NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Call for public information on Auckland marine mammal cases

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  17 July 2025

    Eva Obushenkova, an Investigator with DOC’s National Compliance Team, says the first incident occurred between 11:20 am and 12 pm on May 21, and involves a recreational boat skipper seen steering his vessel through a pod of bottlenose dolphins.

    “One witness has seen the vessel launched at Waiake Beach on Auckland’s North Shore,” Eva says.

    “They reported seeing the boat head straight toward the dolphins, which were clearly visible, and get very close to them.

    “Our witness has also stated the boatie later changed direction and began following the pod, steering his vessel among the dolphins and eventually stopping the engine to take photographs.”

    Under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations, vessels cannot travel through a pod of dolphins.

    Eva says the boat involved in the incident is a Haynes Hunter named Plaisir.

    “We’d like to talk to the owner or skipper of Plaisir, and encourage them to come forward,” she says.

    Anyone who saw the incident, or can share information on the vessel, can contact DOC on 0800 DOC HOT and quote CLE Works case number 9189. Any information offered by members of the public is kept confidential by DOC.

    In a separate incident at Muriwai in Auckland in early June, members of the public discovered two dead kekeno/NZ fur seals with their heads removed on the beach. The discovery was reported to DOC.

    DOC science staff who’ve seen the images say the decapitations are the result of human actions, and not predation by another species.

    Anyone with information on the decapitation of the dead seals at Muriwai – whether it’s eye-witness reports of incidents, or other potentially valuable evidence – is asked to contact 0800 DOC HOT and quote CLE Works case 9390.

    Although DOC staff acknowledge the seals were discovered dead on the beach, there is still no justification for removing the animals’ heads. The Marine Mammals Protection Act clearly states it is illegal to take any part of a marine mammal.

    “It’s not acceptable for people to tamper with protected wildlife, and it’s illegal to remove a protected species’ head,” Eva says.

    DOC protects and nurtures more than a third of New Zealand’s landscape, marine areas, and thousands of endangered species – a role guided by several key laws like the Conservation Act, Wildlife Act, and National Parks Act. These legal frameworks ensure our unique biodiversity is properly safeguarded.

    When people or organisations don’t follow the rules, it further threatens our special places and native wildlife. DOC takes these responsibilities very seriously and has a range of enforcement tools to hold rule-breakers to account.

    However, DOC can’t be everywhere, so public eyes and ears make a real difference. DOC staff continually urge the public to help protect nature by reporting unlawful activity through 0800 DOC HOT.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Updates to Deposit Takers Act implementation timeline and standards – Reserve Bank

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    17 July 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has today published an updated implementation timeline for incoming changes to the prudential regulatory regime for deposit takers.

    The Deposit Takers Act 2023 (DTA) modernises the regulatory framework to help ensure the safety and soundness of deposit takers and support a stable financial system that New Zealanders can trust. 

    DTA standards will be issued by 31 May 2027 and come into effect on 1 December 2028.  

    “The standards bring to life the prudential requirements deposit takers will need to meet to be licensed under the DTA,” Director Prudential Policy Jess Rowe says.  

    Public consultation on the proposed standards took place across 2024 and 2025.  

    “We’re grateful for the insightful feedback received from submitters, and we’re now hard at work preparing the exposure drafts of the standards,” Ms Rowe says.  

    Exposure draft consultation will take place in three tranches, starting in October 2025.

    Licensing of existing deposit takers will occur over an 18-month window, running from 1 June 2027 to 30 November 2028, ahead of the standards coming into effect on 1 December of that year. The change means all banks and non-bank deposit takers will be licensed under a single, coherent regulatory regime. In late 2025, we hope to communicate information about our approach to licensing existing deposit takers under the DTA.

    Changes to the DTA implementation timeline were necessary to allow time for a review of key capital settings, announced on 31 March 2025. DTA standards were previously planned to come into effect in July 2028.

    DTA timeline – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=e1c35a6635&e=f3c68946f8

    2025 Review of key capital settings: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f4705877ae&e=f3c68946f8

    Response to submissions on the non-core standards

    In 2024, we received 25 submissions to public consultation on DTA non-core standards.  

    In response to feedback, we have made changes to further support a proportionate approach, reduce the impact of compliance on deposit takers, and enhance potential competition in the market. Changes resulting from consultation include removing prescriptive detail and making requirements more flexible in certain areas.

    Our overall assessment remains that we are striking a good balance between our primary financial stability mandate and our purposes and principles, including proportionality and competition.

    Deposit Takers Non-Core Standards – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Citizen Space: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=88eeb490a1&e=f3c68946f8

    A summary of submissions on the Crisis Management Issues Paper has also been published.

    Crisis management under the Deposit Takers Act 2023 – Issues Paper – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Citizen Space: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=aaa9de9963&e=f3c68946f8
     

    Terminology explained

    Core standards

    These are the standards that we will use as the criteria to determine the eligibility of existing banks and NBDTs for relicensing under the DTA.  

    Non-core standards

    These are the other standards that all deposit takers will need to comply with when the DTA standards regime starts but will not be used for relicensing existing deposit takers.

    Deposit takers will need to comply with all standards when they come into force in 2028.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Mawson emperor penguin census

    Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

    A lucky handful of Mawson expeditioners visited the Taylor Glacier emperor penguin colony in July, to collect photos for the annual population census.
    No more than 12 people get to visit the colony each year, due to its ‘Antarctic Specially Protected Area’ (ASPA) status.
    Population counts have been ongoing since 1957, and averaged about 2500 birds between 2002 and 2023.
    This season, Mawson station’s Senior Field Training Officer, Lee Warner, and five other expeditioners, made the 90 km journey across the sea ice, to Colbeck Hut.

    Mr Warner said the party had to stop regularly to measure sea-ice thickness, which must be at least 60 cm thick for safe passage by Hägglunds.
    “Every change in appearance of the ice is generally a reason to test and assess the sea ice,” Mr Warner said.
    “Sea-ice conditions and ice thickness are influenced by glaciers, islands, snow depth, rafted ice and hidden anomalies like kelp beds, tide cracks and open water leads.  
    “We measure ice quality and thickness every hundred metres, or every few kilometres, depending on whether there are anomalies or not.”
    Once at the hut a team of four made the three kilometre trip to a vantage point above the colony where a number of automated cameras have been installed.
    The cameras take photos of the colony every day throughout the year to show when the penguins arrive and leave.
    “Pathfinding through waist deep powder snow to find the cameras to download the imagery captured over the last six to eight months is very satisfying. It’s a great team effort,” Mr Warner said.
    The team also took the all-important census photos – a series of 30 photos looking down and across the colony, which are stitched together into a panorama (see banner above). Scientists can then count the number of penguins.
    Senior Comms Tech Officer, Danny Novkovski, said the census photos and automated camera images were processed back at Mawson station and uploaded to the Head Office server for seabird expert, Dr Barbara Wienecke, to access them and conduct the census work.
    Dr Wienecke said Taylor Glacier is one of only two known sites where emperor penguins breed entirely on land, rather than land-fast sea ice (sea ice attached to land).
    The long-term monitoring project aims to assess the response of the penguins to environmental change and human activities, and ensure ASPA management plans continue to safeguard the animals.
    This content was last updated 3 minutes ago on 17 July 2025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Statement on Senate Bill 382 Litigation

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Statement on Senate Bill 382 Litigation

    Governor Stein Statement on Senate Bill 382 Litigation
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that he would not appeal the trial court’s ruling in litigation involving Senate Bill 382’s changes to the structure of the State Highway Patrol. Governor Stein released the following statement about his decision:  

    “I brought this lawsuit to ensure that our public safety leaders are accountable to the people of North Carolina, as required by our state’s Constitution. Making a Commander of the State Highway Patrol unremovable for any reason would threaten public safety, and I am relieved the Court did not endorse such a result. I continue to have confidence in Colonel Freddy Johnson’s ability to lead the State Highway Patrol effectively, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to keep people safe.”

    Governor Stein challenged Senate Bill 382 because the bill was ambiguous about whether it sought to overturn the Governor’s constitutional authority to remove the Commander of the State Highway Patrol in appropriate circumstances, at least until 2030. The bill could have been interpreted to prevent the Governor from removing the Commander under any circumstance, including if the Commander refused to perform his duties, abused his office, or was convicted of serious crimes.

    Last month, a three-judge panel held that Senate Bill 382 was not clearly unconstitutional. Though he disagrees with certain aspects of that decision, the Governor understands it to recognize his constitutional authority to remove a Commander and thus does not believe an appeal is necessary at this time. 

    Jul 16, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • 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 –

  • MIL-OSI: BAY Miner Launches Zero-Fee Bitcoin Cloud Mining for All Users—Empowering Global Access to Passive Crypto Income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boston, Massachusetts, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin maintains momentum above $118,000 and decentralized finance sees increasing institutional support, BAY Miner is once again transforming the landscape of crypto participation. Today, the company officially launched its Zero-Fee Mining Program, a game-changing initiative allowing users worldwide to mine Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without incurring any service fees—ensuring users retain 100% of their crypto earnings.

    This move further solidifies BAY Miner’s position as a global leader in accessible and sustainable cloud mining. Built on AI-powered optimization and green energy infrastructure, BAY Miner enables users to mine cryptocurrency directly from their smartphones, with no hardware, no maintenance, and now—no fees.

    BAY Miner Redefines the Crypto Mining Model with Fee-Free, Mobile-First Cloud Mining

    Zero Commission on Mining Rewards
    With the Zero-Fee Mining Program, BAY Miner removes all platform charges on mining earnings. Users receive the full value of their mined assets without deductions.

    AI-Optimized Hash Rate Allocation
    Smart algorithms manage and distribute computing power in real-time, optimizing mining efficiency for BTC, ETH, and XRP across dynamic market conditions.

    Fully Mobile, Hardware-Free Mining
    No mining rigs, servers, or cooling systems are needed. Users simply manage their accounts and track earnings from the BAY Miner mobile app.

    Eco-Conscious Infrastructure
    BAY Miner’s operations are backed by renewable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner crypto mining ecosystem.

    Daily Payouts with Real-Time Visibility
    Mining earnings are settled automatically every 24 hours. Users can view live income data through the platform’s real-time dashboard.

    Accessible to All Experience Levels
    The system is designed for both first-time users and seasoned crypto miners. No technical background is required.

    How to Start Zero-Fee Bitcoin Mining with BAY Miner

    Download the BAY Miner App
    Visit https://www.bayminer.com or download the app from the official platform.

    Register Using Your Email
    No identity verification or KYC documents required—just a simple email-based registration process.

    Activate Your Free Cloud Mining Contract
    Every new user receives a free starter contract upon signup, allowing instant mining with no upfront cost.

    Mine Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP—No Equipment Needed
    Your smartphone becomes your gateway to passive crypto earnings—no hardware or configuration required.

    Track and Receive Earnings Automatically
    Mining payouts are processed daily. Earnings are visible in real-time via the income dashboard.

    Withdraw or Reinvest When Ready
    Once your balance reaches $100, you can withdraw to your preferred crypto wallet or reinvest in mining upgrades.

    USD-Pegged Contracts Provide Price Stability

    To protect users from crypto price volatility, BAY Miner pegs all cloud mining contracts to the U.S. dollar. Users can fund accounts with major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Tether (USDT – ERC20 & TRC20), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Solana (SOL).

    All crypto deposits are automatically converted to USD at the current exchange rate and locked in to preserve the mining contract’s value. Upon withdrawal, users can convert back to their preferred cryptocurrency.

    BAY Miner’s Continued Rise as a Global Cloud Mining Leader

    Amid rising economic uncertainty and a growing demand for digital income, BAY Miner provides a safe, scalable, and sustainable avenue for passive earnings.

    • 10+ Million Users Worldwide
    Adopted across more than 180 countries and territories

    • Green Energy Infrastructure
    Aligned with ESG goals and carbon-conscious mining standards

    • Daily, Automated Payouts
    BTC, ETH, or XRP deposited directly every 24 hours

    • No Hardware Required—Fully Mobile Mining
    Accessible from any smartphone with no technical setup

    • Free Entry and Flexible Upgrades
    Free initial contracts and optional tiered upgrades to grow returns

    • Secure and Transparent Operations
    Live dashboards and institutional-grade backend infrastructure

    With its no-fee model, renewable mining backbone, and mobile-first accessibility, BAY Miner continues to break down barriers to crypto participation. The company is well-positioned to lead the next wave of digital asset mining in 2025 and beyond.

    Start Earning with Fee-Free Cloud Mining

    Users from all backgrounds can now start earning crypto daily without fees or hardware. Setup takes just minutes.

    Website: https://www.bayminer.com/
    Email: info@bayminer.com
    Download App: https://bayminer.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BAY Miner Launches Zero-Fee Bitcoin Cloud Mining for All Users—Empowering Global Access to Passive Crypto Income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boston, Massachusetts, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin maintains momentum above $118,000 and decentralized finance sees increasing institutional support, BAY Miner is once again transforming the landscape of crypto participation. Today, the company officially launched its Zero-Fee Mining Program, a game-changing initiative allowing users worldwide to mine Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without incurring any service fees—ensuring users retain 100% of their crypto earnings.

    This move further solidifies BAY Miner’s position as a global leader in accessible and sustainable cloud mining. Built on AI-powered optimization and green energy infrastructure, BAY Miner enables users to mine cryptocurrency directly from their smartphones, with no hardware, no maintenance, and now—no fees.

    BAY Miner Redefines the Crypto Mining Model with Fee-Free, Mobile-First Cloud Mining

    Zero Commission on Mining Rewards
    With the Zero-Fee Mining Program, BAY Miner removes all platform charges on mining earnings. Users receive the full value of their mined assets without deductions.

    AI-Optimized Hash Rate Allocation
    Smart algorithms manage and distribute computing power in real-time, optimizing mining efficiency for BTC, ETH, and XRP across dynamic market conditions.

    Fully Mobile, Hardware-Free Mining
    No mining rigs, servers, or cooling systems are needed. Users simply manage their accounts and track earnings from the BAY Miner mobile app.

    Eco-Conscious Infrastructure
    BAY Miner’s operations are backed by renewable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner crypto mining ecosystem.

    Daily Payouts with Real-Time Visibility
    Mining earnings are settled automatically every 24 hours. Users can view live income data through the platform’s real-time dashboard.

    Accessible to All Experience Levels
    The system is designed for both first-time users and seasoned crypto miners. No technical background is required.

    How to Start Zero-Fee Bitcoin Mining with BAY Miner

    Download the BAY Miner App
    Visit https://www.bayminer.com or download the app from the official platform.

    Register Using Your Email
    No identity verification or KYC documents required—just a simple email-based registration process.

    Activate Your Free Cloud Mining Contract
    Every new user receives a free starter contract upon signup, allowing instant mining with no upfront cost.

    Mine Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP—No Equipment Needed
    Your smartphone becomes your gateway to passive crypto earnings—no hardware or configuration required.

    Track and Receive Earnings Automatically
    Mining payouts are processed daily. Earnings are visible in real-time via the income dashboard.

    Withdraw or Reinvest When Ready
    Once your balance reaches $100, you can withdraw to your preferred crypto wallet or reinvest in mining upgrades.

    USD-Pegged Contracts Provide Price Stability

    To protect users from crypto price volatility, BAY Miner pegs all cloud mining contracts to the U.S. dollar. Users can fund accounts with major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Tether (USDT – ERC20 & TRC20), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Solana (SOL).

    All crypto deposits are automatically converted to USD at the current exchange rate and locked in to preserve the mining contract’s value. Upon withdrawal, users can convert back to their preferred cryptocurrency.

    BAY Miner’s Continued Rise as a Global Cloud Mining Leader

    Amid rising economic uncertainty and a growing demand for digital income, BAY Miner provides a safe, scalable, and sustainable avenue for passive earnings.

    • 10+ Million Users Worldwide
    Adopted across more than 180 countries and territories

    • Green Energy Infrastructure
    Aligned with ESG goals and carbon-conscious mining standards

    • Daily, Automated Payouts
    BTC, ETH, or XRP deposited directly every 24 hours

    • No Hardware Required—Fully Mobile Mining
    Accessible from any smartphone with no technical setup

    • Free Entry and Flexible Upgrades
    Free initial contracts and optional tiered upgrades to grow returns

    • Secure and Transparent Operations
    Live dashboards and institutional-grade backend infrastructure

    With its no-fee model, renewable mining backbone, and mobile-first accessibility, BAY Miner continues to break down barriers to crypto participation. The company is well-positioned to lead the next wave of digital asset mining in 2025 and beyond.

    Start Earning with Fee-Free Cloud Mining

    Users from all backgrounds can now start earning crypto daily without fees or hardware. Setup takes just minutes.

    Website: https://www.bayminer.com/
    Email: info@bayminer.com
    Download App: https://bayminer.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II Announces Pricing of $175 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II (the “Company”) today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 17,500,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and are expected to trade under the ticker symbol “PAII.U” beginning on July 17, 2025. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Only whole warrants will be exercisable. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and the warrants are expected to be listed on the NYSE under the symbols “PAII” and “PAII WS,” respectively. Only whole warrants will trade. The offering is expected to close on July 18, 2025.

    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination in any industry, sector or geographic region, it expects to target opportunities and companies in the energy sector.

    UBS Investment Bank is acting as the lead book-running manager for the offering and Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC is acting as co-manager for the offering. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,625,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

    A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 16, 2025. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, when available, from UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by email at: prospectusrequest@ubs.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the offering. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated, or that the Company will ultimately complete a business combination transaction. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement for the offering, available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, and the Company’s preliminary prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the issuance of this release, except as required by law.

    CONTACT

    Sten Gustafson
    President and Chief Financial Officer
    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II
    sten.gustafson@pyrophytespac.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II Announces Pricing of $175 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II (the “Company”) today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 17,500,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit. The units will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and are expected to trade under the ticker symbol “PAII.U” beginning on July 17, 2025. Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share and one-half of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Only whole warrants will be exercisable. Once the securities comprising the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and the warrants are expected to be listed on the NYSE under the symbols “PAII” and “PAII WS,” respectively. Only whole warrants will trade. The offering is expected to close on July 18, 2025.

    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue an initial business combination in any industry, sector or geographic region, it expects to target opportunities and companies in the energy sector.

    UBS Investment Bank is acting as the lead book-running manager for the offering and Brookline Capital Markets, a division of Arcadia Securities, LLC is acting as co-manager for the offering. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,625,000 units at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

    A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 16, 2025. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained, when available, from UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by email at: prospectusrequest@ubs.com.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the offering. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated, or that the Company will ultimately complete a business combination transaction. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement for the offering, available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, and the Company’s preliminary prospectus. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the issuance of this release, except as required by law.

    CONTACT

    Sten Gustafson
    President and Chief Financial Officer
    Pyrophyte Acquisition Corp. II
    sten.gustafson@pyrophytespac.com

    The MIL Network –

  • 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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Votes ‘No’ on FY26 Intelligence Authorization Act for Removing Critical Oversight of Intelligence Agencies

    US Senate News:

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

    July 16, 2025

    U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced that he voted against the 2026 Intelligence Authorization Act, which removed essential oversight of government intelligence and surveillance programs and passed the Senate Intelligence Committee Tuesday evening. 

    “It’s legislative malpractice to reduce the Senate’s oversight of the federal intelligence agencies while Donald Trump and his cronies are ignoring both laws and constitutional protections for Americans rights on a daily basis,” Wyden said. “Eliminating the requirement that the general counsels of the Office of Director of National Intelligence and CIA be Senate confirmed means the people who make secret law will no longer be vetted or held accountable. The bill also excludes congressional oversight of Intelligence Community firings that was in last year’s bill, despite the Trump administration’s politicized purges. These represent a serious setback for oversight. I also have serious concerns about classified matters that are either in the classified annex, or that the annex fails to address.”

    Wyden did secure several important provisions in the bill, including whistleblower protections, a reporting requirement on the collection of commercial data, the declassification of any information on foreign governments’ actions to help their nationals flee justice in the United States, a prohibition on intelligence agencies contracting with companies that collect or sell location data associated with intelligence facilities and annual reporting on FBI national security investigations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • 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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski, Colleagues Advocate for Critical Education Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    07.16.25

    Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) joined her colleagues in a letter to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Russell Vought, asking him to faithfully implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, and release the funds.

    The legislation included funding for Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; 21st Century Learning Centers; Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants; English Language Acquisition; Migrant Education; Adult Basic and Literary Education State Grants (including Integrated English Language and Civics Education State Grants).

    “The decision to withhold this funding is directly contrary to President Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states,” the Senators wrote. “This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families. Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families.”

    The letter was also signed by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and M. Michael Rounds (R-SD).

    The full text of the letter can be found here, or below.

    Dear Director Vought,

    We write to ask you to faithfully implement the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Full-Year Continuing Resolution Act, which President Trump signed into law earlier this year, including the education formula funds that states anticipated receiving on July I, 2025.

    The Continuing Resolution contained funding for Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; 21st Century Community Learning Centers; Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants; English Language Acquisition; Migrant Education; Adult Basic and Literacy Education State Grants (including Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education State Grants). Withholding these funds will harm students, families, and local economies.

    The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states. This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent, because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families. Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families.

    We share your concern about taxpayer money going to fund radical left-wing programs.

    However, we do not believe that is happening with these funds. These funds go to support programs that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school aged children which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies.

    These funds also go to support adult learners. These students are often adults seeking second chances for a myriad of reasons, for example, caregiving responsibilities or financial challenges.

    These are adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or transition into postsecondary education. We should be making educational opportunities easier for these students, not harder.

    We welcome the opportunity to work with you and Secretary McMahon to ensure that all federal education funding goes towards programs that help states and school districts provide students an excellent education. We want to see students in our states and across the country thrive, whether they are adult learners, students who speak English as a second language, or students who need after-school care so that their parents can work. We believe you share the same goal.

    We encourage you to reverse your decision and release this Congressionally-approved funding to states.

    Thank you for your attention to this request, and we look forward to your prompt reply.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Armenia will continue efforts to join SCO

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Yerevan, July 16 (Xinhua) — Armenia is set to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a press conference in Yerevan on Wednesday.

    The head of the Armenian government emphasized that this intention fits in well with the logic of a balanced and equitable foreign policy of Armenia, which must be implemented in practice.

    “We will continue to work in this direction. By the way, we have observer status in this organization. That is, we did not decide from scratch that we should become its member. This is also due to substantive and structural changes in the organization, since the possibility of canceling the observer and associate member statuses is being discussed. Of course, this is not the only and main reason, but this is another circumstance,” N. Pashinyan explained.

    Earlier, the Armenian Foreign Ministry announced its decision to apply for membership in the SCO. Armenia is a partner country of the SCO. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Killing of Civilians in Gaza Waiting in Line for Humanitarian Aid Must End, Relief Chief Tells Security Council, Urging Return to UN-Led Delivery Mechanism

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    As civilians lining up for humanitarian aid in Gaza are being killed, speakers in the Security Council today urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid operations in the Strip, called for a return to United Nations-led delivery mechanisms, and stressed the urgent need for both the release of hostages and a ceasefire.

    “Gaza’s soaring humanitarian needs must be met without drawing people into a firing line,” said Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.  He recalled General Assembly resolution 46/182, adopted in 1991, which laid the groundwork for modern international humanitarian assistance by establishing a framework and guiding principles — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence — for the UN’s role in coordinating humanitarian efforts during emergencies. 

    Israel, as the occupying Power, is obligated to ensure that people have food and medical supplies, he said, adding:  “But that is not happening.  Instead, civilians are exposed to death and injury, forcible displacement, stripped of dignity.”  He went on to urge Council members to consider whether Israel’s rules of engagement incorporate all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm, in all circumstances.  This means verifying targets, giving effective advance warnings, carefully choosing tactics and weapons, and canceling or suspending an attack if it would cause disproportionate civilian harm, he said.

    Number of Aid Trucks Currently Allowed into Gaza ‘Drop in the Ocean’ 

    Between 19 May and 14 July, only 1,633 trucks — or 62 per cent of the roughly 2,600 submitted to the Israeli authorities and 74 per cent of those approved for entry — reached the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings.  “To be clear, this is a drop in the ocean of needs, compared to the average of 630 truckloads, that entered daily” during an earlier ceasefire, he said. The ceasefire proved what’s possible.  It’s time to return to those levels without delay.

    Turning to recent remarks by Israel’s Defence Minister about moving Palestinians into a “humanitarian city”, he said the proposal to forcibly displace Palestinians to a designated zone near Rafah is “not humanitarian”, underscoring the need to protect civilians wherever they are, release all hostages held by Hamas, allow humanitarian aid at scale and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.  “You owe that to Israeli and Palestinian civilians, to the last hopes of a sustainable peace, and to the UN Charter,” he said, calling for a ceasefire.

    Today’s meeting was called by Denmark, France, Greece, Slovenia and the United Kingdom, following abhorrent reports of human suffering in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including killings at aid distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a non-UN mechanism established with support from Israel and the United States.  Between 27 May and 7 July, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recorded the killings of 798 Palestinian civilians — including children — desperate to find food, at or near distribution sites and humanitarian convoys.

    International Community Failing Gaza’s Children

    “Among the survivors was Donia, a mother seeking a lifeline for her family after months of desperation and hunger,” said Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).  Donia’s 1-year-old son, Mohammed, was killed in the attack after speaking his first words just hours earlier.  The mother was lying critically injured in a hospital bed, clutching her son’s tiny shoe. “No parent should experience such a horrific tragedy,” she said.

    “The simple truth is that we are failing Gaza’s children,” she said, noting that child malnutrition in Gaza has surged 180 per cent since February, with nearly 6,000 cases in June.  Most households lack safe water, fueling disease outbreaks — waterborne illnesses now make up 44 per cent of medical consultations.  Hospitals are overwhelmed, short on medicine and fuel, and emergency care is collapsing.  At least 12,500 patients, including many children, need urgent medical evacuation, but few are being accepted abroad.  “History will judge this failure harshly,” she warned, adding:  “And the children will judge it too.” 

    She implored that UNICEF and its humanitarian partners be allowed to do their jobs.  “We have proven that essentials like medicine, vaccines, water, food, and nutrition for babies can reach those in need, wherever they are, when we have appropriate access,” she said, calling for an urgent return to the functioning UN-led aid pipeline with safe and sustained humanitarian access through all available crossings.

    […]

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Thursday, July 17, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Note: All times local

    National Capital Region, Canada

    8:45 a.m. The Prime Minister will convene the First Nations Major Projects Summit to engage with First Nations rights holders on the Building Canada Act, and deliver opening remarks.

    Notes for media:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Meng Introduce Housing is a Human Right Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Grace Meng (NY-06) led lawmakers today in introducing the Housing is a Human Right Act, transformative legislation to authorize more than $300 billion for housing infrastructure to reduce homelessness across America. This urgent proposal would invest more than $200 billion in necessary affordable housing and support services and provide $27 billion a year for homelessness services, $100 million a year for community-driven alternatives to criminalization of those experiencing homelessness, and make targeted investments in communities at disproportionate risk of homelessness. 

    “Homelessness is not a personal failure, it’s a policy failure,” said Jayapal. “At a moment when Trump and Republicans just enacted the largest transfer of wealth from poor and working people to billionaires, while slashing food assistance and health care for millions of Americans, it is more urgent than ever to pass this legislation to invest in our most vulnerable communities. As rents skyrocket across the country and homeownership is out of reach for millions of Americans, we can and must invest in proven solutions to build more affordable housing.  Housing is a human right – and every person deserves to have a safe place to call home.”

    “Housing is a human right, and no one should be without a safe, stable place to call home,” said Meng. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce this landmark legislation, which dedicates billions of dollars toward ending homelessness nationwide. Homelessness is a complex issue with many causes, and simply providing a roof is not always enough. This bill tackles the root causes by funding affordable housing, expanding supportive services, and investing in communities that face the greatest risk. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to belong.”

    According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, across the United States, over 750,000 people experienced homelessness in 2024, an increase of 18 percent from 2023. Additionally, as costs have skyrocketed and the minimum wage has stagnated, there are no longer any American cities where a minimum-wage earner can afford the cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment.

    This is particularly true in Washington state, which had the third-highest homeless population in the country in 2024. In 2024, on any given night in King County, there were an estimated 16,868 individuals experiencing homelessness, which is a whopping 26 percent higher than the 2022 estimate.

    A lack of housing often leads to penalization, both civil and criminal, depending on local laws. It also makes it difficult to seek or hold a job, obtain assistance with accessing resources, find safe housing, and receive regular care for health needs. In fact, the harsh conditions of unsheltered homelessness lead to a mortality rate that is at least four times higher than that of the general public. 

    Vulnerable groups already targeted by this administration are also disproportionately likely to experience homelessness — including communities of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, former foster youth, and formerly incarcerated people. While Black communities make up 13 percent of the general population, they comprise 40 percent of people experiencing homelessness and half of all homeless families. And up to 40 percent of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQIA+, while only making up 9.5 percent of the general population.

    The Housing is a Human Right Act will address this crisis by:

    • Investing up to $100 billion for McKinney-Vento Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and $100 billion for Continuum of Care (COC) grants.
    • Creating a new grant program to invest in humane infrastructure; providing municipalities with $6 billion a year through a flexible program that will allow them to address their most urgent housing needs to keep people in stable housing and support those experiencing homelessness. 
    • Incentivizing local investments in humane, evidence-based models to support people experiencing homelessness, including alternatives to criminalization and penalization.
    • Providing $10 billion for FEMA emergency food and shelter grants while improving grants to better represent high rates of homelessness and income inequality.
    • Authorizing $100 million in grants to public libraries to provide assistance and tailored supports to persons experiencing homelessness.

    The Housing is a Human Right Act is sponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    The Housing is a Human Right Act is endorsed by A Way Home America; Bellwether Housing; Downtown Emergency Service Center; Homestead Community Land Trust; Lavender Rights Project; Low Income Housing Institute; Minority Veterans of America; National Alliance to End Homelessness; National Coalition for the Homeless; National Health Care for the Homeless Council; National Homelessness Law Center; National Housing Law Project; National Low Income Housing Coalition; RESULTS; Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness; The Southern Poverty Law Center; and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.

    Issues: Housing, Transportation, & Infrastructure

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons’ statement on Benjamin Hanil Song’s arrest

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    July 16, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

    “I want to congratulate and thank our partners at the FBI for bringing in Benjamin Hanil Song, the man who conspired with more than a dozen other criminals to kill ICE officials,” said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. “This wannabe-killer is now off the streets. It’s horrifying that dangerous rhetoric, often spread by elected officials, has brought us to this point, but let this be an example to other people planning on terrorizing federal law enforcement officers: If you attack the brave men and women protecting this nation from dangerous criminal aliens, we will arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hudson County Man Indicted for Investment Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme Involving Elderly Victims

    Source: US FBI

    NEWARK, NJ. – A New Jersey man was arraigned on wire fraud and money laundering charges for a scheme to defraud elderly and other victims by misappropriating funds that the victims were told would be invested on their behalf or otherwise used for their benefit, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Antonio Petrosino, a/k/a Anthony Petrosino, 60, of Union City, New Jersey, was arraigned on July 9, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler.  Petrosino was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2025, with five counts of wire fraud (Counts One through Five) and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (Count Six).  Petrosino was previously charged by complaint in January 2025 with one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.

    According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:

    From in or around January 2016 through in or around November 2024, Petrosino fraudulently induced the victims to transfer investment funds, mortgage payments, and other money to Petrosino.  As part of the scheme to defraud, Petrosino held himself out to be a financial services professional to his victims and falsely led them to believe that he would invest the victims’ money in brokerage accounts and other investment products or otherwise use it for their benefit.  To perpetuate his fraud, Petrosino provided one elderly victim with falsified investment statements that purported to show that she had hundreds of thousands of dollars deposited in various investment accounts in her name.  Petrosino also made various statements to victims assuring them that their money had been invested or used as promised.

    In reality, Petrosino failed to invest the victims’ funds or otherwise use victim monies for the victims’ benefit as promised.  Instead, Petrosino misappropriated the money to pay for his personal expenses, including gambling, credit card payments, and rent on his luxury apartment unit.  When confronted by victims about the status of the money they sent to Petrosino, Petrosino provided the victims and their family members false reassurances about the status of the victims’ funds to cover up his fraud.  In total, Petrosino stole more than approximately $1 million from the victims. 

    The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  The money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  All counts carry a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; special agents of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Tucker; and the Wyckoff Police Department, under the direction of Chief David V. Murphy, with the investigation leading to Petrosino’s indictment. 

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

    The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                                               ###

    Defense Counsel: Michael Thomas, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Carolina Woman Sentenced for Sending Threats to Kill a Catskill Man

    Source: US FBI

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kristin Keeble, age 54, of Pageland, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday to 5 months in jail, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release with 6 months of home detention, for transmitting a threat to injure another in interstate commerce.

    Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of her guilty plea, Keeble admitted that on October 26, 2023, she sent four threatening, profanity-laced and racially derogatory audio messages through Facebook Messenger to a man in Catskill, New York. Keeble threatened to kill the victim by hanging him, along with a woman the victim knew, and the woman’s children, from a tree. Keeble purported to be acting with members of the Ku Klux Klan. Keeble knew, from the victim’s Facebook profile photo, that the victim was Black.

    U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “No one should ever receive despicable, hateful threats like this. Those who threaten people over the Internet are going to be prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “No individual should live in fear because of someone’s intolerance and hatred. Threats of violence, especially borne from hate, will never be tolerated and the FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners hold the perpetrators accountable for their disturbing actions and bring justice to the victims.”

    The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hamburg Man Charged with Threatening a Member of Congress

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gerald T. Przybylski, 78, of Hamburg, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with transmitting in interstate and foreign commerce, specifically using the internet, communications that contained threats to injure a member of Congress, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on June 13, 2025, Przybylski sent a threatening email to the office email account of a member of the United States House of Representatives (Victim). Among other things, the email stated, “You are obviously unaware of the movement to execute Trump and all his Republican sycophants, not assassination but legal execution under the Constitution of the United States, which you, Donald Trump, and all your Republican colleagues have refused to honor, you have betrayed your oath of office and are a TRAITOR!!!” The email also “You should be afraid for your life!!!” When interviewed by law enforcement, Przybylski stated, “I was probably trying to scare him.”

    Przybylski made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.

    The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Charles Perras, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the United States Capitol Police, under the direction of Chief Michael Sullivan.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lead Defendant in Multistate Car Theft Ring Pleads Guilty

    Source: US FBI

    DAYTON, Ohio – The lead defendant in a $1.5 million chop shop conspiracy pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court. 

    Kahrese Tracey Scott Lee, 28, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport stolen vehicles in interstate commerce and to knowingly operating a chop shop. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

    According to court documents, between at least October 2023 and October 2024, Lee, who is also known as “Reese Lee” and “Bennett Jones,” knowingly worked with others to orchestrate an interstate stolen car ring. The defendant operated a garage in Dayton and received dozens of stolen vehicles. For example, during May 2024 alone, Lee’s Dayton chop shop housed within it more than half a million dollars in stolen cars and vehicle parts.

    Lee often disassembled stolen vehicles and removed their parts for resale or for placement in another vehicle. He both received and traded or sold vehicles out of state.

    On occasion, Lee also stole vehicles himself or worked with others to do so. During one planned theft incident, Lee and others traveled from Ohio to Indiana, where they stole three vehicles valued at more than $200,000 total from an auto lot.

    Law enforcement ultimately discovered Lee and others in possession of the stolen vehicles in Alabama, where Lee planned to establish a new garage. Officers confiscated the cars and returned them to the Indiana dealership that owned them.

    Lee and his accomplices had placed a tracking device on one of the stolen cars and tracked it back to Indiana. Lee traveled back to the Indiana dealership and attempted to steal the vehicle again; however, law enforcement apprehended him as he attempted to do so.

    Lee and six others were charged by a federal indictment in November 2024.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the guilty plea entered on July 11 before Senior U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorney Rob Painter are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Consistency, Strength & Earnings Power Remain the Story at HOMB

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CONWAY, Ark., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Home BancShares, Inc. (NYSE: HOMB) (“Home” or the “Company”), parent company of Centennial Bank, released quarterly earnings today.

    Quarterly Highlights
    Metric Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024
    Net income $118.4 million $115.2 million $100.6 million $100.0 million $101.5 million
    Net income, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) $114.6 million $111.9 million $99.8 million $99.0 million $103.9 million
    Total revenue (net) $271.0 million $260.1 million $258.4 million $258.0 million $254.6 million
    Income before income taxes $152.0 million $147.2 million $129.5 million $129.1 million $133.4 million
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR) (non-GAAP)(1) $155.0 million $147.2 million $146.2 million $148.0 million $141.4 million
    PPNR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) $150.4 million $142.8 million $145.2 million $146.6 million $141.9 million
    Pre-tax net income to total revenue (net) 56.08% 56.58% 50.11% 50.03% 52.40%
    Pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net) (non-GAAP)(1) 54.39% 54.91% 49.74% 49.49% 52.59%
    P5NR (Pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage) (PPNR to total revenue (net)) (non-GAAP)(1) 57.19% 56.58% 56.57% 57.35% 55.54%
    P5NR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 55.49% 54.91% 56.20% 56.81% 55.73%
    ROA 2.08% 2.07% 1.77% 1.74% 1.79%
    ROA, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 2.02% 2.01% 1.76% 1.72% 1.83%
    NIM 4.44% 4.44% 4.39% 4.28% 4.27%
    Purchase accounting accretion $1.2 million $1.4 million $1.6 million $1.9 million $1.9 million
    ROE 11.77% 11.75% 10.13% 10.23% 10.73%
    ROE, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 11.39% 11.41% 10.05% 10.12% 10.98%
    ROTCE (non-GAAP)(1) 18.26% 18.39% 15.94% 16.26% 17.29%
    ROTCE, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 17.68% 17.87% 15.82% 16.09% 17.69%
    Diluted earnings per share $0.60 $0.58 $0.51 $0.50 $0.51
    Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) $0.58 $0.56 $0.50 $0.50 $0.52
    Non-performing assets to total assets 0.60% 0.56% 0.63% 0.63% 0.56%
    Common equity tier 1 capital 15.6% 15.4% 15.1% 14.7% 14.4%
    Leverage 13.4% 13.3% 13.0% 12.5% 12.3%
    Tier 1 capital 15.6% 15.4% 15.1% 14.7% 14.4%
    Total risk-based capital 19.3% 19.1% 18.7% 18.3% 18.0%
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans 1.86% 1.87% 1.87% 2.11% 2.00%
    Book value per share $20.71 $20.40 $19.92 $19.91 $19.30
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)(1) $13.44 $13.15 $12.68 $12.67 $12.08
    Dividends per share $0.20 $0.195 $0.195 $0.195 $0.18
    Shareholder buyback yield(2) 0.49% 0.53% 0.05% 0.56% 0.67%

    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    (2) Calculation of this metric is included in the schedules accompanying this release.

    “I am once again very pleased with our quarterly results. Diluted EPS of $0.60 and net income of $118.4 million are both records for HOMB. The ongoing, consistent performance from our bankers led to numerous other records being set in the second quarter, further highlighting that strength is no accident,” said John Allison, Chairman & CEO of HOMB.

    Stock Repurchases and Dividends

    During the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 1.0 million shares of common stock, which equated to a shareholder buyback yield of 0.49%(1). In comparison, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, the Company repurchased 1.0 million shares of common stock, which equated to a shareholder buyback yield of 0.53%(1). The Company defines shareholder buyback yield as the percentage of the Company’s market capitalization spent on share repurchases. It reflects how much the Company is returning to the shareholders by reducing the number of outstanding shares, and it is calculated by dividing the Company’s total share repurchase cost for the period by the Company’s total market capitalization at the beginning of the period.

    In addition, during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, the Company paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. This cash dividend represented a $0.005 per share, or 2.6%, increase over the $0.195 cash dividend paid during the first quarter of 2025.

    Operating Highlights

    Net income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025 was $118.4 million, or $0.60 diluted earnings per share, both of which were records for the Company. When adjusting for non-fundamental items, net income and diluted earnings per share on an as-adjusted basis (non-GAAP), were $114.6 million(2) and $0.58 per share(2), respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2025.

    Our net interest margin was 4.44% for both of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025. The yield on loans was 7.36% and 7.38% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, as average loans increased from $14.89 billion to $15.06 billion. Additionally, the rate on interest bearing deposits decreased to 2.64% as of June 30, 2025, from 2.67% as of March 31, 2025, while average interest-bearing deposits increased from $13.20 billion to $13.43 billion.

    During the second quarter of 2025, there was $516,000 of event interest income compared to $1.3 million of event interest income for the first quarter of 2025. Purchase accounting accretion on acquired loans was $1.2 million and $1.4 million for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively, and average purchase accounting loan discounts were $16.2 million and $17.5 million for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively.

    Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis was $222.5 million for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, and $217.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025. This increase in net interest income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, was the result of a $6.6 million increase in interest income, partially offset by a $1.3 million increase in interest expense. The $6.6 million increase in interest income was primarily the result of a $5.3 million increase in loan income and a $2.3 million increase in income from deposits with other banks, partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in investment income. The $1.3 million increase in interest expense was due to a $1.7 million increase in interest expense on deposits, partially offset by a $363,000 decrease in FHLB and other borrowed funds.

    The Company reported $51.1 million of non-interest income for the second quarter of 2025. The most important components of non-interest income were $13.5 million from other income, $12.6 million from other service charges and fees, $9.6 million from service charges on deposit accounts, $5.2 million from trust fees, $4.8 million in mortgage lending income, $2.7 million from dividends from FHLB, FRB, FNBB and other, $1.4 million from the increase in cash value of life insurance and $972,000 from the gain on sale of branches, equipment and other assets, net. Included within other income was $3.5 million in special income from equity investments and $885,000 in legal fee reimbursements.

    Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2025 was $116.0 million. The most important components of non-interest expense were $64.3 million from salaries and employee benefits, $29.3 million in other operating expense, $14.0 million in occupancy and equipment expenses and $8.4 million in data processing expenses. Included within other expense was $3.3 million in legal claims expense, which was partially offset by a $1.5 million FDIC assessment reduction. For the second quarter of 2025, our efficiency ratio was 41.68%, and our efficiency ratio, as adjusted (non-GAAP), was 42.01%(2).

    Financial Condition

    Total loans receivable were $15.18 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $14.95 billion at March 31, 2025. Total loans receivable of $15.18 billion were a record for the Company. Total deposits were $17.49 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $17.54 billion at March 31, 2025. Total assets were $22.91 billion at June 30, 2025, compared to $22.99 billion at March 31, 2025.

    During the second quarter of 2025, the Company had a $228.5 million increase in loans. Our community banking footprint experienced $106.8 million in organic loan growth during the quarter ended June 30, 2025, and Centennial CFG experienced $121.7 million of organic loan growth and had loans of $1.83 billion at June 30, 2025.

    Non-performing loans to total loans were 0.63% and 0.60% at June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively. Non-performing assets to total assets were 0.60% and 0.56% at June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, respectively. Net loans charged-off were $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, and net loans recovered were $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The charge-off detail by region for the quarters ended June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025 can be seen below.

    For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial CFG   Shore Premier Finance   Florida   Alabama   Total
    Charge-offs   $ 2,588     $ 462     $ 181   $ 582     $ 245     $ 13     $ 4,071  
    Recoveries     (2,172 )     (223 )     —     (22 )     (577 )     (2 )     (2,996 )
    Net charge-offs (recoveries)   $ 416     $ 239     $ 181   $ 560     $ (332 )   $ 11     $ 1,075  
    For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial CFG   Shore Premier Finance   Florida   Alabama   Total
    Charge-offs   $ 444     $ 474     $ —     $ 53     $ 2,479     $ 8     $ 3,458  
    Recoveries     (6,514 )     (228 )     (658 )     (3 )     (117 )     (2 )     (7,522 )
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs   $ (6,070 )   $ 246     $ (658 )   $ 50     $ 2,362     $ 6     $ (4,064 )

    At June 30, 2025, non-performing loans were $96.3 million, and non-performing assets were $137.8 million. At March 31, 2025, non-performing loans were $89.6 million, and non-performing assets were $129.4 million.

    The table below shows the non-performing loans and non-performing assets by region as June 30, 2025:

    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial CFG   Shore Premier Finance   Florida   Alabama   Total
    Non-accrual loans   22,487   16,276   787   11,716   37,833   162   89,261
    Loans 90+ days past due   3,557   2,341   —   —   1,133   —   7,031
    Total non-performing loans   26,044   18,617   787   11,716   38,966   162   96,292
                                 
    Foreclosed assets held for sale   17,259   863   22,842   —   565   —   41,529
    Other non-performing assets   —   —   —   —   —   —   —
    Total other non-performing assets   17,259   863   22,842   —   565   —   41,529
    Total non-performing assets   43,303   19,480   23,629   11,716   39,531   162   137,821

    The table below shows the non-performing loans and non-performing assets by region as March 31, 2025:

    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial CFG   Shore Premier Finance   Florida   Alabama   Total
    Non-accrual loans   23,694   15,214   2,766   5,444   39,108   157   86,383
    Loans 90+ days past due   3,264   —   —   —   —   —   3,264
    Total non-performing loans   26,958   15,214   2,766   5,444   39,108   157   89,647
                                 
    Foreclosed assets held for sale   15,357   1,052   22,820   —   451   —   39,680
    Other non-performing assets   63   —   —   —   —   —   63
    Total other non-performing assets   15,420   1,052   22,820   —   451   —   39,743
    Total non-performing assets   42,378   16,266   25,586   5,444   39,559   157   129,390

    The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $281.9 million at June 30, 2025, or 1.86% of total loans, compared to the allowance for credit losses on loans of $279.9 million, or 1.87% of total loans, at March 31, 2025. As of June 30, 2025 and March 31, 2025, the Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was 292.72% and 312.27% of its total non-performing loans, respectively.

    Stockholders’ equity was $4.09 billion at June 30, 2025, which increased approximately $42.8 million from March 31, 2025. The net increase in stockholders’ equity is primarily associated with the $78.9 million increase in retained earnings, which was partially offset by the $11.4 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss and the $27.5 million in stock repurchases for the quarter. Book value per common share was $20.71 at June 30, 2025, compared to $20.40 at March 31, 2025. Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) was $13.44(2) at June 30, 2025, compared to $13.15(2) at March 31, 2025. Book value per common share and tangible book value per common share, as of June 30, 2025, were both records for the Company.

    Branches

    The Company currently has 75 branches in Arkansas, 78 branches in Florida, 58 branches in Texas, 5 branches in Alabama and one branch in New York City.

    Conference Call

    Management will conduct a conference call to review this information at 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. ET) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. We strongly encourage all participants to pre-register for the conference call webcast or the live call using one of the following links. First, participants can pre-register for the conference call webcast using the following link: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/133918928. Participants who pre-register will be given a unique webcast link to gain immediate access to the conference call webcast. Second, participants can pre-register for the live call using the following link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=862a0326&confId=84106. Participants who pre-register will be given the phone number and unique access codes to gain immediate access to the live call. Participants may pre-register now, or at any time prior to the call, and will immediately receive simple instructions via email. The Home BancShares conference call will also be scheduled as an event in your Outlook calendar.

    Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in and listen to the live call by calling 1-833-470-1428, Passcode: 171523. A replay of the call will be available by calling 1-866-813-9403, Passcode: 539251, which will be available until July 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Internet access to the call will be available live or in recorded version on the Company’s website at www.homebancshares.com. 

    About Home BancShares

    Home BancShares, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Conway, Arkansas. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Centennial Bank, provides a broad range of commercial and retail banking plus related financial services to businesses, real estate developers, investors, individuals and municipalities. Centennial Bank has branch locations in Arkansas, Florida, Texas, South Alabama and New York City. The Company’s common stock is traded through the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HOMB.” The Company was founded in 1998. Visit www.homebancshares.com or www.my100bank.com for more information.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company’s management uses these non-GAAP financial measures–including net income (earnings), as adjusted; pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR); PPNR, as adjusted; pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net); pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage; pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage, as adjusted; diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted; return on average assets, as adjusted; return on average assets excluding intangible amortization; return on average assets, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization; return on average common equity, as adjusted; return on average tangible common equity; return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted; return on average tangible common equity excluding intangible amortization; return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization; efficiency ratio, as adjusted; tangible book value per common share and tangible common equity to tangible assets–to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance. These measures typically adjust GAAP performance measures to include the tax benefit associated with revenue items that are tax-exempt, as well as adjust income available to common shareholders for certain significant items or transactions that management believes are not indicative of the Company’s primary business operating results. Since the presentation of these GAAP performance measures and their impact differ between companies, management believes presentations of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to a proper understanding of the operating results of the Company’s business. These non-GAAP disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as the reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in the tables of this release.

    (1) Calculation of this metric is included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    (2) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.

    General

    This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s plans, expectations, goals and outlook for the future, including future financial results. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future events, performance or results. When we use words or phrases like “may,” “plan,” “propose,” “contemplate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “continue,” “expect,” “project,” “predict,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions, you should consider them as identifying forward-looking statements, although we may use other phrasing. Forward-looking statements of this type speak only as of the date of this news release. By nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: economic conditions, credit quality, interest rates, loan demand, real estate values and unemployment, including any future impacts from inflation or changes in tariffs or trade policies; the ability to identify, complete and successfully integrate new acquisitions; the risk that expected cost savings and other benefits from acquisitions may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; diversion of management time on acquisition-related issues; the availability of and access to capital and liquidity on terms acceptable to us; legislative and regulatory changes and risks and expenses associated with current and future legislation and regulations; technological changes and cybersecurity risks and incidents; the effects of changes in accounting policies and practices; changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies; political instability, military conflicts and other major domestic or international events; the impacts of recent or future adverse weather events, including hurricanes, and other natural disasters; disruptions, uncertainties and related effects on credit quality, liquidity and other aspects of our business and operations that may result from any future public health crises; competition from other financial institutions; potential claims, expenses and other adverse effects related to current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other government actions; potential increases in deposit insurance assessments, increased regulatory scrutiny or market disruptions resulting from financial challenges in the banking industry; changes in the assumptions used in making the forward-looking statements; and other factors described in reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including those factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2025.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Donna Townsell
    Director of Investor Relations
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    (501) 328-4625

     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Consolidated End of Period Balance Sheets
     (Unaudited)
                         
     (In thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024
    ASSETS                    
                         
    Cash and due from banks   $ 291,344     $ 319,747     $ 281,063     $ 265,408     $ 229,209  
    Interest-bearing deposits with other banks     809,729       975,983       629,284       752,269       829,507  
    Cash and cash equivalents     1,101,073       1,295,730       910,347       1,017,677       1,058,716  
    Federal funds sold     2,600       6,275       3,725       6,425       —  
    Investment securities – available-for-sale, net of allowance for credit losses     2,899,968       3,003,320       3,072,639       3,270,620       3,344,539  
    Investment securities – held-to-maturity, net of allowance for credit losses     1,265,292       1,269,896       1,275,204       1,277,090       1,278,853  
    Total investment securities     4,165,260       4,273,216       4,347,843       4,547,710       4,623,392  
    Loans receivable     15,180,624       14,952,116       14,764,500       14,823,979       14,781,457  
    Allowance for credit losses     (281,869 )     (279,944 )     (275,880 )     (312,574 )     (295,856 )
    Loans receivable, net     14,898,755       14,672,172       14,488,620       14,511,405       14,485,601  
    Bank premises and equipment, net     379,729       384,843       386,322       388,776       383,691  
    Foreclosed assets held for sale     41,529       39,680       43,407       43,040       41,347  
    Cash value of life insurance     218,113       221,621       219,786       219,353       218,198  
    Accrued interest receivable     107,732       115,983       120,129       118,871       120,984  
    Deferred tax asset, net     174,323       170,120       186,697       176,629       195,041  
    Goodwill     1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253  
    Core deposit intangible     36,255       38,280       40,327       42,395       44,490  
    Other assets     383,400       376,030       345,292       352,583       350,192  
    Total assets   $ 22,907,022     $ 22,992,203     $ 22,490,748     $ 22,823,117     $ 22,919,905  
                         
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Liabilities                    
    Deposits:                    
    Demand and non-interest-bearing   $ 4,024,574     $ 4,079,289     $ 4,006,115     $ 3,937,168     $ 4,068,302  
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts     11,571,949       11,586,106       11,347,850       10,966,426       11,150,516  
    Time deposits     1,891,909       1,876,096       1,792,332       1,802,116       1,736,985  
    Total deposits     17,488,432       17,541,491       17,146,297       16,705,710       16,955,803  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     140,813       161,401       162,350       179,416       137,996  
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     550,500       600,500       600,750       1,300,750       1,301,050  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     203,004       207,154       181,080       238,058       230,011  
    Subordinated debentures     438,957       439,102       439,246       439,394       439,542  
    Total liabilities     18,821,706       18,949,648       18,529,723       18,863,328       19,064,402  
                         
    Stockholders’ equity                    
    Common stock     1,972       1,982       1,989       1,989       1,997  
    Capital surplus     2,221,576       2,246,312       2,272,794       2,272,100       2,295,893  
    Retained earnings     2,097,712       2,018,801       1,942,350       1,880,562       1,819,412  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (235,944 )     (224,540 )     (256,108 )     (194,862 )     (261,799 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     4,085,316       4,042,555       3,961,025       3,959,789       3,855,503  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 22,907,022     $ 22,992,203     $ 22,490,748     $ 22,823,117     $ 22,919,905  
                         
     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Consolidated Statements of Income
     (Unaudited)
                                 
         Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (In thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
     Interest income:                            
    Loans   $ 276,041     $ 270,784     $ 278,409     $ 281,977     $ 274,324     $ 546,825     $ 539,618  
    Investment securities                            
    Taxable     26,444       27,433       28,943       31,006       32,587       53,877       65,816  
    Tax-exempt     7,626       7,650       7,704       7,704       7,769       15,276       15,572  
    Deposits – other banks     8,951       6,620       7,585       12,096       12,564       15,571       23,092  
    Federal funds sold     53       55       73       62       59       108       120  
    Total interest income     319,115       312,542       322,714       332,845       327,303       631,657       644,218  
     Interest expense:                            
    Interest on deposits     88,489       86,786       90,564       97,785       95,741       175,275       188,289  
    Federal funds purchased     —       —       —       1       —       —       —  
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     5,539       5,902       9,541       14,383       14,255       11,441       28,531  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     1,012       1,074       1,346       1,335       1,363       2,086       2,767  
    Subordinated debentures     4,123       4,124       4,121       4,121       4,122       8,247       8,219  
    Total interest expense     99,163       97,886       105,572       117,625       115,481       197,049       227,806  
     Net interest income     219,952       214,656       217,142       215,220       211,822       434,608       416,412  
    Provision for credit losses on loans     3,000       —       16,700       18,200       8,000       3,000       13,500  
    Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on unfunded commitments     —       —       —       1,000       —       —       (1,000 )
    Recovery of credit losses on investment securities     —       —       —       (330 )     —       —       —  
    Total credit loss expense     3,000       —       16,700       18,870       8,000       3,000       12,500  
     Net interest income after credit loss expense     216,952       214,656       200,442       196,350       203,822       431,608       403,912  
     Non-interest income:                            
    Service charges on deposit accounts     9,552       9,650       9,935       9,888       9,714       19,202       19,400  
    Other service charges and fees     12,643       10,689       11,651       10,490       10,679       23,332       20,868  
    Trust fees     5,234       4,760       4,526       4,403       4,722       9,994       9,788  
    Mortgage lending income     4,780       3,599       3,518       4,437       4,276       8,379       7,834  
    Insurance commissions     589       535       483       595       565       1,124       1,073  
    Increase in cash value of life insurance     1,415       1,842       1,215       1,161       1,279       3,257       2,474  
    Dividends from FHLB, FRB, FNBB & other     2,657       2,718       2,820       2,637       2,998       5,375       6,005  
    Gain on SBA loans     —       288       218       145       56       288       254  
    Gain (loss) on branches, equipment and other assets, net     972       (163 )     26       32       2,052       809       2,044  
    Gain (loss) on OREO, net     13       (376 )     (2,423 )     85       49       (363 )     66  
    Fair value adjustment for marketable securities     (238 )     442       850       1,392       (274 )     204       729  
    Other income     13,462       11,442       8,403       7,514       6,658       24,904       14,038  
    Total non-interest income     51,079       45,426       41,222       42,779       42,774       96,505       84,573  
     Non-interest expense:                            
    Salaries and employee benefits     64,318       61,855       60,824       58,861       60,427       126,173       121,337  
    Occupancy and equipment     14,023       14,425       14,526       14,546       14,408       28,448       28,959  
    Data processing expense     8,364       8,558       9,324       9,088       8,935       16,922       18,082  
    Other operating expenses     29,335       28,090       27,536       27,550       29,415       57,425       56,303  
    Total non-interest expense     116,040       112,928       112,210       110,045       113,185       228,968       224,681  
     Income before income taxes     151,991       147,154       129,454       129,084       133,411       299,145       263,804  
    Income tax expense     33,588       31,945       28,890       29,046       31,881       65,533       62,165  
    Net income   $ 118,403     $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 233,612     $ 201,639  
                                 
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Selected Financial Information
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    PER SHARE DATA                            
    Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.60     $ 0.58     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.51     $ 1.18     $ 1.00  
    Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     0.58       0.56       0.50       0.50       0.52       1.14       1.01  
    Basic earnings per common share     0.60       0.58       0.51       0.50       0.51       1.18       1.00  
    Dividends per share – common     0.20       0.195       0.195       0.195       0.18       0.395       0.36  
    Shareholder buyback yield(2)     0.49 %     0.53 %     0.05 %     0.56 %     0.67 %     1.02 %     1.12 %
    Book value per common share   $ 20.71     $ 20.40     $ 19.92     $ 19.91     $ 19.30     $ 20.71     $ 19.30  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP)(1)     13.44       13.15       12.68       12.67       12.08       13.44       12.08  
                                 
    STOCK INFORMATION                            
    Average common shares outstanding     197,532       198,657       198,863       199,380       200,319       198,091       200,765  
    Average diluted shares outstanding     197,765       198,852       198,973       199,461       200,465       198,289       200,909  
    End of period common shares outstanding     197,239       198,206       198,882       198,879       199,746       197,239       199,746  
                                 
    ANNUALIZED PERFORMANCE METRICS                            
                                 
    Return on average assets (ROA)     2.08 %     2.07 %     1.77 %     1.74 %     1.79 %     2.08 %     1.78 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted: (ROA, as adjusted) (non-GAAP)(1)     2.02 %     2.01 %     1.76 %     1.72 %     1.83 %     2.02 %     1.79 %
    Return on average assets excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     2.25 %     2.24 %     1.92 %     1.88 %     1.94 %     2.25 %     1.93 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     2.18 %     2.18 %     1.91 %     1.86 %     1.98 %     2.18 %     1.94 %
    Return on average common equity (ROE)     11.77 %     11.75 %     10.13 %     10.23 %     10.73 %     11.76 %     10.69 %
    Return on average common equity, as adjusted: (ROE, as adjusted) (non-GAAP)(1)     11.39 %     11.41 %     10.05 %     10.12 %     10.98 %     11.40 %     10.76 %
    Return on average tangible common equity (ROTCE) (non-GAAP)(1)     18.26 %     18.39 %     15.94 %     16.26 %     17.29 %     18.33 %     17.26 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted: (ROTCE, as adjusted) (non-GAAP)(1)     17.68 %     17.87 %     15.82 %     16.09 %     17.69 %     17.77 %     17.38 %
    Return on average tangible common equity excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     18.50 %     18.64 %     16.18 %     16.51 %     17.56 %     18.57 %     17.53 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     17.92 %     18.12 %     16.07 %     16.34 %     17.97 %     18.02 %     17.66 %
                                 
    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    (2) Calculation of this metric is included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Selected Financial Information
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    Efficiency ratio     41.68 %     42.22 %     42.24 %     41.42 %     43.17 %     41.94 %     43.69 %
    Efficiency ratio, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     42.01 %     42.84 %     42.00 %     41.66 %     42.59 %     42.42 %     43.50 %
    Net interest margin – FTE (NIM)     4.44 %     4.44 %     4.39 %     4.28 %     4.27 %     4.44 %     4.20 %
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment   $ 2,526     $ 2,534     $ 2,398     $ 2,616     $ 2,628     $ 5,060     $ 3,520  
    Total revenue (net)     271,031       260,082       258,364       257,999       254,596       531,113       500,985  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR) (non-GAAP)(1)     154,991       147,154       146,154       147,954       141,411       302,145       276,304  
    PPNR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     150,404       142,821       145,209       146,562       141,886       293,225       275,614  
    Pre-tax net income to total revenue (net)     56.08 %     56.58 %     50.11 %     50.03 %     52.40 %     56.32 %     52.66 %
    Pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net) (non-GAAP)(1)     54.39 %     54.91 %     49.74 %     49.49 %     52.59 %     54.64 %     52.52 %
    P5NR (Pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage) (PPNR to total revenue (net)) (non-GAAP)(1)     57.19 %     56.58 %     56.57 %     57.35 %     55.54 %     56.89 %     55.15 %
    P5NR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     55.49 %     54.91 %     56.20 %     56.81 %     55.73 %     55.21 %     55.01 %
    Total purchase accounting accretion   $ 1,233     $ 1,378     $ 1,610     $ 1,878     $ 1,873     $ 2,611     $ 4,645  
    Average purchase accounting loan discounts     16,219       17,493       19,090       20,832       22,788       16,873       23,813  
                                 
    OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES                            
    Advertising   $ 2,054     $ 1,928     $ 1,941     $ 1,810     $ 1,692     $ 3,982     $ 3,346  
    Amortization of intangibles     2,025       2,047       2,068       2,095       2,140       4,072       4,280  
    Electronic banking expense     3,172       3,055       3,307       3,569       3,412       6,227       6,568  
    Directors’ fees     431       452       356       362       423       883       921  
    Due from bank service charges     283       281       271       302       282       564       558  
    FDIC and state assessment     1,636       3,387       3,216       3,360       5,494       5,023       8,812  
    Insurance     1,049       999       900       926       905       2,048       1,808  
    Legal and accounting     2,360       3,641       2,361       1,902       2,617       6,001       4,698  
    Other professional fees     2,211       1,947       1,736       2,062       2,108       4,158       4,344  
    Operating supplies     711       711       711       673       613       1,422       1,296  
    Postage     488       503       518       522       497       991       1,020  
    Telephone     419       436       438       455       444       855       914  
    Other expense     12,496       8,703       9,713       9,512       8,788       21,199       17,738  
    Total other operating expenses   $ 29,335     $ 28,090     $ 27,536     $ 27,550     $ 29,415     $ 57,425     $ 56,303  
                                 
    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Selected Financial Information
    (Unaudited)
                         
    (Dollars in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024
    BALANCE SHEET RATIOS                    
    Total loans to total deposits     86.80 %     85.24 %     86.11 %     88.74 %     87.18 %
    Common equity to assets     17.83 %     17.58 %     17.61 %     17.35 %     16.82 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)(1)     12.35 %     12.09 %     11.98 %     11.78 %     11.23 %
                    .    
    LOANS RECEIVABLE                    
    Real estate                    
    Commercial real estate loans                    
    Non-farm/non-residential   $ 5,553,182     $ 5,588,681     $ 5,426,780     $ 5,496,536     $ 5,599,925  
    Construction/land development     2,695,561       2,735,760       2,736,214       2,741,419       2,511,817  
    Agricultural     315,926       335,437       336,993       335,965       345,461  
    Residential real estate loans                    
    Residential 1-4 family     2,138,990       1,947,872       1,956,489       1,932,352       1,910,143  
    Multifamily residential     620,439       576,089       496,484       482,648       509,091  
    Total real estate     11,324,098       11,183,839       10,952,960       10,988,920       10,876,437  
    Consumer     1,218,834       1,227,745       1,234,361       1,219,197       1,189,386  
    Commercial and industrial     2,107,326       2,045,036       2,022,775       2,084,667       2,242,072  
    Agricultural     323,457       314,323       367,251       352,963       314,600  
    Other     206,909       181,173       187,153       178,232       158,962  
    Loans receivable   $ 15,180,624     $ 14,952,116     $ 14,764,500     $ 14,823,979     $ 14,781,457  
                         
    ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES                    
    Balance, beginning of period   $ 279,944     $ 275,880     $ 312,574     $ 295,856     $ 290,294  
    Loans charged off     4,071       3,458       53,959       2,001       3,098  
    Recoveries of loans previously charged off     2,996       7,522       565       519       660  
    Net loans charged off (recovered)     1,075       (4,064 )     53,394       1,482       2,438  
    Provision for credit losses – loans     3,000       —       16,700       18,200       8,000  
    Balance, end of period   $ 281,869     $ 279,944     $ 275,880     $ 312,574     $ 295,856  
                         
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average total loans     0.03 %     (0.11 )%     1.44 %     0.04 %     0.07 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.86 %     1.87 %     1.87 %     2.11 %     2.00 %
                         
    NON-PERFORMING ASSETS                    
    Non-performing loans                    
    Non-accrual loans   $ 89,261     $ 86,383     $ 93,853     $ 95,747     $ 78,090  
    Loans past due 90 days or more     7,031       3,264       5,034       5,356       8,251  
    Total non-performing loans     96,292       89,647       98,887       101,103       86,341  
    Other non-performing assets                    
    Foreclosed assets held for sale, net     41,529       39,680       43,407       43,040       41,347  
    Other non-performing assets     —       63       63       63       63  
    Total other non-performing assets     41,529       39,743       43,470       43,103       41,410  
    Total non-performing assets   $ 137,821     $ 129,390     $ 142,357     $ 144,206     $ 127,751  
                         
    Allowance for credit losses for loans to non-performing loans     292.72 %     312.27 %     278.99 %     309.16 %     342.66 %
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.63 %     0.60 %     0.67 %     0.68 %     0.58 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.60 %     0.56 %     0.63 %     0.63 %     0.56 %
                         
    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Consolidated Net Interest Margin
    (Unaudited)
                             
        Three Months Ended
        June 30, 2025   March 31, 2025
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average Balance   Income/ Expense   Yield/ Rate   Average Balance   Income/ Expense   Yield/ Rate
    ASSETS                        
    Earning assets                        
    Interest-bearing balances due from banks   $ 813,833   $ 8,951   4.41 %   $ 611,962   $ 6,620   4.39 %
    Federal funds sold     4,878     53   4.36 %     5,091     55   4.38 %
    Investment securities – taxable     3,095,764     26,444   3.43 %     3,179,290     27,433   3.50 %
    Investment securities – non-taxable – FTE     1,113,044     10,033   3.62 %     1,135,783     10,061   3.59 %
    Loans receivable – FTE     15,055,414     276,160   7.36 %     14,893,912     270,907   7.38 %
    Total interest-earning assets     20,082,933     321,641   6.42 %     19,826,038     315,076   6.45 %
    Non-earning assets     2,714,805             2,722,797        
    Total assets   $ 22,797,738           $ 22,548,835        
                             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
    Liabilities                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities                        
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts   $ 11,541,641   $ 71,042   2.47 %   $ 11,402,688   $ 69,672   2.48 %
    Time deposits     1,886,147     17,447   3.71 %     1,801,503     17,114   3.85 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     13,427,788     88,489   2.64 %     13,204,191     86,786   2.67 %
    Federal funds purchased     46     —   — %     —     —   — %
    Securities sold under agreement to repurchase   143,752     1,012   2.82 %     155,861     1,074   2.79 %
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     566,984     5,539   3.92 %     600,681     5,902   3.98 %
    Subordinated debentures     439,027     4,123   3.77 %     439,173     4,124   3.81 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     14,577,597     99,163   2.73 %     14,399,906     97,886   2.76 %
    Non-interest bearing liabilities                        
    Non-interest bearing deposits     3,981,901             3,980,944        
    Other liabilities     202,085             190,314        
    Total liabilities     18,761,583             18,571,164        
    Shareholders’ equity     4,036,155             3,977,671        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 22,797,738           $ 22,548,835        
    Net interest spread           3.69 %           3.69 %
    Net interest income and margin – FTE       $ 222,478   4.44 %       $ 217,190   4.44 %
                             
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Consolidated Net Interest Margin
    (Unaudited)
                             
        Six Months Ended
        June 30, 2025   June 30, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average Balance   Income/ Expense   Yield/ Rate   Average Balance   Income/ Expense   Yield/ Rate
    ASSETS                        
    Earning assets                        
    Interest-bearing balances due from banks   $ 713,455   $ 15,571   4.40 %   $ 865,686   $ 23,092   5.36 %
    Federal funds sold     4,984     108   4.37 %     4,718     120   5.11 %
    Investment securities – taxable     3,137,296     53,877   3.46 %     3,459,639     65,816   3.83 %
    Investment securities – non-taxable – FTE     1,124,351     20,094   3.60 %     1,221,431     18,896   3.11 %
    Loans receivable – FTE     14,975,109     547,067   7.37 %     14,568,029     539,814   7.45 %
    Total interest-earning assets     19,955,195     636,717   6.43 %     20,119,503     647,738   6.47 %
    Non-earning assets     2,718,779             2,660,101        
    Total assets   $ 22,673,974           $ 22,779,604        
                             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                    
    Liabilities                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities                        
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts   $ 11,472,548   $ 140,713   2.47 %   $ 11,078,749   $ 153,525   2.79 %
    Time deposits     1,844,059     34,562   3.78 %     1,708,902     34,764   4.09 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     13,316,607     175,275   2.65 %     12,787,651     188,289   2.96 %
    Federal funds purchased     23     —   — %     17     —   — %
    Securities sold under agreement to repurchase   149,773     2,086   2.81 %     165,962     2,767   3.35 %
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     583,739     11,441   3.95 %     1,301,071     28,531   4.41 %
    Subordinated debentures     439,100     8,247   3.79 %     439,686     8,219   3.76 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     14,489,242     197,049   2.74 %     14,694,387     227,806   3.12 %
    Non-interest bearing liabilities                        
    Non-interest bearing deposits     3,981,425             4,050,787        
    Other liabilities     196,232             239,704        
    Total liabilities     18,666,899             18,984,878        
    Shareholders’ equity     4,007,075             3,794,726        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 22,673,974           $ 22,779,604        
    Net interest spread           3.69 %           3.35 %
    Net interest income and margin – FTE       $ 439,668   4.44 %       $ 419,932   4.20 %
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Non-GAAP Reconciliations
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    EARNINGS, AS ADJUSTED                            
    GAAP net income available to common shareholders (A)   $ 118,403     $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 233,612     $ 201,639  
    Pre-tax adjustments                            
    FDIC special assessment     (1,516 )     —       —       —       2,260       (1,516 )     2,260  
    BOLI death benefits     (1,243 )     —       (95 )     —       —       (1,243 )     (162 )
    Gain on sale of premises and equipment     (983 )     —       —       —       (2,059 )     (983 )     (2,059 )
    Fair value adjustment for marketable securities     238       (442 )     (850 )     (1,392 )     274       (204 )     (729 )
    Special income from equity investment     (3,498 )     (3,891 )     —       —       —       (7,389 )     —  
    Legal fee reimbursement     (885 )     —       —       —       —       (885 )     —  
    Legal claims expense     3,300       —       —       —       —       3,300       —  
    Total pre-tax adjustments     (4,587 )     (4,333 )     (945 )     (1,392 )     475       (8,920 )     (690 )
    Tax-effect of adjustments     (817 )     (1,059 )     (208 )     (348 )     119       (1,876 )     (132 )
    Deferred tax asset write-down     —       —       —       —       2,030       —       2,030  
    Total adjustments after-tax (B)     (3,770 )     (3,274 )     (737 )     (1,044 )     2,386       (7,044 )     1,472  
    Earnings, as adjusted (C)   $ 114,633     $ 111,935     $ 99,827     $ 98,994     $ 103,916     $ 226,568     $ 203,111  
                                 
    Average diluted shares outstanding (D)     197,765       198,852       198,973       199,461       200,465       198,289       200,909  
                                 
    GAAP diluted earnings per share: (A/D)   $ 0.60     $ 0.58     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.51     $ 1.18     $ 1.00  
    Adjustments after-tax: (B/D)     (0.02 )     (0.02 )     (0.01 )     0.00       0.01       (0.04 )     0.01  
    Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted: (C/D)   $ 0.58     $ 0.56     $ 0.50     $ 0.50     $ 0.52     $ 1.14     $ 1.01  
                                 
    ANNUALIZED RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS                            
    Return on average assets: (A/E)     2.08 %     2.07 %     1.77 %     1.74 %     1.79 %     2.08 %     1.78 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted: (ROA, as adjusted) ((A+D)/E)     2.02 %     2.01 %     1.76 %     1.72 %     1.83 %     2.02 %     1.79 %
    Return on average assets excluding intangible amortization: ((A+C)/(E-F))     2.25 %     2.24 %     1.92 %     1.88 %     1.94 %     2.25 %     1.93 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization: ((A+C+D)/(E-F))     2.18 %     2.18 %     1.91 %     1.86 %     1.98 %     2.18 %     1.94 %
                                 
    GAAP net income available to common shareholders (A)   $ 118,403     $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 233,612     $ 201,639  
    Amortization of intangibles (B)     2,025       2,047       2,068       2,095       2,140       4,072       4,280  
    Amortization of intangibles after-tax (C)     1,530       1,547       1,563       1,572       1,605       3,077       3,210  
    Adjustments after-tax (D)     (3,770 )     (3,274 )     (737 )     (1,044 )     2,386       (7,044 )     1,472  
    Average assets (E)     22,797,738       22,548,835       22,565,077       22,893,784       22,875,949       22,673,974       22,779,604  
    Average goodwill & core deposit intangible (F)     1,435,480       1,437,515       1,439,566       1,441,654       1,443,778       1,436,492       1,444,840  
     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Non-GAAP Reconciliations
     (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    ANNUALIZED RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY                            
    Return on average common equity: (A/D)     11.77 %     11.75 %     10.13 %     10.23 %     10.73 %     11.76 %     10.69 %
    Return on average common equity, as adjusted: (ROE, as adjusted) ((A+C)/D)     11.39 %     11.41 %     10.05 %     10.12 %     10.98 %     11.40 %     10.76 %
    Return on average tangible common equity: (ROTCE) (A/(D-E))     18.26 %     18.39 %     15.94 %     16.26 %     17.29 %     18.33 %     17.26 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted: (ROTCE, as adjusted) ((A+C)/(D-E))     17.68 %     17.87 %     15.82 %     16.09 %     17.69 %     17.77 %     17.38 %
    Return on average tangible common equity excluding intangible amortization: (B/(D-E))     18.50 %     18.64 %     16.18 %     16.51 %     17.56 %     18.57 %     17.53 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization: ((B+C)/(D-E))     17.92 %     18.12 %     16.07 %     16.34 %     17.97 %     18.02 %     17.66 %
                                 
    GAAP net income available to common shareholders (A)   $ 118,403     $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 233,612     $ 201,639  
    Earnings excluding intangible amortization (B)     119,933       116,756       102,127       101,610       103,135       236,689       204,849  
    Adjustments after-tax (C)     (3,770 )     (3,274 )     (737 )     (1,044 )     2,386       (7,044 )     1,472  
    Average common equity (D)     4,036,155       3,977,671       3,950,176       3,889,712       3,805,800       4,007,075       3,794,726  
    Average goodwill & core deposits intangible (E)     1,435,480       1,437,515       1,439,566       1,441,654       1,443,778       1,436,492       1,444,840  
                                 
    EFFICIENCY RATIO & P5NR                            
    Efficiency ratio: ((D-G)/(B+C+E))     41.68 %     42.22 %     42.24 %     41.42 %     43.17 %     41.94 %     43.69 %
    Efficiency ratio, as adjusted: ((D-G-I)/(B+C+E-H))     42.01 %     42.84 %     42.00 %     41.66 %     42.59 %     42.42 %     43.50 %
    Pre-tax net income to total revenue (net) (A/(B+C))     56.08 %     56.58 %     50.11 %     50.03 %     52.40 %     56.32 %     52.66 %
    Pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net) ((A+F)/(B+C))     54.39 %     54.91 %     49.74 %     49.49 %     52.59 %     54.64 %     52.52 %
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR) (B+C-D)   $ 154,991     $ 147,154     $ 146,154     $ 147,954     $ 141,411     $ 302,145     $ 276,304  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income, as adjusted (B+C-D+F)   $ 150,404     $ 142,821     $ 145,209     $ 146,562     $ 141,886     $ 293,225     $ 275,614  
    P5NR (Pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage) PPNR to total revenue (net)) (B+C-D)/(B+C)     57.19 %     56.58 %     56.57 %     57.35 %     55.54 %     56.89 %     55.15 %
    P5NR, as adjusted (B+C-D+F)/(B+C)     55.49 %     54.91 %     56.20 %     56.81 %     55.73 %     55.21 %     55.01 %
                                 
    Pre-tax net income (A)   $ 151,991     $ 147,154     $ 129,454     $ 129,084     $ 133,411     $ 299,145     $ 263,804  
    Net interest income (B)     219,952       214,656       217,142       215,220       211,822       434,608       416,412  
    Non-interest income (C)     51,079       45,426       41,222       42,779       42,774       96,505       84,573  
    Non-interest expense (D)     116,040       112,928       112,210       110,045       113,185       228,968       224,681  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment (E)     2,526       2,534       2,398       2,616       2,628       5,060       3,520  
    Total pre-tax adjustments (F)     (4,587 )     (4,333 )     (945 )     (1,392 )     475       (8,920 )     (690 )
    Amortization of intangibles (G)     2,025       2,047       2,068       2,095       2,140       4,072       4,280  
                                 
    Adjustments:                            
    Non-interest income:                            
    Fair value adjustment for marketable securities   $ (238 )   $ 442     $ 850     $ 1,392     $ (274 )   $ 204     $ 729  
    Gain (loss) on OREO     13       (376 )     (2,423 )     85       49       (363 )     66  
    Gain (loss) on branches, equipment and other assets, net     972       (163 )     26       32       2,052       809       2,044  
    Special income from equity investment     3,498       3,891       —       —       —       7,389       —  
    BOLI death benefits     1,243       —       95       —       —       1,243       162  
    Legal expense reimbursement     885       —       —       —       —       885       —  
    Total non-interest income adjustments (H)   $ 6,373     $ 3,794     $ (1,452 )   $ 1,509     $ 1,827     $ 10,167     $ 3,001  
                                 
    Non-interest expense:                            
    FDIC special assessment     (1,516 )     —       —       —       2,260       (1,516 )     2,260  
    Legal claims expense     3,300       —       —       —       —       3,300       —  
    Total non-interest expense adjustments (I)   $ 1,784     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ 2,260     $ 1,784     $ 2,260  
                                 
    Home BancShares, Inc.
     Non-GAAP Reconciliations
     (Unaudited)
                         
        Quarter Ended
        Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024
    TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER COMMON SHARE                    
    Book value per common share: (A/B)   $ 20.71     $ 20.40     $ 19.92     $ 19.91     $ 19.30  
    Tangible book value per common share: ((A-C-D)/B)     13.44       13.15       12.68       12.67       12.08  
                         
    Total stockholders’ equity (A)   $ 4,085,316     $ 4,042,555     $ 3,961,025     $ 3,959,789     $ 3,855,503  
    End of period common shares outstanding (B)     197,239       198,206       198,882       198,879       199,746  
    Goodwill (C)     1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253  
    Core deposit and other intangibles (D)     36,255       38,280       40,327       42,395       44,490  
                         
    TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS                    
    Equity to assets: (B/A)     17.83 %     17.58 %     17.61 %     17.35 %     16.82 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets: ((B-C-D)/(A-C-D))     12.35 %     12.09 %     11.98 %     11.78 %     11.23 %
                         
    Total assets (A)   $ 22,907,022     $ 22,992,203     $ 22,490,748     $ 22,823,117     $ 22,919,905  
    Total stockholders’ equity (B)     4,085,316       4,042,555       3,961,025       3,959,789       3,855,503  
    Goodwill (C)     1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253  
    Core deposit and other intangibles (D)     36,255       38,280       40,327       42,395       44,490  
                         
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Shareholder Buyback Yield
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Six Months Ended
    (Dollars and shares in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2025   Jun. 30, 2024
    SHAREHOLDER BUYBACK YIELD                            
    Shareholder buyback yield: (A/B)     0.49 %     0.53 %     0.05 %     0.56 %     0.67 %     1.02 %     1.12 %
                                 
    Shares repurchased     1,000       1,000       96       1,000       1,400       2,000       2,426  
    Average price per share   $ 26.99     $ 29.67     $ 26.38     $ 26.90     $ 23.26     $ 28.33     $ 23.31  
    Principal cost     26,989       29,668       2,526       26,902       32,562       56,657       56,549  
    Excise tax     459       117       (72 )     63       285       576       421  
    Total share repurchase cost (A)   $ 27,448     $ 29,785     $ 2,454     $ 26,965     $ 32,847     $ 57,233     $ 56,970  
                                 
    Shares outstanding beginning of period     198,206       198,882       198,879       199,746       200,797       198,882       201,526  
    Price per share beginning of period   $ 28.27     $ 28.30     $ 27.09     $ 23.96     $ 24.57     $ 28.30     $ 25.33  
    Market capitalization beginning of period (B)   $ 5,603,284     $ 5,628,361     $ 5,387,632     $ 4,785,914     $ 4,933,582     $ 5,628,361     $ 5,104,654  
                                 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Introduces the Kayla Hamilton Act to Protect American Communities from Dangerous UAC Placements

    Source:

    Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Introduces the Kayla Hamilton Act to Protect American Communities from Dangerous UAC Placements

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced the Kayla Hamilton Act, critical legislation designed to close dangerous loopholes in the federal government’s handling of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) and to prevent tragedies like the murder of Kayla Hamilton, an autistic 20-year-old woman from Maryland. Congressmen Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Barry Moore (AL-01) are original cosponsors of this legislation.

    Kayla was brutally murdered by Walter Javier Martinez, a UAC who was released to a sponsor—an individual responsible for housing and supervising the UAC—by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) before any background checks were completed. Because the Biden-Harris administration did not complete background checks prior to a UAC’s release, authorities were unaware that Martinez was in fact an El Salvadorian with a criminal history and affiliation with the MS-13 gang. Once authorities then took him into custody, Martinez also admitted to having committed four murders, two rapes, and other crimes. 

    To prevent such tragedies from happening again, the Kayla Hamilton Act mandates that the HHS Secretary consider whether the UAC poses a danger to themselves or the community when determining potential placements for them.

    Additional reforms in the Kayla Hamilton Act include:

    • Requires HHS to contact the consulate or embassy of a UAC’s home country to determine any criminal history or gang affiliation for UACs aged 12 and older.
    • Mandates that HHS screen for gang tattoos during standard medical assessments and requires UACs with such indicators to be placed in secure facilities.
    • UACs with known gang ties or tattoos must be housed in secure HHS facilities, not released into communities.
    • Prohibits UAC placement with sponsors who are in the United States illegally.
    • Requires HHS to collect and share background information on all potential sponsors and their adult household members—including immigration status and results of FBI fingerprint checks—with the Department of Homeland Security.
    • Removes discretionary authority that previously allowed HHS to ignore risk factors such as gang activity or criminal history during placement decisions.

    “The tragic murder of Kayla Hamilton was preventable,” said Congressman Fry. “The Biden Administration’s policies opened the door to criminal exploitation of our immigration system—and the Kayla Hamilton Act ensures that no future administration can make those same reckless decisions. It’s time we put public safety, accountability, and the protection of American citizens first. This bill makes clear that the integrity of our immigration system can no longer be an afterthought.”

    “No one else should ever again have to suffer the way my daughter Kayla did,” said Tammy Nobles, Kayla Hamilton’s mother. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s policies prioritized the comfort of illegal aliens, like Kayla’s killer, over the safety of innocent Americans. The Kayla Hamilton Act is necessary to ensure background checks of unaccompanied alien children occur before they are released. If that had happened in the case of Kayla’s killer, authorities would have known he was an MS-13 gang member.”

    “The Biden Administration’s failed policies regarding unaccompanied alien children put the American people at risk and resulted in one of the largest state-sponsored child trafficking operations in human history,” said Congressman Nehls. “The failure to conduct criminal background checks on the UACs cost the life of Kayla Hamilton, and the failure to vet UAC sponsors resulted in thousands of children likely being trafficked for labor or sex. I’m proud to cosponsor Congressman Fry’s Kayla Hamilton Act to prevent any future administration from releasing UAC gang members into our communities or failing to vet UAC sponsors, putting the safety of the American people first.”

    “The tragic murder of Kayla Hamilton should have never happened,” said Congressman Moore. “This heartbreaking case is a direct result of reckless catch and release policies seen under the Biden Administration and the failure of Democrats in Congress to put the safety of American citizens first. We must ensure unaccompanied minors aren’t placed with dangerous individuals or illegal aliens without proper vetting. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of Rep. Fry’s bill, The Kayla Hamilton Act, which gives us the opportunity to close threatening loopholes, stop the flow of gang members like MS-13 into our communities, and restore common sense and accountability to our immigration system.”

    Congressman Fry serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and X pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Stops Secret Pentagon Spending

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) secured a major win for taxpayers in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 with the inclusion of an amendment to end Pentagon bureaucrats’ game of hide and seek with tax dollars.
    The amendment is based off of her bipartisan Stop Secret Spending Act and requires all spending to be on the public website USAspending.gov. This will lift the veil of secrecy on billions of dollars of secret spending arrangements known as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), so Americans can view who is receiving their tax dollars and for what purpose.
    OTAs are flexible spending arrangements not subject to standard federal acquisition laws and requirements. While OTAs allow DoD to streamline R&D and acquisitions, hiding the deals from taxpayers reduces accountability.
    “I am ending Pentagon bureaucrats’ game of hide and seek with your tax dollars,” said Ernst. “Americans have a right to know where their hard-earned dollars are going. I’ve long been working to make the Pentagon more transparent and accountable and will continue to work to review the hidden receipts.”
    Background:
    Earlier this year, Ernst exposed more than $18 billion in government spending was hidden from taxpayers by using OTAs and, from fiscal years 2020-2022, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that more than $40 billion was hidden from the public through OTAs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 07.16.2025 Sen. Cruz Pushes Rio Grande LNG Project with FERC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to expeditiously reissue the appropriate authority for the Rio Grande LNG project. Sen. Cruz recently sent a letter to the agency outlining the importance of the project, which supports thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment to the Rio Grande Valley and pushing for prompt action.
    Excerpts and highlights from the letter: 
    “As you are aware, the Rio Grande LNG project has experienced a protracted and challenging permitting process, complicated by litigation and remand from the D.C. Circuit Court. While the Commission’s original authorization was properly issued, the court’s decision added unnecessary delays and uncertainty to a project that clearly serves the public interest. The Commission has since worked diligently to address the court’s directives, with that in mind, I trust the Commission will act quickly to reissue its order and allow this critical infrastructure project to move forward without further delay. 
    “In recent months, FERC has demonstrated that it is capable of acting promptly and responsibly on other LNG projects, setting an encouraging precedent. I am confident that the Commission will apply the same level of attention and urgency to the Rio Grande LNG project.”
    Click here to read the full letter.
    BACKGROUND
    Sen. Cruz has long been a leader in pushing for American energy dominance and protecting America’s energy workers.
    In March, Sens. Cruz, Cornyn, Wicker, and Tim Scott reintroduced the Protect LNG Act, which would ensure that a court cannot vacate a previously authorized LNG permit, clarifies the venue for LNG lawsuits before federal courts, and mandates that courts grant expedited decisions in relevant cases. Cruz first introduced this bill in 2024.
    Sen. Cruz led a bicameral and bipartisan amicus brief in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit’s decision to vacate the authorizations for the Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG Brownsville projects. His amicus brief is available here and here. Following the court’s recent decision to reinstate approvals for both projects, Sen. Cruz issued a statement welcoming the ruling.
    In 2024, Sen. Cruz sent a letter urging for an extension of time to Delfin LNG LLC’s approval to export LNG after the Biden administration’s deference to the radical climate lobby. During the nomination hearing for Sean Duffy to be Secretary of Transportation, Sen. Cruz pointed out the Biden administration’s hostility towards the oil and gas industry, citing the previous administration’s failure to approve Deepwater port licenses and asked Secretary Duffy to expedite review of Delfin’s reapplication in Texas.
    Sen. Cruz issued a statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit reinstated approvals for LNG projects for Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG Brownsville. The D.C. Circuit had previously vacated the permits for both projects in an August 2024 decision.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM set to reshape how Government works with communities to tackle Britain’s biggest challenges

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM set to reshape how Government works with communities to tackle Britain’s biggest challenges

    The Prime Minister will launch the Civil Society Covenant – a new way of working that puts people at the heart of government.

    • Charities, faith groups, social enterprises and impact investors recognised as essential partners in tackling the country’s biggest challenges and deliver on the Plan for Change
    • Ministers and community leaders gather at a national summit to show how collaboration is already delivering – and will go further.

    The Prime Minister will join community leaders, campaigners, and charities from across the UK to launch the Civil Society Covenant – a new approach that listens, learns and delivers alongside those on the frontline.

    In his keynote speech, the Prime Minister will reflect on a promise made 18 months ago in opposition: to work in genuine partnership with civil society in the national interest. Since taking office, that promise has become reality – resetting the relationship between government and the people working every day to make their communities stronger.

    At its core, the Covenant is about delivering real change for working people – strengthening public services, creating safe communities, and providing new opportunities for communities to thrive. It gives civil society a home at the heart of government and recognises that national renewal can’t be delivered from Westminster alone.

    The summit brings together leaders from charities, faith organisations, philanthropists, social investors and grassroots groups to focus on the UK’s most urgent issues – from healthcare access to tackling violence against women and girls. These are challenges that disproportionately affect working families, and the Covenant ensures their voices are heard and their needs are met.

    It will show how civil society leadership, backed by government support, is already delivering results. As seen by:

    • Tackling domestic abuse: The Drive Project, a third-sector initiative, has seen percentages of perpetrators using physical abuse cut by 82%. The government is investing £53 million to expand the programme across England and Wales, working to tackle the behaviour of perpetrators and protect victims.
    • Supporting vulnerable children and families: Newly launched £500 million Better Futures Fund will support up to 200,000 children and families through early intervention. This is being matched by local and philanthropic investment.
    • Transparent immigration: Over 10 million people have transitioned to a digital immigration status, supported by 72 local organisations helping vulnerable communities. This system strengthens border security, reduces fraud, and ensures only those with the right to be here can access services.
    • Building the workforce we need: A new Labour Market Evidence Group is helping reduce reliance on overseas recruitment by boosting domestic skills and training.

    This is about rebalancing power and responsibility,” the Prime Minister will say.

    Not the top-down approach of the state working alone. Not the transactional approach of markets left to their own devices. But a new way forward – where government and civil society work side by side to deliver real change.

    The Civil Society Covenant has been shaped by over 1,200 organisations since it was first announced in October 2024. From national charities, trade unions and local campaigners, it sets out how government and communities will work together to deliver lasting change.

    Ahead of speaking at the Summit later today, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    The Civil Society Covenant is about delivering real results for working people. It marks a shift from a government that kept civil society at arm’s length to one that actively partners with it, on equal footing.

    Our charities, volunteers, and social enterprises are embedded in the communities they serve and trusted by the people they support. That makes them the perfect partners for shaping the change we need.

    By working together, we’ll improve public services, make them more responsive and rooted in local needs, and ensure that every community benefits as part of our Plan for Change.

    The summit will spotlight how this partnership works in practice. Following the Prime Minister’s keynote, mission-led sessions will include:

    • Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, and Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, chairing a Safer Streets panel with campaigners.
    • Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, outlining how civil society will support the Opportunity Mission.
    • Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, talking about how a mission-driven government can work in partnership with impact investors and philanthropists
    • They will be joined by civil society leaders delivering change across the country, in areas such as early years support, health and violence against women and girls. 

     The Covenant will play a key role in delivering the government’s Plan for Change—supporting the opportunity mission by breaking down barriers for young people, helping to build an NHS fit for the future, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

    As part of the Summit, the government will also announce:

    • A new Joint Civil Society Covenant Council to drive delivery. The Joint Council will set direction and provide strategic oversight for implementation of the Covenant. It will have cross-sector membership comprising senior leaders from civil society and senior representatives from government departments to provide a key forum for driving progress in the reset of the relationship between government and civil society.
    • A Local Covenant Partnerships programme to support collaboration between civil society, councils and public services in communities that need it most.

    ENDS

    Additional quotes: 

    Sarah Elliott & Jane Ide, CEO’s of National Council for Voluntary Organisations & Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations on behalf of the Civil Society Advisory Group said:

    The challenges our country face can only be tackled by working together. The launch of the Civil Society Covenant is a key step forward in building a more collaborative and sustainable relationship between civil society and the UK government, while recognising our sector’s independence. Real and lasting change requires a partnership that is equal, honest and fair, with an intention to put lived experience at the heart of policy decision making.   

    The Civil Society Covenant sets out solid principles for how we work together. Now the test is putting them into practice, both nationally and locally. As organisations rooted in communities across the UK, we’ll hold ourselves and the government accountable, speaking up on behalf of the people and communities we represent and working together to ensure meaningful and lasting impact.

    Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Chief Executive Anna Fowlie, said:

    SCVO welcomes the publication of the UK Government’s Civil Society Covenant, which recognises the independence of, and the vital role played by, voluntary organisations in our communities, society, and democracy.

    Today is a starting point. The words on the page must now be made real—and that requires sustained effort, open dialogue, and, crucially, a genuine commitment to a partnership of equals.

    We welcome the Covenant’s recognition of the different contexts in which the voluntary sector operates across the UK—and, importantly, its commitment to respect and complement these.

    Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Chief Executive Lindsay Cordery-Bruce said:

    We welcome the Civil Society Covenant as a first step towards building a stronger, more respectful relationship between civil society and UK Government.

    We’re pleased to have been part of shaping this new approach, and welcome its alignment with the strong partnership structures we already have in place in Wales. The real test will now be in its implementation.

    We look forward to working together to ensure the Covenant is embedded in day-to-day practice and delivers meaningful improvements in how government and the sector work in partnership across the UK.

    Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, Celine McStravick said:

    We warmly welcome the launch of the Civil Society Covenant as an important step in recognising the vital role civil society plays across the UK. In a devolved context like Northern Ireland, where community voices are central to local progress and peacebuilding, this commitment to partnership is especially significant.

    We look forward to ensuring the Covenant is embedded alongside our own partnership structures in Northern Ireland, and supports communities here to thrive.

    Notes to editors:

    • More information will be available at the Civil Society Covenant Hub on GOV.UK.
    • The summit is supported by Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales and Pro Bono Economics. More information will be available at the Civil Society Covenant Hub on GOV.UK.
    • The Covenant is intended to complement and respect existing governance and partnership arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, working alongside the distinct frameworks in each nation. The UK government will continue to work in partnership with civil society organisations in all four parts of the UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark package to pursue domestic abuse perpetrators

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Landmark package to pursue domestic abuse perpetrators

    Victims of domestic abuse to be protected under a £53 million drive to target most dangerous offenders.

    Thousands more women and children will be better protected from domestic abuse through the direct targeting of perpetrators, the Home Secretary has announced today.

    Backed by a £53 million investment over the next 4 years, domestic abuse perpetrators who pose the highest risk will be forced to change their behaviour and stop their offending as more police and agencies roll out tactics shown to reduce abuse.

    It will form a central part of the government’s Plan for Change and pledge to tackle the epidemic of domestic abuse, which sees the police record a domestic abuse-related crime every 30 seconds.

    The Drive Project has been piloted since 2016 to address the root causes of abuse through intensive one-to-one case management for up to 12 months. This includes using protection orders to keep offenders away from victims, alongside work to address drug misuse and alcohol dependency. A dedicated independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) supports the victim in parallel, ensuring their safety and needs are prioritised at every stage. 

    The results have seen percentages of perpetrators using physical abuse cut by 82%, sexual abuse by 88%, stalking behaviours by 75% and jealous and controlling behaviours by 73%.

    The multi-million pound investment will see up to 15 new areas going live by March 2026, with full roll-out across England and Wales to follow.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    The roll out of these new programmes means the relentless pursuit of perpetrators who pose a risk to women and girls whether they operate at home or on the streets – and intervening early to prevent further harm.

    Through our mission to make our streets safer, we will take every opportunity to challenge and change dangerous behaviours, intensively monitor and manage perpetrators who pose a risk, and give victims the support they need to take back their lives.

    The Drive Partnership, a consortium of 3 organisations – Respect, SafeLives, and Social Finance – is working to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors. The Drive Project is their flagship intervention working with those causing harm in their relationships to prevent abusive behaviour.

    Rolling out The Drive Project demonstrates that the government is committed to doing things differently, working closely with civil society and bringing experts into policy development to improve the lives of working people. Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Civil Society Summit being held on Thursday 17 July, where the Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips will join a violence against women and girls panel with Beyond Equality, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and Minister Davies-Jones.

    Alongside tackling domestic abuse, the government is also funding 3 police forces to step up efforts to prevent predatory behaviour in public spaces and night time economy venues through Project Vigilant.

    Currently being trialled by Thames Valley Police, alongside several other forces across the country, specially trained plain-clothed officers are patrolling nightlife hotspots to hunt down predatory behaviour, with uniformed officers then stepping in to keep the public safe.

    A further £230,000 will enable specialist deployments in 3 police forces, support the trial of new tools – including sniffer dogs trained to detect drugs commonly used in spiking – and help to gather evidence on how the approach works in different settings.

    Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said:

    Through bold initiatives like the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, we’re going after perpetrators wherever they pose a threat. We are shifting the focus onto those who cause harm, challenging dangerous behaviours and making it clear that the responsibility for ending abuse lies with perpetrators, not those who suffer from it.

    Through our mission to make our streets safer, every penny we invest in holding perpetrators to account is a step towards a better and safer future for every victim.

    The Drive Project will be delivered in partnership with police and crime commissioners, police forces, domestic abuse services and the Drive Partnership, and supported by national training and resources.

    Case managers work closely with high-risk perpetrators for up to 12 months, building their capacity to manage emotions and relationships differently, removing opportunities for abuse through close monitoring and disruption tactics and ensuring dedicated support for victims.

    Interventions are tailored to each perpetrator’s risk level and pattern of abuse and can include:

    • disruption tactics such as police intervention and the use of protection orders
    • engagement with social services to safeguard families and children
    • alternative accommodation to prevent perpetrators from returning to victims’ homes
    • addressing drug and alcohol dependencies that can fuel abusive behaviour
    • behaviour change to address patterns of control and violence
    • monitoring and accountability to prevent reoffending
    • dedicated support for victims to help them rebuild their lives and move on

    Kyla Kirkpatrick, Director, The Drive Partnership, said 

    We welcome this investment from the Home Office into the expansion of the Drive Project across England and Wales because victim-survivors tell us that as well as more support for themselves, they want and need better responses to the people causing harm in their lives. They need them to be seen, held to account and stopped. The Drive Project does that and with 10 years of delivery, development and evaluation behind us know that it works.

    This work can only happen if the focus is absolutely on the safety and wellbeing of the victim-survivors. This investment will see the vast majority of funding flow directly to local domestic abuse perpetrator services and victim-survivor support services, and we will be working in partnership with local services to ensure that the Drive Project is tailored to meet the needs of local communities. We look forward to the forthcoming VAWG strategy to support victim-survivor services with much-needed investment and cross-departmental commitment.

    Detective Superintendent Jon Capps, Head of Rape and Sexual Offences and Project Vigilant at Thames Valley Police, said:

    We welcome funding which supports vital proactive initiatives to disrupt those who behave in a predatory manner and offend against women and girls.

    Our Project Vigilant officers are specially trained to spot predatory behaviour, intervening and preventing it escalating into an offence.

    This year we have conducted 50 Vigilant deployments across the Thames Valley, all of which highlight our commitment to keep people safe, specifically in the night time economy and increasingly with large public events.

    Our aim is to take a suspect-focused approach, creating safer public spaces and building trust and confidence in our policing response.

    Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association:

    We welcome today’s announcement and fully support the government’s £53 million package to target the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators. A perpetrator-focused approach is essential – accountability must lie with those who commit these crimes, not the women who endure them.

    We understand that predatory behaviour is a pervasive issue within society and must be addressed wherever it occurs – across communities, public spaces, and institutions. Over recent years, the industry has worked hard to drive awareness and put robust mitigations in place – through staff training, use of CCTV, awareness campaigns and strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders and policing.

    Today’s announcement – particularly the expansion of the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, as well as the introduction of specially-trained officers to address predatory behaviour – is a vital step toward tackling the root causes of abuse. It will provide greater protection for women and support operators in disrupting harmful behaviours early.

    The NTIA is committed to supporting the government’s Plan for Change and its goal to halve violence against women within a decade. We will continue working closely with government, policing, and local authorities to embed a perpetrator-focused culture of safety and accountability throughout the night time economy.

    This investment comes after the government announced a boost of nearly £20 million in support for victims of abuse, including £6 million for helplines which can offer life-saving support.

    A relentless pursuit of perpetrators will form a central part of the government’s upcoming strategy on violence against women and girls, shifting the burden of safety away from victims and onto the perpetrators responsible for these devastating crimes. The strategy will also set out action to transform the system’s response to VAWG, including on prevention, early intervention, enforcement and victim support.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Germany landmark agreement to help smash smuggling gangs and boost defence exports

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK-Germany landmark agreement to help smash smuggling gangs and boost defence exports

    Brits and Germans alike will benefit from a closer partnership on the issues that matter most to them, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a comprehensive visit to London.

    • Prime Minister Keir Starmer will welcome Chancellor Merz to London today for his first official visit to the UK as Chancellor
    • The leaders will sign a new Treaty to strengthen their partnership and deliver benefits for UK and German citizens
    • PM set to welcome German commitment to criminalise facilitating illegal migration to the UK this year, as leaders agree to boost joint defence exports

    Brits and Germans alike will benefit from a closer partnership on the issues that matter most to them, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a comprehensive visit to London today (Thursday 17 July) to revamp the UK-Germany friendship and sign a first of its kind Bilateral Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

    Alongside the Treaty, Germany is expected to make a landmark commitment to make it illegal in Germany to facilitate illegal migration to the UK with the law change to be adopted by the end of the year. 

    The change will give law enforcement the tools they need to investigate and take action against warehouses and storage facilities used by migrant smugglers to conceal dangerous small boats intended for illegal crossings to the UK. This will bolster efforts to prosecute those involved in smuggling and support the dismantling of the criminal networks driving unacceptable and unlawful journeys through Europe. 

    This significant and long-awaited step is further evidence that the Prime Minister’s approach to working more closely with our European partners is bearing fruit, and demonstrates progress on delivering the Joint Action Plan on Irregular Migration agreed with Germany last year. Through increased cooperation between UK and German law enforcement bodies we are expanding efforts to tackle people smuggling and bring criminal networks to justice. In the last 18 months the NCA has worked with partners across Europe to seize more than 600 boats and engines, with this change expected to drive that number up further.

    It will also complement bolstered UK efforts to smash the criminal gangs responsible for dangerous, illegal journeys to the UK via small boats, through the game-changing pilot returns agreement reached with France last week, and the continued work upstream of the Border Security Command to disrupt and deter criminal smuggling networks.  

    The new Treaty will detail closer collaboration on issues ranging from migration and security to business, commercial and infrastructure links. This joint commitment to pursue a range of ambitious projects demonstrates how closer partnerships with our trusted allies will help deliver the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “The progress we are making today is further proof that by investing in our relationships with likeminded friends and partners, we can deliver real change for working people.  

    “The Treaty we will sign today, the first of its kind, will bring the UK and Germany closer than ever. It not only marks the progress we have already made and the history we share. It is the foundation on which we go further to tackle shared problems and invest in shared strengths. 

    “Chancellor Merz’s commitment to make necessary changes to German law to disrupt the supply lines of the dangerous vessels which carry illegal migrants across the Channel is hugely welcome. As the closest of allies, we will continue to work closely together to deliver on the priorities that Brits and Germans share.”

    Deepening our security and defence cooperation is also high on the agenda, with the leaders set to discuss their strong shared support for Ukraine. 

    Building on the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence signed in October, the leaders will unveil a new agreement to boost world-class UK defence exports such as Boxer armoured vehicles and Typhoon jets, with the two countries set to pursue joint export campaigns for jointly produced equipment. The agreement is likely to lead to billions of pounds additional defence exports in the coming years – excellent news for the UK economy and thousands of highly skilled defence industrial workers. 

    The leaders are also set to make a new commitment to deliver their new Deep Precision Strike capability in the next decade. The rapid development of this capability will safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting the UK and European defence sectors through significant industrial investment. The new capability is set to have a range of over 2,000 km, and will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK. 

    The Treaty also includes the establishment of a new UK-Germany Business Forum in order to improve business and investment relationship between the UK and Germany, with trade between the two countries already accounting for 8.5% of all UK trade and supporting almost 500,000 jobs. This is further illustrated by a series of commercial investment announced today worth more than £200 million and creating more than 600 new jobs. 

    One such example is German defence tech company, STARK, which has announced a landmark investment in the UK, marking its first production expansion outside of Germany. The move will create over 100 highly skilled jobs in the UK within the first year, including through STARK’s new 40,000 square feet facility in Swindon.

    Mike Armstrong, Managing Director of STARK UK, said: 

    “The UK and Germany are world-leaders in new technology that will define the battlefields of the future. We need rapid and scalable production to protect our people, defend our sovereignty and deter aggression. That means resilient supply chains stretching across Europe. 

    “That is why STARK has chosen the UK as our first production location outside of Germany – taking advantage of the vast technological, industrial and defence expertise that exists here to create AI-powered, unmanned systems to defend Europe and NATO.”

    Other announcements from German companies in the UK today include:

    • Conversational AI firm Cognigy plans to invest £50 million in the UK, expanding its team from 13 to 150.
    • AI ESG platform osapiens plans to invest £30 million in the UK, creating 150 high-skilled jobs.
    • Siemens Energy is creating 200 new jobs as well as 100 new apprentices and graduates starting this autumn.
    • Venture Capital fund, HV Capital, has the ambition to deploy around £150 million in the UK as part of their next fund generation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Alarmed by Escalating Violence in Suweida, Syria, Secretary-General Calls for Immediate De-escalation of Situation

    Source: United Nations 4

    SG/SM/22729

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General is alarmed by the continued escalation of violence in Suweida, a Druze-majority area, which has reportedly claimed the lives of hundreds of people, including civilians, and injured and displaced many more.

    He unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, including reports of arbitrary killings and acts that fan the flames of sectarian tensions and rob the people of Syria of their opportunity for peace and reconciliation after 14 years of brutal conflict.

    He extends his heartfelt condolences to all Syrians and reiterates his call for an immediate de-escalation of violence and urgent measures to restore calm and facilitate humanitarian access.

    The Secretary-General takes note of the statement by the Office of the Presidency condemning the violations and committing to investigating and holding to account those responsible for them.  He reiterates his appeal for the transparency of the process.

    The Secretary-General further condemns Israel’s escalatory air strikes on Suweida, Daraa and in the centre of Damascus, as well as reports of the Israel Defense Forces’ redeployment of forces in the Golan.  He calls for an immediate cessation of all violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

    The Secretary-General reiterates that it is imperative to support a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria in line with the key principles of Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –