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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charter Market traders offered FREE training in essential business skills

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Traders at St Albans Charter Market are to be offered FREE training and advice to improve their skills and help their business grow.

    St Albans City and District Council, which runs the market, has teamed up with St Albans Enterprise Agency (STANTA) to make the assistance available.

    To qualify for the 12 hours of free help, a trader needs to be a regular at the Market and have run their business for up to five years.

    They can then apply to have a choice of training and advice modules under the Government-backed Get Enterprising programme delivered by STANTA. This includes:

    • Business advice from an experienced adviser.

    • Assistance with choosing the most suitable business structure.

    • Free workshops with content ranging from business planning, bookkeeping to digital marketing and AI.

    Get Enterprising is funded by the Government with the aim of helping new and fledgling businesses.

    Councillor Paul de Kort, the Council’s Leader and Lead for Economic Development, said:

    This is a great opportunity for some of our Charter Market entrepreneurs to get first class training and advice on a wide range of business matters.

    We want to support our traders who not only create a great atmosphere in the City Centre, but also help the local economy by bringing in visitors and creating jobs.

    This training will assist them, not just in managing their businesses but in growing them as well. A market is a wonderful place to start a business as some of Britain’s leading business people started out that way.

    I am delighted that we are building a strong relationship with STANTA and together in the future we will look io provide more support and training opportunities for our traders.

    STANTA’s Executive Director Steve Bedford said:

    We are delighted to work alongside St Albans City and District Council to make available our business advice and skills workshop services to St Albans Market traders. 

    We have a wide remit in terms of supporting startups, young and small business in the area and look forward to working with the market traders.

    STANTA is an independent enterprise agency which has been active in St Albans, Harpenden and the surrounding area for more than 40 years.

    A not-for-profit service, it has helped local people start, grow and develop successful businesses: https://stanta.co.uk/.

    Charter Market traders will receive details of how to apply to the scheme from the Council’s markets team.

    Photo: the Charter Market.

    Media contact:  John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727- 819533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders on the federal funding freeze: This is a blatant overreach straight from Project 2025

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to reporting that the Trump administration has halted federal financial assistance including billions in funding to programs that working families depend on:

    “Billionaires and their anti-union extremist friends have amassed more power and influence than ever, and they are using it now to rob working people. This is a blatant overreach of presidential powers that comes straight from Project 2025. These actions will hurt those who are most vulnerable: families, seniors and people with disabilities who depend on Medicaid for health care; new mothers and newborns who need nutrition assistance; kids who receive education through Head Start or their food through school breakfast and lunch programs; people who rely on housing assistance to keep a roof over their heads, and so many others.

    “At the same time, the Senate just confirmed a billionaire hedge fund manager to run the Treasury department and is about to confirm Russell Vought, the architect of Project 2025, who will immediately seek to slash public services to hand out trillions in tax cuts to his wealthy friends. Make no mistake: this funding freeze is his handiwork. We urge the administration to reverse course on this freeze immediately.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Preventing the Spread of Avian Influenza

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State’s ongoing proactive measures to prevent the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and facilitate early detection, particularly on New York farms. Following the detection of HPAI in poultry on a farm in Suffolk County and in several wild and domestic birds at a learning center in Putnam County, the State is encouraging organizations in contact with wild birds to remain vigilant for signs of illness in their domestic animals. Farms are urged to practice biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus. While HPAI can spread quickly among wild birds and poultry, there have been no documented human cases in New York State, and the risk to humans is low.

    “At my direction, New York State is continuing to monitor for HPAI and take proactive measures to keep our communities safe,” Governor Hochul said. “While the risk to public health remains low, I encourage all New Yorkers, especially individuals frequently in contact with poultry and wild birds, to remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to protect our state.”

    New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York State has been monitoring for HPAI and taking a number of proactive measures to prevent the spread of HPAI in the state since the first detection in a backyard poultry operation here in 2022. The protocols we have in place, and continue to update, for early detection in poultry and livestock are working, helping us to identify cases and deploy resources to help. We encourage everyone who keeps poultry and livestock to be vigilant about minimizing their animals’ exposure to the virus and to wild bird populations and practice good biosecurity measures.”

    New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continues to be detected in New York State, we are remaining vigilant and are working closely with our state and local partners to minimize the risk to people who have or may come into contact with infected animals. The State Department of Health will continue to support farmers and other industry professionals who have contact with wild birds with resources and guidance. While the risk to humans remains low, we will continue to monitor these detections in animals including livestock and poultry to assess any potential risks to public health and safety.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The DEC continues to work closely with State and federal partners to reduce the spread of HPAI. New Yorkers are encouraged to avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds and poultry, especially waterfowl and raptors, and hunters are reminded to not harvest sick or dead animals. People should report unusual wildlife mortalities to their local DEC regional office.”

    The New York State Department of Health is also reminding the public that this recent HPAI detection does not present an immediate public health concern. The State Department of Health is providing guidance and resources to the local health departments that responded to these two situations. Individuals who may have had contact with infected birds are being monitored for symptoms and will be evaluated for HPAI if any become sick.

    While both recent HPAI cases are under control and surveillance of surrounding farms continues, the State continues to urge those involved in poultry production to take extra steps to prevent their flocks from becoming infected. All poultry producers, from small backyard to large commercial operations, should review their biosecurity plans and take precautions to protect their birds. Poultry biosecurity materials and checklists can be found on the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” website.

    In addition to practicing good biosecurity, poultry owners should keep their birds away from wild ducks and geese and their droppings. Outdoor access for poultry should be limited at this time, particularly as the State continues to see HPAI detections in wild bird populations.

    To report sick birds, unexplained high number of deaths, or sudden drop in egg production, please contact the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502 or the USDA at (866) 536-7593.

    HPAI in Dairy Cattle
    AGM also recently announced that it is implementing new testing initiatives on dairy farms as part of its aggressive, proactive response to the outbreak of HPAI in livestock in other states. Working in close collaboration with federal partners, including USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, FDA, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and state partners, including the New York State Department of Health, this enhanced testing strategy is part of the State’s effort to protect animal and human health and prevent the transmission of HPAI in livestock in New York State. While there have been no detections of HPAI in livestock in New York to date, the State’s comprehensive approach is aimed at ensuring the state remains free of HPAI and facilitating early detection.

    In addition to the new testing initiative, New York State has implemented multiple preventative measures to protect animal and human health since the first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas in March 2024. In April, June, and August 2024, the Department issued orders on import requirements for dairy cattle coming into New York as well as testing requirements for lactating dairy cattle entering fairs or exhibitions. These orders continue to remain in place until further notice.

    USDA offers several producer support programs that are available to all dairy producers as well as certain programs only available to dairy producers with HPAI-positive herds. These programs include tools to support biosecurity planning and implementation as well as financial support programs to offset costs associated with HPAI testing, veterinary expenses, personal protective equipment purchases, milk disposal, and milk losses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Harbour Grace RCMP investigates damage to parked vehicle at Trinity Conception Square, seeks public’s assistance

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Harbour Grace RCMP is investigating damages to a vehicle that was parked close to Columbus Drive, in front of Wal-Mart on the parking lot of the Trinity Conception Square. The damage occurred sometime between 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on January 24, 2025.

    Suspect(s) smashed the rear driver-side window of a 2016 Black Chevrolet Trax. Nothing was stolen from inside the vehicle. Given the area is heavily populated and the time of day when the crime occurred, police are looking for any possible witnesses to the incident.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information about this crime, including any available dash cam surveillance footage is asked to contact Harbour Grace RCMP at 709-596-5014. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sonils Eyes Regional Growth, Steps Up as Champion Sponsor for Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), January 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Angolan logistics provider Sonils has joined the upcoming Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 – taking place in Brazzaville from March 24-26 – as a Champion Sponsor. The inaugural CEIF conference will convene industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and advancements within the Republic of Congo’s burgeoning energy sector.

    Sonils, which serves as the integrated logistics and services arm of Angola’s state-owned Sonangol, supports the country’s primary onshore oil and gas supply bases. The company provides support to Angola’s oil and gas industry through the provision of facilities and areas allocated for the management of the country’s offshore operations.

    The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

    Sonils has a history of supporting regional oil production through services related to cargo handling, engineering and the development of specialized oil and gas facilities. By leveraging its established infrastructure and industry knowledge, the company is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in supporting the Congo’s energy sector growth.

    Having exported its first LNG cargo in February 2024 and with aims to double its crude oil production within the next three years, the Congo is well-positioned to leverage Sonils’ expertise in logistics and infrastructure development. The company’s experience in managing large-scale logistics operations can assist the Congo in efficiently handling increased production volumes and expanding its export capabilities.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKSPF funding boost for local projects

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   UKSPF funding boost for local projects

    Sixteen projects and initiative across the district have benefitted from United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money over the last few months.

    The city council has been awarding the grants having secured this UK government funding for schemes that invest in local communities and spaces.

    Three such projects are Startlab, Arcade Britannia and the Whitstable Beavers and Cubs.

    Startlab (pictured below), which received UKSPF funding of £9,960, is a community arts programme with a focus on inclusion and creativity led by the Canterbury Theatre & Festival Trust.

    It runs across the district and features a wide mix of activities, including a collaborative choral project for primary school children, an all-inclusive community dance project for aspiring choreographers and dancers, and professionally-led comedy workshops for the over 60s.

    Beach Creative (pictured below) in Herne Bay was awarded £8,324 in UKSPF funding for the Arcade Britannia project, a celebration of the central role of amusement arcades in British culture.

    The initiative comprised an exhibition and a variety of events with its centrepiece being an interactive digital recreation of a late 1980s seaside arcade enhanced by stories of the people who worked and played there.

    And a new Whitstable Beavers and Cubs group (pictured top), as part of the 2nd Whitstable Sea Scouts, is thriving following its funding boost of a contributory UKSPF grant of £1,900.

    The group runs from Blean Village Hall, and as well as providing all sorts of fun activities for local children, the project also increases the number of volunteer ‘leaders’ required to grow Beavers and Cubs packs to ensure schemes can continue for years to come.

    Cabinet member for economic development and inclusion, Cllr Chris Cornell, paid a visit to all three projects to hear more about how the UKSPF grants had made such a difference.

    He said: “We’re very proud to have funded schemes for people of all ages across the district through our UKSPF money. It was really inspiring to see that so many people have benefitted from all of these, making new friends and enjoying experiences they otherwise would not have had.

    “When you are making decisions on who and what to fund, you can get a sense of what can be achieved by reading an application, but it’s only through seeing the outcomes with your own eyes that you realise how special that is.

    “I thank everyone involved in all our UKSPF-funded projects for their passion, commitment and support for their local communities.”

    Published: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Saunders on BLS Report: AFSCME is proud to have welcomed tens of thousands of new members in 2024

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the BLS annual report on union membership and earnings released today:

    “AFSCME is proud to report that tens of thousands of new members have joined our union family. This growth comes after a year of relentless organizing, with new AFSCME locals forming in health care, emergency response, public safety, the cultural sector and more. The message we are hearing across all workplaces is clear and consistent: Organizing in a union is the best way to ensure workers have the freedom to secure a better future, especially in the face of rising attacks by billionaires and anti-union extremists who see our growth and seek to stop it.

    “As the Bureau of Labor Statistics illustrates in their annual report on union membership and earnings, unionized workplaces offer higher wages and better benefits, giving workers peace of mind. This is especially true for women and workers of color who see pay gaps close when they win a seat at the table. As we move into 2025, we take this momentum with us, standing strong and committed to organizing – both internally and externally – for our seat at the table.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TODAY: Governor Newsom, Magic Johnson, and Casey Wasserman to announce details of ‘LA Rises’ initiative

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jan 28, 2025

    LOS ANGELES COUNTY — Governor Gavin Newsom, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Casey Wasserman, will announce “LA Rises,” a new public-private philanthropic initiative supporting Los Angeles as it recovers and rebuilds from recent firestorms.

    WHEN: Tuesday, January 28 at approximately 1 p.m.

    LIVESTREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”

    **NOTE: This in-person press event will be open to credentialed media only. Media interested in attending must RSVP by clicking here no later than 11 a.m., January 28. Location information will be provided upon confirmation.

    Media Advisories, Recent News

    Recent news

    Jan 28, 2025

    News Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter, Mark Walter Family Foundation, and Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation will provide an initial commitment of up to $100 million  LA Rises will support city and county efforts to help accelerate recovery LOS ANGELES — In the wake of one of…

    Jan 27, 2025

    News LOS ANGELES — Scientists, water managers, state leaders, and experts throughout the state are calling out the federal administration’s ongoing misinformation campaign on water management in California. Here is a snapshot of what water leaders and media are saying…

    Jan 25, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Bret Ladine, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director of the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal). Ladine has been General Counsel at the California State…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Battleford — Battlefords RCMP seek public’s help locating male wanted for aggravated assault

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On January 24, 2025 at approximately 9 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a serious assault at a residence on 18th Avenue in North Battleford.

    Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined an altercation occurred between two adult males. One stabbed the other, who was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature.

    The suspect then fled the scene of the assault. It was determined he was on court-ordered conditions, including a curfew that was electronically monitored, and orders not to possess a knife.

    As a result of continued investigation, 25-year-old Keaton Nicotine from North Battleford is charged with:

    – one count, aggravated assault, Section 268(2), Criminal Code;

    – one count, uttering threats, Section 264.1(1)(a), Criminal Code; and

    – one count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.

    A warrant has been issued for his arrest and Battlefords RCMP are actively working to locate him.

    Officers ask members of the public to report all sightings of Keaton Nicotine and information on his whereabouts.

    Keaton Nicotine is described as approximately 6′ tall and 180 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

    If you see him, do not approach him. Call Battlefords RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gun Traffickers Who Bought Guns in South Carolina and Sold Them in the Northeast Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREENVILLE, S.C. — Ruben Enrique Chavez-Muniz, 24, of Bronx, New York and Destiny Shannon Mercado, 28, and Daquasia Catherine Mercado, 25, both of Spartanburg, were sentenced for their roles in a gun trafficking conspiracy.  

    Evidence presented to the court showed that, between January of 2020 and January 2021, Destiny Shannon Mercado purchased a large number of firearms (mostly handguns) from federal firearms licensees in South Carolina. Mercado then transported the guns to New York, where Chavez-Muniz, a gang member, would sell them for a significant profit. Destiny Shannon Mercado subsequently recruited her sister, Daquasia Catherine Mercado, who also purchased and attempted to purchase several guns for the traffickers.

    Over the course of the conspiracy, Destiny Shannon Mercado purchased at least 66 firearms and attempted to purchase five more. Daquasia Catherine Mercado purchased at least 12 firearms and attempted to purchase six more. To date, more than 25% of the firearms purchased by these traffickers have been recovered by law enforcement in New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Several of these guns have been found at crime scenes or recovered from prohibited persons, and two of the guns were recovered from juveniles.

    “Stopping the illegal flow of firearms to juveniles and criminal networks is a top priority for public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina, “We will continue to prosecute straw purchasers and traffickers like those sentenced in this conspiracy.”

    “Cutting off the supply of firearms to prohibited individuals remains a top priority,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “Firearms trafficking poses a danger to both local communities and communities across the country. Identifying and apprehending the individuals responsible for putting guns in the hands of prohibited individuals plays a major role in protecting public safety.”

    Chief United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced both Ruben Enrique Chavez-Muniz and Destiny Shannon Mercado to 42 months in prison, with their sentences to be followed by three-years of court ordered supervision. Daquasia Catherine Mercado was sentenced to five years of probation. There is no parole in the federal system.

    The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the New York Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Schoen is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: BATON ROUGE WOMAN SENTENCED TO 13 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR COVID-19 FRAUD

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    United States Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Gernesia Williams, 47, of Baton Rouge, to 13 months in federal prison following her conviction for knowing conversion of government funds. The Court further sentenced Williams to serve three years of supervised release following her term of imprisonment and ordered her to pay $110,030.47 in restitution.

    According to admissions made as part of her guilty plea, between approximately April 2020 and January 2023, Williams knowingly converted more than $100,000 in loan proceeds she obtained as part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program for her own use. As a condition to obtaining the loans, she promised to use the proceeds solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Williams misspent at least $110,030.47 of the loan proceeds on herself and others, including more than $30,000 on jewelry and more than $20,000 on a destination wedding in Florida. 

    Anyone with information about allegations of pandemic fraud can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ben Wallace. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bills that Support Vermont’s Maple Industry 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) recently joined Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) to introduce the Making Agricultural Products Locally Essential (MAPLE) Act and the Supporting All Producers (SAP) Act, two bipartisan, bicameral bills to support Vermont’s maple industry.  
    The MAPLE Act would provide a new market for maple syrup producers while increasing seniors’ access to nutritious, locally sourced maple syrup products by adding maple syrup to the eligible products under the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). SFMNP gives low-income seniors access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs. The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and led in the House by Reps. Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23) and Joe Courtney (D-CT-02).  
    The SAP Act would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consult with maple producers when determining education and research priorities for the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer), a competitive grant program supporting research and education related to maple syrup production and sustainability in the industry. The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senator Angus King and is led in the House by Reps. Nick Langworthy and Becca Balint (VT-At-Large). 
    “Sharing our state’s world-class maple with families across the country is a lifelong tradition for Vermonters. Preserving this part of our culture is crucial to ensuring Vermont’s sugarmakers can continue setting the gold standard in maple production for generations to come,” said Senator Welch. “The MAPLE Act and the SAP Act are strong, bipartisan bills that will support Vermont’s first-in-the-nation maple industry, and benefit maple lovers and our local economy.” 
    “Maine is the third largest producer of pure maple syrup in the country, producing more than 575,000 gallons in a normal season, and bringing in more than $55 million to our state each year while supporting hundreds of local jobs,” said Senator Collins. “These bills support both local producers and consumers and make this market more accessible for all Mainers.” 
    “New York’s farmers and growers are some of the most important drivers of our state and district’s economy, and provide critical food resources to Americans,” said Rep. Langworthy. “These pieces of legislation are specifically crafted with the help of stakeholders and leaders to help our hardworking farmers and producers, benefit seniors, and help our rural communities grow. I was disappointed we couldn’t get bipartisan cooperation to get the Farm Bill passed in the last Congress, but I look forward to working with House Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure these initiatives stay in the base text of the bill and we get it across the finish line.”  
    “The Seniors Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) has long helped seniors afford fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs from their local farmers markets. My colleagues and I are working together once again to expand the program to allow local maple syrup to be purchased with SFMNP benefits,” said Rep. Courtney. “The MAPLE Act would help seniors afford high-quality local maple syrup while supporting Connecticut’s excellent maple syrup producers. I look forward to working with my colleagues and our maple syrup producers to see this bill advanced in the new Congress.”  
    “In Vermont, our tight-knit communities flourish in part because of the strength of our culture and family farms, which in many towns is driven by maple syrup production. Input from maple producers themselves will allow for further education and research methods to strengthen this critical industry. I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Langworthy and Sen. Welch to support our region’s maple industry,” said Rep. Balint. 
    The MAPLE Act and SAP Act are endorsed by the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, New York Farm Bureau, and the New York State Maple Producers Association. 
    Learn more about the MAPLE Act and read the full text of the bill. 
    Learn more about the SAP Act and read the full text of the bill.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: JLT Mobile Computers AB changes management following discontinuation of subsidiary JLT Software Solutions AB

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Växjö, Sweden, January 28, 2025 * * * JLT Mobile Computers, a leading supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, announces a change in management following the discontinuation of JLT Software Solutions, which was announced on January 17, 2025 (press release 1/17/2025).

    The software development is now being integrated with the Group’s other product development for better cost-efficiency, management, and customer-driven development. This means that the operations of JLT Software Solutions AB will be discontinued, and Andreas Nivard, former CEO and CPO, is leaving the company.

    Visit jltmobile.com for more information about products and services. Financial information can be found on the company’s investor pages.

    About JLT Mobile Computers

    JLT Mobile Computers is a leading supplier of rugged mobile computing devices and solutions for demanding environments. 30 years of development and manufacturing experience have enabled JLT to set the standard in rugged computing, combining outstanding product quality with expert service, support and solutions to ensure trouble-free business operations for customers in warehousing, transportation, manufacturing, mining, ports and agriculture. JLT operates globally from offices in Sweden, France, and the US, complemented by an extensive network of sales partners in local markets. The company was founded in 1994, and the share has been listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market stock exchange since 2002 under the symbol JLT. Eminova Fondkommission AB acts as Certified Adviser. Learn more at jltmobile.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Innovation: Infomaniak inaugurates a data center that recycles 100% of its energy and will heat 6,000 households a year for at least 20 years

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Yesterday, the Swiss cloud provider Infomaniak officially inaugurated its new data center, which has been recovering 100% of the electricity it uses since 11 November. Located in a residential area of Geneva, on an underground site of the participatory and eco-responsible cooperative of la Bistoquette, the data center has no impact on the landscape and recycles 100% of the local renewable energy it consumes. At full capacity, it will feed 1.7 MW (or 14.9 GWh/year) into the region’s heating network, enabling 6,000 Minergie-A households to be heated a year or 20,000 people to take a 5-minute shower every day. This new generation of data centers, which has already received a number of awards, has been documented by students from EPFL, IMD and the University of Lausanne with a view to making it open source and enabling it to be reproduced on a large scale.

    Inauguration of the D4, a data center that is revolutionising the cloud industry

    Infomaniak’s new data center, a symbol of technological innovation and sustainability, was officially inaugurated yesterday, with the public authorities and key project stakeholders in attendance. Their collective commitment was essential in making this world first a reality. The project exceeds the standards of similar infrastructures in terms of environmental integration and energy recovery.

    Since 2 p.m. on 11 November 2024, all the electricity consumed by this structure, in the form of heat, has already been fed back into the district heating network of the Canton of Geneva. This achievement marks a key stage in the region’s energy transition, transforming an energy-intensive facility into an active player in energy recovery.

    Currently operating at 25% of its potential capacity, Infomaniak’s data center will gradually increase its output to reach full capacity by 2028, guaranteeing a sustainable contribution to society for at least 20 years.

    The future of the cloud: circular energy with no impact on the landscape

    Having already won several awards for the energy efficiency of its infrastructures, which have been operating without air conditioning since 2013, Infomaniak is addressing four major challenges facing the cloud industry with this new data center model:

    1. 100% of the electricity used by the data center is reused to heat households via a district heating network.
    2. The facility does not require additional water or air conditioning to be cooled.
    3. It is built on an underground site in a residential area.
    4. It has no impact on the landscape.

    “In the real world, data centers convert electricity into heat. With the exponential growth of the cloud, this energy is currently being released into the atmosphere and wasted. There is an urgent need to upgrade this way of doing things, to connect these infrastructures to heating networks and adapt building standards,” explains Boris Siegenthaler, Infomaniak’s Founder and Chief Strategy Officer.        

    Nothing is wasted, everything is transformed

    Unlike existing projects that recycle a fraction of the energy they consume, the system implemented by Infomaniak goes further.

    All the electricity consumed (by servers, inverters, ventilation, etc.) is converted into heat at a temperature of 40 to 45°C. This heat is then transferred to an air/water exchanger, which integrates it into a hot water circuit. Heat pumps then raise its temperature to transfer the waste heat from the data center to the heating network.

    The originality of the system lies in the use of both sides of the pump:

    • The gas in the heat pumps expands by capturing the energy in the water, which drops from 45°C to 28°C. This cooled water is fed into the air/water exchanger to cool the servers, eliminating the need for traditional air conditioning.
    • The gas in the pumps is then compressed to transmit energy to the district heating network, raising the water temperature to 67 °C in summer and 85 °C in winter to meet the needs of the district heating operator.

    The recovery mechanism is therefore the same as the one that keeps the servers at an optimal operating temperature. The additional energy required to run the heat pumps is also recycled, and it is the cold released by this process that keeps the servers cool.

    “Today, PUE, which measures the energy efficiency of data centers, is no longer sufficient in the face of the climate emergency. We also need to take ERE into account, which evaluates the energy actually consumed compared to the energy reused, as well as the ERF, which measures the proportion of the data center’s total energy that is reused for other purposes, such as district heating. Taken together, these three indicators provide a more complete picture of the energy impact of digital infrastructures,” explains Boris Siegenthaler, Infomaniak’s Founder and Chief Strategy Officer.

    6,000 homes heated and 3,600 t CO₂e saved each year

    At full capacity, the new data center will house some 10,000 servers in an underground area measuring 1,800 m2. It will provide the heating network with 1.7 MW, equivalent to the energy needed to heat 6,000 Minergie-A households per year or allow 20,000 people to take a 5-minute shower every day.

    Geneva will avoid having to burn 3,600 t CO2e of natural gas per year or the equivalent of 5,500 t CO2e of pellets per year, not to mention eliminate 211 lorries per year transporting 13 tonnes of material and the microparticles associated with pellet transport and combustion.

    An economically neutral operation

    In financial terms, recycling waste heat is a neutral operation for Infomaniak. Without the servers, this data center cost CHF 12 million, including a CHF 6 million advance from the cloud provider to adapt heat levels those required by heating network. Part of this CHF 6 million was provided by the Cantonal Energy Office of the Canton of Geneva (OCEN) and the heating network operator (SIG). The remainder will be gradually amortised by the heat produced by Infomaniak, at cost price.

    From finding the site (June 2019) to commissioning the first servers (December 2023), the project took a total of four and a half years to complete, whereas Infomaniak would usually build a data center in two years. The main challenges involved were finding a location that was both secure and close to a district heating network capable of permanently absorbing the associated volume of heat, and negotiating a contract with the district heating network operator.

    Good for Europe’s technological sovereignty

    This data center strengthens Europe’s technological sovereignty and creates value for many local companies by relying on equipment manufactured exclusively in Europe, with the exception of the security cameras used:

    • Trane heat pumps (France)
    • Ebmpapst fans (Germany)
    • Siemens power rails (Germany)
    • Siemens switchboard (Germany)
    • Minkels server racks (Netherlands)
    • ABB inverters (Switzerland)
    • Margen generator (Italy)
    • Meyer-Burger solar panels (Switzerland/Germany)

    The local economy will also benefit directly from the impact of this project.

    A new generation of data centers that is open source

    This innovation can be reproduced and the expertise gained during the course of the project has been made available free of charge. This model works, demonstrating to the cloud industry and policymakers that it is possible to double the value of energy from data centers. It also shows that the digital sector should no longer be seen as an end consumer of electricity, but as an actor in the energy transition.

    Infomaniak’s new data center, which was awarded the Swiss Ethics Prize and the Sustainable Development Prize of the Canton of Geneva in 2023, has been documented by UNIL, IMD and EPFL as part of the e4s.center programme to illustrate its energy efficiency in real time and make it easier to reproduce. This work is available for free at https://d4project.org/ and includes:

    • A technical guide explaining how to replicate this data center model.
    • Real-time monitoring of data center operational performance
    • A summary for policymakers with information to improve regulations on the design and sustainability of data centers

    Two new similar data centers already planned

    To support its growth, Infomaniak is actively looking for heating networks for its future data centers. “We already have 1.1 MW ready to be fed into a heating network, and by 2028, a new data center of at least 3.3 MW will be needed to meet demand. The principle is simple: we buy electricity locally and provide our carbon-free waste heat free of charge,” explains Boris Siegenthaler.

    Key figures

    • Average PUE: 1.09 (European average: 1.6)
    • ERE and ERF: see online
    • 2 1.7 MW heat pumps
    • Total area: 1,800 m2
    • Total budget (without servers): CHF 12 million
    • Total energy recycled at full capacity: 1.7 MW
    • Number of servers at full capacity: approximately 10,000 (200 47U racks)
    • Capacity of the solar power plant linked to this data center: 130 kWp (364 modules)
    • GPUs currently installed in this data center: Nvidia L4, A100 and H100

    Resources

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Jeremy Michael Joins Guggenheim Securities to Expand Energy Investment Banking Practice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Guggenheim Securities, the investment banking and capital markets division of Guggenheim Partners, announced today that Jeremy Michael has joined the firm’s Energy, Power & Energy Transition investment banking business as a Senior Managing Director.

    Mr. Michael brings more than two decades of investment banking experience to Guggenheim with a focus on upstream, midstream, and downstream energy. He joins the firm from Barclays where he served as Global Head of Natural Resources Investment Banking advising industry-leading companies and leading sector-defining transactions.

    “We are pleased to welcome Jeremy to Guggenheim,” said Mark Van Lith, CEO of Guggenheim Securities. “Jeremy is a leading advisor in the energy sector and will play an important role as we continue to build our energy and power franchises. We look forward to his success at the firm.”

    Mr. Michael earned his B.A. from Vanderbilt University.

    About Guggenheim Securities

    Guggenheim Securities is the investment banking and capital markets business of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm. Guggenheim Securities offers services that fall into four broad categories: Advisory, Financing, Sales and Trading, and Research. Guggenheim Securities is headquartered in New York, with additional offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, London, Menlo Park, and San Francisco. For more information, please visit GuggenheimSecurities.com, follow us on LinkedIn or contact us at GSinfo@GuggenheimPartners.com or 212.518.9200.

    About Guggenheim Partners

    Guggenheim Partners is a diversified financial services firm that delivers value to its clients through two primary businesses: Guggenheim Investments, a premier global asset manager and investment advisor, and Guggenheim Securities, a leading investment banking and capital markets business. Guggenheim’s professionals are based in offices around the world, and our commitment is to deliver long-term results with excellence and integrity while advancing the strategic interests of our clients. Learn more at GuggenheimPartners.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GuggenheimPtnrs.

    Media Contact

    Steven Lee
    Guggenheim Securities
    212.293.2811
    Steven.Lee@guggenheimpartners.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP reaches hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza in first week of the ceasefire

    Source: World Food Programme

    Photo: WFP/Photolibrary. WFP distribution point operated at the Nusierat camp by WFP’s partner, Global Communities.

    GAZA/CAIRO – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reached more than 330,000 people in Gaza with food assistance in the first week of the ceasefire, providing food parcels, hot meals and cash assistance to war-weary families.

    “The first week has brought hope, but it is still early days. We must keep up this momentum,” said Antoine Renard, WFP Country Director in Palestine. “And with so many people on the move now, keen to reach their homes and reunite with their families in the north, we need to make sure they have food wherever they are. WFP’s priority is to ensure assistance follows the people.”

    Here are the latest updates on WFP operations in Gaza:

    • WFP has brought 10,130 metric tons of food into Gaza since the ceasefire. Food entered Gaza through all available corridors from Jordan, Israel and Egypt.

    • For the first time in months, families in Gaza are now receiving significantly more rations – two food parcels and a 25-kg bag of wheat flour.
    • In total, WFP reached more 330,000 people in the first week of the ceasefire with food parcels and hot meals.
    • WFP has also distributed nutrition products to 46,000 people, including children under 5 and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
    • If the ceasefire holds, WFP aims to reach one million people each month for the next three months. WFP has enough food pre-positioned along the borders and on its way to Gaza to feed over a million people with full rations for three months.
    • A cash assistance programme started on Monday, with 7,000 people reached on day one, and more than 32,000 as of today. This money will enable families to meet their basic needs – not only food – as they seek to relocate and rebuild. The aim is to reach 30,000 families (150,000 people) in one month.
    • Thanks to the influx of fresh supplies entering the Strip, WFP has also been able to get bakeries up and running in the south – eight old and 5 new ones – and prepare hot meals and deliver ready-to-eat meals to families in shelters.
    • The humanitarian situation in the West Bank is also critical. WFP is ready to provide voucher assistance to approximately 3,750 people in Jenin camp, allowing them to obtain food at a local retailer or receive food parcels. Additionally, cash assistance will be provided to 12,750 displaced households affected by military operations.

    Download photos here

    Download video footage here

    #                 #                   #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s statement on Lunar New Year

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Lunar New Year:

    “This year, Lunar New Year begins tomorrow and heralds the start of the Year of the Snake.

    “As we join people in B.C. and millions of celebrants around the world, we say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon and celebrate the beginning of a new year.

    “The Year of the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, calmness and creativity – all things that will help us meet the opportunities and challenges that we will see this coming year.

    “Beginning with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ending with the first full moon, Lunar New Year marks a time for people to gather with family and friends, enjoy traditional foods and hand out lucky red envelopes or ‘lucky money.’

    “Throughout the province, people will be celebrating Lunar New Year with banquets, festivals and other cultural events. Every year my family looks forward to the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration, which features a colourful procession with lion and dragon dancers and other cultural performers.

    “This is also a time for all the people in British Columbia to reflect and appreciate the cultural diversity that has strengthened our province for generations, and is a reminder of the incredible contributions that Asian Canadians make to B.C.

    “From my family to yours, I wish you a prosperous Year of the Snake!

    “Kung Hei Fat Choi! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Alabama Jail Administrator Charged with Federal Civil Rights Violation, Falsifying a Report and Making False Statements to Investigators

    Source: US State of California

    A federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, returned an indictment yesterday charging former Crenshaw County Jail Administrator Christian Alexander Porter, 33, with assaulting a handcuffed and compliant inmate at Crenshaw County Jail. Porter was also charged with falsifying a report and making false statements to state and federal investigators.

    The indictment alleges that, on or about Oct. 12, 2021, Porter used unreasonable force on a pre-trial detainee while acting under color of law in violation of the 14th Amendment and falsified a use of force report to cover up his assault of the victim. The indictment also charges Porter with making false statements to state and federal investigators on Nov. 18, 2021, and June 28, 2022, respectively.

    Porter faces maximum penalties of 10 years in prison for the federal civil rights violation, 20 years in prison for falsifying the report and making false statements to state investigators, and five years in prison for making false statements to federal investigators. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Mobile Field Office is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Lia Rettammel of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Alabama Jail Administrator Charged with Federal Civil Rights Violation, Falsifying a Report and Making False Statements to Investigators

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, returned an indictment yesterday charging former Crenshaw County Jail Administrator Christian Alexander Porter, 33, with assaulting a handcuffed and compliant inmate at Crenshaw County Jail. Porter was also charged with falsifying a report and making false statements to state and federal investigators.

    The indictment alleges that, on or about Oct. 12, 2021, Porter used unreasonable force on a pre-trial detainee while acting under color of law in violation of the 14th Amendment and falsified a use of force report to cover up his assault of the victim. The indictment also charges Porter with making false statements to state and federal investigators on Nov. 18, 2021, and June 28, 2022, respectively.

    Porter faces maximum penalties of 10 years in prison for the federal civil rights violation, 20 years in prison for falsifying the report and making false statements to state investigators, and five years in prison for making false statements to federal investigators. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin P. Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Mobile Field Office is investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Lia Rettammel of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Atomicwork Secures $25M in Series A Funding to Transform Enterprise IT with Agentic AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Atomicwork, a leading innovator in agentic service management solutions for Enterprise IT, today announced that it has raised $25 million in their Series A funding round. The round was led by Khosla Ventures and Z47, with participation from Battery Ventures, Blume Ventures, and Peak XV Partners. This new infusion of capital accelerates Atomicwork’s mission to transform IT service management (ITSM) with its innovative AI-native platform that modernizes how businesses operate and drive growth.

    A New Era for Enterprise IT Service Management
    Today’s enterprises face a pivotal moment. As operations expand globally and digital systems multiply, traditional ITSM tools are reaching their limits. These legacy solutions – built for an earlier era of process management – can’t keep pace with modern business demands. 

    CEOs and CIOs recognize the need for transformative change. The challenge isn’t just about managing IT anymore – it’s about empowering organizations to thrive in an increasingly dynamic digital landscape. 

    Atomicwork’s agentic service management platform combines an enterprise knowledge graph with agentic AI to offload work from IT teams, allowing them to focus on driving business impact rather than managing everyday processes. By radically simplifying enterprise workflows, managing incidents in real-time, and enabling self-healing, Atomicwork is helping businesses stay ahead in today’s fast-moving digital business environment. 

    Atomicwork founders: (L to R): Kiran Darisi, Vijay Rayapati and Parsuram Vijayasankar.

    “We are pioneering agentic service management to transform how companies manage their IT workflows and enterprise services. This investment is a significant milestone, validating our vision of a future where smarter IT teams drive business growth and companies are empowered by technology, not bogged down by it.” said Vijay Rayapati, co-founder and CEO of Atomicwork. “Our unified and adaptive self-service experience will enable businesses to move faster.” 

    Global businesses like Zuora and Pepper Money use Atomicwork to empower their teams with seamless service, intelligent automation, and actionable insights, driving productivity and transforming their digital workplace experience. 

    Backing by Industry Leaders 
    The funding round comes on the heels of strong product adoption and backing from 40+ global CIOs, CTOs and industry veterans. 

    “Atomicwork’s AI agents can autonomously handle everyday IT services, and employees can then focus on actually growing the business,” said Kanu Gulati of Khosla Ventures. “This is the AI innovation that large organizations need to radically transform how they work.”  

    “Atomicwork has built a remarkable team and proven technology, and we’ve witnessed firsthand how they’re transforming IT service management for global businesses. Their potential is immense to redefine the future of enterprise IT with Agentic AI.” said Pranay Desai, Managing Director at Z47.  “Having been part of their journey since the seed round, we’re thrilled to continue our partnership and support their next phase of growth. ”  

    Future growth and expansion 
    These Series A funds will be used to further scale and deploy Enterprise AI agents and invest in GTM expansion. The company plans to enhance its platform support for key enterprise integrations and ensure seamless scalability. 

    “Enterprise IT is undergoing a radical transformation and Atomicwork’s agentic service management platform is in a great position to innovate in this space,” said Neeraj Agrawal, General Partner at Battery Ventures. “We are excited to be a part of the company’s journey as it continues to scale and innovate for enterprise IT teams.”

    Ends

    Media images can be found here. 

    About Atomicwork 
    Atomicwork helps enterprises reduce IT service costs and boost productivity through its agentic service management platform. Built for modern businesses, Atomicwork eliminates manual IT tasks, reducing resolution times by 90%, and empowers IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives that drive growth.

    Trusted by leading enterprises, Atomicwork transforms enterprise service management while delivering exceptional employee experiences and accelerating business success. Headquartered in San Francisco, Atomicwork also has offices in Singapore and India. For more information please visit: www.atomicwork.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Eagle Bancorp Montana Earns $3.4 Million, or $0.44 per Diluted Share, in the Fourth Quarter of 2024 and $9.8 Million, or $1.24 per Diluted Share for the Year 2024; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.1425 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HELENA, Mont., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. (NASDAQ: EBMT), (the “Company,” “Eagle”), the holding company of Opportunity Bank of Montana (the “Bank”), today reported net income of $3.4 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $2.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the preceding quarter, and $2.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, net income was $9.8 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, compared to $10.1 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, in 2023.

    Eagle’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1425 per share on January 23, 2025. The dividend will be payable March 7, 2025, to shareholders of record February 14, 2025. The current dividend represents an annualized yield of 3.93% based on recent market prices.

    “Eagle’s fourth quarter operating results were highlighted by strong quarterly deposit growth, sound revenue generation, and net interest margin expansion,” said Laura F. Clark, President and CEO. “We continue to maintain a stable core deposit base, with non-CDs representing 72.4% of total deposits at year end. Additionally, we continue to maintain quality credit. While loan growth has moderated in recent quarters, we are anticipating steady single-digit loan growth in the year ahead.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights (at or for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024, except where noted):

    • Net income increased 26.7% to $3.4 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $2.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in the preceding quarter, and increased 58.6% compared to $2.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter a year ago.
    • Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 3.59% in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 25 basis point increase compared to 3.34% in the preceding quarter and a 27 basis point increase compared to the fourth quarter a year ago.
    • Revenues (net interest income before the provision for credit losses, plus noninterest income) increased 2.8% to $21.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $20.8 million in the preceding quarter and increased 1.7% compared to $21.0 million in the fourth quarter a year ago.
    • Total loans increased 2.4% to $1.52 billion, at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.48 billion a year earlier, and decreased 0.9% compared to $1.53 billion at September 30, 2024.
    • Total deposits increased $46.0 million or 2.8% to $1.68 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to a year earlier, and increased $30.7 million or 1.9%, compared to September 30, 2024.
    • The allowance for credit losses represented 1.11% of portfolio loans and 437.7% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.11% of portfolio loans and 195.2% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2023.
    • The Company’s available borrowing capacity was approximately $404.0 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $398.5 million at December 31, 2023.
      December 31, 2024 December 31, 2023
    (Dollars in thousands)  Borrowings Outstanding    Remaining Borrowing Capacity    Borrowings Outstanding    Remaining Borrowing Capacity
    Federal Home Loan Bank advances $ 140,930   $ 276,664   $ 175,737   $ 266,017
    Federal Reserve Bank discount window   –     27,349     –     32,472
    Correspondent bank lines of credit   –     100,000     –     100,000
    Total $ 140,930   $ 404,013   $ 175,737   $ 398,489
             
    • The Company paid a quarterly cash dividend in the fourth quarter of $0.1425 per share on December 6, 2024, to shareholders of record November 15, 2024.

    Balance Sheet Results
    Eagle’s total assets increased 1.3% to $2.10 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $2.08 billion a year ago, and decreased 2.0% compared to $2.15 billion three months earlier. The investment securities portfolio totaled $292.6 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $318.3 million a year ago, and $307.0 million at September 30, 2024.

    Eagle originated $68.1 million in new residential mortgages during the quarter and sold $64.0 million in residential mortgages, with an average gross margin on sale of mortgage loans of approximately 3.18%. This production compares to residential mortgage originations of $58.0 million in the preceding quarter with sales of $51.0 million and an average gross margin on sale of mortgage loans of approximately 3.31%. Mortgage volumes remain low as rates have continued to be elevated relative to rates on existing mortgages.

    Total loans increased $36.2 million, or 2.4%, compared to a year ago, and decreased $14.0 million, or 0.9%, from three months earlier. Commercial real estate loans increased 6.1% to $646.0 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $608.7 million a year earlier. Commercial real estate loans were comprised of 71.4% non-owner occupied and 28.6% owner occupied at December 31, 2024. Agricultural and farmland loans increased 4.9% to $281.0 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $267.9 million a year earlier. Residential mortgage loans decreased 1.8% to $153.7 million, compared to $156.6 million a year earlier. Commercial loans increased 8.5% to $144.0 million, compared to $132.7 million a year ago. Commercial construction and development loans decreased 21.5% to $124.2 million, compared to $158.1 million a year ago. Home equity loans increased 12.2% to $97.5 million, residential construction loans increased 5.2% to $45.7 million, and consumer loans decreased 5.4% to $28.5 million, compared to a year ago.

    “Similar to other community banks, our deposit mix has shifted towards higher yielding deposits over the last several quarters due to the higher interest rate environment. However, the recent Fed rate cuts have started to ease deposit pricing, and we anticipate this will continue as we move through this next rate cycle,” said Miranda Spaulding, CFO.

    Total deposits increased to $1.68 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.64 billion at December 31, 2023, and $1.65 billion at September 30, 2024. Noninterest-bearing checking accounts represented 24.9%, interest-bearing checking accounts represented 13.2%, savings accounts represented 12.5%, money market accounts comprised 21.8% and time certificates of deposit made up 27.6% of the total deposit portfolio at December 31, 2024. There were no brokered certificates at December 31, 2024, compared to $72.2 million at December 31, 2023, and $22.1 million at September 30, 2024. The average cost of total deposits was 1.71% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 1.76% in the preceding quarter and 1.49% in the fourth quarter of 2023. The estimated amount of uninsured deposits was approximately $323.0 million, or 19% of total deposits, at December 31, 2024, compared to $307.0 million, or 18% of total deposits, at September 30, 2024.

    Shareholders’ equity was $174.8 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $169.3 million a year earlier and $177.7 million three months earlier. Book value per share was $21.77 at December 31, 2024, compared to $21.11 a year earlier and $22.17 three months earlier. Tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by common shares outstanding, was $16.88 at December 31, 2024, compared to $16.05 a year earlier and $17.23 three months earlier.

    Operating Results
    “The higher yields on interest earning assets combined with a lower cost of funds contributed to our 25 basis point NIM expansion during the quarter, compared to the preceding quarter,” said Spaulding. “We anticipate additional improvement in our cost of funds over the next several quarters.”

    Eagle’s NIM was 3.59% in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 25 basis point increase compared to 3.34% in the preceding quarter and a 27 basis point improvement compared to the fourth quarter a year ago. The interest accretion on acquired loans totaled $161,000 and resulted in a four basis-point increase in the NIM during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $167,000 and a three basis-point increase in the NIM during the preceding quarter. Funding costs for the fourth quarter of 2024 were 2.69%, compared to 2.89% in the third quarter of 2024 and 2.58% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Average yields on interest earning assets for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased to 5.70%, compared to 5.66% in the third quarter of 2024 and 5.36% in the fourth quarter a year ago. For the year, the NIM was 3.42% compared to 3.51% for 2023.

    Net interest income, before the provision for credit losses, increased 6.3% to $16.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $15.8 million in the third quarter of 2024, and increased 10.5% compared to $15.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the year, net interest income increased 1.5% to $63.4 million, compared to $62.5 million in 2023.

    Fourth quarter revenues increased 2.8% to $21.4 million, compared to $20.8 million in the preceding quarter and increased 1.7% compared to $21.0 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. For the year 2024, revenues were $81.2 million, compared to $85.2 million in 2023. The decrease compared to a year ago was largely due to lower volumes in mortgage banking activity.

    Total noninterest income decreased 8.2% to $4.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $5.0 million in the preceding quarter, and decreased 21.3% compared to $5.8 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. The decrease compared to the preceding quarter was largely due to income from bank owned life insurance of $724,000 recorded during the third quarter of 2024. Net mortgage banking income, the largest component of noninterest income, totaled $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $2.6 million in the preceding quarter and $3.7 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. This decrease compared to the fourth quarter a year ago was largely driven by a decline in net gain on sale of mortgage loans, which was impacted by lower mortgage loan volumes. For the year, noninterest income decreased 21.8% to $17.8 million, compared to $22.7 million in 2023. Net mortgage banking income decreased 33.1% to $10.0 million in 2024, compared to $15.0 million in 2023. These decreases were driven by a decline in net gain on sale of mortgage loans.

    Eagle’s fourth quarter noninterest expense was $17.7 million, an increase of 2.5% compared to $17.3 million in the preceding quarter and a 6.3% decrease compared to $18.9 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. Lower salaries and employee benefits contributed to the decrease compared to the year ago quarter. For the year, noninterest expense decreased 3.9% to $69.3 million, compared to $72.1 million in 2023.

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company recorded income tax expense of $269,000. This compared to income tax expense of $529,000 in the preceding quarter and an income tax benefit of $315,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023. The effective tax rate for the year was 14.2% compared to 13.7% for the prior year and is due to the increase in proportion of tax-exempt income compared to pretax earnings, as well as tax credits from investments in low-income housing tax credit projects.

    Credit Quality
    Due to muted loan growth and positive economic factors within the CECL modeling, Eagle recorded a recapture in its provision for credit losses of $36,000 during the fourth quarter of 2024. This compared to a $277,000 provision for credit losses in the preceding quarter and $270,000 in the fourth quarter a year ago. The allowance for credit losses represented 437.7% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2024, compared to 356.7% three months earlier and 195.2% a year earlier. Nonperforming loans were $3.9 million at December 31, 2024, $4.8 million at September 30, 2024, and $8.4 million a year earlier. Net loan charge-offs totaled $44,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to net loan charge-offs of $17,000 in the preceding quarter and net loan charge-offs of $10,000 in the fourth quarter a year ago. The allowance for credit losses was $16.9 million, or 1.11% of total loans, at December 31, 2024, compared to $17.1 million, or 1.12% of total loans, at September 30, 2024, and $16.4 million, or 1.11% of total loans, a year ago.

    Capital Management
    The ratio of tangible common shareholders’ equity (shareholders’ equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible) to tangible assets (total assets, less goodwill and core deposit intangible) was 6.57% at December 31, 2024, up from 6.32% a year ago and 6.56% three months earlier. This ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure. For the most comparable GAAP financial measure, see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s regulatory capital was in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements and is deemed well capitalized. The Bank’s Tier 1 capital to adjusted total average assets was 10.07% as of December 31, 2024.

    About the Company
    Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Helena, Montana, and is the holding company of Opportunity Bank of Montana, a community bank established in 1922 that serves consumers and small businesses in Montana through 29 banking offices. Additional information is available on the Bank’s website at www.opportunitybank.com. The shares of Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “EBMT.”

    Forward Looking Statements
    This release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “will” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.” These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements of our goals, intentions, expectations and anticipations; statements regarding our business plans, prospects, mergers, growth and operating strategies; statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements; general economic conditions and political events, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected; the emergence or continuation of widespread health emergencies or pandemics, including but not limited to vaccine efficacy and immunization rates, new variants, steps taken by governmental and other authorities to contain, mitigate and combat the pandemic, adverse effects on our employees, customers and third-party service providers, the increase in cyberattacks in the current work-from-home environment; the impact of volatility in the U.S. banking industry, including the associated impact of any regulatory changes or other mitigation efforts taken by governmental agencies in response thereto; the impact of any new regulatory, policy or enforcement developments resulting from the change in U.S. presidential administration; the possibility that future credit losses may be higher than currently expected due to changes in economic assumptions, customer behavior, adverse developments with respect to U.S. economic conditions and other uncertainties, including the impact of supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures and labor shortages on economic conditions and our business; an inability to access capital markets or maintain deposits or borrowing costs; competition among banks, financial holding companies and other traditional and non-traditional financial service providers; loan demand or residential and commercial real estate values in Montana; the concentration of our business in Montana; our ability to continue to increase and manage our commercial real estate, commercial business and agricultural loans; the costs and effects of legal, compliance and regulatory actions, changes and developments, including the initiation and resolution of legal proceedings (including any securities, bank operations, consumer or employee litigation); inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments; adverse changes in the securities markets that lead to impairment in the value of our investment securities and goodwill; other economic, governmental, competitive, regulatory and technological factors that may affect our operations; our ability to implement new technologies and maintain secure and reliable technology systems including those that involve the Bank’s third-party vendors and service providers; cyber incidents, or theft or loss of Company or customer data or money; our ability to appropriately address social, environmental, and sustainability concerns that may arise from our business activities; the effect of our recent or future acquisitions, including the failure to achieve expected revenue growth and/or expense savings, the failure to effectively integrate their operations, the outcome of any legal proceedings and the diversion of management time on issues related to the integration.

    Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. All information set forth in this press release is current as of the date of this release and the company undertakes no duty or obligation to update this information.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles utilized in the United States, or GAAP, in this release, including the Financial Ratios and Other Data contains non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures include: 1) core efficiency ratio, 2) tangible book value per share and 3) tangible common equity to tangible assets. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s operational performance, performance trends and financial condition, and to enhance investors’ overall understanding of such financial performance. In particular, the use of tangible book value per share and tangible common equity to tangible assets is prevalent among banking regulators, investors and analysts.

    The numerator for the core efficiency ratio is calculated by subtracting acquisition costs and intangible asset amortization from noninterest expense. Tangible assets and tangible common shareholders’ equity are calculated by excluding intangible assets from assets and shareholders’ equity, respectively. For these financial measures, our intangible assets consist of goodwill and core deposit intangible. Tangible book value per share is calculated by dividing tangible common shareholders’ equity by the number of common shares outstanding. We believe that this measure is consistent with the capital treatment by our bank regulatory agencies, which exclude intangible assets from the calculation of risk-based capital ratios and present this measure to facilitate the comparison of the quality and composition of our capital over time and in comparison, to our competitors.

    Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied, and are not audited. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. Further, the non-GAAP financial measure of tangible book value per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for book value per share or total shareholders’ equity determined in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure reported by other companies. Eagle strongly encourages investors to review its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. Reconciliation of the GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures are presented below.

    Balance Sheet      
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)   (Unaudited)  
      December 31, September 30, December 31,
      2024 2024 2023
           
    Assets:      
    Cash and due from banks $ 29,824   $ 22,954   $ 23,243  
    Interest bearing deposits in banks   1,735     19,035     1,302  
    Federal funds sold   –     200     –  
    Total cash and cash equivalents   31,559     42,189     24,545  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   292,590     306,982     318,279  
    Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock   7,778     11,218     9,191  
    Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock   4,131     4,131     4,131  
    Mortgage loans held-for-sale, at fair value   13,368     13,429     11,432  
    Loans:      
    Real estate loans:      
    Residential 1-4 family   153,721     156,811     156,578  
    Residential 1-4 family construction   45,701     52,217     43,434  
    Commercial real estate   645,962     644,019     608,691  
    Commercial construction and development   124,211     125,323     158,132  
    Farmland   146,610     145,356     142,590  
    Other loans:      
    Home equity   97,543     93,646     86,932  
    Consumer   28,513     29,445     30,125  
    Commercial   144,039     143,190     132,709  
    Agricultural   134,346     144,645     125,298  
    Total loans   1,520,646     1,534,652     1,484,489  
    Allowance for credit losses   (16,850 )   (17,130 )   (16,440 )
    Net loans   1,503,796     1,517,522     1,468,049  
    Accrued interest and dividends receivable   12,890     14,844     12,485  
    Mortgage servicing rights, net   15,376     15,443     15,853  
    Assets held-for-sale, at cost   960     257     –  
    Premises and equipment, net   101,540     100,297     94,282  
    Cash surrender value of life insurance, net   53,232     52,852     47,939  
    Goodwill   34,740     34,740     34,740  
    Core deposit intangible, net   4,499     4,834     5,880  
    Other assets   26,631     26,375     28,860  
    Total assets $ 2,103,090   $ 2,145,113   $ 2,075,666  
           
    Liabilities:      
    Deposit accounts:      
    Noninterest bearing $ 419,211   $ 419,760   $ 418,727  
    Interest bearing   1,262,017     1,230,752     1,216,468  
    Total deposits   1,681,228     1,650,512     1,635,195  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   47,018     38,593     36,462  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   140,930     219,167     175,737  
    Other long-term debt, net   59,149     59,111     58,999  
    Total liabilities   1,928,325     1,967,383     1,906,393  
           
    Shareholders’ Equity:      
    Preferred stock (par value $0.01 per share; 1,000,000 shares      
    authorized; no shares issued or outstanding)   –     –     –  
    Common stock (par value $0.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized;      
    8,507,429 shares issued; 8,027,177, 8,016,784 and 8,016,784      
    shares outstanding at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and      
    December 31, 2023, respectively   85     85     85  
    Additional paid-in capital   108,334     109,040     108,819  
    Unallocated common stock held by Employee Stock Ownership Plan   (4,011 )   (4,154 )   (4,583 )
    Treasury stock, at cost (480,252, 490,645 and 490,645 shares at      
    December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively)   (10,761 )   (11,124 )   (11,124 )
    Retained earnings   101,264     98,979     96,021  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (20,146 )   (15,096 )   (19,945 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   174,765     177,730     169,273  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,103,090   $ 2,145,113   $ 2,075,666  
           
    Income Statement   (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      December 31, September 30, December 31,   December 31,
      2024 2024 2023   2024 2023
    Interest and dividend income:            
    Interest and fees on loans $ 23,756   $ 23,802   $ 21,481     $ 92,282   $ 79,423  
    Securities available-for-sale   2,475     2,598     2,790       10,428     11,376  
    FRB and FHLB dividends   308     266     247       1,085     727  
    Other interest income   148     94     23       416     89  
    Total interest and dividend income   26,687     26,760     24,541       104,211     91,615  
    Interest expense:            
    Interest expense on deposits   7,216     7,190     6,090       27,838     17,857  
    FHLB advances and other borrowings   2,005     3,084     2,569       10,211     8,562  
    Other long-term debt   676     684     684       2,724     2,719  
    Total interest expense   9,897     10,958     9,343       40,773     29,138  
    Net interest income   16,790     15,802     15,198       63,438     62,477  
    (Recapture) provision for credit losses   (36 )   277     270       518     1,456  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   16,826     15,525     14,928       62,920     61,021  
                 
    Noninterest income:            
    Service charges on deposit accounts   387     430     444       1,645     1,757  
    Mortgage banking, net   2,818     2,602     3,718       10,014     14,970  
    Interchange and ATM fees   675     662     663       2,540     2,524  
    Appreciation in cash surrender value of life insurance   408     1,038     301       2,054     1,466  
    Net loss on sale of available-for-sale securities   (141 )   –     –       (141 )   (222 )
    Other noninterest income   425     251     686       1,664     2,227  
    Total noninterest income   4,572     4,983     5,812       17,776     22,722  
                 
    Noninterest expense:            
    Salaries and employee benefits   9,830     9,894     11,359       39,715     42,973  
    Occupancy and equipment expense   2,194     2,134     1,972       8,531     8,072  
    Data processing   1,715     1,587     1,673       6,209     5,943  
    Software subscriptions   576     511     519       2,127     2,064  
    Advertising   466     277     445       1,312     1,375  
    Amortization   337     337     386       1,391     1,587  
    Loan costs   372     385     461       1,567     1,887  
    FDIC insurance premiums   287     295     288       1,165     1,150  
    Professional and examination fees   596     438     438       1,941     1,922  
    Other noninterest expense   1,323     1,412     1,350       5,348     5,116  
    Total noninterest expense   17,696     17,270     18,891       69,306     72,089  
                 
    Income before provision for income taxes   3,702     3,238     1,849       11,390     11,654  
    Provision (benefit) for income taxes   269     529     (315 )     1,612     1,598  
    Net income $ 3,433   $ 2,709   $ 2,164     $ 9,778   $ 10,056  
                 
    Basic earnings per common share $ 0.44   $ 0.35   $ 0.28     $ 1.25   $ 1.29  
    Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.44   $ 0.34   $ 0.28     $ 1.24   $ 1.29  
                 
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding   7,862,279     7,836,921     7,809,274       7,838,822     7,793,352  
                 
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding   7,868,507     7,860,138     7,815,022       7,853,792     7,798,244  
                 
    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION   (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended or Years Ended
      December 31, September 30, December 31,
      2024 2024 2023
           
    Mortgage Banking Activity (For the quarter):      
    Net gain on sale of mortgage loans $ 2,036   $ 1,691   $ 2,845  
    Net change in fair value of loans held-for-sale and derivatives   (3 )   159     (40 )
    Mortgage servicing income, net   785     752     913  
    Mortgage banking, net $ 2,818   $ 2,602   $ 3,718  
           
    Mortgage Banking Activity (Year-to-date):      
    Net gain on sale of mortgage loans $ 6,741     $ 11,396  
    Net change in fair value of loans held-for-sale and derivatives   (5 )     194  
    Mortgage servicing income, net   3,278       3,380  
    Mortgage banking, net $ 10,014     $ 14,970  
           
    Performance Ratios (For the quarter):      
    Return on average assets   0.65%   0.51%   0.42%
    Return on average equity   8.12%   6.56%   5.68%
    Yield on average interest earning assets   5.70%   5.66%   5.36%
    Cost of funds   2.69%   2.89%   2.58%
    Net interest margin   3.59%   3.34%   3.32%
    Core efficiency ratio*   81.26%   81.47%   88.08%
           
    Performance Ratios (Year-to-date):      
    Return on average assets   0.47%     0.50%
    Return on average equity   5.94%     6.33%
    Yield on average interest earning assets   5.62%     5.14%
    Cost of funds   2.76%     2.11%
    Net interest margin   3.42%     3.51%
    Core efficiency ratio*   83.62%     82.75%
           
    * The core efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing non-interest expense, exclusive of acquisition
    costs and intangible asset amortization, by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.    
           
           
           
    ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION      
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)      
           
    Asset Quality Ratios and Data: As of or for the Three Months Ended
      December 31, September 30, December 31,
      2024 2024 2023
           
    Nonaccrual loans $ 3,227   $ 3,859   $ 8,395  
    Loans 90 days past due and still accruing   623     944     26  
    Total nonperforming loans   3,850     4,803     8,421  
    Other real estate owned and other repossessed assets   45     4     5  
    Total nonperforming assets $ 3,895   $ 4,807   $ 8,426  
           
    Nonperforming loans / portfolio loans   0.25%   0.31%   0.57%
    Nonperforming assets / assets   0.19%   0.22%   0.41%
    Allowance for credit losses / portfolio loans   1.11%   1.12%   1.11%
    Allowance for credit losses/ nonperforming loans   437.66%   356.65%   195.23%
    Gross loan charge-offs for the quarter $ 51   $ 22   $ 11  
    Gross loan recoveries for the quarter $ 7   $ 5   $ 1  
    Net loan charge-offs for the quarter $ 44   $ 17   $ 10  
           
           
      December 31, September 30, December 31,
      2024 2024 2023
    Capital Data (At quarter end):      
    Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share $ 21.77   $ 22.17   $ 21.11  
    Tangible book value per share** $ 16.88   $ 17.23   $ 16.05  
    Shares outstanding   8,027,177     8,016,784     8,016,784  
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets***   6.57%   6.56%   6.32%
           
    Other Information:      
    Average investment securities for the quarter $ 300,088   $ 305,730   $ 306,678  
    Average investment securities year-to-date $ 306,538   $ 308,688   $ 328,533  
    Average loans for the quarter **** $ 1,533,686   $ 1,547,246   $ 1,494,181  
    Average loans year-to-date **** $ 1,523,384   $ 1,519,951   $ 1,436,672  
    Average earning assets for the quarter $ 1,858,078   $ 1,874,669   $ 1,817,419  
    Average earning assets year-to-date $ 1,850,120   $ 1,847,468   $ 1,780,727  
    Average total assets for the quarter $ 2,107,357   $ 2,116,839   $ 2,062,267  
    Average total assets year-to-date $ 2,092,051   $ 2,086,951   $ 2,015,586  
    Average deposits for the quarter $ 1,671,653   $ 1,622,254   $ 1,626,598  
    Average deposits year-to-date $ 1,636,390   $ 1,624,636   $ 1,603,861  
    Average equity for the quarter $ 169,054   $ 165,162   $ 152,516  
    Average equity year-to-date $ 164,591   $ 163,106   $ 158,807  
           
           
           
    ** The tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing shareholders’ equity,
    less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by common shares outstanding.
    *** The tangible common equity to tangible assets is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing shareholders’
    equity, less goodwill and core deposit intangible, by total assets, less goodwill and core deposit intangible.
    **** Includes loans held for sale
    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures          
                 
    Core Efficiency Ratio   (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended   Years Ended
      December 31, September 30, December 31,   December 31,
      2024 2024 2023   2024 2023
    Calculation of Core Efficiency Ratio:            
    Noninterest expense $ 17,696   $ 17,270   $ 18,891     $ 69,306   $ 72,089  
    Intangible asset amortization   (337 )   (337 )   (386 )     (1,391 )   (1,587 )
    Core efficiency ratio numerator   17,359     16,933     18,505       67,915     70,502  
                 
    Net interest income   16,790     15,802     15,198       63,438     62,477  
    Noninterest income   4,572     4,983     5,812       17,776     22,722  
    Core efficiency ratio denominator   21,362     20,785     21,010       81,214     85,199  
                 
    Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)   81.26%   81.47%   88.08%     83.62%   82.75%
                 
    Tangible Book Value and Tangible Assets (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) December 31, September 30, December 31,
      2024 2024 2023
    Tangible Book Value:      
    Shareholders’ equity $ 174,765   $ 177,730   $ 169,273  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible, net   (39,239 )   (39,574 ) $ (40,620 )
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP) $ 135,526   $ 138,156   $ 128,653  
           
    Common shares outstanding at end of period   8,027,177     8,016,784     8,016,784  
           
    Common shareholders’ equity (book value) per share (GAAP) $ 21.77   $ 22.17   $ 21.11  
           
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity (tangible book value)      
    per share (non-GAAP) $ 16.88   $ 17.23   $ 16.05  
           
    Tangible Assets:      
    Total assets $ 2,103,090   $ 2,145,113   $ 2,075,666  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible, net   (39,239 )   (39,574 )   (40,620 )
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 2,063,851   $ 2,105,539   $ 2,035,046  
           
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets      
    (non-GAAP)   6.57%   6.56%   6.32%
           
    Contacts: Laura F. Clark, President and CEO
    (406) 457-4007
    Miranda J. Spaulding, SVP and CFO
    (406) 441-5010
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IPAA Announces Michael Hillebrand as New Board Chairman 

    Source: Independent Petroleum Association of America

    Headline: IPAA Announces Michael Hillebrand as New Board Chairman 

    Jan 28, 2025 IPAA Announces Michael Hillebrand as New Board Chairman 

    Posted at 09:53h in Press Releases by

    IPAA Board Appoints Hillebrand, Huntley & Huntley CEO, as Chairman for 2024-2026 Term 

    WASHINGTON – The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) board of directors are pleased to announce Michael “Mike” A. Hillebrand, the chief executive officer of Pennsylvania-based Huntley & Huntley, as board chairman for a two-year term through 2026. IPAA advocates for thousands of oil and natural gas producers that develop 90 percent of wells nationwide. The IPAA board approved Hillebrand at the association’s annual meeting in late fall, and Hillebrand officially assumed the role this month.

    “Mike brings fantastic business and technical expertise to the role of chairman, coupled with a passion for industry and association advocacy,” said Jeff Eshelman, IPAA president and chief executive officer. “Past-chairman Steve Pruett, the president and chief executive officer of Elevation Resources, has been invaluable in expanding IPAA’s reach in Texas and the Permian Basin. I look forward to working with Mike on deepening our roots and relationships in my home state of Pennsylvania and throughout the Appalachian Basin formations.”

    Hillebrand is a principal shareholder and chief executive officer of one of the world’s oldest and continuously existing oil and gas companies, Huntley & Huntley (founded in 1912), the founder, shareholder, and board member of its institutional joint venture, Olympus Energy, the fifth largest shale producer in southwestern Pennsylvania. Mr. Hillebrand has thirty-nine years of combined experience in both vertical and horizontal well drilling, completions, and operations, as well as all operating and financial aspects of oil and natural gas business development, assembly and acquisition, and marketing.

    He has played a key leadership role in securing over $1.1 billion of capital funding and/or commitments into several of Huntley’s affiliated companies. One of those companies, Olympus Energy, now operates nearly 100,000 acres and in one of SW Pennsylvania’s last undeveloped core Marcellus, deep Utica and Upper Devonian unconventional shale positions, now producing over 600 mmcf/d.

    Mr. Hillebrand is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. He is member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the current Chairman of the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA).

    For the full IPAA Board of Directors, visit https://www.ipaa.org/board-of-directors/

    ###

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Introduce Resolution Condemning Pardons of Individuals Found Guilty of Assaulting Capitol Police Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Resolution comes after Trump pardons 1,500 criminals convicted of violently assaulting police officers
    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced a new resolution condemning the pardons of individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers.
    The resolution follows the reckless action by President Trump, on the first day of his second term, to grant full, complete, and unconditional pardons to over 1,500 people charged, and in many cases already convicted and incarcerated, with committing crimes in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and to commute the sentences of 14 others, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, far-right militias. Among those pardoned by Trump were 169 people who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers on January 6th. During the siege of the Capitol that day, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as over 60 officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
    The senators’ resolution, condemning the pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers, simply states: “Resolved, That the Senate disapproves of any pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police officers.” This week, Senate Democrats will seek unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the resolution.
    “These criminals used flagpoles, fire extinguishers and bear spray to assault the police securing the Capitol on January 6. No one who assaults a police officer should be given a ‘get out of jail free card’ from the President,” said Heinrich.
    “What took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th is a stain on American history. The events of that have left a scar on many, including the law enforcement officers that defended the Capitol. President Trump’s pardons of violent criminals is a betrayal of the rule of law and our brave law enforcement officers,” said Luján. “I urge my Republican colleagues to join us in condemning this vicious attack on law enforcement and in showing the nation that political violence is unacceptable.”
    According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, approximately 1,572 defendants have been federally charged with crimes associated with the attack of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. This includes approximately 598 charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 171 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer. As proven in court, the weapons used and carried on the Capitol grounds during the January 6th attack include firearms; OC spray; tasers; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, such as destroyed office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping, and reinforced knuckle gloves.
    Among others, the individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers and were granted full, unconditional pardons by President Trump this week include:
    Rockne Gerald Earles, of Chama, N.M., who pled guilty last year to two felony assault charges on Capitol Police officers. In one attack, captured on video, Earles wrestled a police officer to the steps outside the Capitol Building. That officer was later hospitalized with a concussion and missed 45 days of work due to his injuries. Earlier this month, federal prosecutors recommended a sentence of 52 months in prison for Earles.
    Taylor James Johnatakis, of Kingston, Washington, was convicted of three felonies in November 2023, including assaulting officers. Prosecutors said that he “coordinated a violent assault on a line of police officers defending” the Capitol and that video shows he “used a metal barricade to attack officers head on and grabbed one officer to prevent him from defending himself against other attacking rioters.”
    Julian Khater, who assaulted a U.S. police office—Brian Sicknick—and later pled guilty to assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon.
    Robert Palmer, who attacked police with a fire extinguisher, a wooden plank, and a pole.
    Tyler Bradley Dykes of Bluffton, South Carolina, who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing a police riot shield and twice using it against officers. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers.
    Devlyn Thompson, who hit a police officer with a metal baton.
    Andrew Taake, of Houston, Texas, who was sentenced to a little more than six years for assaulting law enforcement officers with bear spray and a metal whip.
    Christopher Quaglin, who federal prosecutors said “viciously assaulted numerous officers” and was one of the most violent rioters, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
    David Dempsey, who, according to prosecutors, “was one of the most violent rioters,” and received 20 years in prison. Prosecutors also said Dempsey had a “very significant history of arrests and convictions” prior to the January 6th attack.
    Daniel Rodriguez, of Fontana, California, who plunged a stun gun into the neck of Washington Police Officer Michael Fanone multiple times.
    Ryan Nichols, of Longview, Texas, who assaulted officers with pepper spray, and later on Jan. 6, at his hotel room, he called for additional violence.
    Howard Richardson, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, who struck a police officer three times with a flagpole, hard enough to break the flagpole.
    Robert Sanford, from Chester, Pennsylvania, who hit two police officers in the head with a fire extinguisher and threw a traffic cone at another officer.
    Jonathan Munafo, of Albany, New York, who punched a police officer, stole the officer’s riot shield, and struck a Capitol office window with two poles.
    The resolution is led by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    The text of the resolution is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Writes Fox News Digital Op-ed Challenging Elon Musk to Cut $2 Trillion in Waste By Taking On Billionaires and Giant Corporations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    January 28, 2025
    “Here’s something President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and I agree on: the federal government throws away trillions of dollars on wasteful spending.”
    “Instead of cutting help for people who rely on Medicare, Social Security and the VA, let’s focus on the billionaires and billionaire corporations who are feasting off the American taxpayer.”
    Warren Op-Ed in Fox News Digital
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, published an op-ed outlining her recommendations for cutting government waste to make government more efficient and save taxpayers money. In a public letter last week, Warren proposed 30 recommendations for President Trump and Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, to cut at least $2 trillion in government waste over the next decade. 
    Musk has already walked back his goal of $2 trillion of cuts. Unlike the Republican plans, none of these recommendations would cut access to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and other programs that tens of millions of Americans count on–and instead focus on waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending. 
    Read the full op-ed here and below: 
    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Trump, Musk and I agree on something important. And I’ve got 30 ways to get it doneJanuary 28, 2025
    Here’s something President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and I agree on: the federal government throws away trillions of dollars on wasteful spending. I have spent years trying to squeeze government waste out of our budget, and I’m ready to work with Musk to make government more efficient and save taxpayers money. But here’s the thing: we need to focus in the right place. Instead of cutting help for people who rely on Medicare, Social Security and the VA, let’s focus on the billionaires and billionaire corporations who are feasting off the American taxpayer.
    After promising his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would cut $2 trillion in government waste, Musk’s ambition is rapidly shrinking. Within weeks, he cut his goal in half to $1 trillion– all before he’s actually cut a single dollar. I don’t want Musk to fold so quickly. I crunched the numbers and found $2 trillion that we could cut over the next 10 years by focusing on the guys who are getting rich off our government. Last week, I sent Musk my blueprint to do just that. 
    Congressional Republicans’ initial plans call for cuts to government programs that millions of Americans rely on to pay their bills each month – things like Social Security, money to cover nursing home costs, and help buying private health insurance. Scrapping essential services is not efficiency; it is cold-hearted cruelty. Tossing old folks out of nursing homes or telling people that their insurance has been cancelled won’t save money; it just makes lives tougher for the families that struggle to pick up the slack. If Musk and the Republicans take that route, it will be a disaster for working people and I will fight back.
    But we don’t have to cut the programs Americans rely on. We can eliminate at least $2 trillion of government waste over the next decade without cutting programs that help our grandparents, our veterans, and our children. In fact, I have 30 specific proposals to do just that. I’ll share a few of them now, but you can read all about them in my letter to Musk here.
    Here are a few examples of government waste we could start with. First, we could negotiate better contracts for the Department of Defense. In 2023, the DoD spent $440.7 billion on contracts – and giant contractors overcharge us on nearly everything. The Air Force pays over 7,500% more on soap dispensers than regular Americans do. The Army pays $71 for pins that should cost less than a nickel. Spending is so out of control at DoD that it is the only agency in government that cannot pass a simple audit. American taxpayers are sick of getting scammed by overpaid military contractors. My recommendations on Defense spending alone would save nearly $200 billion in the next 12 years. 
    Taxpayers are also getting swindled by for-profit health insurance companies. Right now, about half of all seniors have been lured into a privatized Medicare program called Medicare Advantage. This program was started to lower costs for seniors, but over time the insurers figured out how to boost their profits by manipulating claims and denying coverage. It’s so bad now that the non-partisan Medicare Payment Advisory Commission estimates that privatized Medicare insurers overcharged taxpayers by nearly $83 billion in 2024 alone, while other independent researchers put the dollar figure at $140 billion. Rooting out their dirty tactics could save more than a trillion dollars over ten years without cutting Medicare benefits by one penny.
    Cracking down on health care profiteering isn’t a partisan issue. I’ve partnered with Republican Josh Hawley of Missouri to claw back billions more from corporations that are cheating the government on health care costs. He’s not the only Republican who agrees that we need to stop corporations from overcharging taxpayers for lifesaving medications: President Trump has voiced support for another one of my proposals to cut wasteful spending, Medicare price negotiations. By expanding this program to bring the prices down for the most expensive drugs covered by Medicare, the government could save taxpayers another $200 billion over the next decade.
    We can bring down the deficit by cutting spending, but we can also improve our financial position by making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share. Hedge funds and private equity companies use loopholes to avoid paying anywhere between $1.4 billion and $18 billion each year – that’s an easy fix. By closing just one big estate tax exemption loophole abused by the ultra-rich, the US government could save another $60 billion per year. We should close those loopholes – and fully fund the IRS to catch wealthy tax cheats who think they’re above the law.  
    My list of cuts and loophole closers will save $2 trillion. So where are Elon Musk, Donald Trump and the DOGE project? Why give up so quickly on beating back the defense contractors, health insurance giants, and other huge companies that are ripping off the American people? If Musk and Trump have the courage to cut this waste, I’ve got a plan and 30 specific recommendations to get it done.
    Democrat Elizabeth Warren represents Massachusetts in the United States Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump 2.0: the rise of an ‘anti-elite’ elite in US politics

    Source: The Conversation – France – By William Genieys, Directeur de recherche CNRS au CEE, Sciences Po

    US president Donald Trump is surrounded by a new cohort of politicians and officials. While one of his campaign promises was to overthrow the “corrupt elites” he accuses of flooding the American political arena, his second term in office has elevated elites chosen, above all, for their political loyalty to him.

    The media’s focus on Trump’s comments on making Canada the 51st US state and annexing Greenland and billionaire Elon Musk’s support for some far-right parties in Europe has obscured the ambitious programme to transform the federal government that the new political elite intends to implement.

    In the wake of Trump’s inauguration on January 20, the Republican elites most loyal to the MAGA (“Make America Great Again”) leader, who staunchly oppose Democratic elites and their policies, are operating amid their party’s control over the executive and legislative branches (at least until the midterm elections in 2026), a conservative-dominated Supreme Court that includes three Trump-appointed justices, and a federal judiciary that shifted right during his first term.

    However, the political project of the Trumpist camp consists less of challenging elitism in general than attacking a specific elite: one particular to liberal democracies.

    Castigating democratic elitism

    Typical anti-elite political propaganda, along the lines of “I speak for you, the people, against the elites who betray and deceive you,” claims that a populist leader would be able to exercise power for and on behalf of the people without the mediation of an elite disconnected from their needs.

    Political theorist John Higley sees behind this form of anti-elite discourse an association between so-called “forceful leaders” and “leonine elites” (who take advantage of the former and their political success): a phenomenon that threatens the future of Western democracies.

    Since the Second World War, there has been a consensus in US politics on the idea of democratic elitism. According to this principle, elitist mediation is inevitable in mass democracies and must be based on two criteria: respect for the results of elections (which must be free and competitive); and the relative autonomy of political institutions.

    The challenge to this consensus has been growing since the 1990s with the increased polarization of American politics. It gained new momentum during and after the 2016 presidential campaign, which was marked by anti-elite rhetoric from both Republicans and Democrats (such as senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren). At the heart of some of their diatribes was an aversion to “the Establishment” on the east and west coasts of the United States, where many prestigious financial, political and academic institutions are based, and the conspiracy notion of the “deep state”.

    The re-election of Trump, who has never admitted defeat in the 2020 presidential vote, growing political hostility and the direct involvement of tech tycoons in political communication –especially on the Republican side– further reinforce the denial of democratic elitism.

    Trump’s populism from above: a revolt of the elites

    The idea that democracy could be betrayed by “the revolt of the elites”, put forward by the US historian Christopher Lasch (1932-1994), is not new. For the anthropologist Arjun Appadurai, it is a particular feature of contemporary populism, which comes “from above.” Indeed, if the 20th century was the era of the “revolt of the masses”, the 21st century, according to Appadurai, “is characterized by the ‘revolt of the elites’.” This would explain the rise of populist autocracies (such as those currently led by Viktor Orban in Hungary, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey and Narendra Modi in India, and formerly led by Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil), but also the election successes of populist leaders in consolidated democracies (including those of Trump in the US, Giorgia Meloni in Italy, and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, for example).

    As Appadurai explains, the success of Trumpian populism, which represents a revolt by ordinary Americans against the elites, casts a veil over the fact that, following Trump’s victory in November, “it is a new elite that has ousted from power the despised Democratic elite that had occupied the White House for nearly four years.”

    The aim of this “alter elite” is to replace the “regular” Democrat elites, but also the moderate Republicans, by deeply discrediting their values (such as liberalism and so-called “wokeism”) and their supposedly corrupt political practices. As a result, this populism “from above” carried out by the President’s supporters constitutes an alternative elite configuration, the effects of which on American democratic life could be more significant than those observed during Trump’s first term.

    Beyond the idea of a ‘Muskoligarchy’

    The idea that we are witnessing the formation of a “Muskoligarchy” –in other words, an economic elite (including tech barons such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Marc Andreessen) rallying around the figurehead of Elon Musk, whom Trump asked to lead what the president has called a “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) –is seductive. It perfectly combines the vision of an alliance between a “conspiratorial, coherent, conscious” ruling class and an oligarchy made up of the “ultra-rich”. For the Financial Times columnist Martin Wolf, it is even a sign of the development of “pluto-populism”. (It is also worth noting that former president Joe Biden, in his farewell speech, referred to “an oligarchy… of extreme wealth” and “the potential rise of a tech-industrial complex.”)

    However, some observers are cautious about the advent of a “Muskoligarchy.” They point to the sociological eclecticism of the new Trumpian elite, whose facade of unity is held together above all by a political loyalty, for the time being unfailing, to the MAGA leader. The fact remains, however, that the various factions of this new “anti-elite” elite are converging around a common agenda: to rid the federal government of the supposed stranglehold of Democratic “insiders.”

    An ‘anti-elite’ elite against the ‘deep state’

    In his presidential inauguration speech in 1981, Ronald Reagan said: “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” The anti-elitism of the Trump elite is inspired by this diagnosis, and defends a simple political programme: rid democracy of the “deep state.”


    Although the idea that the US is “beleaguered” by an “unelected and unaccountable elite” and “insiders” who subvert the general interest has been shown to be unfounded, it is nonetheless predominant in the new Trump Administration.

    This conspiracy theory has been taken to the extreme by Kash Patel, the candidate being considered to head the FBI. In his book, Government Gangsters, a veritable manifesto against the federal administration, the former lawyer writes about the need to resort to “purges” in order to bring elite Democrats to justice. He lists around 60 people, including Biden, ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton and ex-vice president Kamala Harris.

    Government Gangsters, Kash Patel’s controversial book.
    Google Books

    The appointment of Russell Vought as head of the Office of Management and Budget at the White House, a person who is known for having sought to obstruct the transition to the Biden Administration in 2021, also highlights the hard turn that the Trump administration is likely to take.

    Reshaping the state around political loyalty

    To “deconstruct the administrative state”, the “anti-elite” elites are relying on Project 2025, a 900-plus page programme report that the conservative think-tank The Heritage Foundation, which published it, says was produced by “more than 400 scholars and policy experts.” According to former Project 2025 director Paul Dans, “never before has the entire movement… banded together to construct a comprehensive plan” for this purpose. On this basis, the “anti-elite” elite want to impose loyalty to Project 2025 on federal civil servants.

    But this idea is not new. At the end of his first term, Trump issued an executive order facilitating the dismissal of statutory federal civil servants occupying “policy-related positions” and considered to be “disloyal”. The decree was rescinded by president Biden, but Trump on his first day back in office signed an executive order that seeks to void Biden’s rescindment. As President, Trump is also able to allocate senior positions within the federal administration to his supporters.

    The “anti-elite” elite not only want to reduce the size of the state, as was the case under Reagan’s “neoliberalism”, but to deconstruct and rebuild it in their own image. Their real aim is a more lasting victory: the transformation of democratic elitism into populist elitism.

    Les auteurs ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Trump 2.0: the rise of an ‘anti-elite’ elite in US politics – https://theconversation.com/trump-2-0-the-rise-of-an-anti-elite-elite-in-us-politics-248180

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Engineering the social: Students in this course use systems thinking to help solve human rights, disease and homelessness

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Raúl Ordóñez, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Dayton

    An engineering education can equip students to work on broader social issues. Photosomnia/E+ via Getty Images

    Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching.

    Title of course:

    Engineering Systems for the Common Good

    What prompted the idea for the course?

    As a control systems researcher, I have long felt that control systems – and systems science in general – have much to contribute to solving social problems.

    Control systems make other systems behave in some desired manner. Think of the cruise control in a car, which keeps its speed constant, or the thermostat in a house that regulates temperature.

    I wanted to know whether engineers could treat society and social phenomena as systems in the engineering sense. That way, students and researchers could mathematically model and even simulate these phenomena using computers.

    Control systems engineering offers a set of powerful analysis and design tools. I wanted to know whether my students and I could apply these methods to things such as policymaking to help address societal problems.

    What does the course explore?

    In this course, students learn fundamental systems theory concepts, such as block diagrams, feedback loops and discrete-time dynamics. They apply these concepts to mathematically model and analyze social systems.

    In the class, I talk with the students about human rights. We think about how this powerful idea applies to social systems. This systems framework helps us approach social justice issues in a methodical, mathematical manner.

    In Raúl Ordóñez’s class at the University of Dayton, students take engineering concepts and apply them to societal issues.
    Shawn Robinson/University of Dayton

    Students use simulation software to model systems such as disease epidemics, the viral spread of ideas, the tragedy of the commons and homelessness, among others.

    Importantly, they learn that some social phenomena can be methodically studied and engineered, in a quantifiable manner. For example, they can use numbers and data to experiment and evaluate how introducing vaccines affects disease spread.

    By the end of the course, students gain a deeper understanding of the connection between engineering principles and tools and human rights and society.

    Why is this course relevant now?

    This course helps bridge the gap between engineering and social sciences by bringing concepts from human rights and social justice to engineering students. It teaches them how the powerful engineering tools they learn throughout the engineering curriculum can directly serve the common good.

    What’s a critical lesson from the course?

    The course is a concrete step toward teaching engineering and science students that engineering has more to offer to society than its direct applications. Students learn that a partnership between the humanities and engineering is not only possible but strongly desirable for the advancement of the common good.

    What materials does the course feature?

    There is no one textbook that deals with all the topics in this course, although the book “Humanitarian Engineering: Advancing Technology for Sustainable Development,” third edition, by Kevin M. Passino, is a very useful resource. I have mostly developed my own materials, including my set of lecture notes, projects and numerical simulation code.

    Many engineers use tools in engineering to help people and communities.

    What will the course prepare students to do?

    The course aims to prepare students to apply common engineering tools such as differential equations, signals and systems, systems analysis, mathematical models and numerical simulation to the analysis of social problems, with an emphasis on human rights implications.

    It also introduces social modeling as a powerful method for understanding social issues and assessing how various policies affect human rights.

    My goal is to produce engineering students who can meaningfully contribute to policymaking by using engineering tools to assess the consequences of social and economic policies.

    Dr. Kevin M. Passino was my doctoral research adviser at the Ohio State University, where I did my PhD.

    – ref. Engineering the social: Students in this course use systems thinking to help solve human rights, disease and homelessness – https://theconversation.com/engineering-the-social-students-in-this-course-use-systems-thinking-to-help-solve-human-rights-disease-and-homelessness-242893

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nutrition advice is rife with misinformation − a medical education specialist explains how to tell valid health information from pseudoscience

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Aimee Pugh Bernard, Assistant Professor of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

    If a health claim about a dietary intervention sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
     Mizina/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated a vast landscape of misinformation about many topics, science and health chief among them.

    Since then, information overload continues unabated, and many people are rightfully confused by an onslaught of conflicting health information. Even expert advice is often contradictory.

    On top of that, people sometimes deliberately distort research findings to promote a certain agenda. For example, trisodium phosphate is a common food additive in cakes and cookies that is used to improve texture and prevent spoilage, but wellness influencers exploit the fact that a similarly named substance is used in paint and cleaning products to suggest it’s dangerous to your health.

    Such claims can proliferate quickly, creating widespread misconceptions and undermining trust in legitimate scientific research and medical advice. Social media’s rise as a news and information source further fuels the spread of pseudoscientific views.

    Misinformation is rampant in the realm of health and nutrition. Findings from nutrition research is rarely clear-cut because diet is just one of many behaviors and lifestyle factors affecting health, but the simplicity of using food and supplements as a cure-all is especially seductive.

    I am an assistant professor specializing in medical education and science communication. I also train scientists and future health care professionals how to communicate their science to the general public.

    In my view, countering the voices of social media influencers and health activists promoting pseudoscientific health claims requires leaning into the science of disease prevention. Extensive research has produced a body of evidence-based practices and public health measures that have consistently been shown to improve the health of millions of people around the world. Evaluating popular health claims against the yardstick of this work can help distinguish which ones are based on sound science.

    To parse pseudoscientific claims from sound advice about health and nutrition, it’s crucial to evaluate the information’s source.
    tadamichi/Getty Images

    Navigating the terrain of tangled information

    Conflicting information can be found on just about everything we eat and drink.

    That’s because a food or beverage is rarely just good or bad. Instead, its health effects can depend on everything from the quantity a person consumes to their genetic makeup. Hundreds of scientific studies describe coffee’s health benefits and, on the flip side, its health risks. A bird’s-eye view can point in one direction or another, but news articles and social media posts often make claims based on a single study.

    Things can get even more confusing with dietary supplements because people who promote them often make big claims about their health benefits. Take apple cider vinegar, for example – or ACV, if you’re in the know.

    Apple cider vinegar has been touted as an all-natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, urinary health and weight management. Indeed, some studies have shown that it might help lower cholesterol, in addition to having other health benefits, but overall those studies have small sample sizes and are inconclusive.

    Advocates of this substance often claim that one particular component of it – the cloudy sediment at the bottom of the bottle termed “the mother” – is especially beneficial because of the bacteria and yeast it contains. But there is no research that backs the claim that it offers any health benefits.

    One good rule of thumb is that health hacks that promise quick fixes are almost always too good to be true. And even when supplements do offer some health benefits under specific circumstances, it’s important to remember that they are largely exempt from Food and Drug Administration regulations. That means the ingredients on their labels might contain more or less of the ingredients promised or other ingredients not listed, which can potentially cause harms such as liver toxicity.

    It’s also important to keep in mind that the global dietary supplements industry is worth more than US$150 billion per year, so companies – and wellness influencers – selling supplements have a financial stake in convincing the public of their value.

    Misinformation about nutrition is nothing new, but that doesn’t make it any less confusing.

    How nutrition science gets twisted

    There’s no doubt that good nutrition is fundamental for your health. Studies consistently show that a balanced diet containing a variety of essential nutrients can help prevent chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.

    For instance, minerals such as calcium and iron support bone health and oxygen circulation in the blood, respectively. Proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth, and healthy fats, like those found in avocados and nuts, are vital for brain health.

    However, pseudoscientific claims often twist such basic facts to promote the idea that specific diets or supplements can prevent or treat illness. For example, vitamin C is known to play a role in supporting the immune system and can help reduce the duration and severity of colds.

    But despite assertions to the contrary, consuming large quantities of vitamin C does not prevent colds. In fact, the body needs only a certain amount of vitamin C to function properly, and any excess is simply excreted.

    Companies sometimes claim their supplement is “scientifically proven” to cure illness or boost brain function, with no credible research to back it up.

    Some companies overstate the benefits while underplaying the hazards.

    For example, wellness influencers have promoted raw milk over pasteurized milk as a more natural and nutritious choice, but consuming it is risky. Unpasteurized milk can contain harmful bacteria that leads to gastrointestinal illness and, in some cases, much more serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as avian influenza, or bird flu.

    Such dietary myths aren’t harmless. Reliance on nutrition alone can lead to neglecting other critical aspects of health, such as regular medical checkups and lifesaving vaccinations.

    The lure of dietary myths has led people with cancer to replace proven science-backed treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, with unproven and misleading nutrition programs.

    How to spot less-than-solid science

    Pseudoscience exploits your insecurities and emotions, taking advantage of your desire to live the healthiest life possible.

    While the world around you may be uncertain and out of your control, you want to believe that at the very least, you have control over your own health. This is where the wellness industry steps in.

    What makes pseudoscientific claims so confusing is that they use just enough scientific jargon to sound believable. Supplements or powders that claim to “boost immunity” often list ingredients such as adaptogens and superfoods. While these words sound real and convincing, they actually don’t mean anything in science. They are terms created by the wellness industry to sell products.

    I’ve researched and written about reliable ways to distinguish science facts from false health claims. To stay alert and find credible information, I’d suggest you follow a few key steps.

    First, check your emotions – strong emotional reactions, such as fear and anger, can be a red flag.

    Next, check that the author has experience or expertise in the field of the topic. If they’re not an expert, they might not know what they are talking about. It’s always a good idea to make sure the source is reputable – ask yourself, would this source be trusted by scientists?

    Finally, search for references that back up the information. If very little or nothing else exists in the science world to back up the claims, you may want to put your trust in a different source.

    Following these steps will separate the facts from fake news and empower you to make evidence-based decisions.

    Aimee Pugh Bernard is an unpaid board member for Immunize Colorado

    – ref. Nutrition advice is rife with misinformation − a medical education specialist explains how to tell valid health information from pseudoscience – https://theconversation.com/nutrition-advice-is-rife-with-misinformation-a-medical-education-specialist-explains-how-to-tell-valid-health-information-from-pseudoscience-246478

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Getting mail to your door is just one part of what the postmaster general does

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jena Martin, Professor of Law, St. Mary’s University

    Postal workers sort through mail and packages. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

    The postmaster general is responsible for getting billions of pieces of mail across the globe, managing hundreds of thousands of employees and caring for some of the country’s most vulnerable Americans.

    The agency is currently run by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who served in President Donald Trump’s first administration and during President Joe Biden’s term as well. He is one of the few key advisers to serve in both Trump administrations.

    I’m a law professor who has studied the United States Postal Service and the role of the postmaster general.

    Here’s what having the job of overseeing the Postal Service entails. Spoiler: It’s about more than getting your mail delivered.

    Sprawling duties of the postmaster

    The postmaster general overseas a vast operation.

    Over 44% of the world’s mail is processed and delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, making it the largest delivery service in the world.

    In 2023 alone, the Postal Service handled 116.2 billion pieces of mail. And while processing and delivering mail is the key component of the Postal Service’s mission, it has other responsibilities as well.

    In many ways, in fact, it’s the nondelivery parts of the organization that have the biggest impact on the U.S. economy.

    In 2023, USPS owned or leased 22,873 properties around the country. To place this in perspective, the General Services Administration – known as “America’s landlord” – owns or leases only 8,800 properties.

    The agency also paid US$2 billion in salary and benefits to its 525,469 career employees and processed more than 8.5 million passport applications.

    Finally, USPS has a mandate that supports the health of many Americans. The service’s “last mile” delivery commitment ensures that all Americans – even those living in rural communities – receive mail delivery six days a week. This is particularly important for people without easy access to medical services, as it often provides lifesaving medications to people in need.

    Those are all official duties. Unofficially, the Postal Service has long been known to assist elderly citizens and respond to emergency situations that occur on letter carriers’ routes. In early January 2025, for example, a Massachusetts mail carrier was able to save a house from burning by quickly extinguishing a fire.

    As my co-author Matt Titolo and I have written elsewhere, “Americans depend on USPS for a host of essential services including food, medicine, paying bills, shopping, and running small businesses.”

    Deep roots in US history

    That deep connection with communities has been a part of USPS since its founding. In fact, the postal system is older than the nation itself, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the first head of the organization beginning in 1775.

    When the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1789, it included Article 1, Section 8 – generally known as the postal clause – which explicitly gives Congress the power “to establish Post Offices and post Roads” and “to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper” to implement the task.

    A faded postcard sent in 1912.
    Jena Ardell via GettyImages

    Until 1971 the postmaster general was a Cabinet-level position and fifth in the presidential line of succession – coming right after the attorney general and right before the secretary of the Interior. The postmaster general was removed from the Cabinet, and the line of succession, in 1971 when Congress reorganized the Post Office and gave it its new name of the U.S. Postal Service.

    Since that reorganization, the president no longer has the power to appoint – or fire – the postmaster general. That power lies with the Board of Governors of the Postal Service, whose members are appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate.

    The future of the Postal Service

    Over the years, postmaster generals have discussed moving USPS away from its roots as a service-oriented organization and toward a typical business operation. Presidential candidates, including Trump, have called for either full or partial privatization of the agency.

    Indeed, USPS faces continuous deficit problems. But privatization and a resulting focus on profits would likely increase the cost of mailing a letter, a change that would disproportionately affect low-income individuals and small businesses – and could even result in service cuts to rural areas, making life for Americans living there harder and less healthy.

    As Forbes reports, critics and proponents of the move to privatize acknowledge it could result in “fewer days of mail services, longer mail delivery timelines or less access to USPS services.”

    This story is part of a series of profiles of Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

    Prof. Martin’s husband has been employed with the Postal Service for the last twenty-nine years.

    – ref. Getting mail to your door is just one part of what the postmaster general does – https://theconversation.com/getting-mail-to-your-door-is-just-one-part-of-what-the-postmaster-general-does-246861

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Medical research depends on government money – even a day’s delay in the intricate funding process throws science off-kilter

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Aliasger K. Salem, Associate Vice President for Research and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iowa

    Of the tens of thousands of grant applications submitted to the National Institutes of Health, only around 1 in 5 is funded. Sean Gladwell/Moment via Getty Images

    In the early days of the second Trump administration, a directive to pause all public communication from the Department of Health and Human Services created uncertainty and anxiety among biomedical researchers in the U.S. This directive halted key operations of numerous federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health, including those critical to advancing science and medicine.

    These operations included a hiring freeze, travel bans and a pause on publishing regulations, guidance documents and other communications. The directive also suspended the grant review panels that determine which research projects receive funding.

    As a result of these disruptions, NIH staff has reported being unable to meet with study participants or recruit patients into clinical trials, delays submitting research findings to science journals, and rescinded job offers.

    Shorter communication freezes in the first few days of a new administration aren’t uncommon. But the consequences of a freeze lasting weeks or potentially longer underscore the critical role the federal government plays in supporting biomedical research. It also brings the intricate processes through which federal research grants are evaluated and awarded into the spotlight.

    I am a member of a federal research grant review panel, as well as a scientist whose own projects have undergone this review process. My experience with the NIH has shown me that these panels come to a decision on the best science to fund through rigorous review and careful vetting.

    How NIH study sections work

    At the heart of the NIH’s mission to advance biomedical research is a careful and transparent peer review process. Key to this process are study sections – panels of scientists and subject matter experts tasked with evaluating grant applications for scientific and technical merit. Study sections are overseen by the Center for Scientific Review, the NIH’s portal for all incoming grant proposals.

    A typical study section consists of dozens of reviewers selected based on their expertise in relevant fields and with careful screening for any conflicts of interest. These scientists are a mix of permanent members and temporary participants.

    I have had the privilege of serving as a permanent chartered member of an NIH study section for several years. This role requires a commitment of four to six years and provides an in-depth understanding of the peer review process. Despite media reports and social media posts indicating that many other panels have been canceled, a section meeting I have scheduled in February 2025 is currently proceeding as planned.

    Evaluating projects for their scientific merit and potential impact is an involved process.
    Center for Scientific Review

    Reviewers analyze applications using key criteria, including the significance and innovation of the research, the qualifications and training of the investigators, the feasibility and rigor of the study design, and the environment the work will be conducted in. Each criterion is scored and combined into an overall impact score. Applications with the highest scores are sent to the next stage, where reviewers meet to discuss and assign final rankings.

    Because no system is perfect, the NIH is constantly reevaluating its review process for potential improvements. For example, in a change that was proposed in 2024, new submissions from Jan. 25, 2025, onward will be reviewed using an updated scoring system that does not rate the investigator and environment but takes these criteria into account in the overall impact score. This change improves the process by increasing the focus of the review on the quality and impact of the science.

    From review to award

    Following peer review, applications are passed to the NIH’s funding institutes and centers, such as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases or the National Cancer Institute, where program officials assess the applications’ alignment with the priorities and budgets of institutes’ relevant research programs.

    A second tier of review is conducted by advisory councils composed of scientists, clinicians and public representatives. In my experience, study section scores and comments typically carry the greatest weight. Public health needs, policy directives and ensuring that one type of research is not overrepresented relative to other areas are also considered in funding decisions. These factors can change with shifts in administrative priorities.

    Grant awards are typically announced several months after the review process, although administrative freezes or budgetary uncertainties can extend this timeline. Last year, approximately US$40 billion was awarded for biomedical research, largely through almost 50,000 competitive grants to more than 300,000 researchers at over 2,500 universities, medical schools and other research institutions across the U.S.

    Getting federal funding for research is a highly competitive process. On average, only 1 in 5 grant applications is funded.

    Medical research often follows a strict timeline.
    gorodenkoff/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Consequences of an administrative freeze

    The Trump administration’s initial freeze paused some of the steps in the federal research grant review process. Some study section meetings have been postponed indefinitely, and program officials faced delays in processing applications. Some research groups relying on NIH funding for ongoing projects can face cash flow challenges, potentially resulting in a need to scale back research activities or temporarily reassign staff.

    Because my own study section meeting is still scheduled to take place in February, I believe these pauses are temporary. This is consistent with a recent follow-up memo from acting HHS Secretary Dorothy Fink, stating that the directive would be in effect through Feb. 1.

    Importantly, the pause underscores the fragility of the research funding pipeline and the cascading effects of administrative uncertainty. Early-career scientists who often rely on timely grant awards to establish their labs are particularly vulnerable, heightening concerns about workforce sustainability in biomedical research.

    As the NIH and research community navigate these pauses, this chapter serves as a reminder of the critical importance of stable and predictable funding systems. Biomedical research in the U.S. has historically maintained bipartisan support. Protecting the NIH’s mission of advancing human health from political or administrative turbulence is critical to ensure that the pursuit of scientific innovation and public health remains uncompromised.

    Aliasger K. Salem receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. He serves on the Executive Board of the American Association for Pharmaceutical Scientists.

    – ref. Medical research depends on government money – even a day’s delay in the intricate funding process throws science off-kilter – https://theconversation.com/medical-research-depends-on-government-money-even-a-days-delay-in-the-intricate-funding-process-throws-science-off-kilter-248290

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Competitiveness Compass: Europe is shifting gears and seizing opportunities

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    Europe must shift gears, seize every opportunity, and stand united to secure its place in the global economy.

    Discover how the Competitiveness Compass charts the way to a stronger, more innovative, and cohesive Europe.

    To find our more about the Competitiveness Compass, follow this link: https://europa.eu/!hktDFx
    You may need to copy and paste the link in a new browser window.

    #europeancommission #europeanunion

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MNDcK89WWA

    MIL OSI Video –