Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ’s over-reliance on roads for freight means natural disasters hit even harder. But there is a fix

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cécile L’Hermitte, Senior Lecturer in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, University of Waikato

    In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, the driving time between Napier and Wairoa stretched from 90 minutes to over six hours, causing major supply chain delays. Retail prices rose and shoppers faced empty shelves.

    Natural hazards such as earthquakes and flooding can wreak havoc on Aotearoa New Zealand’s freight system. These crises can cause extensive road damage, isolating communities and creating disruptions in supply chain operations.

    Cyclone Gabrielle was by no means a one-off. The 2021 flooding in Canterbury, for example, forced trucks to travel nearly 900 extra kilometres between Christchurch and Timaru, extending the travel time from two to 13 hours.

    Severe weather events, the pandemic and the ongoing dispute about replacing the Cook Strait ferries have made the fragility of the freight system more apparent than ever.

    To be fair, natural hazards are beyond our control. But resilience can be increased. Our new research identified the main vulnerabilities in the country’s freight system and analysed the factors leading to post-disaster disruptions and shortages on shelves.

    The key to reducing freight disruptions, we found, is embracing and investing in the different ways goods can be moved around the country. In particular, using the thousands of kilometres of coastline offers another way to get items from one region to another.

    Rather than relying almost exclusively on the road network to move products, the government should invest in shipping infrastructure.
    Rachel Moon/Shutterstock

    Over-reliance on roads

    New Zealand’s freight system is heavily reliant on roads, with trucks carrying close to 93% of the domestic freight tonnage.

    But as they are currently organised, other potentially useful forms of transport such as rail and coastal shipping are not great alternatives. Non-road options run on timetables, for example, resulting in longer transit times.

    And unlike road transport, which can move products directly between two points, rail and coastal shipping require multiple points of contact from where the goods are produced through to where they are sold.

    As a result, when a disaster hits, alternative road routes are typically used to maintain freight deliveries. The limited alternatives in the road network and the lack of roads that can withstand heavy freight can cause problems for trucking companies. Both travel distances and transit times can increase.

    When this happens, more trucks and drivers are needed, but these are already in short supply. The transport industry has been struggling to fill positions, with an estimated shortfall of thousands of drivers across the country.

    This is compounded by the shortage of trucks, particularly specialised vehicles such as refrigerated units, which are essential for transporting perishable goods.

    NZ’s long coastlines offer options

    Government policy has a key role to play in addressing these problems and the lack of resilience in the national infrastructure system. In a country with long coastlines, reducing reliance on road transport and developing coastal shipping should be considered.

    By shifting a portion of freight to coastal shipping, the demand for trucks and drivers can be reduced. This would also ensure reliable freight movements between the North and the South Islands when the ferry services are disrupted.

    Finally, investing in coastal shipping would create a more flexible and resilient transport system where goods can shift rapidly from road to sea after a disaster.

    Achieving this would require infrastructure improvements at our domestic seaports and additional vessels to increase the frequency of service. There would also need to be operational integration between road, rail and sea, with synchronised timetables for shorter transit times.

    There will inevitably be another natural disaster that disrupts the freight system, causing delays, empty shelves and increased prices. Diversifying the transport options would increase resilience and keep those goods moving.

    Cécile L’Hermitte receives funding from Te Hiranga Rū QuakeCoRE, a Centre for Research Excellence funded by the New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission.

    ref. NZ’s over-reliance on roads for freight means natural disasters hit even harder. But there is a fix – https://theconversation.com/nzs-over-reliance-on-roads-for-freight-means-natural-disasters-hit-even-harder-but-there-is-a-fix-253008

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Youths charged in relation to deliberately lit fires in Claremont

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Youths charged in relation to deliberately lit fires in Claremont

    Thursday, 17 April 2025 – 11:15 am.

    Police have charged a 17-year-old from Bridgewater, and a 16-year-old from Herdsmans Cove, in relation to deliberately lit fires in Claremont on 10 March.  
    Police will allege the youths deliberately lit fires which damaged recycling facilities at Claremont Plaza, and the door of a Claremont hall.  
    They were bailed to appear before the Youth Justice Court at a later date.  
    Police thank members of the community for the witness information provided which assisted the investigations. 

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW: Trump Admin Withholding Nearly $1 Billion in Funding for Head Start—Crunching Centers Nationwide and Forcing Devastating Closures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – As President Trump finalizes his proposal to eliminate Head Start, shutters half of the regional offices running the program, and fires scores of staff who ensure Head Start centers can serve kids and families—new data shows his administration has issued nearly $1 billion less in federal grants to Head Start centers nationwide so far this year compared to the same period last year (a steep -37% decline year-over-year).

    The Trump administration’s withholding of nearly $1 billion in Head Start funding is impacting Head Start centers nationwide—already forcing center closures, which hurt families and teachers, and risking many more. Just this week, news broke that a Head Start program in Lower Yakima Valley, Washington state, is indefinitely closing—impacting more than 400 young children and 70 staff—because it has not yet received the Head Start award it typically receives and depends on from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

    In response, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), said:

    “As he works to give more tax breaks to billionaires like himself, Donald Trump is doing everything he can to destroy Head Start—without a care in the world for the hundreds of thousands of working families across the country who depend on it.

    “So far this year, Trump has slow-walked $1 billion in funding from going out the door to Head Start programs, and we are beginning to see the devastating consequences: centers closing, kids kicked out of the classroom, teachers losing their jobs, and entire communities losing out. In Washington state, hundreds of kids will be kicked out of Head Start programs—sending their parents scrambling—if this isn’t immediately rectified.

    “But Trump isn’t content to simply hold up funding for Head Start—he wants to eliminate the program altogether and rip pre-K and essential support away from families nationwide. Democrats won’t let a proposal like that go anywhere in Congress—but make no mistake: Trump is already doing all he can to wreck the program on his own, withholding funding and shuttering the offices and firing the people who get local Head Start centers what they need to serve families. Now, we’re seeing the ruinous consequences. I’m going to keep fighting back with all I’ve got—because we’ve got to keep mobilizing and opposing this administration’s cruel agenda to help billionaires and hurt working families.”

    Head Start programs’ grants are generally renewed at the same time each year, and Head Start programs depend on these strict funding cycles to continue serving kids and families. In fiscal years 2024 and 2025, Head Start has been funded at $12.27 billion. In 2024, $2.548 billion in Head Start funding went out from the start of the year through April 15. But during the same period this year, only $1.604 billion has so far gone out—a $943 million, or -37%, decline. Any delays in funding going out the door can have devastating consequences for Head Start programs.

    A state-by-state breakdown of the Head Start funding being slow-walked by the Trump administration is below:

    State Head Start Funding Disbursed
    1/1/24 – 4/15/24
    Head Start Funding Disbursed
    1/1/25 – 4/15/25
    Delta
    AK $14,132,700 $5,956,913 -$8,175,787
    AL $29,096,748 $32,472,362 $3,375,614
    AR $28,933,943 $26,312,413 -$2,621,530
    AZ $38,906,843 $20,426,555 -$18,480,288
    CA $254,342,881 $125,679,575 -$128,663,306
    CO $45,394,001 $14,954,520 -$30,439,481
    CT $30,961,127 $17,957,670 -$13,003,457
    DC $3,143,844 $3,150,870 $7,026
    DE $1,833,375 $2,247,984 $414,609
    FL $151,861,319 $113,491,955 -$38,369,364
    GA $85,763,676 $56,505,581 -$29,258,095
    HI $16,041,208 $8,151,946 -$7,889,262
    IA $30,889,346 $17,841,445 -$13,047,901
    ID $125,000 $62,500 -$62,500
    IL $110,601,332 $50,868,206 -$59,733,126
    IN $51,404,133 $39,258,390 -$12,145,743
    KS $32,615,581 $11,997,982 -$20,617,599
    KY $4,472,516 $2,288,208 -$2,184,308
    LA $57,055,929 $33,700,234 -$23,355,695
    MA $35,497,518 $28,777,639 -$6,719,879
    MD $19,698,940 $13,499,156 -$6,199,784
    ME $6,133,783 $0 -$6,133,783
    MI $95,179,153 $52,370,863 -$42,808,290
    MN $68,262,114 $48,723,519 -$19,538,595
    MO $89,436,511 $58,625,706 -$30,810,805
    MS $30,345,853 $29,597,042 -$748,811
    MT $9,870,318 $5,423,149 -$4,447,169
    NC $71,876,328 $64,568,678 -$7,307,650
    ND $13,301,820 $3,674,611 -$9,627,209
    NE $24,126,039 $16,924,930 -$7,201,109
    NH $4,003,251 $1,560,464 -$2,442,787
    NJ $44,066,382 $45,936,255 $1,869,873
    NM $28,763,786 $4,812,435 -$23,951,351
    NV $13,796,473 $5,857,497 -$7,938,976
    NY $224,253,647 $159,182,341 -$65,071,306
    OH $108,320,709 $71,144,537 -$37,176,172
    OK $59,903,809 $44,028,886 -$15,874,923
    OR $47,190,763 $14,675,885 -$32,514,878
    PA $40,242,350 $25,140,592 -$15,101,758
    PR $80,274,531 $67,429,424 -$12,845,107
    RI $7,706,350 $9,332,709 $1,626,359
    SC $30,672,204 $17,443,686 -$13,228,518
    SD $26,218,040 $14,271,096 -$11,946,944
    TN $355,049 $175,000 -$180,049
    TX $198,073,398 $136,125,773 -$61,947,625
    UT $29,458,693 $18,592,918 -$10,865,775
    VA $16,236,945 $11,977,110 -$4,259,835
    VT $8,873,357 $362,257 -$8,511,100
    WA $50,086,577 $13,677,798 -$36,408,779
    WI $69,527,406 $34,517,013 -$35,010,393
    WV $1,991,744 $1,425,565 -$566,179
    WY $2,902,382 $1,777,707 -$1,124,675
    TOTAL $2.548 billion $1.605 billion -$943 million

    DATA SOURCE: HHS

    _________________________________________________________________

    Head Start currently serves over 750,000 kids nationwide, and the program has served nearly 40 million children and their families nationwide since its inception in 1965. There are over 17,000 Head Start centers nationwide that help kids and families thrive, and these centers are particularly important in serving rural communities with fewer options for care.

    A state-by-state breakdown of the number of kids and families served by Head Start is available HERE.

    Since taking office, President Trump has gutted the offices that keep Head Start centers and child care programs across the country running. In late February, the Trump administration fired scores of staff at the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care. Earlier this month, Trump continued to hollow out HHS, including by shuttering half of the regional offices at the Office of Head Start, which are responsible for ensuring high-quality Head Start services are available to families nationwide. The Trump administration has failed to articulate how it will ensure that uninterrupted services are available to families and that appropriate oversight will be carried out despite gutting the very offices charged with these responsibilities.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Stay weather-aware ahead of long weekend – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thursday 17th – Sunday 20th April – Significant winds from Cyclone Tam continue to affect the upper North Island today (Thursday), while waves of wet weather spread across the North Island and extend to the South Island this evening. Combined impacts from winds and rain are still possible today for the upper North Island as many people head away for the long weekend.

    Wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h were recorded in parts of Northland, with widespread impacts felt over the past 24 hours. Today’s winds remain strong as they move south over Auckland, with gusts potentially reaching 120 km/h in exposed areas. Orange Strong Wind Warnings remain in place for Auckland and Northland, while Watches cover many other parts of the North Island, as well as the Buller District in the South Island.

    MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “For people travelling ahead of the long weekend today, it may be a good idea to factor in possible travel delays in any planning and continue to heed the advice of local authorities.”

    These strong winds are also generating large waves, with heights over 9 metres already observed off the Northland east coast. Alongside the rain and wind, coastal hazards such as coastal inundation are possible along eastern coastlines from Northland to Coromandel, especially around high tide.

    The North Island sees periods of rain today, sometimes heavy. An Orange Warning for Heavy Rain covers Northland today, and Coromandel and western Bay of Plenty to Friday, and a Watch for Auckland. Possible thunderstorms in these regions between today and tomorrow may intensify local impacts from the already occurring rain and strong winds.

    Looking ahead, while many parts of the country will experience a mix of wet and dry spells over the Easter weekend, northern Tairāwhiti Gisborne and northwest Tasman may see a more prolonged period of rain. Both regions are under Orange Heavy Rain Warnings from this evening through to Saturday, with additional rainfall likely on Sunday.

    Cyclone Tam will also influence conditions this weekend, bringing warm and humid air across the country. Daytime highs on Saturday and Sunday may reach the mid to high 20s in the eastern and lower North Island – potentially record-breaking April temperatures for parts of Manawatū -Whanganui and Wellington. Muggy nights are also expected, with overnight temperatures sitting in the mid to high teens for many areas.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Easter long weekend national forecast

    Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories

    16/04/2025

    Issued: 16 April 2025

    The Easter long weekend is expected to start off with warm weather across most of Australia but throughout the 4-days, a cold front is likely to cross the south.

    The cold front will be moving across southern Western Australia on Friday, before reaching the south-east from Sunday, leading to lower than average temperatures across the southern states.

    Senior Meteorologist Angus Hines said while conditions could still change, early forecasts allow Australians to start planning their Easter weekend.

    “There will be a distinct change in the weather for the southern states during the long weekend as hot, dry and sunny weather shifts to cool, cloudy conditions with patchy showers and the outside chance of thunderstorms,” Mr. Hines said.

    “Southern Western Australia will already be feeling the cooler winds by Friday, but for South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, it’s likely to be Sunday when the weather shifts, while New South Wales and ACT hold onto the sunny and hot conditions until Monday.”

    “Rainfall from this passing weather system will be quite patchy during Easter, and on the whole, the rainfall totals will be low.”

    A deep low pressure system in the Tasman Sea will also generate large and powerful surf and swell across the New South Wales coast and offshore islands, including Norfolk and Lord Howe Island.

    “This low pressure system is very powerful, although it’s a long way offshore. This low will not impact our weather directly but will generate some very large, powerful waves for eastern Australia,” Mr. Hines said.

    “These waves will build on Thursday and stay high until Saturday. Coastal hazard and hazardous surf warnings are likely to be issued. Given the fine and hot forecast for the east coast during Friday and Saturday, the community needs to be aware of the dangerous coastal conditions.”

    In the west, heavy rain is possible for the northern Western Australia coast if the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Errol move onshore.

    “From Thursday, Tropical Cyclone Errol could steer south-eastwards back towards the coast. While it is forecast to weaken, while doing so, it may bring impacts such as heavy rain, thunderstorms and damaging wind to parts of the Kimberley and Eastern Pilbara over the weekend.”

    The Easter weekend will be warm across most of the Northern Territory, with some cooler than average conditions pushing into the far south from Easter Sunday.

    “While the Top End will be mostly dry through Easter, patchy rain is possible through parts of the western districts as moisture pushes in from the Kimberley.”

    While a sunny and dry Easter is expected across Queensland, widespread major flooding continues for south-west Queensland, north-east South Australia and northern New South Wales.

    “Significant flooding is likely to continue for weeks to come, as floodwaters move slowly downstream.”

    Keep up to date with the latest weather warnings and forecasts over the Easter long weekend on the Bureau’s website www.bom.gov.au or via the BOM weather app.

    If you are travelling these school holidays, be sure to enable notifications for your chosen locations in the BOM Weather app.

    To hear a state and territory breakdown audio news release with Bureau Senior Meteorologist Angus Hines, click here.

    Check the forecasts for your area on the Bureau website:

    [ENDS]

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier stresses need to deepen SOE reform, build regional emergency rescue centers

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

    Chinese vice premier stresses need to deepen SOE reform, build regional emergency rescue centers

    HARBIN, April 16 — Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has called for the deepened reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the accelerated establishment of regional emergency rescue centers.

    Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province which began on Monday and ended on Wednesday.

    He stressed the resolute need to make SOEs stronger and better, as well as the importance of reinforcing the principal role of enterprises in scientific and technological innovation, making breakthroughs in key technologies and forging new advantages.

    Work must be done to efficiently allocate resources to principal businesses and important industries and sectors, strengthen core competitiveness, and make steady progress on the path of high-quality development, Zhang said.

    It is necessary to advance the establishment of regional emergency rescue centers to cope with flood and forest fire, he said, stressing the importance of coordinating with local governments, of quick reactions, and of cross-regional support.

    When inspecting local dairy firms, Zhang called for strengthened source management and full-chain oversight to improve food safety.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wheel Creek Hut gets a do-up  |

    Source: Department of Conservation

    The hut reno team at the beginning of the renovation | Ben Pigott

    A six-person hut in near Maruia on the South Island’s West Coast has received a major makeover, with a refurbished roof, new piles and a smart paint job. 

    The work was planned and led by ranger Matt Ainge, with team members Ben Pigott, Mike Detlaff, David Deck, Darrell Haworth (all DOC staffers from a range of teams) and John Edwards (volunteer).

    Matt says, “the entire objective of this work was to protect this hut for generations to come, while leaving the hut in the original condition as we had found it.”  

    First things first, Ranger Darrell surveyed a rotten tree for the presence of bats, of which there were none. The tree then needed to come down as the hut was in the fall zone. 

    The hut was built in the 1960’s. Over the years it has received minimal maintenance, so a major spruce up was required. The job required the team to entirely re-pile the hut and replace almost all the bearers as some were completely rotten. The team discussed the work needed, which required digging under the hut to dig out and replace each pile, and repair and replace the bearers.  

    They then got stuck into the large amount of earthworks needed to unearth the hut in order to re-pile it. Getting down and dirty on the job. Lying down while shovelling was hard work.  

    While the re-piling was underway, the paint preparation was also started. 

    After the underneath of the hut was dug out, a subfloor was put in the porch entry for stacking up the firewood, with the original porch step being put back in the same place where it came out. A front step was also added so hut users can easily gain access to the hut.  

    Large rocks were stacked under and around the entire fireplace structure to help future stabilization.  

    The hut roof was taken off, wire brushed, metal primed, and laps painted before going back on the same position it came off.   

     Afterwards, the ridge cap, barge flashings, and lead head nails were all replaced.  

    Roof maintenance | Ben Pigott

    The inside of the hut also received attention, a new fire shroud and insert was put in the open fireplace to protect the outer steel and concrete with rollout protection on the front to minimise the chances of logs rolling out of the fire. A stainless-steel bench was also added inside over the existing painted timber bench. More bunk slats were added to the existing beds, and the entire inside was cleaned and the floor treated with linseed oil.  

    Paint prep complete, the hut was ready for a coat of orange paint.  

    Matt says, “Apart from the fact that this job was a complete labour of love, it was great to have a range of people from different teams all working together, sharing knowledge, learning from each other and working together towards a common goal: protecting and maintaining the back country for all to enjoy.” 

    A fully renovated Wheel Creek Hut | Ben Pigott

    Find out more about Wheel Creek Hut in Victoria Forest Park.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hossack Wetland restoration for treasured Kakī

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Just 169 of these wild adult birds remained and they could only be found in New Zealand. Kakī are regarded by Māori as a taonga species – a living treasure.

    However, invasive weeds and pest willow spreading through the wetland has been threatening the environment.

    Farm owners, Diane and Martin Cochrane, and their nephew Simon Bloomberg had always intended on restoring the wetland to its former glory but put it off as it was an expensive undertaking.

    With $10,000 of Action Plan funding allocated by the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Water Zone Committee, they were able to begin work earlier this year.

    Getting rid of invasive species

    The first stage of the project was preparing the boundry which involved getting rid of all the invasive tree species, such as willows, that spread easily. Then, it was a matter of spraying the sides and refencing to allow for future expansion of the wetland. In Spring, they will start planting native vegetation.

    After planting, predator trapping will also be an important stage of the project. Growing native vegetation would attract more birds and insects which will lead to more predators trying to kill those birds.

    Martin Cochrane said the biggest challenge would be the maintenance involved in growing the native plants as they could be quite vulnerable for those first three to five years.

    “It will be a family project, anything we can do to improve the environment, and to make it a better home for wading birds is worth it,” Martin Cochrane said.

    However, improving the biodiversity for birdlife is just one benefit to restoring the wetland.

    Improving water quality and biodiversity

    Diane’s family, the Elliots, had farmed the property since the 1899 Waikākahi farm ballot and bought the neighbouring Hossack Wetland in the early 2000s.

    Martin Cochrane said there had been a lot of wetland loss, particularly in Canterbury, and they were pleased it hadn’t been developed into farmland.

    “The fact that this wetland is still here, providing a natural filter for water going into the Waihao River, is definitely worth protecting,” Martin Cochrane said.

    Restoring the wetland meant improving habitat for native fauna, slowing water down during a flood and forming part of a biodiversity corridor along the Waihao River.

    The family also hoped the project would encourage other landowners to show interest in how they could contribute to improving water quality and biodiversity.

    They planned to protect the wetland with a QEII covenant to ensure its survival for future generations. Incorporating public access to the wetland would also be part of the restoration project.

    Vital role of wetlands

    Acting as a natural ‘filter’ for water, wetlands play an important role in water quality, absorbing nutrients and trapping sediment that would otherwise make its way into our freshwater.

    By slowing the water flow from land and releasing it slowly in dry periods, they also play a vital role during periods of high or low rainfall.

    While historically many of the country’s natural wetlands have been drained, some have simply been concealed by weeds, unable to realise their environmental potential.

    Funding for projects

    This project is supported through the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee’s Action Plan budget allocation for 2024.

    Each of the region’s water zone committees has an action plan which outlines how they will work with the community to help improve the environment and meet Canterbury Water Management Strategy objectives.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two MS-13 Members Sentenced To 35 Years In Prison For Murder, Third Member Sentenced To 20 Years For Racketeering Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Three members of the La Mara Salvatrucha gang (known as MS-13) were sentenced in federal court today for engaging in violent criminal conduct, including murder, in support of the criminal organization, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

    Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

    Christian Alejandro Garcia Santa Cruz, a/k/a “Crimen,” 32, of El Salvador, and Aderly Jose Veliz-Ronquillo, a/k/a “Chanchin,” 30, of Guatemala, were each sentenced to 35 years in prison for using a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death for the 2022 murder of W.G.M. in front of a Charlotte nightclub. Luis Fernando Guardardo Moreno, a/k/a “Fantasma” and “Scrappy,” 24, of El Salvador, was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for racketeering (RICO) conspiracy.

    Two additional MS-13 members who held leadership roles within the gang, Fredy Mauricio Buruca, a/k/a “Piranha,” “Machete,” and “Insoportable,” 27, and Santos Guillermo Ramirez Mancia, a/k/a “Azazel,” “Timido,” and “Johnny,” 33, both of El Salvador, have pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Buruca has also pleaded guilty to kidnapping a minor. A sixth MS-13 member charged in this case, Juan Francisco Sanchez Estrada, a/k/a “Nene” and “Turbo,” 31, of El Salvador, has pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and will be sentenced at a later date in the Middle District of North Carolina, following a consolidation of federal cases against him in each district.

    “MS-13 is one of the most violent and dangerous criminal gangs operating in the United States.  MS-13 members use murder, robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and extortion to support this criminal enterprise and tighten its grip on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “But we are fighting back. This case has dismantled the local MS-13 clique, and we’re not done. Our goal is not just to prosecute violent gangs, but to eliminate them completely.”

    “Today’s prison sentences should make it clear to MS-13 members and their associates, violence and senseless murder will not be tolerated in North Carolina. The FBI and our partners will use every tool available to disrupt and dismantle violent criminal terrorist organizations and bring offenders to justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge DeWitt.

    According to filed court documents and court proceedings, the defendants were leaders and members of the MS-13 sub-unit, or clique, known as the Hollywood Locos Salvatrucha Clique (the HLS clique), which operated in and around the Western District of North Carolina and other areas in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. From at least December 2018 and continuing through November 2022, as members of the HLS clique, the defendants engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity that consisted of multiple acts and threats involving murder, kidnapping, extortion, robbery, and drug trafficking.

    The investigation into the gang’s criminal activity revealed that these criminal acts were sanctioned by MS-13 leadership and were committed to promote a climate a fear and intimidation within the gang; to maintain the gang’s control and to expand its territory; to enforce discipline within the gang and punish any acts of disrespect; to intimidate witnesses and discourage cooperation with law enforcement; and to retaliate against rivals, or “chavalas.”

    Participation in criminal activity was also intended to increase respect and ranking of members within the gang and to open the door to promotion to a leadership position. Accordingly, Santa Cruz and Veliz-Ronquillo committed murder in aid of racketeering for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their position in the MS-13 enterprise.

    According to court documents, on November 6, 2022, Santa Cruz, Mancia, and Veliz-Ronquillo were at a nightclub in Charlotte. Over the course of the evening, Santa Cruz, Mancia, and Veliz-Ronquillo got into an argument with several men at the parking lot of the nightclub. During the argument, Mancia identified himself as MS-13 to the other men. At some point, W.G.M. and Mancia shoved each other. Ronquillo then shot W.G.M. once and Santa-Cruz shot the victim three times, causing the victim to sustain fatal gunshot wounds. At today’s sentencing hearing, the government contended that through their involvement in W.G.M.’s murder, Santa Cruz and Veliz-Ronquillo demonstrated their full commitment to further the goals of MS-13 and to advance their reputation within the gang.

    The defendants will remain in federal custody until they are transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

    In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the FBI, HSI, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of the case, and thanked the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, the Kannapolis Police Department, the Monroe Police Department, the Prince William County (Virginia) Sheriff’s Office, and the Annapolis (Maryland) Police Department for their invaluable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik Lindahl and David Kelly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British soldiers take down drone swarm in groundbreaking use of radio wave weapon

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    British soldiers take down drone swarm in groundbreaking use of radio wave weapon

    British soldiers have successfully tracked, targeted and defeated swarms of drones in the latest trial of a new directed energy weapon developed in the UK.

    Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon demonstrator

    • UK-made, invisible radio wave weapon knocks out drone swarms for the first time.
    • Weapon has potential to help protect against drone threats as nature of warfare changes.
    • The project supports more than 135 highly skilled jobs across the UK.

    The trial was completed at a weapons range in West Wales and was the largest counter-drone swarm exercise the British Army have conducted to date.

    The weapon system demonstrator is a type of Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) and has proven capable of neutralising multiple targets simultaneously with near-instant effect.

    The UK Government has invested more than £40 million in RF DEW research and development to date, supporting 135 highly skilled jobs in Northern Ireland and the South-East of England.

    It uses high frequency radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside drones, causing them to crash or malfunction. 

    At an estimated cost of 10p per shot fired, if developed into operational service it could provide a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-based air defence systems. 

    RF DEW systems can defeat airborne targets at ranges of up to 1km and are effective against threats which cannot be jammed using electronic warfare.

    The successful trial comes as drone swarms are increasingly seen in use in frontline combat in Ukraine. UK Defence Intelligence estimates that last year Ukraine had to defend against attacks from more than 18,000 drones.

    With national security a foundation for the Plan for Change, the government is significantly increasing the proportion of MOD’s equipment procurement spend on novel technologies, spending at least 10% from 2025-26. It follows the announcement of the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, as the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by April 2027.

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, said:

    This significant experiment exemplifies the strength of British innovation – driven by our home-grown industry, technology firms and scientific talent. 

    We continue to strengthen our defence sector, adding more cutting-edge capabilities to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad, while making defence an engine for growth across our towns and cities.

    The project has been delivered by Team Hersa – a collaboration between Defence Equipment & Support and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The RF DEW demonstrator has been developed by an industry consortium led by Thales UK.

    Successful experiments included the Army taking down two swarms of drones in a single engagement, and the project saw more than 100 drones being tracked, engaged and defeated using the weapon across all trials.

    Sgt Mayers, a Senior Remotely-Piloted Air Systems Operator from 106 Regiment Royal Artillery, had the honour of being the first British soldier to bring down drones using a radiofrequency weapon.

    Sgt Mayers said:

    RF DEW is an exciting concept. We found the demonstrator quick to learn and easy to use. With improvements on range and power, which could come with further development, this would be a great asset to Layered Air Defence.

    Protecting national security is the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change and the development of RF DEW systems could help to protect the UK from unidentified drones at security sensitive areas such as defence bases, and could play a role in preventing disruption at airports. 

    The RF DEW development supports the Defence Industrial Strategy – to support the UK defence industry in mobilising to help face down global threats and ensuring the sector is an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK. The MOD is working with a range of industry partners to deliver powerful future RF DEW capabilities for UK forces.

    Thales, which led the development of the RF DEW demonstrator, employ around 100 highly skilled engineering and manufacturing staff in Northern Ireland on the project, and there are a further 30-35 highly skilled supply chain jobs in Chelmsford, Essex, that directly contribute to the development of the weapon demonstrator. 

    Nigel MacVean, MD of Thales Integrated Airspace-protection Systems, said: 

    Thales continues to be at the forefront of this pioneering technology, and we are proud to continue the research and development in this sector alongside our partners in Government.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Louisiana Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Louisiana businesses, nonprofits and residents who sustained physical damages and economic losses from severe storms and flooding which occurred March 29–April 2. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Jeff Landry on April 15.

    The disaster declaration covers the Louisiana parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry and Vermilion.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    “When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Beginning Thursday, April 17, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Acadia Parish to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application.

    At the DLOC, individuals can connect directly with SBA specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The DLOC’s hours of operations are listed below.

    ACADIA PARISH
    Disaster Loan Outreach Center
    City of Rayne – The Green Room
    318 Gossen Memorial Dr.
    Rayne, LA  70578

    Opens at 12 p.m. Thursday, April 17

    Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is June 16. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 16, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Apprehend Man Wanted for Triple Murder

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Newport News, VA – A multi-agency fugitive investigation for a triple murder suspect from Newport News, Virginia came to an end this afternoon.  Dimair Jones, 26, was arrested in the 400 block of Cox Landing in Newport News.

    On April 16, 2025 the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), in coordination with the Newport News Police Department (NNPD), located and safely arrested Jones, who was wanted for three counts of 1st Degree Murder, three counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Discharging a Firearm Within a Dwelling. 

    Just before 1:00 a.m. on August 8, 2023, NNPD officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 400 block of Stallings Court.  Officers found 3 adult males who were pronounced dead at the scene.

    Arrest warrants were issued on April 15, 2025, and CARFTF investigators developed information that Jones was at a hotel in Williamsburg, Virginia.  CARFTF investigators observed Jones at the hotel and followed him to the 400 block of Cox Landing in Newport News, where he was safely taken into custody.        

    Jones is currently being detained at the Newport News City Jail awaiting an initial court appearance. 

    The USMS CARFTF began operations in June 2004. The CARFTF has partnership agreements with 14 federal and 87 state, and local agencies and operates in Virgina, Maryland and the District of Columbia. The CARFTF has apprehended more than 102,000 fugitives since its inception.  

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Man Who Assaulted Woman Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A felon caught in the act of assaulting a woman by St. Louis police pleaded guilty to a gun charge Wednesday.

    Lee M. Shields, 46, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that on Sept. 17, 2023, Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officers were on patrol when they saw him striking a woman over the head. She fell to the ground and was bleeding heavily from her mouth and nose. Shields got into a Jeep before being approached by officers, who found the magazine for a pistol in his pocket and a Glock 23 handgun in the Jeep. The victim told police that she didn’t know if Shields hit her with his fist or an object. One of the officers saw Shields holding an object in the hand he used to strike the victim. The 6-year-old son of Shields and the victim said Shields hit his mother with the gun.

    Shields is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm.

    He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Shields’ lawyer have agreed to recommend 50 months in prison.

    The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Hoag is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Mexico Man Pleads Guilty To Selling Firearms Without A Federal Firearms License

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAS VEGAS – A Santa Fe, New Mexico, resident pleaded guilty today to repeatedly purchasing a large quantity of firearms, then reselling those firearms to buyers in the United States and Mexico for profit.

    According to court documents and admissions made in court, from December 2020 through January 17, 2023, Celso Daniel Ruiz purchased at least 145 of the same or similar-type firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. Shortly after purchasing many of the firearms, he crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. Eighteen firearms purchased by Ruiz were subsequently registered by individuals through various parts of Mexico. Furthermore, Ruiz knew that many of the firearms he purchased would be transferred outside of the United States. He did not have a license as a firearms dealer to sell or export firearms.

    Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.

    United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II scheduled sentencing for August 20, 2025. At sentencing, Ruiz faces the maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and three years of supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.

    Anyone with information about the unlawful purchase of firearms can call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously at www.reportit.com/.

    ###

     

     

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kalispell man sentenced to over 10 years in prison for conspiring to distribute drugs on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREAT FALLS – A Kalispell man who conspired to distribute drugs on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 128 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Cameron Lee Richard Carr, 34, pleaded guilty in September 2024 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that in early November 2023, law enforcement received information Carr was trafficking illegal drugs from Kalispell, Montana to Browning, Montana. On November 28, 2023, Carr was observed leaving the Going to the Sun Inn in Browning. A Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services officer saw Carr run a stop sign and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Carr fled before eventually stopping his vehicle and attempting to run away on foot. He was apprehended by the officer and arrested. The officer saw Carr reach for his waistband when he was arrested, so the officer searched him for weapons before placing him in a patrol vehicle. The officer recovered suspected meth and fentanyl from and noticed a 9 mm Ruger handgun on the ground near the area where Carr was apprehended.

    Law enforcement searched Carr’s vehicle and seized 11 additional firearms, 500 grams of methamphetamine, 168 grams of fentanyl in pill and powder form, and small amounts of heroin, oxycodone, morphine, and cocaine. On December 1, 2023, during an interview with law enforcement, Carr admitted distributing drugs in Browning.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case and the investigation was conducted by the FBI, DEA, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, and the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘STOP the American takeover of Canada!’ — Inspiration and humour from a London, Ont. art movement

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ruth Skinner, Sessional instructor, School for Advanced Studies in the Arts & Humanities, Western University

    Facing American tariffs and taunts of becoming the 51st state, Canada can look inward for inspiration, humour and reassurance.

    On social media, many arts figures or associations have shared versions of Canadian artist Greg Curnoe’s (1936-92) Map of North America.

    As seen on accounts that include the Arts Canada Institute, the Banff Centre’s Derek Beaulieu, filmmaker Stephen Broomer, the Embassy Cultural House, the Curnoe estate and others, the map erases the United States from the continent. It re-imagines the longest border to lie between Canada and Mexico.

    Curnoe’s Map of North America, first created in 1972, is inseparable from his hometown of London, Ont. The work, artist and city offer valuable insights for navigating this new relationship with our nearest neighbour. My recent doctoral dissertation explores the cosmopolitan outlook of London’s artists and arts publishers, both historic and present. This includes their incisive commentary on Canada-U.S. relations.

    London as test market

    London is a leading test market for Canadian and American retailers. This is thanks to its moderate size, demographic composition and proximity to major cities, highways and the border.

    Test marketing involves localized experience with a concept or product before incurring large-scale expense. A landmark example for London was the development of Wellington Square, North America’s first enclosed shopping centre, in 1961.

    A 1967 cover of the London arts publication 20 Cents Magazine satirically celebrated this “test market” status. It also chided the reader: “Are you getting your share of the business, for fair?” Artists of London have long played with the local flavour of their city, and the city has a distinct arts scene.

    Distinct arts scene

    Curator and author Barry Lord profiled the city in a 1969 Art in America feature entitled “What London, Ontario Has That Everywhere Else Needs.” Lord positioned London as “younger than Montréal, livelier than Toronto, vying with Vancouver in variety and sheer quantity of output [and] in many ways the most important of the four.”

    This scene included the burgeoning London Regionalist movement — an art movement of which Curnoe was a feature — and the birth of Canadian Artists’ Representation (now Canadian Artists’ Representation/Le Front des artistes canadiens). Lord lauded London artists as “indelibly Canadian, and perhaps among the first global villagers.”

    Nationalist with wicked humour

    What would Curnoe make of the present dynamic between Canada and its closest neighbour?

    “I think he would be fired up,” says Jennie Kraehling, associate director of Michael Gibson Gallery, which represents the Curnoe estate.

    Kraehling continues: “Greg would be making a lot of statements, and I think he’d be very passionate. Just knowing his devout patriotism, his interest in the local and his pro-Canadian sentiments, I think that he would be trying to get a movement going.” Rather than anti-American, however, Kraehling describes Curnoe as a nationalist with a wicked sense of humour.

    As the late journalist Robert Fulford wrote in a 2001 column, in the early 80s Curnoe noted: “My work is about resisting as much as possible the tendency of American culture to overwhelm other cultures.”

    Social critique

    Historian Judith Rodger emphasizes Curnoe’s Map as “tongue-in-cheek” even as it levies sharp social critique. Observing the negotiations between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico that would lead to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Curnoe revisited the work through the 1980s and 1990s in lithographs and clay.

    Curnoe’s Nihilist Party of Canada (NPC), an absurdist political movement formed in 1963, advertised regularly in 20 Cents magazine. One ad encouraged the reader to “STOP the American takeover of Canada,” and to “Stop Pollution, Stop Killing, Stop Exploitation … Get off your Butt – Do Something! THINK NEGATIVELY.”

    Rodger notes that despite its strong politics, the party had “no platform and no candidates.”

    The NPC preceded the Nihilist Spasm Band, an internationally lauded, multi-member noise band that inspired a second generation of artistic collaboration. Members have included performers John Boyle, Murray Favro, John Clement, Bill Exley, Art Pratten, Aya Onishi, as well as the late Hugh McIntyre, Archie Leitch and Curnoe.

    The track “Destroy the Nations” opens their 1968 No Record album. It begins with Pratten railing: “Destroy the nations! Destroy America! England is dead! Destroy America! AHHHHHH!” The NSB’s performance is a howl against imperial servitude and corporate greed.

    In a city forever mimicking the topography and titles of an older London, and so close to the U.S., Ontario’s Londoners are aware of an implied second-fiddle position. Yet Curnoe volleyed his pro-Canadian attitude at the border, just 200 kilometres south. In one of his bicycle series paintings, Mariposa 10 Speed No. 2 (1973), the words “CLOSE THE 49th PARALLEL ETC.” are emblazoned across Curnoe’s bike’s top tube.

    Canada, U.S. markets and fine art

    Yet the situation is not entirely insular, nor is it comparable with the “Buy Canadian” encouragement seen at supermarkets, liquor stores and other retail outlets today.

    Canada’s art market is, in the words of Mackenzie Sinclair of the Art Dealers Association of Canada, “a fragile ecosystem.” Canada’s GDP (including its art) is deeply integrated with the U.S.: many Canadian artists have American dealers, show in American galleries and use American-made materials.

    With ongoing threats of American tariffs and export restrictions, Canadian collectors and galleries are abstaining from American art fairs and seeking stronger connections with European markets. Canada’s only international art fair, Art Toronto, is fostering a special new partnership with Mexican galleries, enacting a version of Curnoe’s Map of North America in real time.

    Curation about nationalist rhetoric

    Curnoe’s nationalist perspective is an important one right now. However, nationalism can quickly devolve into dangerous and exclusivist rhetoric.

    Until recently, London-based artist Angie Quick was in a group exhibition curated by Andil Gosine for Washington’s Art Museum of the Americas. The show was abruptly cancelled. Speaking with the Globe and Mail, Gosine speculated this was due to due to the museum pre-emptively bending to the new political order in D.C. in light of the exhibition’s queer perspectives.

    For Quick, this cancellation signals a transnational warning. She notes that The Museum of the Americas is an arm of the Organization of the American States, a regional organization that brings together North and South American governments including Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

    The call to cancel, she says, far exceeds a phenomena happening only in the U.S.:

    “It is a reminder of what role funding has in liberation politics when it comes to the arts. And as we [Canadians] like to other ourselves from the U.S. it’s just as important to remember we are just as much at risk to nationalism dictating values in the arts.”

    Ruth Skinner has received funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and the London Arts Council (LAC).

    ref. ‘STOP the American takeover of Canada!’ — Inspiration and humour from a London, Ont. art movement – https://theconversation.com/stop-the-american-takeover-of-canada-inspiration-and-humour-from-a-london-ont-art-movement-252980

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces FEMA to Participate in Joint Damage Assessments for Damage to Roads, Bridges and Public Infrastructure in 25 Counties

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 16, 2025

     — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure in 25 counties following the deadly severe storms and flooding that began March 30 and that continues to affect much of the state.

    “Our state and local public works crews have been doing an incredible job reopening roads and making initial repairs to bridges, low water crossings and other infrastructure, but it is clear that the extent of the damage across the state will require federal disaster assistance,” Governor Kehoe said. “Our State Emergency Management Agency, local and FEMA teams began assessing damage to homes and private property yesterday and will be working through the week. Next week, we will begin joint PDAs to document and tally the damage to public infrastructure and validate what we believe is a clear need for federal Public Assistance.”

    Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, and Webster counties. Additional counties may be added as damage information is received from local officials.

    Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, April 22, six teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.

    These PDAs will be in addition to those that began yesterday for Individual Assistance, which allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses.

    To assist Missouri farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, Governor Kehoe sent a letter last week to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting the assistance of the Missouri Farm Service Agency in conducting agricultural damage assessments.

    Earlier this week, Governor Kehoe also signed Executive Order 25-22, extending Executive Orders 25-19, 25-20, and 25-21 until May 14, 2025,  allowing resources of the State of Missouri to continue assisting affected communities.

    SEMA is coordinating with local officials, other state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners as clean-up and recovery efforts continue across the state. If you have damage, contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible.

    Individuals interested in helping those in need are encouraged to direct donations to trusted disaster relief organizations such as those found at National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Financial contributions are the fastest and most flexible method of donating as it allows these organizations to quickly address urgent or emerging needs. If you wish to donate supplies, first check to see what items have been identified as high need and where.

    Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Indicted for Discharging a Firearm in a School Zone

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a previously convicted felon with gun charges after he allegedly possessed and discharged an AR-15 style rifle within a school zone. The defendant is restricted from possessing firearms and ammunition.  

    Carson Moffitt, 40, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was charged by complaint on April 3, 2025. 
        
    According to court documents, on April 2, 2025, South Salt Lake City Police Department officers responded to a call of shots fired at Granite Park Junior High School in South Salt Lake, Utah, at 7:15 p.m. After officers arrived, they discovered AR-15 style shell casings in the middle of the road near the school. Surveillance cameras, provided by Granite School District law enforcement, captured the suspect’s vehicle, a Subaru WRX. Shortly after, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper observed a Subaru WRX speeding more than 100 miles per hour near 6000 South and I-15. UHP attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Moffitt, fled and continued speeding up to 130 miles per hour before exiting Redwood Road and I-215 in Taylorsville. The pursuit was terminated. A run of the vehicles license plate showed the vehicle was registered to Moffitt. UHP troopers responded to the address on the vehicle’s registration and while troopers were working to make contact with Moffit, multiple shots were fired from inside the residence. A witness inside the home advised law enforcement Moffitt had a rifle. Moffitt eventually opened the garage door and fled in the Subaru. A Taylorsville City Police Department Officer intercepted and crashed into Moffitt’s Subaru, disabling the vehicle. Moffit was taken into custody. Officers seized an AR-15 style rifle with a drum magazine and ammunition from inside the vehicle.

    Moffitt is charged with felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm within a school zone, and discharge of a firearm within a school zone. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for April 17, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

    Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case is being investigated by the Utah State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Valuable assistance was provided by the Granite School District law enforcement, South Salt Lake Police Department, Utah Highway Patrol, and Taylorsville City Police Department.  

    Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

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

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

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four St. Louis Area Residents Admit Committing Bank Fraud with Checks Stolen from the Mail

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – Four people, including a former U.S. Postal Service employee, have pleaded guilty to federal charges and admitted to involvement in a conspiracy that stole checks from the mail to commit bank fraud.

    Johnathan Barnett, 29, of University City, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to 80 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp, who also ordered him to pay restitution of $44,135.

    Barnett pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of possession of stolen mail and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted participating in a conspiracy from January of 2022 to September of 2023 to steal checks from the mail and alter the checks to defraud banks.

    Barnett bought a key to U.S. Postal Service collection boxes from a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, Wynter Hinton, and then he and others, including Ryan McKinney and Jayden Burklow, used that key to open collections boxes in St. Louis County and steal mail. Hinton also stole checks from the mail while on her postal route.

    Barnett, Burklow and McKinney altered personal and business checks they found in the mail to create counterfeit checks. They recruited others to allow their bank accounts to be used to deposit the fraudulent checks. The conspirators then withdrew the money before the banks realized the checks were fraudulent. Barnett, Burklow and McKinney admitted trying to commit at least $800,000 worth of fraud this way.

    On Sept. 15, 2023, when investigators were conducting a court-approved search of Barnett’s home, he tried to flee through a window with an AR-15-style rifle with a high-capacity drum magazine loaded with 76 rounds. Four other firearms were found in his home, as well as check-making equipment. Barnett was convicted of a 2014 drug charge and charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in 2020.

    Hinton, 29, of St. Ann, and McKinney, 24, of St. Louis, both pleaded guilty Wednesday. Hinton pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a mail key and McKinney pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of possession of stolen mail. They are scheduled to be sentenced in July.

    Burklow, 21, of O’Fallon, Illinois, pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of possession of stolen mail. He is scheduled to be sentenced in June.

    “The sentencing in this case illustrates that individuals who engage in mail theft will be held accountable for their actions,” stated Inspector in Charge, Ruth Mendonça, who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office.  “The Inspection Service is proud to work with our local, state and federal partners to bring Mail Theft perpetrators to justice and prevent financial crimes targeting local citizens, postal customers, and financial institutions.”

    This sentencing and guilty pleas represent the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant mail theft investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The USPS OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”

    The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Creve Coeur Police Department and the University City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woman who Straw Purchased Multiple Firearms for Her Boyfriend Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A woman who illegally purchased multiple guns for her boyfriend, a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing firearms, was sentenced on April 15, 2025, to 18 months’ imprisonment.

    Daniella Maldonado-Paraday, age 29, from Palos Hills, Illinois, received the prison term after a December 4, 2024 guilty plea to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

    From 2021 through 2024, Maldonado purchased multiple firearms for her boyfriend, who was a felon.  Maldonado was also a drug user, but represented when purchasing firearms that she was not an unlawful user of marijuana. 

    Maldonado was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams.  Maldonado was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-CR- 00030-002.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Record First Quarter Highlights the Stability of HOMB; Strength Is No Accident

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    Quarterly Highlights
    Metric Q1 2025 Q4 2024 Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q1 2024
    Net income $115.2 million $100.6 million $100.0 million $101.5 million $100.1 million
    Net income, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) $111.9 million $99.8 million $99.0 million $103.9 million $99.2 million
    Total revenue (net) $260.1 million $258.4 million $258.0 million $254.6 million $246.4 million
    Income before income taxes $147.2 million $129.5 million $129.1 million $133.4 million $130.4 million
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR) (non-GAAP)(1) $147.2 million $146.2 million $148.0 million $141.4 million $134.9 million
    PPNR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) $142.8 million $145.2 million $146.6 million $141.9 million $133.7 million
    Pre-tax net income to total revenue (net) 56.58% 50.11% 50.03% 52.40% 52.92%
    Pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net) (non-GAAP)(1) 54.91% 49.74% 49.49% 52.59% 52.45%
    P5NR (Pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage) (PPNR to total revenue (net)) (non-GAAP)(1) 56.58% 56.57% 57.35% 55.54% 54.75%
    P5NR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 54.91% 56.20% 56.81% 55.73% 54.28%
    ROA 2.07% 1.77% 1.74% 1.79% 1.78%
    ROA, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 2.01% 1.76% 1.72% 1.83% 1.76%
    NIM 4.44% 4.39% 4.28% 4.27% 4.13%
    Purchase accounting accretion $1.4 million $1.6 million $1.9 million $1.9 million $2.8 million
    ROE 11.75% 10.13% 10.23% 10.73% 10.64%
    ROE, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 11.41% 10.05% 10.12% 10.98% 10.54%
    ROTCE (non-GAAP)(1) 18.39% 15.94% 16.26% 17.29% 17.22%
    ROTCE, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) 17.87% 15.82% 16.09% 17.69% 17.07%
    Diluted earnings per share $0.58 $0.51 $0.50 $0.51 $0.50
    Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1) $0.56 $0.50 $0.50 $0.52 $0.49
    Non-performing assets to total assets 0.56% 0.63% 0.63% 0.56% 0.48%
    Common equity tier 1 capital 15.4% 15.1% 14.7% 14.4% 14.3%
    Leverage 13.3% 13.0% 12.5% 12.3% 12.3%
    Tier 1 capital 15.4% 15.1% 14.7% 14.4% 14.3%
    Total risk-based capital 19.1% 18.7% 18.3% 18.0% 17.9%
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans 1.87% 1.87% 2.11% 2.00% 2.00%
    Book value per share $20.40 $19.92 $19.91 $19.30 $18.98
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)(1) 13.15 12.68 12.67 12.08 11.79

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

    “This industry boils down to revenue and expenses. The magic is, doing the simple things repeatedly and long enough, creating a compounding effect of success. A record setting first quarter has paved the way for a strong year,” said John Allison, Chairman and CEO of HOMB.

    Operating Highlights

    Net income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 was $115.2 million, or $0.58 diluted earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share of $0.58 was a record for the Company. When adjusting for non-fundamental items, net income and diluted earnings per share on an as-adjusted basis (non-GAAP), were $111.9 million(1) and $0.56 per share(1), respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

    Our net interest margin was 4.44% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, compared to 4.39% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024. The yield on loans was 7.38% and 7.49% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, as average loans increased from $14.80 billion to $14.89 billion. Additionally, the rate on interest bearing deposits decreased to 2.67% as of March 31, 2025, from 2.80% as of December 31, 2024, while average interest-bearing deposits increased from $12.86 billion to $13.20 billion.

    During the first quarter of 2025, there was $1.3 million of event interest income compared to $1.5 million of event interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024. Purchase accounting accretion on acquired loans was $1.4 million and $1.6 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, and average purchase accounting loan discounts were $17.5 million and $19.1 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

    Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis was $217.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, and $219.5 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2024. This decrease in net interest income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, was the result of a $10.0 million decrease in interest income, partially offset by a $7.7 million decrease in interest expense. The $7.7 million decrease in interest expense was due to a $3.8 million decrease in interest expense on deposits and a $3.6 million decrease in FHLB and other borrowed funds resulting from the payoff of the BTFP advance during the fourth quarter of 2024 and the declining interest rate environment. The $10.0 million decrease in interest income was primarily the result of a $7.6 million decrease in loan income, a $1.4 million decrease in investment income and a $965,000 decrease in income from deposits with other banks resulting from the payoff of the BTFP advance and the declining interest rate environment. The overall decrease in interest income and interest expense is primarily due to the declining interest rate environment.

    The Company reported $45.4 million of non-interest income for the first quarter of 2025. The most important components of non-interest income were $11.4 million from other income, $10.7 million from other service charges and fees, $9.7 million from service charges on deposit accounts, $4.8 million from trust fees, $3.6 million in mortgage lending income, $2.7 million from dividends from FHLB, FRB, FNBB and other, $1.8 million from the increase in cash value of life insurance and $442,000 from the fair value adjustment for marketable securities. Included within other income was $3.9 million in special income from equity investments.

    Non-interest expense for the first quarter of 2025 was $112.9 million. The most important components of non-interest expense were $61.9 million from salaries and employee benefits, $28.1 million in other operating expense, $14.4 million in occupancy and equipment expenses and $8.6 million in data processing expenses. For the first quarter of 2025, our efficiency ratio was 42.22%, and our efficiency ratio, as adjusted (non-GAAP), was 42.84%(1).

    Financial Condition

    Total loans receivable were $14.95 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $14.76 billion at December 31, 2024. Total loans receivable of $14.95 billion were a record for the Company. Total deposits were $17.54 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $17.15 billion at December 31, 2024. Total assets were $22.99 billion at March 31, 2025, compared to $22.49 billion at December 31, 2024.

    During the first quarter of 2025, the Company had a $187.6 million increase in loans. Our community banking footprint experienced $291.5 million in organic loan growth during the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and Centennial CFG experienced $103.9 million of organic loan decline and had loans of $1.71 billion at March 31, 2025.

    Non-performing loans to total loans were 0.60% and 0.67% at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Non-performing assets to total assets were 0.56% and 0.63% at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Net loans recovered were $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and net loans charged-off were $53.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company completed an asset quality cleanup project which resulted in the significant level of charge-offs. The charge-off detail by region for the quarters ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 can be seen below.

    For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial
    CFG
      Shore
    Premier
    Finance
      Florida   Alabama   Total
    Charge-offs   $ 444     $ 474     $     $ 53     $ 2,479     $ 8     $ 3,458  
    Recoveries     (6,514 )     (228 )     (658 )     (3 )     (117 )     (2 )     (7,522 )
    Net (recoveries)
    charge-offs
      $ (6,070 )   $ 246     $ (658 )   $ 50     $ 2,362     $ 6     $ (4,064 )
    For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial
    CFG
      Shore
    Premier
    Finance
      Florida   Alabama   Total
    Charge-offs   $ 47,774     $ 2,108     $ 1,973   $ 1,457     $ 637     $ 10     $ 53,959  
    Recoveries     (174 )     (181 )         (15 )     (193 )     (2 )     (565 )
    Net charge-offs   $ 47,600     $ 1,927     $ 1,973   $ 1,442     $ 444     $ 8     $ 53,394  
     

    At March 31, 2025, non-performing loans were $89.6 million, and non-performing assets were $129.4 million. At December 31, 2024, non-performing loans were $98.9 million, and non-performing assets were $142.4 million.

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

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

    The table below shows the non-performing loans and non-performing assets by region as December 31, 2024:

    (in thousands)   Texas   Arkansas   Centennial
    CFG
      Shore
    Premier
    Finance
      Florida   Alabama   Total
    Non-accrual loans   23,494   18,448   7,390   5,537   38,778   206   93,853
    Loans 90+ days past due   4,134   538       362     5,034
    Total non-performing loans   27,628   18,986   7,390   5,537   39,140   206   98,887
                                 
    Foreclosed assets held for sale   13,924   757   22,775     5,951     43,407
    Other non-performing assets   63             63
    Total other non-performing assets   13,987   757   22,775     5,951     43,470
    Total non-performing assets   41,615   19,743   30,165   5,537   45,091   206   142,357
     

    The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $279.9 million at March 31, 2025, or 1.87% of total loans, compared to the allowance for credit losses on loans of $275.9 million, or 1.87% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was 312.27% and 278.99% of its total non-performing loans, respectively. The increase in the allowance for credit losses reflects the net recoveries during the quarter.

    Stockholders’ equity was $4.04 billion at March 31, 2025, which increased approximately $81.5 million from December 31, 2024. The net increase in stockholders’ equity is primarily associated with the $76.5 million increase in retained earnings and the $31.6 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss, which was partially offset by the $29.7 million in stock repurchases for the quarter. Book value per common share was $20.40 at March 31, 2025, compared to $19.92 at December 31, 2024. Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP) was $13.15(1) at March 31, 2025, compared to $12.68(1) at December 31, 2024. Book value per common share and tangible book value per common share, as of March 31, 2025, were both records for the Company.

    Branches

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

    Conference Call

    Management will conduct a conference call to review this information at 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. ET) on Thursday, April 17, 2025. We strongly encourage all participants to pre-register for the conference call webcast or the live call using one of the following links. First, participants can pre-register for the conference call webcast using the following link: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/447517977. Participants who pre-register will be given a unique webcast link to gain immediate access to the conference call webcast. Second, participants can pre-register for the live call using the following link: https://www.netroadshow.com/events/login?show=a44e9900&confId=79637. Participants who pre-register will be given the phone number and unique access codes to gain immediate access to the live call. Participants may pre-register now, or at any time prior to the call, and will immediately receive simple instructions via email. The Home BancShares conference call will also be scheduled as an event in your Outlook calendar.

    Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in and listen to the live call by calling 1-833-470-1428, Passcode: 947933. A replay of the call will be available by calling 1-866-813-9403, Passcode: 685290, which will be available until April 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Internet access to the call will be available live or in recorded version on the Company’s website at www.homebancshares.com.

    About Home BancShares

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

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

    General

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

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

     
     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Consolidated End of Period Balance Sheets
     (Unaudited)
                         
     (In thousands)   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024
    ASSETS                    
    Cash and due from banks   $ 319,747     $ 281,063     $ 265,408     $ 229,209     $ 205,262  
    Interest-bearing deposits with other banks     975,983       629,284       752,269       829,507       969,996  
    Cash and cash equivalents     1,295,730       910,347       1,017,677       1,058,716       1,175,258  
    Federal funds sold     6,275       3,725       6,425             5,200  
    Investment securities – available-for-sale, net of allowance for credit losses     3,003,320       3,072,639       3,270,620       3,344,539       3,400,884  
    Investment securities – held-to-maturity, net of allowance for credit losses     1,269,896       1,275,204       1,277,090       1,278,853       1,280,586  
    Total investment securities     4,273,216       4,347,843       4,547,710       4,623,392       4,681,470  
    Loans receivable     14,952,116       14,764,500       14,823,979       14,781,457       14,513,673  
    Allowance for credit losses     (279,944 )     (275,880 )     (312,574 )     (295,856 )     (290,294 )
    Loans receivable, net     14,672,172       14,488,620       14,511,405       14,485,601       14,223,379  
    Bank premises and equipment, net     384,843       386,322       388,776       383,691       389,618  
    Foreclosed assets held for sale     39,680       43,407       43,040       41,347       30,650  
    Cash value of life insurance     221,621       219,786       219,353       218,198       215,424  
    Accrued interest receivable     115,983       120,129       118,871       120,984       119,029  
    Deferred tax asset, net     170,120       186,697       176,629       195,041       202,882  
    Goodwill     1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253  
    Core deposit intangible     38,280       40,327       42,395       44,490       46,630  
    Other assets     376,030       345,292       352,583       350,192       347,928  
    Total assets   $ 22,992,203     $ 22,490,748     $ 22,823,117     $ 22,919,905     $ 22,835,721  
                         
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                        
    Liabilities                    
    Deposits:                    
    Demand and non-interest-bearing   $ 4,079,289     $ 4,006,115     $ 3,937,168     $ 4,068,302     $ 4,115,603  
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts     11,586,106       11,347,850       10,966,426       11,150,516       11,047,258  
    Time deposits     1,876,096       1,792,332       1,802,116       1,736,985       1,703,269  
    Total deposits     17,541,491       17,146,297       16,705,710       16,955,803       16,866,130  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     161,401       162,350       179,416       137,996       176,107  
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     600,500       600,750       1,300,750       1,301,050       1,301,050  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     207,154       181,080       238,058       230,011       241,345  
    Subordinated debentures     439,102       439,246       439,394       439,542       439,688  
    Total liabilities     18,949,648       18,529,723       18,863,328       19,064,402       19,024,320  
                         
    Stockholders’ equity                    
    Common stock     1,982       1,989       1,989       1,997       2,008  
    Capital surplus     2,246,312       2,272,794       2,272,100       2,295,893       2,326,824  
    Retained earnings     2,018,801       1,942,350       1,880,562       1,819,412       1,753,994  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (224,540 )     (256,108 )     (194,862 )     (261,799 )     (271,425 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     4,042,555       3,961,025       3,959,789       3,855,503       3,811,401  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 22,992,203     $ 22,490,748     $ 22,823,117     $ 22,919,905     $ 22,835,721  
                         
     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Consolidated Statements of Income
     (Unaudited)
                                 
         Quarter Ended   Three Months Ended
    (In thousands)   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024   Mar. 31, 2025   Mar. 31, 2024
    Interest income:                            
    Loans   $ 270,784     $ 278,409     $ 281,977     $ 274,324     $ 265,294     $ 270,784     $ 265,294  
    Investment securities                            
    Taxable     27,433       28,943       31,006       32,587       33,229       27,433       33,229  
    Tax-exempt     7,650       7,704       7,704       7,769       7,803       7,650       7,803  
    Deposits – other banks     6,620       7,585       12,096       12,564       10,528       6,620       10,528  
    Federal funds sold     55       73       62       59       61       55       61  
    Total interest income     312,542       322,714       332,845       327,303       316,915       312,542       316,915  
    Interest expense:                            
    Interest on deposits     86,786       90,564       97,785       95,741       92,548       86,786       92,548  
    Federal funds purchased                 1                          
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     5,902       9,541       14,383       14,255       14,276       5,902       14,276  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     1,074       1,346       1,335       1,363       1,404       1,074       1,404  
    Subordinated debentures     4,124       4,121       4,121       4,122       4,097       4,124       4,097  
    Total interest expense     97,886       105,572       117,625       115,481       112,325       97,886       112,325  
    Net interest income     214,656       217,142       215,220       211,822       204,590       214,656       204,590  
    Provision for credit losses on loans           16,700       18,200       8,000       5,500             5,500  
    Provision for (recovery of) credit losses on unfunded commitments                 1,000             (1,000 )           (1,000 )
    (Recovery of) provision for credit losses on investment securities                 (330 )                        
    Total credit loss expense           16,700       18,870       8,000       4,500             4,500  
    Net interest income after credit loss expense     214,656       200,442       196,350       203,822       200,090       214,656       200,090  
    Non-interest income:                            
    Service charges on deposit accounts     9,650       9,935       9,888       9,714       9,686       9,650       9,686  
    Other service charges and fees     10,689       11,651       10,490       10,679       10,189       10,689       10,189  
    Trust fees     4,760       4,526       4,403       4,722       5,066       4,760       5,066  
    Mortgage lending income     3,599       3,518       4,437       4,276       3,558       3,599       3,558  
    Insurance commissions     535       483       595       565       508       535       508  
    Increase in cash value of life insurance     1,842       1,215       1,161       1,279       1,195       1,842       1,195  
    Dividends from FHLB, FRB, FNBB & other     2,718       2,820       2,637       2,998       3,007       2,718       3,007  
    Gain on SBA loans     288       218       145       56       198       288       198  
    (Loss) gain on branches, equipment and other assets, net     (163 )     26       32       2,052       (8 )     (163 )     (8 )
    (Loss) gain on OREO, net     (376 )     (2,423 )     85       49       17       (376 )     17  
    Fair value adjustment for marketable securities     442       850       1,392       (274 )     1,003       442       1,003  
    Other income     11,442       8,403       7,514       6,658       7,380       11,442       7,380  
    Total non-interest income     45,426       41,222       42,779       42,774       41,799       45,426       41,799  
    Non-interest expense:                            
    Salaries and employee benefits     61,855       60,824       58,861       60,427       60,910       61,855       60,910  
    Occupancy and equipment     14,425       14,526       14,546       14,408       14,551       14,425       14,551  
    Data processing expense     8,558       9,324       9,088       8,935       9,147       8,558       9,147  
    Other operating expenses     28,090       27,536       27,550       29,415       26,888       28,090       26,888  
    Total non-interest expense     112,928       112,210       110,045       113,185       111,496       112,928       111,496  
    Income before income taxes     147,154       129,454       129,084       133,411       130,393       147,154       130,393  
    Income tax expense     31,945       28,890       29,046       31,881       30,284       31,945       30,284  
    Net income   $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 100,109     $ 115,209     $ 100,109  
                                 
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Selected Financial Information
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Three Months Ended
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024   Mar. 31, 2025   Mar. 31, 2024
    PER SHARE DATA                            
    Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.58     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.58     $ 0.50  
    Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     0.56       0.50       0.50       0.52       0.49       0.56       0.49  
    Basic earnings per common share     0.58       0.51       0.50       0.51       0.50       0.58       0.50  
    Dividends per share – common     0.195       0.195       0.195       0.18       0.18       0.195       0.18  
    Book value per common share     20.40       19.92       19.91       19.30       18.98       20.40       18.98  
    Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP)(1)     13.15       12.68       12.67       12.08       11.79       13.15       11.79  
                                 
    STOCK INFORMATION                            
    Average common shares outstanding     198,657       198,863       199,380       200,319       201,210       198,657       201,210  
    Average diluted shares outstanding     198,852       198,973       199,461       200,465       201,390       198,852       201,390  
    End of period common shares outstanding     198,206       198,882       198,879       199,746       200,797       198,206       200,797  
                                 
    ANNUALIZED PERFORMANCE METRICS                            
    Return on average assets (ROA)     2.07 %     1.77 %     1.74 %     1.79 %     1.78 %     2.07 %     1.78 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted: (ROA, as adjusted) (non-GAAP)(1)     2.01 %     1.76 %     1.72 %     1.83 %     1.76 %     2.01 %     1.76 %
    Return on average assets excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     2.24 %     1.92 %     1.88 %     1.94 %     1.93 %     2.24 %     1.93 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     2.18 %     1.91 %     1.86 %     1.98 %     1.91 %     2.18 %     1.91 %
    Return on average common equity (ROE)     11.75 %     10.13 %     10.23 %     10.73 %     10.64 %     11.75 %     10.64 %
    Return on average common equity, as adjusted: (ROE, as adjusted) (non-GAAP)(1)     11.41 %     10.05 %     10.12 %     10.98 %     10.54 %     11.41 %     10.54 %
    Return on average tangible common equity (ROTCE) (non-GAAP)(1)     18.39 %     15.94 %     16.26 %     17.29 %     17.22 %     18.39 %     17.22 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted: (ROTCE, as adjusted) (non-GAAP)(1)     17.87 %     15.82 %     16.09 %     17.69 %     17.07 %     17.87 %     17.07 %
    Return on average tangible common equity excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     18.64 %     16.18 %     16.51 %     17.56 %     17.50 %     18.64 %     17.50 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization (non-GAAP)(1)     18.12 %     16.07 %     16.34 %     17.97 %     17.34 %     18.12 %     17.34 %
                                 
    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
     
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Selected Financial Information
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Three Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024   Mar. 31, 2025   Mar. 31, 2024
                                 
    Efficiency ratio     42.22 %     42.24 %     41.42 %     43.17 %     44.22 %     42.22 %     44.22 %
    Efficiency ratio, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     42.84 %     42.00 %     41.66 %     42.59 %     44.43 %     42.84 %     44.43 %
    Net interest margin – FTE (NIM)     4.44 %     4.39 %     4.28 %     4.27 %     4.13 %     4.44 %     4.13 %
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment   $ 2,534     $ 2,398     $ 2,616     $ 2,628     $ 892     $ 2,534     $ 892  
    Total revenue (net)     260,082       258,364       257,999       254,596       246,389       260,082       246,389  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR) (non-GAAP)(1)     147,154       146,154       147,954       141,411       134,893       147,154       134,893  
    PPNR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     142,821       145,209       146,562       141,886       133,728       142,821       133,728  
    Pre-tax net income to total revenue (net)     56.58 %     50.11 %     50.03 %     52.40 %     52.92 %     56.58 %     52.92 %
    Pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net) (non-GAAP)(1)     54.91 %     49.74 %     49.49 %     52.59 %     52.45 %     54.91 %     52.45 %
    P5NR (Pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage) (PPNR to total revenue (net)) (non-GAAP)(1)     56.58 %     56.57 %     57.35 %     55.54 %     54.75 %     56.58 %     54.75 %
    P5NR, as adjusted (non-GAAP)(1)     54.91 %     56.20 %     56.81 %     55.73 %     54.28 %     54.91 %     54.28 %
    Total purchase accounting accretion   $ 1,378     $ 1,610     $ 1,878     $ 1,873     $ 2,772     $ 1,378     $ 2,772  
    Average purchase accounting loan discounts     17,493       19,090       20,832       22,788       24,820       17,493       24,820  
                                 
    OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES                            
    Advertising   $ 1,928     $ 1,941     $ 1,810     $ 1,692     $ 1,654     $ 1,928     $ 1,654  
    Amortization of intangibles     2,047       2,068       2,095       2,140       2,140       2,047       2,140  
    Electronic banking expense     3,055       3,307       3,569       3,412       3,156       3,055       3,156  
    Directors’ fees     452       356       362       423       498       452       498  
    Due from bank service charges     281       271       302       282       276       281       276  
    FDIC and state assessment     3,387       3,216       3,360       5,494       3,318       3,387       3,318  
    Insurance     999       900       926       905       903       999       903  
    Legal and accounting     3,641       2,361       1,902       2,617       2,081       3,641       2,081  
    Other professional fees     1,947       1,736       2,062       2,108       2,236       1,947       2,236  
    Operating supplies     711       711       673       613       683       711       683  
    Postage     503       518       522       497       523       503       523  
    Telephone     436       438       455       444       470       436       470  
    Other expense     8,703       9,713       9,512       8,788       8,950       8,703       8,950  
    Total other operating expenses   $ 28,090     $ 27,536     $ 27,550     $ 29,415     $ 26,888     $ 28,090     $ 26,888  
                                 
    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
     
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Selected Financial Information
    (Unaudited)
                         
    (Dollars in thousands)   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024
    BALANCE SHEET RATIOS                    
    Total loans to total deposits     85.24 %     86.11 %     88.74 %     87.18 %     86.05 %
    Common equity to assets     17.58 %     17.61 %     17.35 %     16.82 %     16.69 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)(1)     12.09 %     11.98 %     11.78 %     11.23 %     11.06 %
                    .    
    LOANS RECEIVABLE                    
    Real estate                    
    Commercial real estate loans                    
    Non-farm/non-residential   $ 5,588,681     $ 5,426,780     $ 5,496,536     $ 5,599,925     $ 5,616,965  
    Construction/land development     2,735,760       2,736,214       2,741,419       2,511,817       2,330,555  
    Agricultural     335,437       336,993       335,965       345,461       337,618  
    Residential real estate loans                    
    Residential 1-4 family     1,947,872       1,956,489       1,932,352       1,910,143       1,899,974  
    Multifamily residential     576,089       496,484       482,648       509,091       415,926  
    Total real estate     11,183,839       10,952,960       10,988,920       10,876,437       10,601,038  
    Consumer     1,227,745       1,234,361       1,219,197       1,189,386       1,163,228  
    Commercial and industrial     2,045,036       2,022,775       2,084,667       2,242,072       2,284,775  
    Agricultural     314,323       367,251       352,963       314,600       278,609  
    Other     181,173       187,153       178,232       158,962       186,023  
    Loans receivable   $ 14,952,116     $ 14,764,500     $ 14,823,979     $ 14,781,457     $ 14,513,673  
                         
    ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES                    
    Balance, beginning of period   $ 275,880     $ 312,574     $ 295,856     $ 290,294     $ 288,234  
    Loans charged off     3,458       53,959       2,001       3,098       3,978  
    Recoveries of loans previously charged off     7,522       565       519       660       538  
    Net loans (recovered) charged off     (4,064 )     53,394       1,482       2,438       3,440  
    Provision for credit losses – loans           16,700       18,200       8,000       5,500  
    Balance, end of period   $ 279,944     $ 275,880     $ 312,574     $ 295,856     $ 290,294  
                         
    Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average total loans     (0.11 )%     1.44 %     0.04 %     0.07 %     0.10 %
    Allowance for credit losses to total loans     1.87 %     1.87 %     2.11 %     2.00 %     2.00 %
                         
    NON-PERFORMING ASSETS                    
    Non-performing loans                    
    Non-accrual loans   $ 86,383     $ 93,853     $ 95,747     $ 78,090     $ 67,055  
    Loans past due 90 days or more     3,264       5,034       5,356       8,251       12,928  
    Total non-performing loans     89,647       98,887       101,103       86,341       79,983  
    Other non-performing assets                    
    Foreclosed assets held for sale, net     39,680       43,407       43,040       41,347       30,650  
    Other non-performing assets     63       63       63       63       63  
    Total other non-performing assets     39,743       43,470       43,103       41,410       30,713  
    Total non-performing assets   $ 129,390     $ 142,357     $ 144,206     $ 127,751     $ 110,696  
                         
    Allowance for credit losses for loans to non-performing loans     312.27 %     278.99 %     309.16 %     342.66 %     362.94 %
    Non-performing loans to total loans     0.60 %     0.67 %     0.68 %     0.58 %     0.55 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.56 %     0.63 %     0.63 %     0.56 %     0.48 %
                         
    (1) Calculation of this metric and the reconciliation to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.
     
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Consolidated Net Interest Margin
    (Unaudited)
                             
        Three Months Ended
        March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average
    Balance
      Income/
    Expense
      Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
      Income/
    Expense
      Yield/
    Rate
    ASSETS                        
    Earning assets                        
    Interest-bearing balances due from banks   $ 611,962   $ 6,620   4.39 %   $ 643,959   $ 7,585   4.69 %
    Federal funds sold     5,091     55   4.38 %     6,068     73   4.79 %
    Investment securities – taxable     3,179,290     27,433   3.50 %     3,291,472     28,943   3.50 %
    Investment securities – non-taxable – FTE     1,135,783     10,061   3.59 %     1,154,384     9,980   3.44 %
    Loans receivable – FTE     14,893,912     270,907   7.38 %     14,798,953     278,531   7.49 %
    Total interest-earning assets     19,826,038     315,076   6.45 %     19,894,836     325,112   6.50 %
    Non-earning assets     2,722,797             2,670,241        
    Total assets   $ 22,548,835           $ 22,565,077        
                             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                          
    Liabilities                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities                        
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts   $ 11,402,688   $ 69,672   2.48 %   $ 11,058,959   $ 72,220   2.60 %
    Time deposits     1,801,503     17,114   3.85 %     1,800,618     18,344   4.05 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     13,204,191     86,786   2.67 %     12,859,577     90,564   2.80 %
    Securities sold under agreement to repurchase     155,861     1,074   2.79 %     174,759     1,346   3.06 %
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     600,681     5,902   3.98 %     889,880     9,541   4.27 %
    Subordinated debentures     439,173     4,124   3.81 %     439,319     4,121   3.73 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     14,399,906     97,886   2.76 %     14,363,535     105,572   2.92 %
    Non-interest bearing liabilities                        
    Non-interest bearing deposits     3,980,944             4,024,433        
    Other liabilities     190,314             226,933        
    Total liabilities     18,571,164             18,614,901        
    Shareholders’ equity     3,977,671             3,950,176        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 22,548,835           $ 22,565,077        
    Net interest spread           3.69 %           3.58 %
    Net interest income and margin – FTE       $ 217,190   4.44 %       $ 219,540   4.39 %
                             
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Consolidated Net Interest Margin
    (Unaudited)
                             
        Three Months Ended
        March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024
    (Dollars in thousands)   Average
    Balance
      Income/
    Expense
      Yield/
    Rate
      Average
    Balance
      Income/
    Expense
      Yield/
    Rate
    ASSETS                        
    Earning assets                        
    Interest-bearing balances due from banks   $ 611,962   $ 6,620   4.39 %   $ 801,456   $ 10,528   5.28 %
    Federal funds sold     5,091     55   4.38 %     5,012     61   4.90 %
    Investment securities – taxable     3,179,290     27,433   3.50 %     3,473,511     33,229   3.85 %
    Investment securities – non-taxable – FTE     1,135,783     10,061   3.59 %     1,257,861     8,642   2.76 %
    Loans receivable – FTE     14,893,912     270,907   7.38 %     14,487,494     265,347   7.37 %
    Total interest-earning assets     19,826,038     315,076   6.45 %     20,025,334     317,807   6.38 %
    Non-earning assets     2,722,797             2,657,925        
    Total assets   $ 22,548,835           $ 22,683,259        
                             
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                          
    Liabilities                        
    Interest-bearing liabilities                        
    Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts   $ 11,402,688   $ 69,672   2.48 %   $ 11,038,910   $ 75,597   2.75 %
    Time deposits     1,801,503     17,114   3.85 %     1,685,193     16,951   4.05 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits     13,204,191     86,786   2.67 %     12,724,103     92,548   2.93 %
    Securities sold under agreement to repurchase   155,861     1,074   2.79 %     172,024     1,404   3.28 %
    FHLB and other borrowed funds     600,681     5,902   3.98 %     1,301,091     14,276   4.41 %
    Subordinated debentures     439,173     4,124   3.81 %     439,760     4,097   3.75 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities     14,399,906     97,886   2.76 %     14,636,978     112,325   3.09 %
    Non-interest bearing liabilities                        
    Non-interest bearing deposits     3,980,944             4,017,659        
    Other liabilities     190,314             244,970        
    Total liabilities     18,571,164             18,899,607        
    Shareholders’ equity     3,977,671             3,783,652        
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 22,548,835           $ 22,683,259        
    Net interest spread           3.69 %           3.29 %
    Net interest income and margin – FTE       $ 217,190   4.44 %       $ 205,482   4.13 %
                             
    Home BancShares, Inc.
    Non-GAAP Reconciliations
    (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Three Months Ended
    (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024   Mar. 31, 2025   Mar. 31, 2024
    EARNINGS, AS ADJUSTED                            
    GAAP net income available to common shareholders (A)   $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 100,109     $ 115,209     $ 100,109  
    Pre-tax adjustments                            
    FDIC special assessment                       2,260                    
    BOLI death benefits           (95 )                 (162 )           (162 )
    Gain on sale of building                       (2,059 )                  
    Fair value adjustment for marketable securities     (442 )     (850 )     (1,392 )     274       (1,003 )     (442 )     (1,003 )
    Special income from equity investment     (3,891 )                             (3,891 )      
    Total pre-tax adjustments     (4,333 )     (945 )     (1,392 )     475       (1,165 )     (4,333 )     (1,165 )
    Tax-effect of adjustments     (1,059 )     (208 )     (348 )     119       (251 )     (1,059 )     (251 )
    Deferred tax asset write-down                       2,030                    
    Total adjustments after-tax (B)     (3,274 )     (737 )     (1,044 )     2,386       (914 )     (3,274 )     (914 )
    Earnings, as adjusted (C)   $ 111,935     $ 99,827     $ 98,994     $ 103,916     $ 99,195     $ 111,935     $ 99,195  
                                 
    Average diluted shares outstanding (D)     198,852       198,973       199,461       200,465       201,390       198,852       201,390  
                                 
    GAAP diluted earnings per share: (A/D)   $ 0.58     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.51     $ 0.50     $ 0.58     $ 0.50  
    Adjustments after-tax: (B/D)     (0.02 )     (0.01 )     0.00       0.01       (0.01 )     (0.02 )     (0.01 )
    Diluted earnings per common share, as adjusted: (C/D)   $ 0.56     $ 0.50     $ 0.50     $ 0.52     $ 0.49     $ 0.56     $ 0.49  
                                 
    ANNUALIZED RETURN ON AVERAGE ASSETS                            
    Return on average assets: (A/E)     2.07 %     1.77 %     1.74 %     1.79 %     1.78 %     2.07 %     1.78 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted: (ROA, as adjusted) ((A+D)/E)     2.01 %     1.76 %     1.72 %     1.83 %     1.76 %     2.01 %     1.76 %
    Return on average assets excluding intangible amortization: ((A+C)/(E-F))     2.24 %     1.92 %     1.88 %     1.94 %     1.93 %     2.24 %     1.93 %
    Return on average assets, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization: ((A+C+D)/(E-F))     2.18 %     1.91 %     1.86 %     1.98 %     1.91 %     2.18 %     1.91 %
                                 
    GAAP net income available to common shareholders (A)   $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 100,109     $ 115,209     $ 100,109  
    Amortization of intangibles (B)     2,047       2,068       2,095       2,140       2,140       2,047       2,140  
    Amortization of intangibles after-tax (C)     1,547       1,563       1,572       1,605       1,605       1,547       1,605  
    Adjustments after-tax (D)     (3,274 )     (737 )     (1,044 )     2,386       (914 )     (3,274 )     (914 )
    Average assets (E)    22,548,835      22,565,077      22,893,784      22,875,949      22,683,259      22,548,835      22,683,259  
    Average goodwill & core deposit intangible (F)     1,437,515       1,439,566       1,441,654       1,443,778       1,445,902       1,437,515       1,445,902  
                                 
     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Non-GAAP Reconciliations
     (Unaudited)
                                 
        Quarter Ended   Three Months Ended
    (Dollars in thousands)   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024   Mar. 31, 2025   Mar. 31, 2024
    ANNUALIZED RETURN ON AVERAGE COMMON EQUITY                            
    Return on average common equity: (A/D)     11.75 %     10.13 %     10.23 %     10.73 %     10.64 %     11.75 %     10.64 %
    Return on average common equity, as adjusted: (ROE, as adjusted) ((A+C)/D)     11.41 %     10.05 %     10.12 %     10.98 %     10.54 %     11.41 %     10.54 %
    Return on average tangible common equity: (A/(D-E))     18.39 %     15.94 %     16.26 %     17.29 %     17.22 %     18.39 %     17.22 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted: (ROTCE, as adjusted) ((A+C)/(D-E))     17.87 %     15.82 %     16.09 %     17.69 %     17.07 %     17.87 %     17.07 %
    Return on average tangible common equity excluding intangible amortization: (B/(D-E))     18.64 %     16.18 %     16.51 %     17.56 %     17.50 %     18.64 %     17.50 %
    Return on average tangible common equity, as adjusted, excluding intangible amortization: ((B+C)/(D-E))     18.12 %     16.07 %     16.34 %     17.97 %     17.34 %     18.12 %     17.34 %
                                 
    GAAP net income available to common shareholders (A)   $ 115,209     $ 100,564     $ 100,038     $ 101,530     $ 100,109     $ 115,209     $ 100,109  
    Earnings excluding intangible amortization (B)     116,756       102,127       101,610       103,135       101,714       116,756       101,714  
    Adjustments after-tax (C)     (3,274 )     (737 )     (1,044 )     2,386       (914 )     (3,274 )     (914 )
    Average common equity (D)   3,977,671     3,950,176     3,889,712     3,805,800     3,783,652     3,977,671     3,783,652  
    Average goodwill & core deposits intangible (E)   1,437,515     1,439,566     1,441,654     1,443,778     1,445,902     1,437,515     1,445,902  
                                 
    EFFICIENCY RATIO & P5NR                            
    Efficiency ratio: ((D-G)/(B+C+E))     42.22 %     42.24 %     41.42 %     43.17 %     44.22 %     42.22 %     44.22 %
    Efficiency ratio, as adjusted: ((D-G-I)/(B+C+E-H))     42.84 %     42.00 %     41.66 %     42.59 %     44.43 %     42.84 %     44.43 %
    Pre-tax net income to total revenue (net) (A/(B+C))     56.58 %     50.11 %     50.03 %     52.40 %     52.92 %     56.58 %     52.92 %
    Pre-tax net income, as adjusted, to total revenue (net) ((A+F)/(B+C))     54.91 %     49.74 %     49.49 %     52.59 %     52.45 %     54.91 %     52.45 %
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income (PPNR) (B+C-D)   $ 147,154     $ 146,154     $ 147,954     $ 141,411     $ 134,893     $ 147,154     $ 134,893  
    Pre-tax, pre-provision, net income, as adjusted (B+C-D+F)   $ 142,821     $ 145,209     $ 146,562     $ 141,886     $ 133,728     $ 142,821     $ 133,728  
    P5NR (Pre-tax, pre-provision, profit percentage) PPNR to total revenue (net)) (B+C-D)/(B+C)     56.58 %     56.57 %     57.35 %     55.54 %     54.75 %     56.58 %     54.75 %
    P5NR, as adjusted (B+C-D+F)/(B+C)     54.91 %     56.20 %     56.81 %     55.73 %     54.28 %     54.91 %     54.28 %
                                 
    Pre-tax net income (A)   $ 147,154     $ 129,454     $ 129,084     $ 133,411     $ 130,393     $ 147,154     $ 130,393  
    Net interest income (B)     214,656       217,142       215,220       211,822       204,590       214,656       204,590  
    Non-interest income (C)     45,426       41,222       42,779       42,774       41,799       45,426       41,799  
    Non-interest expense (D)     112,928       112,210       110,045       113,185       111,496       112,928       111,496  
    Fully taxable equivalent adjustment (E)     2,534       2,398       2,616       2,628       892       2,534       892  
    Total pre-tax adjustments (F)     (4,333 )     (945 )     (1,392 )     475       (1,165 )     (4,333 )     (1,165 )
    Amortization of intangibles (G)     2,047       2,068       2,095       2,140       2,140       2,047       2,140  
                                 
    Adjustments:                            
    Non-interest income:                            
    Fair value adjustment for marketable securities   $ 442     $ 850     $ 1,392     $ (274 )   $ 1,003     $ 442     $ 1,003  
    (Loss) gain on OREO     (376 )     (2,423 )     85       49       17       (376 )     17  
    (Loss) gain on branches, equipment and other assets, net     (163 )     26       32       2,052       (8 )     (163 )     (8 )
    Special income from equity investment     3,891                               3,891        
    BOLI death benefits           95                   162             162  
    Total non-interest income adjustments (H)   $ 3,794     $ (1,452 )   $ 1,509     $ 1,827     $ 1,174     $ 3,794     $ 1,174  
                                 
    Non-interest expense:                            
    FDIC special assessment                       2,260                    
    Total non-interest expense adjustments (I)   $     $     $     $ 2,260     $     $     $  
                                 
     Home BancShares, Inc.
     Non-GAAP Reconciliations
     (Unaudited)
                         
        Quarter Ended
        Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024
    TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER COMMON SHARE                    
    Book value per common share: (A/B)   $ 20.40     $ 19.92     $ 19.91     $ 19.30     $ 18.98  
    Tangible book value per common share: ((A-C-D)/B)     13.15       12.68       12.67       12.08       11.79  
                         
    Total stockholders’ equity (A)   $ 4,042,555     $ 3,961,025     $ 3,959,789     $ 3,855,503     $ 3,811,401  
    End of period common shares outstanding (B)     198,206       198,882       198,879       199,746       200,797  
    Goodwill (C)     1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253  
    Core deposit and other intangibles (D)     38,280       40,327       42,395       44,490       46,630  
                         
    TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY TO TANGIBLE ASSETS                    
    Equity to assets: (B/A)     17.58 %     17.61 %     17.35 %     16.82 %     16.69 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets: ((B-C-D)/(A-C-D))     12.09 %     11.98 %     11.78 %     11.23 %     11.06 %
                         
    Total assets (A)   $ 22,992,203     $ 22,490,748     $ 22,823,117     $ 22,919,905     $ 22,835,721  
    Total stockholders’ equity (B)     4,042,555       3,961,025       3,959,789       3,855,503       3,811,401  
    Goodwill (C)     1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253       1,398,253  
    Core deposit and other intangibles (D)     38,280       40,327       42,395       44,490       46,630  

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Clyde Visits, Receives Briefing on Big Ridge Fire in Rabun County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)

    Rep. Clyde Visits, Receives Briefing on Big Ridge Fire in Rabun County

    Gainesville, April 16, 2025

     

    GAINESVILLE, GA — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) traveled to Rabun County to receive a briefing from the U.S. Forest Service on the Big Ridge Fire in the Chattooga River Ranger District, survey successful containment efforts, and discuss wildfire response, recovery, and future mitigation planning.

     

    The Big Ridge Fire is the largest fire in the region since 2016, and only one of three wildfires in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest of significant size over the past 25 years. To date, the wildfire has burned more than 3,400 acres in the Warwoman Wildlife Management Area. Currently, all burn bans and road closures put in place in response to the Big Ridge Fire have been lifted.

     

    “I commend the interagency coordination and cooperation in response to the Big Ridge Fire in North Georgia,” said Clyde. “Due to the incredible work and partnership among local, state, and federal personnel, this wildfire resulted in no private property damage or loss of life. At its peak, more than 280 U.S. Forest Service firefighters and support personnel were assigned to manage the Big Ridge Fire, and I deeply appreciate all the remarkable folks here on the ground who have helped battle the blaze. Our Northeast Georgia community is blessed with resilient emergency, fire, and forest management crews who have worked tirelessly for weeks to contain the spread of the fire, protect lives and property, and plan for wildfire mitigation. My office and I remain engaged with our regional and federal partners to ensure our local communities have the support needed to ultimately extinguish the Big Ridge Fire, as well as the resources to assist in future fire prevention.”

     

     

    Rep. Clyde Learns More About Successful Efforts to Contain Big Ridge Fire

     

     

    Rep. Clyde Prays for the Safety of Crews Responding to Big Ridge Fire

     

     

    Rep. Clyde Receives Informative Briefing on Big Ridge Fire

     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bacon, Crow Reintroduce Legislation to Recognize Long-Term Risks of Military Firefighting, Strengthen VA Benefits for Veteran Firefighters

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

    Bacon, Crow Reintroduce Legislation to Recognize Long-Term Risks of Military Firefighting, Strengthen VA Benefits for Veteran Firefighters

    Bipartisan Legislation is Named after Veteran and Firefighter Michael Lecik

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Jason Crow (D-CO-06) introduced H.R. 2244 the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act, which provides veteran firefighters with the fair compensation, healthcare, and retirement benefits they’ve earned through their service. Rep. Bacon originally introduced this legislation in 2020 alongside former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).

    The bipartisan legislation is named after Virginia resident Michael Lecik, a former U.S. Air Force firefighter who was twice deployed to the Middle East. Following his military service, Lecik became a civilian firefighter and then became chief fire inspector at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Lee. He also volunteered as a firefighter with the Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department. 

    In February 2019, Lecik was diagnosed with multiple myeloma — a condition tied to the high-risk, carcinogenic workplace conditions that come with being a military firefighter. Lecik passed away in March 2021.

    The Veterans Health Administration does not currently cover treatment costs related to diseases like Lecik’s, as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — in many cases — does not recognize the direct service connection between military firefighting and cancer as a service-connected disability beyond one year following active duty. Bacon and Crow’s Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act would create the presumption that veteran firefighters who become disabled by serious diseases — including heart disease, lung disease, and certain cancers — contracted the illness due to their service in the military. Additionally, it would extend the window of time for veteran military firefighters with certain diseases to claim presumptive service-connection to 15 years. By creating this presumption, the VA would be able to provide equitable disability benefits and treatment cost coverage to veteran firefighters like Lecik.

    “After nearly 30 years in the Air Force, I’ve witnessed hundreds of heroic military firefighters who put their own lives on the line by carrying us out of burning buildings or jets and exposing themselves to toxic substances and deadly fumes,” said Rep. Bacon. “Creating the presumption that those who become disabled from serious disease contracted the illness while serving in the military allows the VA to treat thousands of military firefighters that would normally not be covered. This bill changes that. I fully support this mission, and I will continue to work with Rep. Crow to not only get this over the finish line, but to honor the life of former USAF firefighter, Michael Lecik, to which this bill is named after.”

    “I know from my days as an Army Ranger that military firefighters protect the safety of everybody in our ranks,” said Rep. Crow. “Too many of our military firefighters have been denied VA health care for conditions connected to their service, and that’s unacceptable. That’s why I’m introducing bipartisan legislation that expands their access to the care they deserve.”

    A 2014 study from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that U.S. firefighters are more likely to suffer certain diseases and illnesses as a result of their career — and they experience higher rates of cancer than the general U.S. population. While many states have already recognized this link, the VA has not yet recognized this long-term presumptive disability — meaning thousands of U.S. veteran firefighters are left uncovered by the VA.

    Click here to read the full bill text.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Stifel Financial Schedules First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) will release its first quarter financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The company will host a conference call to review the results at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time that same day. The conference call may include forward-looking statements.

    All interested parties are invited to listen to Stifel Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski by dialing (866) 409-1555 and referencing participant ID 2769458. A live audio webcast of the call, as well as a presentation highlighting the company’s results, will be available through Stifel’s website, www.stifel.com. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the broadcast will be available through the above-referenced website beginning approximately one hour following the completion of the call.

    Stifel Company Information
    Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; in Canada through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases.

    Stifel Investor Relations Contact
    Joel Jeffrey, Senior Vice President
    (212) 271-3610 direct
    investorrelations@stifel.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Newsweek Op-Ed: Trump Tariffs Gave America Leverage for Better Trade Deals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    AUBURN – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) penned an op-ed in Newsweek about how President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs are already delivering results for Alabama manufacturers, businesses, workers, and producers.
    Read excerpts from the piece below or read the full piece here.
    “It’s been two weeks since President Donald Trump announced tariffs on more than 180 countries and territories that have been ripping us off for decades. A full-blown meltdown followed that day. But those of us who have been following President Trump for a long time knew better than to panic. The president is a master negotiator—and if there’s one thing he understands, it’s how to create leverage.
    That leverage is clearly working, as more than 75 countries have come crawling to the United States begging to negotiate better trade deals in exchange for the president lowering tariffs. Only Democrats and their friends in the media would find a reason to be upset about that. Sadly, I’m convinced that many Democrats and woke media would rather see America fail than watch us succeed with President Trump. It’s clear that the president is using tariffs as a bargaining chip to level the playing field with our trade partners. Trump is a skilled dealmaker, and his strategy is already delivering results for the American people.
    President Trump understands that America boasts the strongest economy in the world—and other countries would fall apart without trade deals with the United States. But President Trump also, like me, believes that America has been taken advantage of by unfair trade deals for decades.
    The truth is, the international trade system has been stacked against the United States for years. Since 1976, $20 trillion of American wealth has been transferred into foreign hands. That’s more than 60 percent of the U.S. GDP in 2024. Can you believe that? This country is getting robbed in broad daylight.
    Countries like Vietnam and India are prime examples of ‘trade partners’ who have been ripping us off. In Alabama, we have seen some of the effects firsthand. For years, Vietnamese and Indian exporters have been adulterating honey with cane, rice, and corn sweeteners before dumping it on the U.S. domestic market. Additionally, Vietnam has been dumping billions of dollars’ worth of catfish from sewage-polluted water into U.S. markets, while India is doing the same with shrimp—flooding the markets and driving down prices for our high-quality domestic products. Alabama’s honey, catfish, and shrimp producers have had a hard time competing as a result.
    With simply the threat of President Trump imposing various tariff rates, Vietnam and India are crawling to the negotiating table. The end result will hopefully give Alabama producers a fair shot to compete. Vietnam and India aren’t the only countries caving to President Trump, however. More than 75 have announced their intention to negotiate with the U.S., leading President Trump to announce a 90-day pause on most tariffs, with a 10 percent blanket duty on almost all U.S. imports. The president’s plan is unfolding just as he expected.
    China is a different beast. When President Trump levied heavy tariffs on China, he made it clear that if Beijing retaliated, the tariffs will escalate. Predictably, China didn’t back down—it imposed steep retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. But if China thinks it can intimidate President Trump, it should think again. China has a choice here—it can either renegotiate a fair trade deal, or it can pay the piper. My money is on President Trump to win in the end.”
    MORE:
    Tuberville Celebrates President Trump’s “Liberation Day” on Senate Floor
    ICYMI: Tuberville Joins Kudlow to Discuss How President Trump’s Tariffs Strategy is Working for Alabama
    Yellowhammer News: Tuberville says tariffs will help Alabama’s catfish farmers
    ICYMI: Tuberville in Yellowhammer: President Trump’s tariffs are Making America Great Again
    Tuberville Praises President Trump for Making Tariffs Great Again
    Newsmax: Sen. Tuberville: Cut Spending, Boost Manufacturing to Cut Debt
    Tuberville Speaks on Importance of Boosting U.S. Economy to Help Struggling Seniors
    1819 News: ‘A big relief’: Tuberville claims victory, says Alabama’s catfish industry safe from Biden administration proposal
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests 44 criminal aliens during week-long multi-agency operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from federal partners, arrested 44 illegal aliens – including 24 criminal aliens and one documented Paisas gang member – during a targeted enforcement operation conducted from April 6-12 to bolster public safety, national security, and border security.

    The illegal aliens are either charged or convicted of various criminal offenses including: 

    • Four criminal aliens convicted of driving while intoxicated.
    • One criminal alien convicted of theft.
    • Six criminal aliens arrested for driving while intoxicated.
    • Two criminal aliens convicted for evading arrest.
    • Five criminal aliens arrested for assault.
    • Four criminal aliens arrested for possession of marijuana.
    • Three criminal aliens convicted for alien smuggling.
    • Six criminal aliens convicted for illegal re-entry.
    • One criminal alien arrested for sexual assault.
    • One criminal alien convicted for sexual assault.
    • One criminal alien convicted for possession of marijuana.
    • One criminal alien arrested for resisting arrest.
    • One criminal alien arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
    • Two criminal aliens convicted for burglary.
    • One criminal alien convicted for alien in possession of a firearm.
    • One criminal alien arrested for tampering with evidence.
    • One criminal alien was a documented Paisas gang member.

    “We remain committed to our mission of keeping communities safe by locating, arresting and removing criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety and national security,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Harlingen acting Field Office Director Robert Cerna. “ICE will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. Routine operations will continue in south Texas and the nation to find the worst of all aliens in violation of our immigration laws. They will be subject to arrest, detention and – if found removable by final order – removal from the United States.”

    “The success of this targeted enforcement effort highlights the value of a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to ensuring public safety in our south Texas communities,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “We remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners and leveraging all available resources to protect our communities along the southern border.”

    Some of these criminal aliens will face additional criminal charges, removal to their home country or remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK calls on all parties to agree an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in DRC: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    The UK calls on all parties to agree an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in DRC: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    President, this month we commemorate 31 years since the genocide against the Tutsi. 

    During this time, we honour the memory of those who lost their lives, and recognise the remarkable resilience shown by the people of Rwanda.

    I will make three points.

    First, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned at the situation in eastern DRC. 

    We regret that despite the unanimous adoption by this Council of resolution 2773 almost two months ago, it remains far from being implemented. 

    While the withdrawal of M23 and Rwandan Defence Forces from Walikale is a positive step, much more needs to be done.

    We reiterate this Council’s call for the M23 to cease hostilities and withdraw from all controlled areas, and for the Rwandan Defence Forces to cease support for the M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory. 

    We call on the parties, in line with resolution 2773, to agree an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and to seriously engage with regional peace processes.

    Second, the United Kingdom welcomes regional leadership towards a durable resolution of the conflict. 

    We welcome the nomination of President Gnassingbé of Togo as the African Union’s mediator for the peace process for eastern DRC. 

    We hope this will support coordination between regional and international efforts to deliver peace. 

    And we urge the parties to engage with his efforts and urgently implement the EAC-SADC roadmap to attain sustainable peace and security.

    Third, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the scale of human suffering from the conflict in eastern DRC, as set out by our briefers, and its impact on the region. 

    More than one million people have been displaced since the start of the year.

    We repeat our calls for all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law and to allow safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance by lake, road and through the reopening of key airports including Goma and Kavumu. 

    We also support greater UN and donor co-ordination to ensure assistance reaches those most in need.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Illegal Aliens and a Laredoan Charged with Various Firearms Offenses

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    LAREDO, Texas – Three men are in custody on charges related to the discovery of various weapons and ammunition at a Laredo residence linked to another crime, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  

    Erick Lopez-Rivera Sr., 37, and Marcos Lora-Morales, 24, both illegal aliens unlawfully residing in Laredo, and Erick Lopez Jr., 18, Laredo, are expected to make their appearances before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.

    The investigation began March 21 when law enforcement discovered the location of a firearm allegedly used in a crime, according to the charges. During execution of search warrant at the residence, authorities allegedly discovered two machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) and a backpack that contained magazines and ammunition that Lopez had been storing.

    MCDs convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons.

    According to the complaint, authorities also located .38 special and .22LR ammunition linked to Lopez-Rivera Sr.

    Upon further investigation, they allegedly found a grey backpack containing a 9mm S&W handgun Lora-Morales had purchased and a Mexican passport that belonged to him in a detached structure on the property. According to the complaint, Lora-Morales had overstayed his visa and was unlawfully present in the United States.

    Lopez-Rivera Jr. is charged with possession of a machine gun, while Lopez-Rivera Sr. and Lora-Morales are facing charges of alien in possession of ammunition and alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, respectively. Lopez-Rivera Sr. is also charged with felony reentry of an alien.

    Possession of a machine gun carries a possible 10-year prison sentence, while alien in possession of ammunition and alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition have maximum penalties of 15 years. Illegal reentry after removal has a maximum 20-year-term of imprisonment. All three men could also be ordered to pay up to $250,000 in fines, upon each count of conviction.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, FBI and Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: HARRISBURG – Governor Shapiro, First Family and Chef Robert Irvine to Serve Lunch at Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, Thank Firefighters Who Responded to Arson Attack at Governor’s Residence

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 17, 2025Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – HARRISBURG – Governor Shapiro, First Family and Chef Robert Irvine to Serve Lunch at Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, Thank Firefighters Who Responded to Arson Attack at Governor’s Residence

    Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and their family will join Chef Robert Irvine at the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station 1 to serve lunch to thank the firefighters who responded to Sunday’s arson attack at the Governor’s Residence.

    Governor Shapiro continues his support of professional and volunteer firefighters in his 2025-26 Budget Proposal, calling for an additional $30 million in competitive grants for Pennsylvania’s fire companies.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    First Lady Lori Shapiro
    First Family
    Chef Robert Irvine
    Harrisburg Bureau of Fire

    WHEN:
    Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM

    WHERE:
    Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station 1
    1820 N. 6th Street,
    Harrisburg, PA 17102
    **Press must RSVP for arrival logistics.

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP: Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MEDIA CONTACTS:
    Governor’s Press Office: ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Putin and Sobyanin visited the new campus of Bauman Moscow State Technical University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin visited the new campus of the Moscow State Technical University (MSTU) named after N.E. Bauman. He familiarized himself with the research and development of teachers, students and postgraduates in the field of space exploration, as well as in other areas. The Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin reported to the head of state on the work of the Moscow Government to develop Russia’s leading engineering university.

    Vladimir Putin also held a meeting at the university on the development of space activities, which was attended by representatives of departments related to this industry.

    “Our focus today is on the development of the domestic space industry for the long term. Addressing this topic is always a special responsibility to the pioneers of space, to those people who set the highest bar for us,” said the Russian President.

    Vladimir Putin congratulated veterans of the industry, cosmonauts and servicemen of the Russian Aerospace Forces on the recent Cosmonautics Day, and also thanked all employees of state enterprises, private space companies, scientific organizations and universities for their work. Particular attention was paid to the merits of the team of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, among whose graduates there is a whole galaxy of famous cosmonauts, outstanding scientists and designers.

    “The best traditions of personnel training are developing and multiplying these days, and, as we have seen, in the new campus. Modern conditions are being created here for obtaining in-demand competencies. Of course, we will implement such projects in other cities of Russia,” Vladimir Putin emphasized.

    Construction of the campus of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University

    The project for the construction of a new educational complex of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University was implemented by the Moscow Government together with the Russian Government on behalf of Vladimir Putin. The new campus became the first facility in the country built under the federal project “Creation of a Network of Modern Campuses”. It became part of the national project “Science and Universities”, the implementation of which has been ongoing since 2025 within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”This is one of the largest and most complex projects in the field of development of higher professional education.

    “A total of 14 buildings with a total area of about 170 thousand square meters were built and restored in the shortest possible time. This was achieved through coordinated work – the facilities were built and designed in parallel. In almost 90 percent of cases, components and equipment from domestic manufacturers were used,” the Moscow Mayor said.

    in his telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    In 2022 – early 2024, six facilities of the MSTU research cluster were opened.

    The Life Sciences Engineering Cluster (formerly the Biomedical Systems and Technologies Center) is designed to implement modern educational programs, conduct research and development in the field of engineering and life sciences. Along with the educational programs of the Biomedical Engineering Faculty, research and development in the field of advanced biomedical engineering is conducted here. The building houses classrooms, including an office with a transformable partition, rooms for teachers, and a meeting room. Much space is allocated to advanced laboratories, including Biophotonics and Visualization of Living Systems, Neuroinfobionics, Rapid Prototyping, Cellular Technologies and Tissue Engineering, and Functional Hydrogels.

    The Engineering Center for Ground Transport and Technological Systems is designed to carry out research and development work, as well as to implement educational programs in the field of creation and operation of ground transport and technological machines and complexes. The building houses laboratories, engineers’ offices, educational and laboratory premises, office premises for employees, a classroom, premises for scientific research and meetings. The KAMAZ-Bauman Scientific and Educational Center and several specialized laboratories operate here. In particular, the Wheeled Machines laboratory has been opened, conducting work in five key areas, such as Traction Electric Drives and Mechatronic Transmissions, Intelligent NTTS Systems, Hydraulic Testing, On-Board Storage Devices, and Acoustic Testing.

    The multifunctional scientific and educational building is a new five-story building with an area of 20 thousand square meters, designed to accommodate research laboratories, scientific, administrative and educational spaces. The building houses seven departments of the university, as well as a complex of laboratories of mechanical engineering technologies, ground-based technological and launch equipment for rocket and space, vacuum and compressor technology. In total, 26 laboratories are open here, including laboratories of additive manufacturing technologies, reverse engineering and prototyping, research and certification of additive materials and additive manufacturing technologies.

    The exhibition and educational media space “Palace of Technologies” is located in the building of an architectural monument – the restored two-story Phanagoria barracks built in the 18th century. The ceremonial halls of the palace are intended for holding ceremonies, international meetings, scientific and educational forums and other thematic events of congress and exhibition activities. The university’s specialized departments are located here – the information policy department and the organizational and protocol work department. In December 2023, the building hosted the first open day of the Faculty of Robotics and Complex Automation, which was attended by more than 200 people. Representatives of the faculty prepared lectures on the digital transformation of industry, robotics and engineering infrastructure of a modern industrial enterprise. Applicants and their parents were told about the admission rules, curricula of educational programs, as well as future employment, career and salary prospects.

    The research center is a new six-story building with an area of 5.1 thousand square meters. The advanced engineering school “System Engineering of Rocket and Space Technology” operates on its basis. In addition, departments developing products for space and aviation have launched their activities here.

    The multifunctional library building is a restored three-story building of the chemical laboratory of the Imperial Moscow Technical School, built in the 19th century according to the design of the architect Lev Kekushev. It trains IT specialists. It houses classrooms and computer labs for lectures, seminars and laboratory work, specialized laboratories for classes with senior students of the university’s industrial partners – IT companies, as well as coworking spaces and premises for teachers and postgraduate students of the departments. Since February 2024, the building has been hosting strategic sessions, scientific and practical conferences and other socially significant events. In addition, it was used as an accreditation center on the day of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University alumni meeting, which was attended by more than two thousand people.

    Vladimir Putin and Sergei Sobyanin opened new buildings of Bauman Moscow State Technical University

    By September 2024, work on several sites was completed.

    The central cluster with a total area of about 51 thousand square meters includes five buildings of different heights – from four to six. The main task of the architects was to visually separate different functional areas without disturbing the overall harmony of the ensemble. To do this, they decided to detail the facades of the buildings with the help of scientific formulas. The facade glass looks different: in some places the formulas and equations are visible as clearly as possible, in others they are reflected, and in buildings with atrium spaces they can disappear depending on the viewing angle. All five buildings are united by a hovering dome roof – a membrane structure with an area of 2.5 thousand square meters, which will protect the ensemble and the inner courtyard from bad weather and make it more comfortable.

    The center of the square is the “tree of knowledge” – an oak tree, around which an amphitheater for students and employees of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University is located. The inner courtyard is open to city residents, which made it possible to create a new center for meetings and communication.

    The central cluster of Bauman Moscow State Technical University houses an innovation hub and a congress center, a cluster of “Environmental Protection Technologies – Green Territory”, a center of excellence and a scientific and educational cluster of digital transformation, a center of excellence and a scientific and educational cluster of “Digital Materials Science”, as well as a federal testing center.

    The multifunctional complex “Quantum Park” with a total area of 13.8 thousand square meters houses research laboratories with advanced equipment, including world-class “clean rooms”, co-working spaces and transformable spaces for presenting scientific developments.

    Today, it is one of the most advanced research complexes in the world. It is designed to solve practical problems at the intersection of quantum, photonic and fluid technologies that will determine the future of science and industry.

    The Quantum Park building is one of the largest and at the same time the most equipped in the new cluster. “House of Light” was the working title of the new building. The architects sought to make it truly airy and luminous.

    The Bauman Moscow State Technical University dormitory complex consists of the Spektr and Strela buildings. It is designed to accommodate about 2.3 thousand students.

    According to Sergei Sobyanin, a small plot of land between the river and the city collector was chosen for its construction. Now the dormitories have everything necessary for a comfortable stay of students.

    In addition to living quarters, the buildings with a total area of 60.5 thousand square meters house a multifunctional educational and leisure center, multimedia spaces and the necessary social infrastructure. An unusual form of faceted crystals was chosen for the student dormitory buildings: the monoform effect was achieved by increasing the size of the glass on the facades.

    The flat facade of the building reflects the surrounding environment during the day: trees, clouds and sun. From the street, spectacular panoramic glass spanning the entire floor is visible. The windows inside the building are not only beautiful, but also fully functional: there are window sills and ventilation sashes.

    The seven-story Spektr building on Gospitalnaya Embankment is designed for 550 students who live in single, double, triple and quadruple rooms. Some of the rooms have been adapted for people with disabilities. The residential units have a kitchen area, an entrance hall, a bathroom with a bathtub, and modern and functional furniture. The building houses the Novoselye information center. It processes documents for moving in and accepts requests for electrical, plumbing and furniture repairs. Public spaces include coworking spaces and rooms with individual work areas, music classrooms and rehearsal rooms. The Spektr building also has a modern canteen with 140 seats.

    Sergei Sobyanin announced the completion of construction of two new buildings of Baumanka

    Metro station and pedestrian bridges

    Simultaneously with the construction of the research cluster, the Moscow Government implemented a set of measures to develop transport infrastructure and improve the territory in the area of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University.

    Opened in 2020 Elektrozavodskaya station Large metro ring line. Thanks to the improvement of the adjacent territory, convenient approaches and access roads to it from residential buildings were provided.

    In April 2022, a pedestrian bridge across the Yauza River was opened near the new station. The 111-meter-long artificial structure connected residential areas on the Semenovskaya and Rubtsovskaya embankments, providing convenient access for teachers and students of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, as well as local residents, to the Elektrozavodskaya metro station of the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya and Big Circle Lines and the station of the same name on the third Moscow Central Diameter.

    In September 2024, the construction of a 243-meter-long bicycle and pedestrian bridge across the Yauza River was completed. It provides a connection between the educational buildings of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, as well as unimpeded passage from Rubtsovskaya Embankment to the buildings of the N.N. Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital. The artificial structure was made in the form of open caissoned steel structures with lighting from the bottom. This gives a sense of the fluidity of the bridge and the river beneath it. The smooth lines of the structures compositionally continue the lines of the concrete supports.

    The accent points of the bridge are the staircase and elevator units, made in the form of crystals. They harmoniously connect the appearance of the engineering structure with the architecture of the new campus buildings. In addition, the crystals have a symbolic connection with education and scientific activity. Cyclists and pedestrians can move along the bridge. There is a recreation area and a viewing area – a comfortable observation deck with an amphitheater. In addition to bike paths, the bridge is equipped with ramps for cyclists, stairways and elevators for people with limited mobility.

    Moscow Mayor: 25 Tunnels, Overpasses, Bridges and Overpasses Built in 2024

    Metallurg Stadium

    The historic Metallurg stadium on the bank of the Yauza River was donated to Bauman Moscow State Technical University. It became the university’s main home arena.

    According to Sergei Sobyanin, a complete reconstruction of the stadium is currently underway, within the framework of which a modern gym and changing rooms will be built here, and all the necessary infrastructure will be created.

    The comprehensive renovation of the sports facility is planned to be completed in the third quarter of 2025. It will house a football and rugby field, a basketball and volleyball court, beach volleyball, workout and tennis areas. In addition, sports enthusiasts will be provided with a physical education and health complex and an administrative and household complex with volleyball courts that can be transformed for other sports (table tennis, basketball and mini-football), as well as a hall for the volleyball super league, exercise machines, comfortable locker rooms, coaches’ rooms, a room for storing sports equipment and a first aid station. In addition, the stadium will have an event venue, a recreation area, a pavilion-cafe with a summer terrace and a children’s play area.

    The renovated Metallurg stadium will become a modern sports complex — Sobyanin

    Improvement of neighborhoods in the area of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University

    “Along with the construction of the research cluster, much was done to improve the transport infrastructure in the area of the university. The nearby neighborhoods were also improved,” said Sergei Sobyanin

    in his telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    Landscaping works were carried out in the areas located near the Bauman Moscow State Technical University complex of buildings and the Metallurg stadium. In particular, in 2023, landscaping of 14 objects was completed: Baumanskaya, 2-ya Baumanskaya, Malaya Pochtovaya and Ladozhskaya streets, as well as Staro-Kirochny, Denisovsky, Gardnerovsky, Brigadirsky, Maly Gavrikov, Gospitalny and Spartakovsky lanes, Proektiruyemy proezd No. 1106, the inter-yard area from Lefortovskaya Square to Gospitalny Lane, as well as Khomutovsky blind alley.

    Comfortable conditions for pedestrians were created on the landscaped streets: sidewalks were widened where possible, new outdoor lighting supports with energy-saving lamps were installed, and comfortable public spaces with places to rest were arranged.

     

    Four new pavilions with charging slots and information boards were installed at public transport stops. Convenient parking for 278 cars was arranged, and for cyclists – bicycle parking for 63 places.

    During the additional landscaping work, lawns and flower beds with a total area of over 14 thousand square meters were laid out, and large trees and shrubs were planted.

    Under the Clean Sky project, overhead cable lines were moved to underground collectors. In addition, storm drains were put in order, the asphalt pavement of the roadway was replaced, road signs and other infrastructure facilities were updated.

    Sobyanin: A number of areas near universities in Moscow will be improved by 2024

    In September 2024, the reorganization of the space between Lefortovo Embankment and Bauman Moscow State Technical University was completed. A convenient route from the main building of the university to the Faculty of Power Engineering and a new pedestrian path from Lefortovo Square to the embankment were created for students and teachers. The area in front of Lefortovo Palace was also transformed: an additional approach to the main building of the university was organized in place of the dilapidated buildings, the granite paving of the staircase near the building was renewed, benches were installed on the territory, a lawn was laid out and a video surveillance system was installed. The sidewalk along the embankment was widened, protective screens and lanterns with energy-efficient lamps were installed, and the parking area was reorganized.

    Leading space university in Russia

    Bauman Moscow State Technical University is rightfully considered the largest center for training personnel for the space industry. Among the university’s graduates are outstanding designers Sergei Korolev, Vladimir Barmin, Nikolai Pilyugin, many other managers and leading employees of industry enterprises, as well as 15 cosmonauts.

    Today, more than 4.5 thousand students are studying at the university in areas related to space exploration. By the end of 2024, 90 percent of graduates in these specialties were successfully employed.

    For the practice-oriented training of students and the implementation of research and development work on space topics, specialized divisions operate at Bauman Moscow State Technical University:

    — educational and experimental center based at the Dmitrov branch;

    — an educational and scientific youth space center with a flight control center, in which students develop microsatellites, payloads for space experiments, and special software and mathematical support;

    — the design bureau “Breakthrough Space Research and Technology”, which implements the full cycle of spacecraft and their systems development, integration of target equipment from third-party developers and leading domestic scientific organizations. Currently, there are six satellites in orbit, designed for weather monitoring and forecasting. They are also used for marine navigation of ships, including in the Northern Sea Route zone;

    — advanced engineering school “System Engineering of Rocket and Space Technology”. The federal project was created in 2022 on the initiative of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation with the aim of training specialists in the field of system design to solve breakthrough problems in the rocket and space industry, as well as to implement projects in the interests of high-tech companies. Special equipment and machinery have been purchased for specific educational and research purposes, which are already being used by teachers and students.

    Today, 160 students are studying at the engineering school. The training includes practical work at enterprises of the state corporation Roscosmos and private space companies in the laboratories of the advanced engineering school, work with mentors in team projects. Students in interdisciplinary teams participate in the implementation of research and development work commissioned by industry enterprises. The school works in several areas, including the creation of the Russian orbital station and the production of a promising component base to ensure Russia’s technological sovereignty in space.

    Which capital companies offer internship and practical training programs for university and college students

    On cooperation with the Moscow Innovation Cluster

    MSTU named after N.E. Bauman is a member Moscow Innovation Cluster. The university carries out research and development work for government and commercial customers in the field of creating spacecraft, electronic systems, and other strategically important areas. In particular, work is underway on the project of a small-sized descent vehicle “Zaryanka” – a system for delivering samples and materials for research from orbit of space stations.

    On the development of the Moscow aerospace industry

    Moscow is the center of the rocket and space industry of Russia, where over 40 enterprises, scientific and technical centers, laboratories and research institutes work. They employ over 30 thousand people. These are engineers and designers, developers and other specialists in related fields, thanks to whom almost everything is created in the city: from ultra-light cables to launch vehicles and components for spacecraft.

    In 2024, manufacturers of aircraft, including spacecraft, and related equipment increased shipments by 11.7 percent compared to 2023: companies delivered products worth about 214.4 billion rubles. The revenue of enterprises in 2024 amounted to almost 200 billion rubles, and investments in fixed assets exceeded nine billion rubles.

    The Khrunichev State Space Research and Production Center operates in Moscow. It is one of the basic enterprises of the Roscosmos state corporation, a leading domestic developer and manufacturer of space launch vehicles of various payload capacities and their components for federal and commercial programs. For example, it created the third stage, assembly units, payload fairing and other parts of the Angara-A5 heavy rocket, which was launched on April 11, 2024.

    The development of control systems for rocket and space technology is carried out by the Scientific and Production Center for Automation and Instrumentation (NPCAI) named after Academician N.A. Pilyugin. Here they produced the control system for the Angara-A5 rocket, and for the Proton-M launch vehicle – a single hardware and software complex that ensures control of pre-launch preparation and flight mode. In addition, the Fregat upper stage, designed to launch spacecraft into various specified orbits, is equipped with an integrated inertial-satellite control system of JSC NPCAI.

    A unique development of Moscow industrialists was space bread. The capital’s Research Institute of the Baking Industry is responsible for its production. This product, which can be stored for 15 months, is supplied to cosmonauts in the form of mini-loaves. In addition, flour flatbreads with onions, cheese and ketchup are prepared for them, as well as mini-muffins and rolls for tea.

    The capital’s Spetskabel plant produces a cable for onboard computer networks using SpaceWire technology. Information is transmitted at a speed of 400 megabits per second, four times faster than similar products. It is manufactured using lightweight foam insulation technology, which makes the cable thinner and lighter than foreign analogues. Its operating temperature is from minus 198 to plus 200 degrees, which guarantees stable operation in extreme space conditions.

    In the Moscow engineering center “Automated Control Systems” they test the electronic component base for products of the rocket and space industry in the components of ground simulators for training cosmonauts for flight, as well as in many other devices. They are tested, in particular, for resistance to shock loads and for determining the critical frequencies of the product.

    Ventilation systems produced in the capital are used at key facilities in the space industry. Thus, the GalVent ventilation factory ensures a comfortable microclimate in the premises at the Vostochny and Plesetsk cosmodromes, the country’s scientific and production centers, and the center for the operation of ground-based space infrastructure facilities.

    The Russian aerospace company Bureau 1440 is developing a low-orbit satellite constellation that will provide broadband Internet access with data transfer rates of up to one gigabit per second with minimal delays anywhere on Earth. The work is being carried out as part of the national project Data Economy.

    Sobyanin: Moscow remains the center of Russia’s high-tech industry

    A number of other companies also work in the Moscow space industry. For example, the N.A. Dollezhal Research and Design Institute of Power Engineering produces systems for the automation of reactors and nuclear space installations.

    ExpertStroyProekt LLC produces antenna and telemetry systems, ground-based receiving telemetry stations, as well as command radio line equipment, space, rocket and aviation based for stationary monitoring of the Earth’s surface and its atmosphere, measuring, receiving and control radio engineering and optoelectronic testing complexes for rocket and aviation equipment.

    The State Research Institute of Instrument Engineering produces drones and various devices of a wide range, on-board systems for space and aircraft.

    The Kometa Corporation produces computing systems, automated control systems, spacecraft payloads, television systems, automatic equipment, radio measuring equipment, artistic castings and television surveillance systems. The Research Institute of Precision Instruments produces products for radio control of spacecraft.

    The research and production enterprise (RPE) “Impulse” is creating a controlled thermostatic system for liquid fuel of a rocket engine under conditions of variable thermal load, and the RPE “Quantum” is creating autonomous power supply systems.

    OOO Sputniks (Skolkovo) manufactures debugging tools and devices for microsatellites, and the scientific and production concern Barl develops and implements solutions in the field of remote sensing of the Earth and satellite communications.

    The VNIIEM corporation is engaged in space systems for remote sensing of the Earth, and the scientific and production association Nauka creates life support systems.

    The All-Russian Research Institute of Aviation Materials of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” is producing a light-filtering gold coating for the Orlan spacesuit.

    JSC Aeropribor-Voskhod produces aerometric, radio-electronic and navigation equipment, precision and working pressure gauges for aviation and space technology.

    A large number of projects in this industry and the telecommunications sector are being implemented in the special economic zone (SEZ) Technopolis Moscow. At the Pechatniki site, one of the leading Russian developers of high-tech equipment, Neoros LLC, in partnership with Biforcom Tek LLC, produces transceivers used in telecommunications equipment. The Goodwin Concern produces a microcellular communication system used to service subscribers. Labs 1440 JSC (ICS Holding Company) has placed the production of components for a low-orbit satellite system.

    At the Alabushevo site in Zelenograd, the Electroinvest group of companies launched the production of radiation-resistant secondary power sources.

    The construction of the Moscow Photonics Center has been completed. Its production capacity will be 100 thousand photonic integrated circuits (PIC) per year. A PIC is a microchip designed for ultra-fast processing of light (photonic) signals, which increases the data transfer rate by 100 times. It is a basic element for the implementation of modern technologies of artificial intelligence, fifth-generation mobile communications (5G), biomedicine, lidars, radars and much more.

    Another important project at the Alabushevo site is the construction of a photomask center, which is used to create integrated circuits. The enterprise’s capacity will allow it to produce up to 5.5 thousand photomasks per year.

    Over the year, 30 high-tech production facilities have been launched in the Technopolis Moscow SEZ

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12629050/

    MIL OSI Russia News