Indigenous sites of outstanding universal value to all humanity.

The Murujuga Cultural Landscape joins on the list the southwestern Victorian site Budj Bim, one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems.

Murujuga Aboriginal Custodians celebrate the Word Heritage listing decision in Paris this week.
Jo McDonald, CC BY

By this listing, the world has recognised the deep time creative genius and ongoing connection of Ngarda-Ngarli to the Murujuga Cultural Landscape.

This international acclaim recognises the extraordinary resilience of Australia’s First Nations peoples and should be a source of pride and celebration for all Australians.

Jo McDonald is an employee of the University of Western Australia and receives funding from the Australian Research Council.The Centre for Rock Art Research and Management receives funding for its research and training operations from Rio Tinto. Jo was a member of the World Heritage committee and contributed to the writing of the dossier.

Amy Stevens is an employee of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which receives funding from the Australian Government, the WA Government and industry and was a lead author on the Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination.

Belinda Churnside serves as Deputy Chair. Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.

MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.

All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.

Ben Mullins is the lead scientist on the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Project, which is funded by the Government of Western Australia.

Peter Hicks is the Chair of the Board of Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC). Board Directors are remunerated for their duties in accordance with community-approved sitting fees. These payments are made from MAC’s operational income.

MAC receives funding support for a range of projects from both State and Federal government departments, as well as from industry partners operating within the Burrup and Maitland Industrial Estate Agreement (BMIEA) area.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides operational and strategic support for the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions funds MAC’s National Park Ranger Team, while other funding bodies contribute to the Murujuga Land and Sea Unit Rangers.

All funding sources and expenditures are transparently reported in MAC’s annual financial report, which is audited each year by an independent external auditor.

Terry Bailey is a World Heritage advisor to Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and WA Government and was lead editor and co-author of Murujuga Cultural Landscape World Heritage nomination. His appointment is funded by the WA Government.

– ref. We were part of the world heritage listing of Murujuga. Here’s why all Australians should be proud – https://theconversation.com/we-were-part-of-the-world-heritage-listing-of-murujuga-heres-why-all-australians-should-be-proud-261066

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Red White & Bloom Brands Confirms Date for Reconvened Annual General Meeting

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (“RWB” or the “Company”) announces that its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”), which was originally convened and subsequently adjourned on July 11, 2025, will reconvene on August 8, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (Pacific Time), at Suite 1890 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, and by teleconference at 1-877-407-8816, Participation Code: 77783, followed by the # key. The reconvened meeting is being held in accordance with the Articles of the Company.

As previously disclosed, the AGM was adjourned to allow additional time for the Company to complete and present its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Annual Financial Statements”).

Shareholders of record as of the record date previously set for the AGM will remain eligible to attend and vote at the reconvened meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to attend in person or participate via teleconference and to review the Company’s materials in advance of the meeting.

The Annual Financial Statements and related management discussion and analysis are expected to be filed and made available to shareholders prior to the reconvened AGM, in accordance with applicable securities laws and stock exchange requirements.

About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

Red White & Bloom Brands is a multi-jurisdictional cannabis operator and house of premium brands operating in the United States, Canada and select international jurisdictions. The Company is predominantly focusing its investments on major U.S. markets, including California, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in addition to Canadian and international markets.

Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.
Investor and Media Relations
Edoardo Mattei, CFO
IR@RedWhiteBloom.com
947-225-0503

Visit us on the web: https://www.redwhitebloom.com/.

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @rwbbrands

Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands

Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as “pro forma” and “scheduled,” and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes.

Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Financial Statements; the reconvening of the AGM of Shareholders on August 8, 2025, and the Company’s ongoing business operations and regulatory compliance efforts.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with audit completion processes; regulatory reviews and approvals; and the risk that the Company may not be able to complete its Annual Financial Statements within the timeframe currently anticipated.

There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE COMPANY’S EXPECTATIONS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

The MIL Network –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Red White & Bloom Brands Confirms Date for Reconvened Annual General Meeting

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. (CSE: RWB) (“RWB” or the “Company”) announces that its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”), which was originally convened and subsequently adjourned on July 11, 2025, will reconvene on August 8, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (Pacific Time), at Suite 1890 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, and by teleconference at 1-877-407-8816, Participation Code: 77783, followed by the # key. The reconvened meeting is being held in accordance with the Articles of the Company.

As previously disclosed, the AGM was adjourned to allow additional time for the Company to complete and present its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the “Annual Financial Statements”).

Shareholders of record as of the record date previously set for the AGM will remain eligible to attend and vote at the reconvened meeting. Shareholders are encouraged to attend in person or participate via teleconference and to review the Company’s materials in advance of the meeting.

The Annual Financial Statements and related management discussion and analysis are expected to be filed and made available to shareholders prior to the reconvened AGM, in accordance with applicable securities laws and stock exchange requirements.

About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.

Red White & Bloom Brands is a multi-jurisdictional cannabis operator and house of premium brands operating in the United States, Canada and select international jurisdictions. The Company is predominantly focusing its investments on major U.S. markets, including California, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio in addition to Canadian and international markets.

Red White & Bloom Brands Inc.
Investor and Media Relations
Edoardo Mattei, CFO
IR@RedWhiteBloom.com
947-225-0503

Visit us on the web: https://www.redwhitebloom.com/.

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @rwbbrands

Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands

Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as “pro forma” and “scheduled,” and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes.

Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Financial Statements; the reconvening of the AGM of Shareholders on August 8, 2025, and the Company’s ongoing business operations and regulatory compliance efforts.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with audit completion processes; regulatory reviews and approvals; and the risk that the Company may not be able to complete its Annual Financial Statements within the timeframe currently anticipated.

There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE COMPANY’S EXPECTATIONS AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

The MIL Network –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn-Supported Annual Intelligence Bill Passes Committee
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today released the following statement after the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 passed out of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence:

“The U.S. Intelligence Community and congressional intelligence committees play vital roles in keeping Texans safe and secure in an increasingly complex threat environment at home and around the globe,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation will ensure our intelligence agencies are equipped with the tools to confront foreign espionage, enhance counternarcotics efforts, and bolster our cybersecurity all while prioritizing transparency and efficiency, and I was glad to support it.”

Sen. Cornyn’s Legislation Included in the Bill:
- Intelligence Community Technology Bridge Act: Would enable the Intelligence Community (IC) to streamline acquisition processes and prioritize small business and nontraditional defense contractor solutions.
- Counternarcotics Enhancement Act: Would direct the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to submit to the congressional intelligence committees an action plan to enhance counternarcotics collaboration, coordination, and cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico.
- Strengthening Prosecution Integrity for Espionage Statutes (SPIES) Act: Would help hold foreign spies who commit espionage crimes against the U.S. accountable by removing the statute of limitations for certain offenses such as gathering or delivering classified information to aid foreign governments.
Other Key Provisions Include:
- Requiring the DNI to assess the counterintelligence vulnerabilities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA);
- Requiring the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to assess and share the counterintelligence risks to commercial spaceports;
- Reforming and improving efficiencies and effectiveness within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the broader IC;
- Requiring that visas be denied to certain nationals applying to work at the United Nations if they are known or suspected of being foreign intelligence officers or committing intelligence or espionage activities;
- Prohibiting the IC from contracting with Chinese military companies engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing;
- Codifying tour and travel restrictions for Chinese, Russian, Iranian, and North Korean diplomats in the United States;
- Enhancing protections for, and congressional oversight of, IC whistleblowers;
- Prohibiting IC contractors from collecting or selling IC personnel location data;
- And promoting transparency by requiring the DNI to conduct a declassification review and publish intelligence relating to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Recession Profit Secrets Offers Recession Remedy Strategy for Economic Resilience in 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Recession Profit Secrets products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

Visit the Official Recession Profit Secrets Site

Understanding the Recession Profit Secrets Framework

In a time when economic headwinds challenge traditional investment logic, the Recession Profit Secrets platform offers an alternative financial learning system rooted in strategic preparedness. Unlike high-risk investment schemes that often emerge during periods of volatility, this program emphasizes core economic resilience—a principle aligned with timeless financial planning fundamentals.

At its core, the Recession Profit Secrets framework is designed to help individuals recognize recessionary signals in advance. The educational material prioritizes a blend of historical case studies, monetary policy trends, and behavioral finance strategies. Each lesson is structured to equip the average person with an analytical lens through which they can evaluate their own asset positioning, consumption patterns, and long-term fiscal health.

The platform does not claim to predict market collapses, nor does it provide financial advice. Rather, it teaches principles that help consumers interpret economic context with greater clarity. The keyword “Recession Remedy” represents a broader philosophy: using knowledge—not speculation—to make better personal finance decisions in uncertain times.

What Makes the ‘Recession Remedy’ Concept Unique in 2025

In 2025, recession discourse has shifted from rare-event theory to continuous preparedness. The “Recession Remedy” concept introduces structured education modules that challenge consumers to examine their dependencies on interest-sensitive income, evaluate liquidity positions, and stress-test their household budgets.

Unlike one-size-fits-all guides or emotionally driven forecasts, this program incorporates data from leading macroeconomic indicators such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), GDP volatility, and the Federal Reserve’s forward guidance models. The Recession Profit Secrets team consolidates these elements into digestible formats accessible to non-professionals, with an emphasis on awareness rather than anxiety.

Additionally, the platform offers detailed frameworks on capital preservation, explaining the difference between cyclical downturns and structural economic shifts. Whether addressing inflationary environments or debt cycle contractions, the “Recession Remedy” curriculum remains anchored in verifiable academic sources and financial journalism standards.

Analyzing Economic Indicators and Market Trends

Interpreting macroeconomic signals is essential for financial planning. Recession Profit Secrets dedicates extensive coverage to the most telling indicators of systemic stress. These include yield curve inversions, stagnating industrial production, consumer sentiment declines, and wage growth divergences.

By breaking down these indicators into practical insights, the curriculum avoids overwhelming readers with technical jargon. Instead, it outlines how everyday economic developments—from grocery price surges to rising credit card APRs—can serve as early warnings for larger systemic shifts.

This section also explores how market psychology, geopolitical uncertainty, and commodity cycles intersect to influence recession trajectories. Users are introduced to frameworks that encourage diversified income streams, conservative leverage practices, and flexibility in spending habits—three critical ingredients for financial durability.

Learn more about how this framework works in real-world scenarios by visiting the Official Recession Profit Secrets Site.

Protecting Household Wealth Before a Recession Hits

While many programs focus on crisis response, Recession Profit Secrets focuses on pre-recession resilience. This includes guidance on fixed cost reduction, low-volatility income strategies, and recession-conscious budgeting techniques.

Participants are encouraged to audit discretionary expenses, review insurance coverages, and consider adjustments to tax-withholding strategies. For those nearing retirement, modules explore how sequence-of-returns risk can impact drawdown plans—and what adjustments may help reduce volatility exposure.

The “Recession Remedy” philosophy places strong emphasis on liquidity, arguing that access to cash reserves can reduce reliance on debt and allow strategic timing of asset decisions. The program offers no investment advice, but it does provide a playbook for increasing optionality in personal finance planning.

How Consumers Are Shifting Financial Behavior in Uncertain Times

Recent surveys suggest growing consumer appetite for financial literacy tools—particularly those aimed at reducing dependency on high-risk assets. The Recession Profit Secrets platform reflects this shift, offering modular instruction suited for all levels of experience.

In 2025, younger consumers are prioritizing debt reduction, middle-aged households are exploring passive income strategies, and retirees are seeking inflation-sensitive allocation models. The program adapts to these generational differences by offering layered content—each module building on the last in a non-linear, self-paced structure.

More broadly, the platform addresses the psychological side of economic stress: fear of job loss, anxiety over inflation, and pressure to sustain pre-recession lifestyles. It frames each lesson in terms of empowerment, helping users focus on action rather than apprehension.

The Educational Design Behind Recession Profit Secrets

The instructional design of Recession Profit Secrets follows a “concept-to-application” flow. Each topic begins with foundational definitions and economic context, followed by hypothetical case studies and end-of-module review checklists.

Modules are built to foster knowledge retention through spaced repetition, context layering, and behavioral modeling. Visual learners benefit from infographics and charts that map out economic cycles and recessionary triggers.

The program also includes access to periodic updates, ensuring that macro trends—such as fiscal policy changes, new federal reserve signals, or labor market shifts—are integrated into future course revisions. This living-document approach ensures the curriculum evolves in tandem with the economy itself.

Why ClickBank’s Transparent Delivery Model Matters

One distinguishing feature of the Recession Profit Secrets experience is its delivery through ClickBank, a global platform known for compliance standards and customer transparency.

Consumers who access the product through ClickBank benefit from secure checkout, defined refund terms, and readily available support channels. This backend infrastructure ensures continuity, platform security, and access to updates without data risk or affiliate obfuscation.

ClickBank’s reputation for delivering digital education securely and consistently makes it an ideal partner for programs like Recession Profit Secrets, where trust and clarity are critical to user adoption.

Explore how the platform delivers secure digital access via ClickBank by visiting the Official Recession Profit Secrets Site.

Debunking Common Myths About Recession-Proof Investing

The Recession Profit Secrets platform directly addresses common misconceptions—such as the belief that gold is always a safe haven, or that cash hoarding is universally effective.

Instead, the curriculum unpacks the nuances behind each perceived “safe” strategy. For example, while gold may act as a hedge during specific inflationary periods, its correlation to real purchasing power varies depending on geopolitical cycles.

The platform discourages absolutism, advocating instead for a principles-first approach: understanding liquidity profiles, inflation pass-throughs, and the interplay of policy responses. The goal is to equip users with frameworks, not prescriptions.

Who May Benefit Most from This Approach in 2025

The Recession Profit Secrets curriculum may appeal to a broad audience—particularly those with fixed or limited incomes, pre-retirees, small business owners, and consumers carrying unsecured debt.

Its accessibility makes it suitable for both new learners and experienced individuals looking to reframe outdated financial models. Those navigating job transitions, retirement recalibrations, or household budgeting stress may find particular value in the course’s situational application style.

Rather than positioning the program as a cure-all, the content invites users to treat it as a toolkit—drawing from it selectively based on their current financial lifecycle.

Final Thoughts on Building a Financially Resilient Future

In a landscape increasingly shaped by debt cycles, fiscal uncertainty, and automation-driven job volatility, building financial resilience has become more than a goal—it’s a necessity.

Recession Profit Secrets does not offer easy answers or predictive models. Instead, it emphasizes financial self-awareness, data-informed decision-making, and skillful adaptation. The “Recession Remedy” approach is less about forecasting crashes and more about preparing for the full arc of economic life.

Consumers seeking empowerment through education—not alarmist speculation—may find Recession Profit Secrets to be a valuable companion in their long-term planning process.

Contact & Transparency Information

For more details or support related to Recession Profit Secrets:
Contact Support:support@recessionprofitsecrets.com
ClickBank Customer Service:support@clickbank.com
Phone (US): 1-800-390-6035
Phone (INTL): 1-208-345-4245

Visit the Official Recession Profit Secrets Site

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Recession Profit Secrets products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

The MIL Network –

July 17, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Great British Energy to cut energy bills for community facilities

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Press release

Great British Energy to cut energy bills for community facilities

Great British Energy to cut energy bills for local community libraries, fire stations, care homes and community centres.

Libraries, fire stations and care homes in local communities will benefit from cheaper energy bills through Great British Energy community funding as part of Plan for Change
Mayoral authorities to receive a share of £10 million for publicly-owned clean energy projects
Complements Great British Energy’s drive to cut bills for around 200 schools and 200 hospitals, which is already seeing savings

Libraries, fire stations and care homes in local communities will benefit from cheaper energy bills as Great British Energy delivers on the government’s clean energy superpower mission to make working people and their communities better off.

Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company, has awarded mayoral authorities a share of £10 million in grant funding to roll out clean energy projects at the centre of communities – including rooftop solar on Merseyside care homes and on leisure centres and libraries in Yorkshire.

These grants will mean that the community services and institutions that working people use will be able to save on their electricity bills and spend more money on the frontline services that strengthen local communities and boost local economic growth.

It is estimated that these schemes could produce a total of around £35 million of lifetime savings on energy bills, while improving energy security and creating good jobs.

As well as solar panels on public buildings, the grants will pay to install batteries for community buildings in areas including Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, so they can store renewable energy and use it later. The grants will also fund EV chargers in Greater Manchester, to make it easier for drivers to benefit from cheaper to power electric vehicles.

Great British Energy is already cutting energy bills for public services, with solar panels already installed on 11 schools as part of plans to roll out the panels on around 200 schools and 200 hospitals in England.

The government’s clean energy superpower mission will protect billpayers, create jobs and bring greater energy security through delivering clean power by 2030. Great British Energy will accelerate this by developing, investing and building clean energy projects across the UK.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

Your local sports hall, library and community centre could have their energy bills cut by Great British Energy, the government’s publicly-owned clean energy company.

Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities.

This is what Great British Energy is all about – taking back control to deliver lower bills for good.

Great British Energy CEO Dan McGrail said:

Today’s support for new clean power projects in every region in England shows our mission in action – providing a lasting positive impact for the country by creating new jobs, lower bills, and a cleaner future.

It’s important that communities feel the benefits of the energy transition and that we demonstrate the very real rewards it can bring.

Earlier this year, all Mayoral Strategic Authorities were invited to submit expressions of interest for funding renewable energy projects that can be delivered in the 2025/2026 financial year.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will use the money to support a rooftop solar project to support care homes and leisure centres, cutting around £4.6 million on lifetime energy bills, while Greater Manchester will also roll out rooftop solar on libraries, fire stations, police stations and sports centres, leading to estimated savings of over £2.1million on lifetime bills. Projects in York and North Yorkshire are estimated to bring around £4 million in lifetime bill savings, they include solar panels to help power an Edwardian swimming pool in York and leisure centres in Whitby, Ripon and Thirsk.

It follows the government’s announcement in March to award £180 million of funding for schools and hospitals to install rooftop solar, marking the first major project for Great British Energy – a company owned by the British people, for the British people. This could see millions invested back into frontline services, targeting deprived areas, with lifetime bill savings for schools and the NHS sites of up to £400 million over the next 30 years.

Notes to editors

Successful Mayoral schemes:

The figures below were estimated by DESNZ in collaboration with MSAs, based on a combination of project-level data and DESNZ standard assumptions. It should be noted these are initial estimates that will be refined as projects become operational and actual data is collected.

MSA	Technology	Project Type	Grant Funding Requested (£)	Total expected project cost (£)	Estimated Net Yearly Average Energy Bill Savings (£ undiscounted, 2025 prices)	Estimated Net Lifetime Energy Bill Savings (£ undiscounted, 2025 prices)
Greater Lincolnshire	Solar	Leisure centres and fire stations	£607,845	£627,845	TBC	TBC
South Yorkshire	Solar	Schools, outdoor covered market and library	£572,025	£615,397	£51,938	£1,558,131
Greater London Authority	Solar	Schools	£607,838	£674,220	£30,376	£911,280
Hull and East Yorkshire	Solar	Service buildings and car parks	£700,000	£1,842,879	£89,822	£2,694,647
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough	Solar	Police headquarters, car park and border canopies	£700,000	£774,226	£51,630	£1,548,886
Greater Manchester	Solar, Battery and EV	Libraries, fire stations, police stations and sports centres	£695,900	£1,301,800	£71,846	£2,155,384
North-East	Solar	Schools	£700,000	£749,946	£46,060	£1,381,806
York and North Yorkshire	Solar	Leisure centres, libraries, schools, transport sites	£700,000	£1,219,948	£134,898	£4,046,936
West Yorkshire	Solar and Battery	Police stations, Arrium plant nursery, primary school, sports centres and Lotherton Hall Estate	£700,000	£1,154,838	£275,669	£8,270,082
Tees Valley Combined Authority	Solar	Solar on roof of depot and public buildings	£444,738	£444,738	£34,664	£1,039,911
Liverpool City Region	Solar	Leisure centres and care homes	£700,000	£760,319	£152,402	£4,572,054
East Midlands	Solar	Former colliery	£700,000	£1,900,000	£113,340	£3,400,200
West Midlands	Solar	Schools	£700,000	£820,000	£58,474	£1,754,207
West of England	Solar	Schools	£700,000	£1,657,522	£54,123	£1,623,697
Total			£9,228,346	£14,543,678	£1,165,241	£34,957,222

Published 17 July 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 17, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Cigarettes continue to pose deadly home fire threat to Victorians
Source:

Victoria’s fire services are issuing a strong warning about the serious risks of smoking indoors, as it remains the leading cause of fatal house fires across the state.

Half of the 18 fatal fires in Victoria in 2024 were attributed to discarded cigarettes and smoking materials, such as lighters, matches, or open flames, while smokers remain over-represented in residential fire fatalities.

Smoking in bed is the leading cause of smoking-related fire deaths, as falling asleep with a lit cigarette in hand can easily set fire to soft materials such as bed linen.

In addition to the fire fatality figures, more than 10 per cent of residential structure fires that Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to between May 2024 and March 2025 were caused by smoking materials.

In May this year FRV also responded to two significant house fires in Melbourne within days of each other caused by cigarettes. On May 6, a brick unit in Moorabbin was destroyed by a fire originating from an incorrectly extinguished cigarette, with an elderly resident in a neighbouring property assisted to safety after their house was affected by smoke.

Just days later, another unattended cigarette was the cause of a significant fire in a Box Hill North weatherboard home.

FRV Commander Julian Bisbal, who led the response to the Moorabbin fire, said the incidents should serve as a wake-up call to the devastation unattended cigarettes can cause.

“It’s imperative you make sure your cigarette is disposed of in an area that cannot catch or spread fire. It was a ferocious, fast-moving fire because of the wind on that day.” Julian said.

“People think a cigarette is tame and safe, because it’s in your hand, but in reality, it can cause devastation. You’re holding an ignition source.”

FRV Deputy Commissioner, Community Safety, Joshua Fischer said the statistics reflected the gravity of the danger of cigarettes.

“The numbers don’t lie – cigarettes are dangerous when misused or used while drowsy, and must be handled with extreme caution,” Deputy Commissioner Fischer said.

“If you notice burn marks on a friend or family member’s carpet, furniture, clothing, or nightwear, speak up. Let them know the dangers and encourage them to take action.

“Quitting smoking is the safest option from both a health and fire safety perspective, but if that isn’t possible, firefighters recommend smoking outdoors.”

Country Fire Authority (CFA) Chief Fire Officer Jason Heffernan said smoking while affected by alcohol, drugs or medication can also increase the risk of fire.

“All it takes is a small ember from a cigarette to ignite a fire and you could be facing a life-changing event that puts yourself and others in harm’s way,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.

“We urge all smokers to properly extinguish and dispose of your cigarette in a heavy glass or metal ashtray to prevent any more major fires from occurring.

“As Victorians know, to help safeguard your family, you must have a working smoke alarm in your home. However, if smoking occurs inside your home, please have one in every room.”

Victorian fire services recommend:
- If you can, smoke outside the home in a single location.
- If smoking occurs in the home, there should be a smoke alarm in every room.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Don’t smoke when affected by alcohol, drugs or medications that may cause drowsiness.
- Use heavy, high-sided, non-combustible ashtrays to dispose of cigarette butts. Pour some water on the ash and butts to make sure they’re out.
- “Stick it don’t flick it” – never flick cigarette butts, either inside or outside.
- Never leave a lit cigarette unattended and butt out your cigarette before you walk away.
- Keep matches and cigarette lighters out of reach of children.
Submitted by CFA media

MIL OSI News –
July 17, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Hobbs, Associate Professor and Transforming Lives Fellow, Spatial Data Science and Planetary Health, Sheffield Hallam University

Photon-Photos/Getty Images

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things.

Our new analysis of eight years of data from the New Zealand Attitude and Values Study found how often we move and where we live are intertwined with our mental health.

In some respects, this finding might seem obvious. Does a person feel the same living in a walkable and leafy suburb with parks and stable neighbours as they would in a more transient neighbourhood with few local services and busy highways?

Probably not. The built and natural environment shapes how safe, supported and settled a person feels.

We wanted to know to what extent a person’s mental health is shaped by where they live – and to what degree a person’s mental health determines where they end up living.

Patterns over time

Most research on the environmental influences on mental health gives us a snapshot of people’s lives at a single point in time. That’s useful, but it doesn’t show how things change over time or how the past may affect the future.

Our study took a slightly different approach. By tracking the same people year after year, we looked at patterns over time: how their mental health shifted, whether they moved house, their access to positive and negative environmental features, and how the areas they lived in changed when it came to factors such as poverty, unemployment and overcrowding.

We also looked at things like age, body size and how much people exercised, all of which can influence mental health, too.

To make sense of such complex and interconnected data, we turned to modern machine learning tools – in particular Random Forest algorithms. These tools allowed us to build a lot of individual models (trees) looking at how various factors affect mental health.

We could then see which factors come up most often to evaluate both their relative importance and the likely extent of their influence.

We also ran Monte Carlo simulations. Think of these like a high-tech crystal ball, to explore what might happen to mental health over time if neighbourhood conditions improved.

These simulations produced multiple future scenarios with better neighbourhood conditions, used Random Forest to forecast mental health outcomes in each, and then averaged the results.

A negative feedback loop

What we uncovered was a potential negative feedback loop. People who had depression or anxiety were more likely to move house, and those who moved were, on average, more likely to experience worsening mental health later on.

And there’s more. People with persistent mental health issues weren’t just moving more often, they were also more likely to move into a more deprived area. In other words, poorer mental health was related to a higher likelihood of ending up in places where resources were scarcer and the risk of ongoing stress was potentially higher.

Our study was unable to say why the moves occurred, but it may be that mental health challenges were related to unstable housing, financial strain, or the need for a fresh start. Our future research will try to unpick some of this.

On the flip side, people who didn’t relocate as often, especially those in lower-deprivation areas, tended to have better long-term mental health. So, stability matters. So does the neighbourhood.

Where we live matters

These findings challenge the idea that mental health is just about what’s inside us. Where we live plays a key role in shaping how we feel. But it’s not just that our environment affects our minds. Our minds can also steer us into different environments, too.

Our study shows that mental health and place are potentially locked in a feedback loop. One influences the other and the cycle can either support wellbeing or drive decline.

That has real implications for how we support people with mental health challenges.

In this study, if a person was already struggling, they were more likely to move and more likely to end up somewhere that made life harder.

This isn’t just about individual choice. It’s about the systems we’ve built, housing markets, income inequality, access to care and more. If we want better mental health at a population level, we need to think beyond the individual level. We need to think about place.

Because in the end, mental health doesn’t just live in the mind; it’s also rooted in the places we live.

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

– ref. Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light – https://theconversation.com/is-our-mental-health-determined-by-where-we-live-or-is-it-the-other-way-round-new-research-sheds-more-light-260491

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Colleagues Call for a Stable Regulatory Environment to Win the A.I. Race

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a group of colleagues in sending a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on shaping regulations to position the United States as the world capital of artificial intelligence (AI). The letter calls for the administration to release a rule that creates an environment for American innovators to compete and win, while keeping frontier tech out of the hands of America’s adversaries. This rule will be another step in the administration’s work to ensure the United States dominates the global AI ecosystem. The letter reads:
“We can only win the AI race with Communist China if we are wisely limiting our foreign adversary’s opportunities to develop frontier AI and enabling American companies to compete quickly in the global marketplace. Both prongs are important and the balance between them are crucial. America is winning the AI race, but the competition has been hard fought and will continue to be. Steps must be taken quickly since investments happening now will create the world’s tech ecosystem for decades to come.”
The letter follows an April letter led by Senator Ricketts, urging Secretary Lutnick to rescind the Biden Administration’s AI Diffusion Rule. This Biden-era policy created obstacles to innovation and cooperation by applying tiers and caps on allies seeking to access American technology. The Trump administration rescinded the AI Diffusion Rule on May 7.
The letter was also signed by Senators Kevin Cramer (ND), John Kennedy (LA), James Lankford (OK), and Rick Scott (FL).
Read the full letter here or below.
Dear Secretary Lutnick,
Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is shaping emerging technologies globally and positioned as the world capital of artificial intelligence (AI). The President’s cabinet is unshackling American energy, cutting burdensome red tape, and unwinding Biden’s bad policies. One important example of bolstering American prosperity was your decision to rescind and replace the Biden administration’s AI Diffusion Rule. This rule would have helped China win the AI race, and replacing this rule quickly will provide American innovators a stable environment to compete and win.
The Biden Administration’s AI Diffusion Rule, as accurately stated on the Bureau of Industry and Security’s website, “…would have stifled American innovation and saddled companies with burdensome new regulatory requirements.” The rule undermined relationships with allies and partners around the world. It hamstrung American companies, and the rule ultimately gave friendly nations an incentive to turn to Communist China for their emerging tech needs. Repealing this rule was a step forward for the nation.
While we are currently ahead of Communist China in the AI race, we must continue to help our nation, companies, and innovators succeed. Failure to maintain our lead in AI development means that we could be at the mercy of Communist China for many critical industries. Examples include cryptography, next-generation pharmaceuticals, and advanced defense materials. President Trump has been at the forefront of securing investment during his recent successful trip to the Middle East. He closed deals promoting U.S. technology as the global standard and secured landmark investments in frontier AI development at home. We must continue to capitalize on this momentum by ensuring allies and partners building out their AI investments see the U.S. as the superior, most reliable partner.
One crucial next step in this competition is providing American innovators, exporters, and nations around the world a stable exporting structure. Mr. Secretary, your testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee included key elements of an AI diffusion framework that would enable American AI diffusion around the world while also limiting China’s ability to develop frontier AI. The Trump administration should not return to Biden’s tiers and caps that confused close allies and partners.
Instead, know-your-customer and security controls should be applied to technologies designed to train frontier AI models. This approach, while allowing other American technologies to flow freely, will ensure the United States dominates the global AI ecosystem.
We can only win the AI race with Communist China if we are wisely limiting our foreign adversary’s opportunities to develop frontier AI and enabling American companies to compete quickly in the global marketplace. Both prongs are important and the balance between them are crucial. America is winning the AI race, but the competition has been hard fought and will continue to be. Steps must be taken quickly since investments happening now will create the world’s tech ecosystem for decades to come.
We thank you for your decisive actions so far bolstering American leadership, security, and prosperity. We look forward to working with you and President Trump to make America the AI capital of the world.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Strickland Delivers for Servicemembers, their Families, and the Future of the Services
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee passed H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA).

“I am proud to lead innovative and impactful provisions in the current version of this year’s defense policy bill that will improve readiness, and enhance the quality of life for servicemembers and their families. From housing, food access and healthcare, to direct funds for JBLM — this bill reflects our bipartisan commitment to supporting those who defend and serve our nation,” said Strickland.

Under Strickland’s leadership, the bill includes key provisions to boost the quality of life for servicemembers and their families:

Naming Commission for Military Assets
- Prohibits the use of federal funds to revert recommendations from the Congressionally established Confederate Naming Commission for military bases and honor Confederate leaders.
Housing
- Mandates methods to ensure that Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are accurate reflections of regional market trends.
- Allows the use of cost-effective materials in housing renovations, and delays historic preservation requirements until the housing structure is 100 years old.
- Requires a detailed report on the acquisition and the implementation of the Global Household Goods contract following the cancellation of HomeSafe Alliance LLC.
Nutrition
- Removes BAH from total household income calculations used to determine Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) eligibility.
- Requires an annual report, for five years, on how subsistence allowances and food programs are utilized.
Healthcare
- Includes Strickland’s bipartisan MIDWIVES bill.
- Creates a pilot program, allowing beneficiaries to select an OB/GYN provider and receive care without a referral.
- Extends free TRICARE dental coverage to Reserve Component servicemembers.
- Secures a report on the TRICARE contract acquisition and implementation, healthcare delivery, and learned lessons that can be applied to the East and West regions.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Allocates nearly $125 million — $25 million more than the President’s request — for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Authorizes $68 million for an Airfield Fire & Rescue Station, replacing the over 70-year-old Fire Station 105.
- Authorizes $70 million for a Command & Control Facility.
- Mandates a report studying the creation of a public database on non-combat military plane crashes, including details in response to Strickland’s Flight 293 bill.
Army Museums
- Establishes closure criteria for the Secretary of the Army’s management of the museum system, preventing the Secretary from closing local museums – including the Lewis Army Museum — without Congressional input.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

###

MIL OSI USA News –
July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Signs HALT Fentanyl Act into Law

US Senate News:

Source: US Whitehouse
Today, surrounded by families who have lost loved ones to the scourge of fentanyl, President Donald J. Trump officially signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law — permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
As President Trump said, the legislation is “delivering another defeat for the savage drug smugglers and criminals and the cartels” — and is just one of the many historic actions the Trump Administration has taken to end the carnage wrought by foreign drug cartels in our communities.
President Trump was joined by a few of the millions of Americans whose lives have been permanently changed by the fentanyl epidemic:
Greg Swan, who lost his son to fentanyl: “I would just like to say, thank you, Mr. President, for stopping the border crossings — full stop, mic drop … It was amazing what you did. We were being gaslit — and you came and lit a fire to that story, and we’re a lot safer for of it.” Watch
Anne Fundner, who lost her son to fentanyl: “In the last four years, fentanyl became the number one killer to Americans ages 15 to 48 … President Trump, for four years we felt ignored, but you’ve changed that … It is a lifeline for families across America in keeping our families safe … Thank you for keeping America safe for our children. This is what we voted for.” Watch
Jackie Siegel, who lost her daughter and sister to drug overdoses: “Mr. President, it’s an honor to be here today on behalf of our family … for this important signing.” Watch

MIL OSI USA News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Highlights Surface Transportation Priorities from Stakeholder Experiences

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

[embedded content]

To watch Chairman Capito’s questions, click here or the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing on constructing the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill with stakeholders’ perspectives.

During her questions, Chairman Capito asked about the role of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill regarding economic development, and how permitting reform remains key in the efficient development of our country’s surface transportation network.

HIGHLIGHTS:

IMPORTANCE OF SURFACE TRANSPORTATION REAUTHORIZATION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH:

Chairman Capito:

“In each individual ways, you’ve talked about the importance of the surface transportation network and what reauthorization will mean to you, in terms of economic and job growth. I want to dig down a little bit more on that. Is it the predictability, the affordability, the flexibility? What would you point to as from your standpoint as governor, and then we’ll go down the panel, to how this will impact your economic growth and job creation abilities?”

Governor Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), on behalf of the National Association of Governors:

“All of the above, but I think, you know, I have the opportunity to serve here too. We spend money inefficiently, and we’re required to do that because you go a decade without any increase in funding, and then things turn to whatever. The more predictability and foresight you can push onto us, the less money we will spend to build the same project.”

Austin Ramirez, CEO, Husco International Inc., on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers:

“I mentioned supply chain in my comments, and I think it’s a real issue. We’ve got rural facilities, and having surface transportation to those facilities that is efficient and well maintained is really important. But you know, another really big one is, my main facility is outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the main East-West Corridor I-94 has been caught up in litigation for years, so I’ve got employees that spend hours a day stuck in traffic because we can’t execute projects that we’ve already agreed to do.”

PERMITTING REFORM:

Chairman Capito:

“I think there’s a lot of similarities, and what everybody’s saying from the different standpoints of where you are. Permitting is something that Senator Whitehouse and I, and our staffs, talk about almost daily. We know that this is at the heart of the efficiency that I think most folks – and how the dollars can go farther than they can.”

Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement.

Click HERE to watch Chairman Capito’s questions.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Cruz Provision to Bring Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston Signed Into Law in One Big Beautiful Bill

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following statements on their provision to consider moving the Space Shuttle Discovery from Virginia to its rightful home near the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston getting signed into law by President Trump in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

“Houston has long been the cornerstone of our nation’s human space exploration program, and it’s overdue for Space City to receive the recognition it deserves by bringing the Space Shuttle Discovery home,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I am glad to see this provision become law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill and look forward to welcoming Discovery to Houston and righting this egregious wrong.”

“Houston has long stood at the heart of America’s human spaceflight program, and this legislation rightly honors that legacy,” said Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation Chairman Cruz. “It ensures that any future transfer of a flown, crewed space vehicle will prioritize locations that have played a direct and vital role in our nation’s manned space program, making Houston, Texas, a leading candidate. Bringing such a historic space vehicle to the region would underscore the city’s indispensable contributions to our space missions, highlight the strength of America’s commercial space partnerships, and inspire future generations of engineers, scientists, and pioneers who will carry our legacy of American leadership in space.”

Background:

The Senators’ provision will result in consideration of the Space Shuttle Discovery moving from Virginia to its rightful home near NASA’s JSC in Houston.

Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center led all of the space shuttle flights throughout the program’s history, and the astronauts who flew aboard the shuttles lived and trained in the area Houston. Four space shuttles were retired from NASA in 2010, and one of them was expected to go on display in the Space City. Congress stated in the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 that the four space shuttles were to be given to states with a “historical relationship with either the launch, flight operations, or processing of the Space Shuttle orbiters or the retrieval of NASA-manned space vehicles, or significant contributions to human space flight.” Unfortunately, this directive was unlawfully ignored by the Obama administration, who played politics to keep Houston from getting one of the shuttles. Notably, the administration gave one of the four shuttles to New York City, which has not made any major contributions to the nation’s history of space exploration and is not home to a NASA center—unlike Houston. The Space Shuttle Discovery should be transferred to Houston. This legislation would authorize the movement of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to an entity near the JSC in Houston.

Additional space-related provisions led by Sen. Cornyn, including the Mission to Modernize Astronautic Resources (MARS) for Space Act, nearly $10 billion in NASA funding for programs at JSC, funding for National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Artemis program, and resources to support the International Space Station (ISS), were also signed into law as part of this legislation on July 4, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – Investor comeback: ‘Mums and Dads’ are eyeing up cheaper, existing properties – Cotality

Source: Commentary from Kelvin Davidson, Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist

Cotality’s latest Buyer Classification data for June is in and it offers a full view of buyer behaviour across New Zealand for Q2. The figures point to a resilient and active first home buyer segment amid ongoing (but slightly lesser) affordability challenges. At the same time, ‘Mum and Dad’ investors continue to raise their activity levels, gravitating towards more affordable parts of the market.

First home buyers still strong

Over the three months to June, the broad tr

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tourism – Southern Discoveries puts new emergency survival equipment to the test

Source: Southern Discoveries

Southern Discoveries has become the first tourism company in Milford Sound to be AF8-ready with specialist emergency survival equipment.

The longest-running Milford Sound cruise operator has fitted out its entire fleet of vehicles, including five coaches seating up to 250 people, with survival gear specifically designed for major earthquake events.

And the initiative has already got the attention of tourism trade partners.

Yesterday, Southern Discoveries’ coach team and senior managers attended a simulated training exercise near Queenstown to familiarise themselves with the life-saving gear they may need in an emergency situation. The drill at Wilson’s Bay saw staff simulate realistic earthquake scenarios, practising shelter setup and testing rescue tools with the new equipment.

The specialist survival equipment has been supplied by Christchurch-based company The Survival Co., whose owner Peter Gillman was on-site during yesterday’s training exercises.

Gillman says Southern Discoveries’ investment in such an extensive range of survival and medical gear puts them ahead of others in the industry.

“Southern Discoveries is the first tourism operator to take this level of equipment from The Survival Co.,” he says. “They’ve taken the approach that if you’re going to do it, you should do it properly, and that’s exactly what’s been achieved.”

The Survival Co. created a tailor-made package for the company, considering the additional challenges of remote locations like Milford Sound.

“We looked at the scenarios people might find themselves in and what particular hazards exist in these areas. This gear provides an opportunity to keep people safe and comfortable during an emergency situation until help arrives.”

Each of Southern Discoveries’ five coaches is now equipped with long-life food supplies, bottled water, purification tablets, emergency shelter, headlamps, waterproof ponchos, survival blankets, personal hygiene items, and stretchers. The gear also includes four-person survival self-rescue backpacks, enabling passengers and drivers to evacuate safely if required, plus satellite communication devices with SOS and two-way texting capabilities to maintain contact in remote areas.

Survival packs will be placed in nine company vehicles and all coaches will carry Heartshine Samaritan AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for immediate medical response capabilities. Grab-and-go packs have been placed in staff housing in Milford Sound.

Southern Discoveries CEO Kerry Walker says the delivery of the gear aligns with the company’s goal of continuously improving and ensuring safety for guests and staff at all times.

“We operate in a region with significant seismic risks, so it’s our responsibility to be prepared for any eventuality. This equipment provides genuine peace of mind for our staff, guests, and the local community,” Walker explains.

The proactive safety initiative has already received strong support from Southern Discoveries’ international trade partners, particularly agents from the United States and Japan, who value the company’s commitment to safety standards.

“We know our travel agent partners place high value on safety for their clients, so we’re delighted to be able to provide this level of comfort,” Walker adds.

While Gillman notes his company is seeing increased interest from city councils and Civil Defence organisations, and is encouraged to see more tourism operators starting to invest in high-level survival equipment.

Walker adds: “We’re proud to position ourselves as industry leaders in emergency preparedness, but we also want to encourage others to work with The Survival Co., who are experts in this area. One of Southern Discoveries’ major trade partners has already contacted The Survival Co. to discuss obtaining safety gear for their organisation.”

About Southern Discoveries

Southern Discoveries is a local, family-owned company dedicated to sharing some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery and extraordinary experiences with the world. Operating for more than 70 years, Southern Discoveries is Milford Sound’s original cruise operator, offering a wide range of incredible sightseeing and adventure activities in Fiordland. The company maintains an ongoing commitment to the conservation of Aotearoa’s environment through sustainable tourism initiatives and the support of the Tawaki Project in partnership with DoC, the Fiordland Conservation Trust and the University of Otago.
www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

July 17, 2025

Submitted by	CFA media

MIL-OSI: Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. Reports Preliminary Second Quarter Earnings of $1.72 Per Diluted Common Share

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ:GSBC), the holding company for Great Southern Bank (the “Bank”), today reported that preliminary earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2025, were $1.72 per diluted common share ($19.8 million net income) compared to $1.45 per diluted common share ($17.0 million net income) for the three months ended June 30, 2024.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, annualized return on average common equity was 12.81%, annualized return on average assets was 1.34%, and annualized net interest margin was 3.68%, compared to 12.03%, 1.17% and 3.43%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter 2025 Key Results:

Net Interest Income: Net interest income for the second quarter of 2025 increased $4.2 million (or approximately 8.9%) to $51.0 million compared to $46.8 million for the second quarter of 2024, largely driven by lower interest expense on deposit accounts and other borrowings. Annualized net interest margin was 3.68% for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to 3.43% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, and 3.57% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded $434,000 of interest income related to recoveries on non-accrual loans and other cash-basis assets, positively affecting net interest income and net interest margin.
Asset Quality: Non-performing assets and potential problem loans totaled $15.3 million at June 30, 2025, a decrease of $1.3 million from $16.6 million at December 31, 2024. At June 30, 2025, non-performing assets were $8.1 million (0.14% of total assets), a decrease of $1.5 million from $9.6 million (0.16% of total assets) at December 31, 2024.
Liquidity: The Company had secured borrowing line availability at the FHLBank and Federal Reserve Bank of $1.22 billion and $338.9 million, respectively, at June 30, 2025. In addition, at June 30, 2025, the Company had unpledged securities with a market value totaling $349.3 million, which could be pledged as collateral for additional borrowing capacity at either the FHLBank or Federal Reserve Bank.
Capital: The Company’s capital position remained strong as of June 30, 2025, significantly exceeding the thresholds established by regulators. On a preliminary basis, as of June 30, 2025, the Company’s Tier 1 Leverage Ratio was 11.5%, Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 13.0%, Tier 1 Capital Ratio was 13.5%, and Total Capital Ratio was 14.7%. The Company’s tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio was 10.5% at June 30, 2025. In June 2025, the Company redeemed at par all of its outstanding subordinated notes, which had an aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million.
Significant Item Impacting Non-Interest Income: In the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded income of $1.1 million related to exits from, and other activities of, its investments in tax credit partnerships. This was an unusually large amount for the Company, but this type of income occurs from time to time. We cannot, however, anticipate the amount or timing of this income with certainty.

Selected Financial Data:

	Three Months Ended
		June 30,			June 30,		March 31,
		2025			2024			2025
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net interest income	$	50,963		$	46,818		$	49,334
Provision (credit) for credit losses on loans and unfunded commitments		(110	)		(607	)		(348	)
Non-interest income		8,212			9,833			6,590
Non-interest expense		35,005			36,409			34,822
Provision for income taxes		4,494			3,861			4,290

Net income	$	19,786		$	16,988		$	17,160

Earnings per diluted common share	$	1.72		$	1.45		$	1.47

Joseph W. Turner, President and CEO of Great Southern, commented, “The second quarter was marked by continued execution of our strategy to maintain core banking fundamentals, drive earnings, and improve tangible book value per share. Our core credit and operating metrics remained sound, with solid quarterly profitability driven by steady margins, ongoing disciplined expense control, and continued strong credit quality. We reported net income of $19.8 million, or $1.72 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $17.0 million, or $1.45 per diluted common share, in the same period last year. The increase in net income compared to the prior year quarter reflects strong growth in net interest income, which rose $4.2 million, or 8.9%, largely due to lower interest expense on deposit accounts and borrowings. The second quarter of 2025 and 2024 each had significant unusual or non-recurring items included in non-interest income, which are noted elsewhere in this earnings release. Non-interest expense also decreased from the year-ago quarter due to significant legal and professional fees recorded in 2024.”

Turner noted, “Despite lingering external economic pressures, our core operations continued to perform well. Total interest income for the second quarter of 2025 was $81.0 million, reflecting stable yields on loans and investment securities. Net interest income for the quarter increased to $51.0 million, supported by our continued disciplined asset-liability management and lower deposit interest costs, despite competitive pressures. We also saw stability in our core non-time deposit balances, reflecting the strength of customer relationships and the enduring value of our franchise.”

Turner added, “Our balance sheet remains well positioned, with total assets of approximately $5.85 billion at June 30, 2025, and a loan portfolio that reflects a balanced approach to growth and risk management, as we serve our constituent markets. We emphasize prudent lending practices through our relationship-based lending resulting in strong credit quality. Given our emphasis on balancing loan growth with appropriate pricing and loan structure, we saw a $156 million net loan reduction in the quarter, which included a $30 million loan payoff at the end of the quarter. Large loan payoffs tend to fluctuate, but we did experience a higher level of such payoffs in the second quarter of 2025. Our allowance for credit losses stood at $64.8 million at June 30, 2025, representing 1.41% of total loans. Our non-performing assets decreased $1.5 million from both March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, to $8.1 million, or 0.14% of total assets, highlighting our prudent underwriting standards and ongoing credit monitoring.”

Turner further noted, “On the expense side, we remain focused on operating discipline. Non-interest expense totaled $35.0 million for the second quarter of 2025, an improvement of $1.4 million from the prior-year second quarter, with reductions in legal and professional fees and expense on other real estate owned, partially offset by modest increases in technology investments. Non-interest income totaled $8.2 million for the second quarter of 2025, which did include some significant unusual income as we’ve noted.”

Turner continued, “As we look ahead, our priorities remain consistent: control costs, safeguard credit quality, and optimize our funding mix to enable continued growth and long-term financial stability. At June 30, 2025, our capital and liquidity positions were solid, with a tangible common equity ratio of 10.5% and approximately $2.2 billion of secured available lines and on-balance sheet liquid assets, providing us with the capital and liquidity we need to support customers, pursue strategic growth opportunities, and continue returning value to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. In the second quarter of 2025 we repurchased nearly 176,000 shares of our common stock. In June 2025, we redeemed all of the Company’s outstanding 5.50% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes, with an aggregate principal balance of $75 million, in advance of a step up in rate, thereby avoiding a significant increase in interest cost.”

“Great Southern’s second-quarter 2025 results demonstrate the strength and consistency of our business model and our ability to deliver sustainable returns, supported by strong customer relationships and disciplined management. Our focus on long-term value creation is steadfast as our team works daily to meet the needs of our customers, communities and shareholders,” Turner concluded.

NET INTEREST INCOME

	Three Months Ended
		June 30,			June 30,		March 31,
		2025			2024		2025
		(Dollars in thousands)
Interest Income	$	80,975		$	80,927		$	80,243
Interest Expense		30,012			34,109			30,909

Net Interest Income	$	50,963		$	46,818		$	49,334

Net interest margin		3.68	%		3.43	%		3.57	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		126.9	%		126.7	%		125.5	%

Net interest income for the second quarter of 2025 increased $4.2 million to $51.0 million, compared to $46.8 million for the second quarter of 2024. This increase in net interest income was driven primarily by higher investment interest income and improved overall yields, as well as the strategic management of maturing/repricing brokered deposits and interest-bearing demand deposits to reduce interest expense. Net interest margin was 3.68% in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 3.43% in the same period of 2024 and 3.57% in the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the 2024 second quarter, the average yield on loans decreased 11 basis points, the average yield on investment securities increased 27 basis points and the average yield on other interest earning assets decreased 101 basis points. The average rate paid on interest-bearing demand and savings deposits, time deposits and brokered deposits decreased 36 basis points, 63 basis points and 74 basis points, respectively, in the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. The average interest rate spread was 3.09% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 2.77% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 3.00% for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Net interest margin was positively impacted by the receipt of interest income which had not been accrued for, as outlined above, under “Second Quarter 2025 Key Results – Net Interest Income.” This additional interest income contributed three basis points to net interest margin in the second quarter of 2025. While we currently believe that interest income recoveries such as this may occur in future periods, we cannot anticipate the amount or timing of this income with certainty.

The average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities decreased from 3.17% in the 2024 second quarter to 2.75% in the 2025 second quarter. The average rates paid on deposits and borrowings decreased compared to the prior-year second quarter as market interest rates, primarily the federal funds rate and SOFR rates, declined in the fourth quarter of 2024. Yields on the Company’s portfolio of investment securities increased compared to the prior-year second quarter due to higher-yielding securities purchased in the second quarter of 2024. While market interest rates decreased compared to the second quarter of 2024, the average yield on loans only decreased slightly as cash flows from lower-rate fixed rate loans were redeployed into loans with comparably higher rates of interest.

To mitigate exposure to the risk of fluctuations in future cash flows resulting from changes in interest rates (primarily related to falling interest rates), the Company has, from time to time, strategically utilized derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps, as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the effect of cash flow hedge accounting included in interest income in the consolidated statements of income:

	Three Months Ended
		June 30,			June 30,		March 31,
		2025			2024		2025
		(In thousands)
Terminated interest rate swaps	$	2,025		$	2,025		$	2,003
Active interest rate swaps		(1,757	)		(2,769	)		(1,742	)

Increase (decrease) to interest income	$	268		$	(744	)	$	261

The Company entered into an interest rate swap in October 2018, which was terminated in March 2020. Upon termination, the Company received $45.9 million, inclusive of accrued but unpaid interest, from its swap counterparty. The net amount, after deducting accrued interest and deferred income taxes, is being accreted to interest income on loans monthly until the originally scheduled termination date of October 6, 2025. After this date, the Company will no longer have the benefit of that income from the terminated swap. The Company anticipates recording approximately $2.0 million in interest income from the terminated swap in the third quarter of 2025, after which no further interest income will be realized.

The Company’s net interest income in the second quarter of 2025 increased 8.9% compared to net interest income in the second quarter of 2024. The cost of deposits has been negatively impacted over several quarters by the high level of competition for deposits across the industry and the lingering effects of liquidity events at several banks in March and April 2023. After the second quarter of 2023, the Company had a significant amount of time deposits maturing at relatively low interest rates. These deposits were either renewed at higher rates or withdrawn, requiring the Company to replace the withdrawn deposits with other funding sources at then-current market rates. Market rates for time deposits for much of 2024 remained elevated, but have declined as the FOMC cut the federal funds rate by 100 basis points in late 2024 and signaled that further rate cuts may occur in late 2025. As of June 30, 2025, time deposit maturities over the next 12 months were as follows: within three months — $696 million, with a weighted-average rate of 3.93%; within three to six months — $460 million, with a weighted-average rate of 3.83%; and within six to twelve months — $124 million, with a weighted-average rate of 3.37%. Based on time deposit market rates in June 2025, replacement rates for these maturing time deposits are likely to be approximately 3.35-3.85%.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, non-interest income decreased $1.6 million to $8.2 million when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024, primarily as a result of the following items:

Other income: Other income decreased $1.6 million compared to the prior-year quarter. In the second quarter of 2024, the Company recorded $2.7 million of other income, net of expenses and write-offs, related to the termination of the master agreement between the Company and a third-party software vendor for the intended conversion of the Company’s core banking platform. Separately, in the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded income of $1.1 million related to exits from, and other activities of, its investments in tax credit partnerships.
Net gains on loan sales: Net gains on loan sales decreased $234,000 compared to the prior-year quarter. The decrease was due to a decrease in balance of fixed-rate single-family mortgage loans originated and sold during the 2025 period compared to the 2024 period. Fixed rate single-family mortgage loans originated are generally subsequently sold in the secondary market.
Late charges and fees on loans: Late charges and fees on loans increased $204,000 compared to the prior-year quarter. This increase was primarily due to prepayment fees on one large commercial real estate loan, which paid off in the 2025 quarter.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

For the quarter ended June 30, 2025, non-interest expense decreased $1.4 million to $35.0 million when compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2024, primarily as a result of the following items:

Legal, audit and other professional fees: Legal, audit and other professional fees decreased $935,000, or 50.2%, from the prior-year quarter, to $929,000. In the quarter ended June 30, 2024, the Company expensed a total of $902,000 related to training and implementation costs for the intended core systems conversion and professional fees to consultants engaged to support the Company’s proposed transition of core and ancillary software and information technology systems, compared to $46,000 in costs expensed in the quarter ended June 30, 2025.
Expense on other real estate owned: Expenses on other real estate owned decreased $453,000, or 158.9%, from the prior-year quarter. In the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company collected a total of $445,000 in rental income from other real estate owned, compared to $24,000 collected for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The 2025 period included rental income from the $6.0 million office building asset that was added to other real estate owned in the fourth quarter of 2024. See “Asset Quality” below.
Other operating expenses: Other operating expenses decreased $444,000, or 17.3%, from the prior-year quarter. In the 2024 period, the Company recorded expenses totaling $600,000 related to the resolution of compliance matters, with no similar expenses recorded in the current-year quarter.
Net occupancy and equipment expenses: Net occupancy and equipment expenses increased $594,000, or 7.6%, from the prior-year quarter. Various components of computer license and support expenses related to upgrades of core systems capabilities collectively increased by $502,000 in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the second quarter of 2024.

The Company’s efficiency ratio for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was 59.16% compared to 64.27% for the same quarter in 2024. The Company’s ratio of non-interest expense to average assets was 2.37% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 2.50% for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Average assets for the three months ended June 30, 2025, increased $86.0 million, or 1.5%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to growth in average balances of net loans and investment securities.

INCOME TAXES

For each of the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company’s effective tax rate was 18.5%. For the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company’s effective tax rate was 19.2% and 18.8%, respectively. These effective rates were below the statutory federal tax rate of 21%, due primarily to the utilization of certain investment tax credits and the Company’s tax-exempt investments and tax-exempt loans, which reduced the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate may fluctuate in future periods as it is impacted by the level and timing of the Company’s utilization of tax credits, the level of tax-exempt investments and loans, the amount of taxable income in various state jurisdictions and the overall level of pre-tax income. State tax expense estimates continually evolve as taxable income and apportionment between states are analyzed. The Company currently expects its effective tax rate (combined federal and state) will be approximately 18.0% to 20.0% in future periods.

CAPITAL

	June 30,		December 31,		March 31,
	2025		2024		2025
Consolidated Regulatory Capital Ratios	(Preliminary)
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio	11.5	%	11.4	%	11.3	%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio	13.0	%	12.3	%	12.4	%
Tier 1 Capital Ratio	13.5	%	12.8	%	12.9	%
Total Capital Ratio	14.7	%	15.4	%	15.6	%
Tangible Common Equity Ratio	10.5	%	9.9	%	10.1	%

As of June 30, 2025, total stockholders’ equity was $622.4 million, representing 10.6% of total assets and a book value of $54.61 per common share. This compares to total stockholders’ equity of $599.6 million, or 10.0% of total assets, and a book value of $51.14 per common share at December 31, 2024. The $22.8 million increase in stockholders’ equity from December 31, 2024, was primarily driven by $36.9 million in net income and a $2.0 million increase from stock option exercises, partially offset by $9.2 million in cash dividends declared on the Company’s common stock and $20.0 million in common stock repurchases.

Decreased unrealized losses on the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities and interest rate swaps, which totaled $54.4 million (net of taxes) at December 31, 2024, also increased stockholders’ equity by $13.0 million during the first six months of 2025. These net unrealized losses primarily resulted from increased intermediate-term market interest rates in prior periods, which generally decreased the fair value of the investment securities and interest rate swaps. In the first six months of 2025, these market interest rates decreased, resulting in increases in the fair value of the Company’s investment securities and interest rate swaps.

The Company had unrealized losses on its portfolio of held-to-maturity investment securities, which totaled $19.3 million and $24.7 million at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, that were not included in its total capital balance. If held-to-maturity unrealized losses were included in capital (net of taxes) at June 30, 2025, they would have decreased total stockholder’s equity at that date by $14.6 million. This amount was equal to 2.3% of total stockholders’ equity of $622.4 million at June 30, 2025, compared to 3.1% of total stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2024.

On June 15, 2025, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding 5.50% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due June 15, 2030, with an aggregate principal balance of $75 million. The total redemption price was 100% of the aggregate principal balance of the subordinated notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company utilized excess cash on hand for the redemption payment.

In November 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to one million shares of the Company’s common stock. As of June 30, 2025, approximately 94,000 shares remained available under this stock repurchase authorization.

In April 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program, which will succeed the existing repurchase program (authorized in November 2022) following the repurchase of the existing program’s remaining available shares. The new stock repurchase program authorizes the purchase, from time to time, of up to one million additional shares of the Company’s common stock.

During the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 175,998 shares of its common stock at an average price of $55.11, and the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per common share, which, combined, reduced stockholders’ equity by $14.4 million.

During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 349,342 shares of its common stock at an average price of $56.73, and the Company’s Board of Directors declared regular quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.80 per common share, which, combined, reduced stockholders’ equity by $29.2 million.

LIQUIDITY AND DEPOSITS

Liquidity is a measure of the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash to meet present and future financial obligations in a timely manner. The Company’s primary sources of funds are customer deposits, FHLBank advances, other borrowings, loan repayments, unpledged securities, proceeds from sales of loans and available-for-sale securities and funds provided from operations. The Company utilizes some or all of these sources of funds depending on the comparative costs and availability at the time. The Company has from time to time chosen not to pay rates on deposits as high as the rates paid by certain of its competitors and, when believed to be appropriate, supplements deposits with less expensive alternative sources of funds. Management believes that the Company maintains overall liquidity sufficient to satisfy its depositors’ requirements and meet its borrowers’ credit needs.

At June 30, 2025, the Company had the following available secured lines and on-balance sheet liquidity:

	June 30, 2025
Federal Home Loan Bank line		$1,216.1 million
Federal Reserve Bank line		338.9 million
Cash and cash equivalents		245.9 million
Unpledged securities – Available-for-sale		325.3 million
Unpledged securities – Held-to-maturity		24.0 million

During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company’s total deposits increased $78.6 million. Interest-bearing checking balances increased $18.5 million (0.8%), primarily in certain money market accounts, and non-interest-bearing checking balances increased $17.0 million (2.0%). Time deposits generated through the Company’s banking center and corporate services networks decreased $18.1 million (2.3%). Brokered deposits increased $61.2 million (7.9%) through a variety of sources. During the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company’s total deposits decreased $73.9 million, with $62.1 million of this decrease in brokered deposits.

At June 30, 2025, the Company had the following deposit balances:

	June 30, 2025
Interest-bearing checking		$2,233.2 million
Non-interest-bearing checking		859.9 million
Time deposits		757.7 million
Brokered deposits		833.3 million

At June 30, 2025, the Company estimated that its uninsured deposits, excluding deposit accounts of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, were approximately $703.6 million (15% of total deposits).

LOANS

Total net loans, excluding mortgage loans held for sale, decreased $156.1 million, or 3.3%, from $4.69 billion at December 31, 2024 to $4.53 billion at June 30, 2025. This decrease was primarily driven by decreases in construction loans of $79.1 million, commercial real estate loans of $56.1 million, one- to four-family residential loans of $23.0 million and commercial business loans of $25.2 million, partially offset by an increase in other residential (multi-family) loans of $28.7 million. Compared to March 31, 2025, net loans decreased $156.4 million.

The pipeline of the unfunded portion of loans and formal loan commitments remained strong, with the largest portion of these unfunded balances represented by the unfunded portion of outstanding construction loans ($626.0 million at June 30, 2025). See the table below.

For additional details about the Company’s loan portfolio, please refer to the quarterly loan portfolio presentation available on the Company’s Investor Relations website under “Presentations.”

Loan commitments and the unfunded portion of loans at the dates indicated were as follows (in thousands):

		June 30, 2025		March 31, 2025		December 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
Closed non-construction loans with unused available lines
Secured by real estate (one- to four-family)	$	211,453	$	211,119	$	205,599	$	203,964	$	199,182
Secured by real estate (not one- to four-family)		—		—		—		—		—
Not secured by real estate – commercial business		102,891		106,211		106,621		82,435		104,452

Closed construction loans with unused available lines
Secured by real estate (one-to four-family)		96,935		96,807		94,501		101,545		100,669
Secured by real estate (not one-to four-family)		644,427		657,828		703,947		719,039		1,444,450

Loan commitments not closed
Secured by real estate (one-to four-family)		17,148		19,264		14,373		12,347		16,819
Secured by real estate (not one-to four-family)		13,002		50,296		53,660		48,153		157,645
Not secured by real estate – commercial business		27,003		18,484		22,884		11,763		50,145

	$	1,112,859	$	1,160,009	$	1,201,585	$	1,179,246	$	2,073,362

PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

During the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company did not record a provision expense on its portfolio of outstanding loans. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company did not record a provision expense on its portfolio of outstanding loans, compared to a provision expense of $500,000 in the same period in 2024. Total net recoveries were $111,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to net recoveries of $168,000 during the same period in the prior year. Total net recoveries were $55,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to net recoveries of $85,000 during the same period in the prior year. Additionally, for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded a negative provision for losses on unfunded commitments of $110,000, compared to a negative provision of $607,000 for the same period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded a negative provision for losses on unfunded commitments of $458,000, compared to a negative provision of $477,000 for the same period in 2024.

The Bank’s allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.41% at June 30, 2025, an increase from 1.36% at both December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Management considers the allowance for credit losses adequate to cover losses inherent in the Bank’s loan portfolio at June 30, 2025, based on recent reviews of the portfolio and current economic conditions. However, if challenging economic conditions persist or worsen, or if management’s assessment of the loan portfolio changes, additional provisions for credit losses may be required, which could adversely impact the Company’s future financial performance.

ASSET QUALITY

At June 30, 2025, non-performing assets were $8.1 million, a decrease of $1.5 million from $9.6 million at December 31, 2024 and a decrease of $1.4 million from $9.5 million at March 31, 2025. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets were 0.14% at June 30, 2025, compared to 0.16% at both December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025.

Activity in the non-performing loan categories during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was as follows:

		Beginning Balance, April 1		Additions to Non- Performing		Removed from Non- Performing		Transfers to Potential Problem Loans		Transfers to Foreclosed Assets and Repossessions		Charge- Offs		Payments			Ending Balance, June 30
		(In thousands)

One- to four-family construction	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—
Subdivision construction		—		—		—		—		—		—		—			—
Land development		368		—		—		—		—		—		(368	)		—
Commercial construction		—		—		—		—		—		—		—			—
One- to four-family residential		3,076		154		—		—		—		—		(1,204	)		2,026
Other residential (multi-family)		—		—		—		—		—		—		—			—
Commercial real estate		—		—		—		—		—		—		—			—
Commercial business		—		—		—		—		—		—		—			—
Consumer		38		7		—		—		—		—		(27	)		18
Total non-performing loans	$	3,482	$	161	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	(1,599	)	$	2,044

Compared to March 31, 2025, non-performing loans decreased $1.4 million.
The non-performing one- to four-family residential category consisted of eight loans at June 30, 2025, one of which was added during the current quarter.
The largest relationship in the one- to four-family residential category totaled $614,000 at June 30, 2025. This relationship was added to non-performing loans in 2024 and is collateralized by a single-family residential property in the Sarasota, Fla. area.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, one- to four-family residential loans experienced one loan pay-off totaling $884,000 and another related loan had a principal pay-down totaling $296,000. Additionally, the only loan in the non-performing land development category at the beginning of the quarter paid off.

Activity in the potential problem loans categories during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was as follows:

		Beginning Balance, April 1		Additions to Potential Problem		Removed from Potential Problem			Transfers to Non- Performing		Transfers to Foreclosed Assets and Repossessions			Charge- Offs			Loan Advances (Payments)			Ending Balance, June 30
		(In thousands)

One- to four-family construction	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Subdivision construction		—		—		—			—		—			—			—			—
Land development		—		—		—			—		—			—			—			—
Commercial construction		—		—		—			—		—			—			—			—
One- to four-family residential		2,128		34		(307	)		—		—			—			(16	)		1,839
Other residential (multi-family)		—		—		—			—		—			—			—			—
Commercial real estate		4,313		—		—			—		—			—			(16	)		4,297
Commercial business		—		33		—			—		—			—			—			33
Consumer		1,011		50		—			—		(2	)		(11	)		(11	)		1,037
Total potential problem loans	$	7,452	$	117	$	(307	)	$	—	$	(2	)	$	(11	)	$	(43	)	$	7,206

Compared to March 31, 2025, potential problem loans decreased $246,000.
At June 30, 2025, the commercial real estate category consisted of three loans, all of which are part of one relationship and were added in 2024.
The commercial real estate relationship is collateralized by three nursing care facilities located in southwest Missouri. The borrower’s business cash flow was negatively impacted by a reduction in available labor and increased operating costs as well as ongoing changes to the Missouri Medicaid reimbursement rate. Monthly payments were timely made prior to the transfer to this category and have continued to be paid timely.
At June 30, 2025, the one- to four-family residential category consisted of ten loans, one of which was added to potential problem loans during the current quarter.
The largest relationship in the one- to four-family category, which was reclassified from the consumer category during the first quarter of 2025, totaled $963,000 and is collateralized by multiple single-family residential properties in Indiana and Florida.
At June 30, 2025, the consumer category of potential problem loans consisted of 14 loans, two of which were added during the current quarter.
The largest loan in the consumer category is a home equity loan totaling $784,000 related to the nursing care facility relationship, noted above.

Activity in the foreclosed assets and repossessions categories during the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was as follows:

		Beginning Balance, April 1		Additions		ORE and Repossession Sales			Capitalized Costs		ORE and Repossession Write-Downs		Ending Balance, June 30
		(In thousands)

One-to four-family construction	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—
Subdivision construction		—		—		—			—		—		—
Land development		—		—		—			—		—		—
Commercial construction		—		—		—			—		—		—
One- to four-family residential		—		—		—			—		—		—
Other residential (multi-family)		—		—		—			—		—		—
Commercial real estate		6,036		—		—			—		—		6,036
Commercial business		—		—		—			—		—		—
Consumer		—		6		(2	)		—		—		4
Total foreclosed assets and repossessions	$	6,036	$	6	$	(2	)	$	—	$	—	$	6,040

Compared to March 31, 2025, foreclosed assets increased $4,000.
The commercial real estate category consisted of two foreclosed properties, one of which, totaling $76,000, was added during the first quarter of 2025.
The largest asset in the commercial real estate category, totaling $6.0 million, consisted of an office building located in Clayton, Mo. This asset was foreclosed upon in the fourth quarter of 2024.

BUSINESS INITIATIVES

Technology updates and advancements continue with the Company’s current core provider. Projects involving a full array of products and services are moving forward, with completions expected beginning in the third quarter of 2025 and continuing into 2026.

The Company installed 10 ITM units in the St. Louis, Mo. market, replacing existing end-of-life ATM units. The ITMs, all located at banking center locations, offer customers live teller services, extended banking hours, and services beyond those traditionally available via an ATM.

Construction of the Company’s new banking center at 723 N. Benton in Springfield, Mo., to replace the existing facility at that location, began in March 2025 and is on schedule for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025. The new facility, designed as a next-generation banking center, will allow for flexibility in testing new designs, processes, technology and tools, balanced with customer convenience. The Company has 11 other banking centers and an Express Center in Springfield.

Earnings Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to discuss second quarter 2025 preliminary earnings. The call will be available live or in a recorded version at the Company’s Investor Relations website, http://investors.greatsouthernbank.com. Participants may register for the call at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI5023532982f44a44b03e6e16deb1e937.

About Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Great Southern offers a broad range of banking services to customers. The Company operates 89 retail banking centers in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Arkansas and Nebraska and commercial lending offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Omaha, and Phoenix. The common stock of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “GSBC.”

www.GreatSouthernBank.com

Forward-Looking Statements

When used in this press release and in other documents filed or furnished by the Company with or to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in the Company’s other press releases or other public or stockholder communications, and in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “may,” “might,” “could,” “should,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intends” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations or consequences of announced transactions, known trends and statements about future performance, operations, products and services of the Company. The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effects of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain, and the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expected revenues, cost savings, earnings accretion, synergies and other benefits from the Company’s merger and acquisition activities might not be realized within the anticipated time frames or at all, and costs or difficulties relating to integration matters, including but not limited to customer and employee retention, might be greater than expected; (ii) changes in economic conditions, either nationally or in the Company’s market areas; (iii) the effects of any new or continuing public health issues on general economic and financial market conditions; (iv) fluctuations in interest rates, the effects of inflation or a potential recession, whether caused by Federal Reserve actions or otherwise; (v) the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press about the banking industry in general on investor and depositor sentiment; (vi) slower or negative economic growth caused by tariffs, changes in energy prices, supply chain disruptions or other factors; (vii) the risks of lending and investing activities, including changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; (viii) the possibility of realized or unrealized losses on securities held in the Company’s investment portfolio; (ix) the Company’s ability to access cost-effective funding and maintain sufficient liquidity; (x) fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions; (xi) the ability to adapt successfully to technological changes to meet customers’ needs and developments in the marketplace; (xii) the possibility that security measures implemented might not be sufficient to mitigate the risk of a cyber-attack or cyber theft, and that such security measures might not protect against systems failures or interruptions; (xiii) legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company’s business; (xiv) changes in accounting policies and practices or accounting standards; (xv) results of examinations of the Company and the Bank by their regulators, including the possibility that the regulators may, among other things, require the Company to limit its business activities, change its business mix, increase its allowance for credit losses, write-down assets or increase its capital levels, or affect its ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect its liquidity and earnings; (xvi) costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; (xvii) competition; and (xviii) natural disasters, war, terrorist activities or civil unrest and their effects on economic and business environments in which the Company operates. The Company wishes to advise readers that the factors listed above and other risks described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including, without limitation, those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed or furnished from time to time by the Company with the SEC (which are available on our website at www.greatsouthernbank.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov), could affect the Company’s financial performance and cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements.

The Company does not undertake-and specifically declines any obligation- to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

The following tables set forth selected consolidated financial information of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated. Financial data at all dates other than December 31, 2024, and for all periods is unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist only of normal recurring accrual adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results at and for such unaudited dates and periods have been included. The results of operations and other data for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, and the three months ended March 31, 2025, are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which may be expected for any future period.

		June 30,		December 31,
		2025		2024
Selected Financial Condition Data:		(In thousands)

Total assets	$	5,854,672	$	5,981,628
Loans receivable, gross		4,604,943		4,761,848
Allowance for credit losses		64,815		64,760
Other real estate owned, net		6,040		5,993
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value		527,543		533,373
Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost		183,100		187,433
Deposits		4,684,126		4,605,549
Total borrowings		450,483		679,341
Total stockholders’ equity		622,368		599,568
Non-performing assets		8,084		9,566

		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended					Three Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,					March 31,
		2025			2024			2025			2024		2025
		(In thousands)
Selected Operating Data:
Interest income	$	80,975		$	80,927		$	161,218		$	158,317	$	80,243
Interest expense		30,012			34,109			60,921			66,683		30,909
Net interest income		50,963			46,818			100,297			91,634		49,334
Provision (credit) for credit losses on loans and unfunded commitments		(110	)		(607	)		(458	)		23		(348	)
Non-interest income		8,212			9,833			14,802			16,639		6,590
Non-interest expense		35,005			36,409			69,827			70,831		34,822
Provision for income taxes		4,494			3,861			8,784			7,024		4,290
Net income	$	19,786		$	16,988		$	36,946		$	30,395	$	17,160

	At or For the Three Months Ended						At or For the Six Months Ended						At or For the Three Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,						March 31,
	2025			2024			2025			2024			2025
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Per Common Share:
Net income (fully diluted)	$	1.72		$	1.45		$	3.18		$	2.58		$	1.47
Book value	$	54.61		$	49.11		$	54.61		$	49.11		$	53.03

Earnings Performance Ratios:
Annualized return on average assets		1.34	%		1.17	%		1.24	%		1.05	%		1.15	%
Annualized return on average common stockholders’ equity		12.81	%		12.03	%		12.06	%		10.69	%		11.30	%
Net interest margin		3.68	%		3.43	%		3.63	%		3.38	%		3.57	%
Average interest rate spread		3.09	%		2.77	%		3.05	%		2.71	%		3.00	%
Efficiency ratio		59.16	%		64.27	%		60.67	%		65.42	%		62.27	%
Non-interest expense to average total assets		2.37	%		2.50	%		2.35	%		2.44	%		2.34	%

Asset Quality Ratios:
Allowance for credit losses to period-end loans		1.41	%		1.39	%		1.41	%		1.39	%		1.36	%
Non-performing assets to period-end assets		0.14	%		0.34	%		0.14	%		0.34	%		0.16	%
Non-performing loans to period-end loans		0.04	%		0.23	%		0.04	%		0.23	%		0.07	%
Annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans		(0.01	)%		(0.01	)%		0.00	%		0.00	%		0.00	%


Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (In thousands, except number of shares)

		June 30, 2025			December 31, 2024			March 31, 2025

Assets
Cash	$	110,007		$	109,366		$	106,336
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions		135,906			86,390			110,845
Cash and cash equivalents		245,913			195,756			217,181

Available-for-sale securities		527,543			533,373			535,914
Held-to-maturity securities		183,100			187,433			185,853
Mortgage loans held for sale		5,616			6,937			6,857
Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $64,815 – June 2025; $64,760 – December 2024; $64,704 – March 2025		4,534,287			4,690,393			4,690,636
Interest receivable		20,644			20,430			21,504
Prepaid expenses and other assets		133,614			136,594			132,930
Other real estate owned and repossessions, net		6,040			5,993			6,036
Premises and equipment, net		134,337			132,466			132,165
Goodwill and other intangible assets		9,877			10,094			9,985
Federal Home Loan Bank stock and other interest-earning assets		23,714			28,392			25,813
Current and deferred income taxes		29,987			33,767			28,968

Total Assets	$	5,854,672		$	5,981,628		$	5,993,842

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Deposits	$	4,684,126		$	4,605,549		$	4,758,046
Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements with customers		54,802			64,444			75,322
Short-term borrowings		369,907			514,247			359,907
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust		25,774			25,774			25,774
Subordinated notes		—			74,876			74,950
Accrued interest payable		4,065			12,761			5,416
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance		8,822			5,272			7,451
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		76,763			70,634			65,528
Liability for unfunded commitments		8,045			8,503			8,155
Total Liabilities		5,232,304			5,382,060			5,380,549

Stockholders’ Equity
Capital stock
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding June 2025, December 2024 and March 2025 -0- shares		—			—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding June 2025 – 11,396,533 shares; December 2024 – 11,723,548 shares; March 2025 – 11,565,211 shares		114			117			116
Additional paid-in capital		51,646			50,336			51,076
Retained earnings		611,921			603,477			606,239
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(41,313	)		(54,362	)		(44,138	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity		622,368			599,568			613,293

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	5,854,672		$	5,981,628		$	5,993,842


Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Income (In thousands, except per share data)

		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,						March 31,
		2025			2024			2025			2024			2025
Interest Income
Loans	$	73,830		$	74,295		$	146,901		$	145,371		$	73,071
Investment securities and other		7,145			6,632			14,317			12,946			7,172
		80,975			80,927			161,218			158,317			80,243
Interest Expense
Deposits		24,368			27,783			48,968			55,420			24,600
Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements		372			394			743			727			371
Short-term borrowings, overnight FHLBank borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities		3,974			4,373			8,424			7,417			4,450
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust		389			454			771			908			382
Subordinated notes		909			1,105			2,015			2,211			1,106
		30,012			34,109			60,921			66,683			30,909

Net Interest Income		50,963			46,818			100,297			91,634			49,334
Provision for Credit Losses on Loans		—			—			—			500			—
Provision (Credit) for Unfunded Commitments		(110	)		(607	)		(458	)		(477	)		(348	)
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses and Provision (Credit) for Unfunded Commitments		51,073			47,425			100,755			91,611			49,682

Non-interest Income
Commissions		411			269			673			650			262
Overdraft and Insufficient funds fees		1,266			1,230			2,481			2,519			1,215
POS and ATM fee income and service charges		3,444			3,588			6,678			6,771			3,234
Net gains on loan sales		893			1,127			1,494			1,804			601
Late charges and fees on loans		340			136			583			303			243
Gain (loss) on derivative interest rate products		(28	)		(7	)		(52	)		(20	)		(24	)
Other income		1,886			3,490			2,945			4,612			1,059
		8,212			9,833			14,802			16,639			6,590

Non-interest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits		20,005			19,886			40,134			39,542			20,129
Net occupancy and equipment expense		8,435			7,841			16,968			15,680			8,533
Postage		825			777			1,756			1,584			931
Insurance		1,095			1,263			2,260			2,407			1,165
Advertising		705			891			995			1,241			290
Office supplies and printing		238			236			504			503			266
Telephone		705			685			1,411			1,406			706
Legal, audit and other professional fees		929			1,864			1,967			3,589			1,038
Expense (income) on other real estate and repossessions		(168	)		285			(238	)		346			(70	)
Acquired intangible asset amortization		108			109			216			217			108
Other operating expenses		2,128			2,572			3,854			4,316			1,726
		35,005			36,409			69,827			70,831			34,822

Income Before Income Taxes		24,280			20,849			45,730			37,419			21,450
Provision for Income Taxes		4,494			3,861			8,784			7,024			4,290

Net Income	$	19,786		$	16,988		$	36,946		$	30,395		$	17,160

Earnings Per Common Share
Basic	$	1.73		$	1.46		$	3.20		$	2.60		$	1.47
Diluted	$	1.72		$	1.45		$	3.18		$	2.58		$	1.47

Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$	0.40		$	0.40		$	0.80		$	0.80		$	0.40

Average Balances, Interest Rates and Yields

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates, and the net interest margin. Average balances of loans receivable include the average balances of nonaccrual loans for each period. Interest income on loans includes interest received on nonaccrual loans on a cash basis. Interest income on loans also includes the amortization of net loan fees, which were deferred in accordance with accounting standards. Net fees included in interest income were $1.1 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024. Net fees included in interest income were $2.1 million and $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Tax-exempt income was not calculated on a tax equivalent basis. The table does not reflect any effect of income taxes.

	June 30, 2025			Three Months Ended June 30, 2025						Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
				Average				Yield/			Average				Yield/
	Yield/Rate			Balance			Interest	Rate			Balance			Interest	Rate
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable:
One- to four-family residential	4.24	%	$	822,283		$	8,750	4.27	%	$	877,957		$	8,769	4.02	%
Other residential	6.91			1,565,447			27,281	6.99			1,072,168			19,633	7.36
Commercial real estate	6.19			1,489,015			23,082	6.22			1,499,893			23,296	6.25
Construction	7.07			480,254			8,617	7.20			803,478			15,525	7.77
Commercial business	5.93			208,119			3,517	6.78			266,187			4,375	6.61
Other loans	6.39			167,548			2,583	6.18			170,467			2,697	6.36

Total loans receivable	6.16			4,732,666			73,830	6.26			4,690,150			74,295	6.37

Investment securities	3.17			727,336			6,099	3.36			696,239			5,347	3.09
Other interest-earning assets	4.37			97,463			1,046	4.30			97,340			1,285	5.31

Total interest-earning assets	5.74			5,557,465			80,975	5.84			5,483,729			80,927	5.94
Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and cash equivalents				100,289							94,669
Other non-earning assets				256,923							250,244
Total assets			$	5,914,677						$	5,828,642

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand and savings	1.41		$	2,225,933			7,791	1.40		$	2,234,824			9,794	1.76
Time deposits	3.42			757,608			6,521	3.45			894,475			9,073	4.08
Brokered deposits	4.44			895,340			10,056	4.50			683,337			8,916	5.25
Total deposits	2.47			3,878,881			24,368	2.52			3,812,636			27,783	2.93
Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements	2.33			65,607			372	2.27			76,969			394	2.06
Short-term borrowings, overnight FHLBank borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities	4.55			347,303			3,974	4.59			339,270			4,373	5.18
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust	6.14			25,774			389	6.05			25,774			454	7.08
Subordinated notes	—			62,631			909	5.82			74,699			1,105	5.95

Total interest-bearing liabilities	2.66			4,380,196			30,012	2.75			4,329,348			34,109	3.17
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits				849,862							853,555
Other liabilities				66,585							80,905
Total liabilities				5,296,643							5,263,808
Stockholders’ equity				618,034							564,834
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity			$	5,914,677						$	5,828,642

Net interest income:						$	50,963						$	46,818
Interest rate spread	3.08	%						3.09	%						2.77	%
Net interest margin*								3.68	%						3.43	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities				126.9	%						126.7	%

*Defined as the Company’s net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

	June 30, 2025			Six Months Ended June 30, 2025						Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
				Average				Yield/			Average				Yield/
	Yield/Rate			Balance			Interest	Rate			Balance			Interest	Rate
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable:
One- to four-family residential	4.24	%	$	826,426		$	17,318	4.23	%	$	883,963		$	17,466	3.97	%
Other residential	6.91			1,555,881			53,731	6.96			1,016,071			36,491	7.22
Commercial real estate	6.19			1,499,665			46,096	6.20			1,499,767			46,064	6.18
Construction	7.07			485,392			17,270	7.17			830,025			31,368	7.60
Commercial business	5.93			209,944			7,339	7.05			276,131			8,984	6.54
Other loans	6.39			166,989			5,147	6.22			172,051			4,998	5.84

Total loans receivable	6.16			4,744,297			146,901	6.24			4,678,008			145,371	6.25

Investment securities	3.17			732,699			12,173	3.35			682,960			10,357	3.05
Other interest-earning assets	4.37			101,238			2,144	4.27			98,922			2,589	5.26

Total interest-earning assets	5.74			5,578,234			161,218	5.83			5,459,890			158,317	5.83
Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and cash equivalents				100,537							92,572
Other non-earning assets				259,692							243,029
Total assets			$	5,938,463						$	5,795,491

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand and savings	1.41		$	2,223,716			15,588	1.41		$	2,229,302			19,276	1.74
Time deposits	3.42			764,791			13,235	3.49			916,098			18,238	4.00
Brokered deposits	4.44			893,983			20,145	4.54			686,079			17,906	5.25
Total deposits	2.47			3,882,490			48,968	2.54			3,831,479			55,420	2.91
Securities sold under reverse repurchase agreements	2.33			73,957			743	2.03			75,718			727	1.93
Short-term borrowings, overnight FHLBank borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities	4.55			369,849			8,424	4.59			290,431			7,417	5.14
Subordinated debentures issued to capital trust	6.14			25,774			771	6.03			25,774			908	7.08
Subordinated notes	—			68,741			2,015	5.91			74,659			2,211	5.96

Total interest-bearing liabilities	2.66			4,420,811			60,921	2.78			4,298,061			66,683	3.12
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits				835,888							854,202
Other liabilities				68,961							74,391
Total liabilities				5,325,660							5,226,654
Stockholders’ equity				612,803							568,837
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity			$	5,938,463						$	5,795,491

Net interest income:						$	100,297						$	91,634
Interest rate spread	3.08	%						3.05	%						2.71	%
Net interest margin*								3.63	%						3.38	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities				126.2	%						127.0	%

*Defined as the Company’s net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This document contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), specifically, the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets.

In calculating the ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets, we subtract period-end intangible assets from common equity and from total assets. Management believes that the presentation of this measure excluding the impact of intangible assets provides useful supplemental information that is helpful in understanding our financial condition and results of operations, as it provides a method to assess management’s success in utilizing our tangible capital as well as our capital strength. Management also believes that providing a measure that excludes balances of intangible assets, which are subjective components of valuation, facilitates the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. In addition, management believes that this is a standard financial measure used in the banking industry to evaluate performance.

This non-GAAP financial measurement is supplemental and is not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP financial measures. Because not all companies use the same calculation of non-GAAP measures, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies.

Non-GAAP Reconciliation: Ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets

		June 30,			December 31,
		2025			2024
		(Dollars in thousands)

Common equity at period end	$	622,368		$	599,568
Less: Intangible assets at period end		9,877			10,094
Tangible common equity at period end (a)	$	612,491		$	589,474

Total assets at period end	$	5,854,672		$	5,981,628
Less: Intangible assets at period end		9,877			10,094
Tangible assets at period end (b)	$	5,844,795		$	5,971,534

Tangible common equity to tangible assets (a) / (b)		10.48	%		9.87	%

CONTACT:

Jeff Tryka, CFA,
Investor Relations,
(616) 233-0500
GSBC@lambert.com

The MIL Network –

July 17, 2025

MIL-OSI Submissions: Moldova – Moldova Launches Agrotek Arena: A New Incubator for Digital Agriculture, Robotics, and FoodTech

Source: Innovate Moldova Programme

Chișinău, Moldova – Moldova is taking a decisive step toward the future of agriculture with the launch of a new incubator and pre-accelerator at Agrotek Arena Incubator, an innovation space dedicated to digital agriculture, robotics, and food technology. The initiative is part of the Innovate Moldova Programme, funded by Sweden, and aims to modernize the country’s agri-food sector through innovation, research, and international collaboration.

On July 9, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Moldova’s Ministry of Digitalization and Economic Development (MDED), the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the Innovate Moldova Programme, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), marking the start of this strategic partnership.

The incubator will span 1,300 square meters across two refurbished floors of Agrotek Arena and will host up to 30 residents – startups, student entrepreneurs, researchers, and agri-food businesses. It is projected to benefit over 3,000 students, farmers, and food processors annually by providing access to cutting-edge technologies, prototyping labs, greenhouses, and innovation support programs.

“Agriculture remains a backbone of Moldova’s economy. Yet, without modern tools and forward-thinking infrastructure, its full potential cannot be realized, Agrotek Arena will serve as a launchpad for innovation, helping us bridge the gap between academia, industry, and global partners.”

stated Doina Nistor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitalization and Economic Development.

The incubator is set to open its doors to residents by September 1st, with a structured acceleration program launching in October 2025. Activities will focus on developing viable agri-tech solutions in areas such as precision agriculture, smart irrigation, and sustainable food processing.

Shared Investment and Global Collaboration

The $1 million project is built on a shared funding model. Innovate Moldova Programme and UMAEF are supporting the refurbishment of common areas, while UTM is offering rent-free space and managing energy efficiency upgrades. Residents will contribute by equipping their dedicated offices with air conditioning, furnishings, and technical installations.

Agrotek Arena will also establish strong linkages with European and North American technology providers. Strategic collaborations include:

Davis Weather Stations for climate-smart farming,
Biosfera’s GPS AgTech Solutions for resource-optimized agriculture,
SAS Cropio ERP Systems for real-time farm data analytics.

These partnerships not only bolster Moldova’s agricultural transformation but also create long-term business opportunities for EU, EFTA and North Atlantic region.

A Foundation for Moldova’s AgriTech Future

Located on UTM’s 5-hectare Mircești campus in capital Chișinău and linked to 570 hectares in Criuleni region, Agrotek Arena is the first major milestone in the broader Agrotek Park vision. Future plans include the development of high-tech farming sites, applied R&D centers, and repurposed Soviet-era infrastructure into labs and innovation hubs.

“This is more than a building—it’s the beginning of Moldova’s transformation into a regional hub for sustainable agri-tech. By fostering ties between startups, universities, and international partners, we are laying the groundwork for high-value job creation and export-ready technologies.”

said Sergiu Rabii, Programme Director at the Innovate Moldova Programme

Agrotek Arena will also support Moldova’s alignment with EU standards by integrating sustainable design, ESG practices, and inclusive economic development into its operational model.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: From diamonds to dirt: Sierra Leone youth bring land back to life

Source: United Nations 2

But now, parts of the land have been restored. Crops are beginning to flourish and bees are buzzing around once again.

The people responsible for this change are a hodgepodge group – former taxi drivers and miners, people who barely finished secondary school and some with higher education degrees. The unifying factor? Most have youth on their side.

“There is life beyond mining [but] we all grew up with the mentality that diamond is the only solution,” said Sahr Fallah, chairman of the Youth Council in Kono.

Over 44 percent of the 1.3 billion people aged 15-24 are employed in agrifood systems. However, this group often does not have the same access to resources as older generations. Moreover, they are sidelined in the conversations which might change this systemic exclusion.

© UNICEF/Olivier Asselin

Young men work on a diamond mining site near Koidu, Sierra Leone. (file)

“A lot of the time, what we find is that young people are included in policy processes but it is a little bit tokenistic. They don’t feel like their voice really matters,” said Lauren Phillips, a deputy director at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Decent work = economic growth

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York has been convened this week and next, to discuss progress – or lack thereof – towards the globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of which guarantees decent work for all.

Despite this commitment, over half of the global workforce remains in informal employment, according to the Secretary-General’s report on the SDGs released Monday. This means that they do not have adequate social or legal protections.

“Decent work must be at the heart of macroeconomic planning, climate and diesel transitions and social recovery strategies,” said Sangheon Lee, director of employment policy at the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Don’t ignore youth

Like other vulnerable groups, young people face unique challenges in the agrifood sector. Specifically, they often lack land rights and will struggle to act collectively to protect their interests.

“If you are not looking at data with a lens of age or gender, you are actually missing part of the story,” Ms. Phillips said.

Among these assets are land titles – which the elderly may be reluctant to pass down because of insufficient social protections. Youth also are less able to access credit so they can invest in themselves and their families.

Betty Seray Sam, one of the young farmers in Kono, said that her family never used to come to her when they were going through a crisis – they knew that she had no money and a child to support.

© FAO/Heba Khamis

Young farmers load tomatoes onto trucks in Nubaria, Egypt.

But now, through an agricultural job in Kono, she can support her family during times of crisis.

“This project has had a rippling effect for the youth in terms of not only improving their livelihoods but also the livelihoods of their families,” said Abdul Munu, president of Mabunduku, a community-based farmer’s organization in Kono.

Bee a farmer

Providing training to young people in agrifood systems is absolutely essential to ensure that they can practice sustainable agriculture.

In Chegutu, Zimbabwe, FAO has helped establish Bee Farmers Schools where young people are taught how to support apiaries through hands-on training activities.

“The idea is that one of the apiaries can be turned into a classroom where youth from different parts of a district can come just like a school,” said Barnabas Mawire, a natural resource specialist at FAO.

This training has helped support local youth beekeepers to move beyond local and small-scale honey production to a fully-fledged business model that has the potential to not just fight poverty but actually create local wealth.

Evelyn Mutuda, the young entrepreneurs representative in Chegutu, aspires to plant Jacaranda trees which she says will improve the quality of the bees’ honey and enable the beekeepers to export beyond local markets.

“We want to maximize all the profits so we can become better and bigger,” Ms. Mutuda said.

From Facebook to TikTok

Being able to form labour associations is one of the key factors of decent work. This sort of collective action is even more important for youth in agrifood who often lack the social capital to enact real policy change.

“Young people are just starting out, making bonds within their group but also with people outside of their group. Those bonds are important…because there is power in numbers,” Ms. Phillips said.

She also noted that young people are forming these bonds across geographic distances, often by using technology. Agrifood influencers on Instagram and TikTok, for example, are increasingly shaping conversations about the sector.

Ms. Phillips also noted that it is important to think of collective action for youth as intergenerational.

“While the report is focused on young people, it’s not ignorant of the fact that young people live in families…There is a lot which talks about the need for solidarity between generations,” Ms. Phillips said.

Youth optimism

The next generation will be the stewards of the food we eat, so integrating them into that system now is essential for future food security and sustainability.

“Many youth integrate tradition with innovation, creating sustainability and community resilience,” said Venedio Nala Ardisa, a youth representative at the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, at an online side event during the high-level forum.

Angeline Manhanzva, one of the beekeepers in Chegutu, said that the opportunity to become a beekeeper changed her life. One day, she dreams of owning her own bee farm.

“I will be an old person who has so much wealth and is able to buy her own big land to keep my hives and process my own honey.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News 07/11/2025 VIDEO: Blackburn, White House Economic Council Director Highlight One Big Beautiful Bill’s Historic Victories on ‘Unmuted with Marsha’

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a new episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha’ with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett breaking down the economic benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill for Tennesseans and all Americans.
Senator Blackburn and Kevin Hassett discussed how the One Big Beautiful Bill, now the law of the land, will boost take-home pay for families by $10,000, cut taxes on overtime and tips, provide a $6,000 bonus deduction to millions of low- and middle- income seniors, save Tennesseans thousands in taxes, and bolster America’s border security.

Click here to watch this episode of ‘Unmuted with Marsha.’

“I was talking with a small business owner yesterday morning, and after the 2017 cuts, they had hired two people so their business could grow, and they had been tapping the pencil on the paper, waiting to see if we were going to get this done because they wanted to keep those two employees and wanted to hire two more… People in Tennessee are so excited that the bill is now signed into law, and they’re so pleased to know that those tax cuts from 2017 are going to be made permanent,” said Senator Blackburn.

“I was really impressed at how effective you were at driving the bill forward. I’d say that the way to think about this bill is that it’s going to give us… a whole bunch of new stuff that’s explicitly targeted at blue collar workers and middle-class workers. The people who need the help the most. And so, for example, there are about 90 million hourly workers in the US, and now, if they work overtime, then there’ll be no tax or extra tax on the overtime. Our own Council of Economic Advisers has estimated that this bill will increase the take-home pay for the typical family by about 10 to $13,000 and that’s really, really going to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Director Hassett.
RELATED

MIL OSI USA News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Haiti funding cuts bite, civilian suffering intensifies in Myanmar, Belarus deaths in custody alert

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

Ongoing violence is compounding the country’s food crisis, disrupting local food production in critical areas such as the commune of Kenscoff and the Artibonite department, often considered the breadbaskets of Haiti.

While the UN and its partners are responding “wherever and whenever possible,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said this Wednesday that humanitarians have only been able to reach 38 per cent of the population they aim to support.

Multiple roadblocks

“This is due to ongoing violence and insecurity, severe underfunding of the response, and the obvious access challenges,” he said.

Over halfway through the year, Haiti is the least-funded of the many humanitarian appeals that the UN coordinates – despite shortfalls for food security in the country being at extreme levels – with just over two per cent of the $425 million needed this year received to date.

Myanmar: Intensifying conflict impedes humanitarian aid

Almost four months after Myanmar’s devastating earthquake, the UN is deeply concerned over the plight of civilians caught up in the country’s devastating and continuing conflict between the military regime and opposition armed groups.

As fighting intensifies, civilians are particularly vulnerable, with increasing attacks on infrastructure.

According to reports, an air strike hit a monastery in Sagan Township in Sagaing Region on 11 July, killing 22 people and injuring at least 50 others. The monastery had been providing shelter to displaced people who had fled nearby villages.

A displacement camp in North Shan State was also reportedly hit by an airstrike over the weekend.

‘Broader pattern’

“These incidents are part of a broader pattern of attacks affecting people across Myanmar,” said Mr. Dujarric, with frequent reports of people being killed, injured or displaced by violence.

Such insecurity also impacts the ability of humanitarian teams to reach people in need: with one in three people now facing acute hunger, and the current monsoon season having caused flooding, “the UN urgently calls on all parties to respect human rights and international humanitarian law,” he said.

Belarus: Rights experts urge probe into deaths in custody of opposition activists

Top independent human rights experts called on Belarus on Wednesday to launch urgent investigations into the deaths of several people jailed for political dissent.

The experts – who are known as Special Rapporteurs – highlighted the case of 61-year-old businessman Valiantsin Shtermer. He died in May 2025 while serving his sentence in a so-called “Correctional Colony” in Šklou.

Mr. Shtermer had been jailed for making critical remarks about Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite his serious medical condition, he was allegedly denied adequate care in prison.

Fifty-year-old opposition activist Vitold Ashurak meanwhile, also died shortly after being placed in an isolation in the same prison.

According to the Special Rapporteurs, Mr. Ashurak was a member of the Belarusian National Front who was jailed for violating public order during protests related to the disputed 2020 presidential elections.

We must not ignore these deaths

“These deaths must not be ignored,” said the experts, who added that there were strong grounds to believe that they resulted from abuse or neglect linked to the exercise of fundamental rights.

“It is of the utmost importance to thoroughly investigate the alleged instances of ill-treatment and neglect that resulted in the deaths of Shtermer, Ashurak, Puškin and other persons designated as political prisoners by human rights defenders,” the Human Rights Council appointed experts underscored.

“There are strong reasons to believe that these individuals lost their lives in retaliation for exercising their civil and political rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

The independent experts voiced concern that some opposition figures had been stigmatised and labelled as “extremists” or even “terrorists”.

Special Rapporteurs report regularly to the Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Syria: UN chief urges de-escalation as Sweida violence escalates, Israel strikes Damascus

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

News reports estimate that the sectarian violence in the predominantly Druze city of Sweida, south of the capital, has killed more than 200.

Israel explained its attacks in the heart of the capital and on pro-government forces in Sweida as a defensive move in support of the Druze community, which has a significant presence within Israel and in the Israeli-occupied Golan.

The strikes on the defence ministry in Damascus also hit an area near the presidential palace, according to news reports and Syrian authorities.

Pledging to protect the Druze minority but also following up on its threat to attack any Syrian military operations taking place south of the capital, Israel said it would intensify strikes if government forces did not withdraw from the region, according to news reports.

Syrians ‘robbed’ of opportunity for peace

“The Secretary-General is alarmed by the continued escalation of violence in Sweida” and “unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Wednesday.

It was the second day in a row that the UN chief has intervened to highlight the increasing civilian toll and “reports of arbitrary killings and acts that fan the flames of sectarian tensions and rob the people of Syria of their opportunity for peace.”

Mr. Guterres further condemned Israel’s “escalatory airstrikes” on Sweida, Daraa and central Damascus, together with “reports of the IDF’s redeployment of forces in the Golan,” the highly-contested mountainous region along the border of the two countries.

The UN also called on Israel to cease any violations of Syria’s sovereignty and respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

The UN chief also reiterated the need to support “a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of Security Council Resolution 2254.”

Extending his condolences to the people of Syria, the Secretary-General reiterated his call for an immediate de-escalation of violence measures to facilitate humanitarian access.

Civilians in peril

Mr. Dujarric said UN humanitarians were warning that “the deadly hostilities continue to put civilians at risk, with ongoing reports of significant displacement and damage to critical infrastructure, including water, electricity and telecommunications networks,” Mr. Dujarric said.

Access to Sweida and the impacted areas remains severely constrained due to insecurity and road closures, and civilians are unable to reach shelters.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, said that the UN and its humanitarian partners plan to assess the needs and provide essential assistance in Sweida as soon as conditions allow.

Mr. Dujarric underscored that medical services in Sweida and the neighbouring Daraa Governorate are overstretched and hospitals are almost at capacity.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched emergency medical supplies to Daraa, deliveries to Sweida have yet to get through due to the fighting.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: DHS Statement on Capture of Violent Extremist Involved in Prairieland Attack on ICE Agents

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

FBI Most Wanted Suspect for attack on ICE agents arrested after joint investigation with ICE and law enforcement partners

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement as the week-long manhunt for Benjamin Hanil Song--a fugitive wanted in connection with the July 4 ambush on federal officers at the Prairieland Detention Center–ended Monday with his arrest by FBI agents in Dallas, Texas. Song had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list since a Blue Alert was issued following his alleged role in the organized, armed attack.

Song, a former U.S. Marine Corps reservist, joined a violent group of at least 10 individuals in opening fire on officers at the federal facility just after 10:30 p.m. on Independence Day. He is charged with three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. His capture brings the total number of arrests in the attack to 14.

“On Independence Day, as Americans were celebrating our freedoms, a group of violent extremists attempted to assassinate federal officers protecting us from violent criminals,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Song’s arrest sends a clear message: under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you lay a hand on an ICE agent, you will NOT walk free. We will not forget, and we will not rest until every attacker is in custody.”

The Prairieland Detention Center, which housed more than 1,000 illegal aliens on the night of the attack, includes detainees with convictions for rape, child molestation, murder, kidnapping, arson, human trafficking, and terrorism. Nearly 50 known members of MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and other transnational gangs were among the detainees, in addition to 13 Known or Suspected Terrorists (KSTs).

This is just the latest in a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence targeting DHS personnel. Last week, ICE officers conducting enforcement operations in San Francisco were assaulted by violent protestors. In June, rioters stormed an ICE field office in Portland. ICE agents are now facing an 830% increase in assaults against them.

DHS and its law enforcement partners continue working around the clock to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in the July 4 ambush or other coordinated attacks against federal officers.

###

MIL Security OSI –

July 17, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Honors McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia, Dr. James C. Lee

Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

De La Cruz Honors McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia, Dr. James C. Lee

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2025

Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) honored McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia and the life of Dr. James C. Lee of Seguin on the House floor.

Officer Ismael Garcia was injured during the attack on the Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen. Remarks as prepared are below, or watch the full speech here.

“I rise today to honor the brave service of McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia during the horrific attack on the McAllen Border Patrol facility last week.

When an active shooter opened fire, Officer Garcia did not hesitate to jump into action. He willingly put himself in harm’s way, to protect his brothers and sisters in blue and green.

In the face of danger, he displayed valor, sacrifice, and selflessness.

When I visited him in recovery, he expressed pride in taking the bullet to protect others.

Officer Garcia served our nation for four years in the Marine Corps, earning the Combat Action Ribbon for his bravery. For nearly a decade since, he has continued to answer the call of duty as a McAllen Police Department officer.

We wish him a speedy recovery. May God bless Officer Garcia, our law enforcement, first responders, and border patrol.”

Additionally, De La Cruz honored the life and legacy of Dr. James C. Lee of Seguin. Remarks as prepared are below, or watch the full speech here.

“I rise today to recognize Dr. James C. Lee of Seguin for his lifetime of service and dedication to the well-being of his fellow Texans.

Originally born in Houston, Dr. Lee made Seguin his home in the late 70s. For nearly three decades, he cared for patients of all ages and served as a founding member, treasurer, and finance chair of the Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation. He served on the medical center’s governing board as Chairman and on the MHMR board, helping those with disabilities and mental health needs access support.

Beloved by both patients and staff, Dr. Lee’s presence will be dearly missed, but his work to help community members access their health care will live on. Outside of his work in the medical field, he was a devout Catholic, President of the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus, and 30-year member of the Rotary Club of Seguin.

Dr. Lee’s legacy is remembered by his wife, Janice, his four daughters, Crystal, Cynthia, Catherine, Carol, and 10 grandchildren.

Thank you and I yield back.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 17, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: July 16th, 2025 BREAKING: Heinrich’s Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act Signed into Law
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, has been signed into law. Heinrich introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act in January with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Heinrich announced passage of his bill in the U.S. Senate in March and the U.S. House of Representatives in June.

This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement added tools to help get extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets, dismantle organized criminal trafficking operations, and keep New Mexicans safe.

“I’m very pleased that my HALT Fentanyl Act is now law. This bill will help our law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking and keep our communities safe, and allow prosecutors to build stronger, longer-term criminal cases,” said Heinrich, the bill’s lead Democratic sponsor. “I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources to get deadly fentanyl out of our communities and save lives.”

The HALT Fentanyl Act is endorsed by the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and the National District Attorneys Association, as well as state and local law enforcement across New Mexico.

“Fentanyl has negatively impacted the city of Las Cruces in significant ways. In the past five years, we have experienced a substantial increase in crime, homelessness, and quality of life issues. I firmly believe fentanyl has been the biggest driver of these issues. It is time to take meaningful action to reverse the harm caused by this illicit substance,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department.

“Like any illegal substance, whether it be opioids or fentanyl use, there are no easy or quick solutions and often combatting their abuse requires a multi-layered approach. The HALT Fentanyl Act is just that, which is why I fully support it. We may be inclined to not concern ourselves with research, for example, but those trafficking in this market do concern themselves with research. Let us endorse this bigger picture approach to help combat fentanyl use in our country,” said Kim Stewart, Doña Ana County Sheriff.

“The HALT Fentanyl Act is another tool to go after transnational gangs and help make our community safer. Legislation is key for law enforcement to do their job,” said John Allen, Bernalillo County Sheriff.

Background:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 107,543 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances accounted for nearly 75,000 of those deaths. Since 1999, the overdose crisis has increasingly been characterized by deaths involving these illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl-related substances (FRS), which are commonly sold through illicit drug markets for their fentanyl-like effect, and are often mixed with heroin or other drugs, such as cocaine, or pressed in to counterfeit prescription pills. During this same period, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) increased 103-fold. By comparison, overdose deaths involving heroin and prescription opioids increased 2.5-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively.

Traffickers are continually altering the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade regulation and prosecution, sometimes with tragic results. Since 2013, China has been the principal source of fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and the precursor chemicals from which they are produced. Chinese product is commonly shipped to Mexico and smuggled into the United States’ illicit drug market via U.S. citizens. Traffickers have favored fentanyl-related substances to skirt around committing the crime of trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nearly 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, including fentanyl powder and more than 78 million pills laced with illicit fentanyl. The 2023 seizures were equivalent to more than 388.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

In 2018, as an initial response to this unprecedented crisis, the DEA issued a temporary scheduling order that placed FRS in Schedule I, under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), after classifying it as an imminent hazard to public safety. Previously, Congress has only closed this loophole temporarily by designating fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Congress has extended the FRS temporary scheduling order several times, most recently on March 15, 2025, with a measure that would have expired on September 30, 2025.

Heinrich’s HALT Fentanyl Act will finally make permanent the scheduling of illicitly produced fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs and streamline the regulatory process for scientists seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research Schedule I substances.

Clear and Enforceable Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking:

A permanent scheduling of FRS is necessary to make penalties for criminals clear and enforceable under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reducing the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured FRS. The HALT Fentanyl Act places controls and penalties on FRS that have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.

Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently impose the following quantity-based federal trafficking penalties on FRS:

Mandatory minimum penalties: 5 years for 10 grams or more (10 years for second offense); and 10 years for 100 grams or more (20 years for second offense).

Discretionary maximum penalties: 40 years for 10 grams or more (life for second offense); and life for 100 grams or more.

Expanded Scientific and Medical Research:

More closely aligning the research and registration process for Schedule I substances, including FRS, with Schedule II substances will facilitate increased FRS research. By accommodating more medical research into fentanyl-related substances, the bill will establish a new, streamlined registration process for research funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or under an Investigative New Drug (IND) exemption from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will enhance our understanding of these illicitly manufactured substances by:
- Allowing researchers in the same institution to participate in multiple scientific studies.
- Permitting researchers with ongoing studies to examine newly added Schedule I substances.
- Allowing researchers to manufacture small quantities of FRS without a separate registration.
The text of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.

A section-by-section summary of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 17, 2025

Category: housing

A controversial nomination

Ngard-Ngarli leadership

Australia’s deep time heritage

A controversial nomination

Ngard-Ngarli leadership

Australia’s deep time heritage

Great British Energy to cut energy bills for community facilities

Notes to editors

Share this page

Updates to this page

Victoria’s fire services are issuing a strong warning about the serious risks of smoking indoors, as it remains the leading cause of fatal house fires across the state.

Patterns over time

A negative feedback loop

Where we live matters

Decent work = economic growth

Don’t ignore youth

Bee a farmer

From Facebook to TikTok

Youth optimism

Multiple roadblocks

Myanmar: Intensifying conflict impedes humanitarian aid

‘Broader pattern’

Belarus: Rights experts urge probe into deaths in custody of opposition activists

We must not ignore these deaths

Syrians ‘robbed’ of opportunity for peace

Civilians in peril

De La Cruz Honors McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia, Dr. James C. Lee