Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Security: Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of Pistol While on Pretrial Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Andre Jamar Turman, 34, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 28 months in federal prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol while he was on probation and on pretrial release for multiple cases, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                Turman pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2024, to the indictment charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 28-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Turman to serve three years of supervised release.

                Joining in the announcement were U.S. Marshal Robert Dixon of D.C. Superior Court, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

                According to court documents, on May 4, 2023, Deputy U.S. Marshals and MPD detectives were searching for Turman due to numerous bench warrants out of D.C. Superior Court as well as an outstanding arrest warrant.

                At about 11:30 a.m., officers spotted and arrested Turman on the 2400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, near Twining Square Park. A Deputy U.S. Marshal patted down the right front pants pocket and recovered a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol. The firearm was not registered in the District of Columbia. In addition, the firearm previously had been reported as stolen.

                Turman was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had been previously convicted of carrying a pistol without a license and sentenced to more than a year in prison. 

                At the time of his arrest, he was on probation and pretrial release for multiple cases—including release in another firearm case in Maryland.

                This case was investigated by the ATF, MPD, and U.S. Marshals. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shezhad Akhtar and Chrisellen Rebecca Kolb.

    23cr171

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Haven Man Sentenced to More than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Offense

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JESUS SEGUINOT, also known as “Chuchi,” 35, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 78 months of imprisonment for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 25, 2020, Seguinot was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for drug distribution and gun possession offenses.  He was released from federal prison in May 2021.  In October 2021, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force learned that Luis Salaman, also known as “Bebe,” was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven.  The investigation revealed that Salaman worked with Seguinot and others to distribute fentanyl.  Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Salaman, Seguinot, and their associates.  Investigators also learned that Seguinot possessed a firearm during that time.

    Seguinot was arrested on April 10, 2023.

    On December 19, 2024, a jury found Seguinot and Salaman guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and Salaman guilty of three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl. 

    Seguinot’s criminal history also includes state convictions for drug distribution and weapon possession offenses.

    Seguinot has been detained since January 2, 2025.

    Salaman, who has been detained since his arrest on April 5, 2022, awaits sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: “Free Money” gang members indicted for committing murder at local shopping center

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – Two alleged members of a violent Houston-based street gang have been charged for their alleged roles in the murder of one individual and attempted murder of another during a gang-related ambush.

    According to court documents, members and associates of the gang known as Free Money engage in robbery, home invasions, drug distribution and murder. Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 27, both of Houston, allegedly committed the murder in connection with an ongoing gang war with a rival group.

    On June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, the Ardoins allegedly following a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot in a Black Nissan Altima. As alleged in court documents, the driver of the Equinox entered a nearby store while the passenger remained in the vehicle. When the driver returned, the Ardoins allegedly exited the Altima wearing masks and opened fired on both individuals.

    Multiple rounds struck the vehicle’s passenger compartment. Law enforcement responded within minutes and found one victim deceased.

    Terry and Travonte Ardoin are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm. If convicted, they face up to life in prison or the possibility of a death sentence.

    The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

    This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Houston. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas have partnered, along with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes gang members and associates have committed through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute violent offenders and prevent further violence.

    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: State of Emergency Ahead of Heavy Rainfall

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today will declare a State of Emergency for several New York counties and urges New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and the potential for localized flooding, as parts of the state are forecast to be impacted by periods of heavy rain today into Friday. Beginning this afternoon, torrential rain is forecast to impact downstate New York, primarily in the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island Regions. With the forecast enhanced to moderate risk, flash flooding becomes more likely with significant flooding possible. Flood Watches in Place for New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley through Friday afternoon. Significant rainfall is also expected in the Southern Tier and Capital Regions. Roadway and rail travel will be impacted during the Thursday evening commute, and employers in the affected areas are recommended to release employers early to avoid long delays and ensure safe travel home.

    The State of Emergency includes the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester and contiguous counties. The State released non-essential employees in New York City, Sullivan, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties at 1:00 p.m.

    “I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution as we expect excessive rainfall with the potential for flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “State agencies are on standby for heavy downpours and localized flooding and will be monitoring the situation in real-time to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers in the path of the storm.”

    A widespread one to three inches of rain is expected with locally higher totals up to five inches possible. Average rainfall rates of a half inch per hour are expected with rates of one to two inches likely. Isolated rates over two inches per hour are possible, most likely Thursday afternoon or evening. Most of the rain will fall in as little as three to six hours from Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. Up to two inches of rain may impact the Southern Tier, Capital Region, and Upper Mid-Hudson Regions.

    The Thursday evening commute will be impacted with areas of flash flooding possible and minor to moderate water level rises could occur on some waterways. Some roads may become impassable from flooding, most likely around underpasses and roads with little or no drainage. The heaviest rainfall rates may be capable of producing subway flooding and overwhelming NYC sewers. Flooding in basements and subterrain floors is also possible.

    Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

    New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

    Agency Preparations

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

    The Division’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. OEM is in enhanced monitoring status and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control has activated the State Fire Operations Center.

    Water rescue teams from the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, New York State Police and Department of Environmental Conservation are staged in Orange County and Ulster Counties.

    State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

    Department of Transportation

    The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,428 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 1,430 large dump trucks
    • 337 large loaders
    • 92 chippers
    • 87 tracked and wheeled excavators
    • 33 water pumps
    • 32 traffic and tree crew bucket trucks
    • 28 traffic tower platforms
    • 16 vacuum trucks with sewer jets

    The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

    Thruway Authority

    The Thruway Authority has 669 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. VMS and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 337 Large and Small Dump Trucks
    • 63 Loaders
    • 31 Trailers
    • 5 Vac Trucks
    • 14 Excavators
    • 8 Brush Chippers
    • 99 Chainsaws
    • 24 Aerial Trucks
    • 22 Skid Steers
    • 86 Portable Generators
    • 65 Portable Light Units

    The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on X, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

    Department of Public Service

    New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. The utilities will work with the local, county, and state transportation agencies to navigate closed roadways in any areas experiencing flooding. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    New York State Police

    State Police instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service, and all watercraft and specialty vehicles are staged and ready for deployment.

    Department of Environmental Conservation

    The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

    DEC swift water teams are activated and pre-staged in the Hudson Valley.

    DEC reminds local officials to watch for potential flooding in their communities. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake local assessments of flood-prone areas and to remove any accumulating debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC’s Regional Permit Administrators if assistance is required and to help determine if a permit is necessary.

    If a permit is necessary, DEC can issue Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects in place of an individual permit. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property, or natural resources.

    Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

    New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

    Metropolitan Transportation Authority

    The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues. To reduce the likelihood of flooding and respond to any instances of flooding, MTA crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, and supervisors will monitor flood-prone locations for any reports of flooding to ensure quick response. Elevator and escalator specialists will be deployed to flood-prone locations to attend to any weather-related elevator and escalator troubles.

    Customers are encouraged to check mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA app and the TrainTime app.

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is closely monitoring weather forecasts and is working with airport terminal operators and other airport partners in preparation. Air travelers should check with their airlines for updated information on their flights or check the Federal Aviation Administration website for any FAA programs that may affect flight operations at their departure airport before leaving for the airport and allow for additional travel time. Motorists who use the Port Authority’s six bridges and tunnels are strongly encouraged to sign up for email alerts, bus riders can use the MyTerminal app for real-time alerts on bus service at the Midtown Bus Terminal, or for PATH riders, check train service information via the PATH mobile app, RidePATH.

    Before and During the Storm

    • Stay Informed: Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
    • Follow Instructions from Local Officials: If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait – follow all orders promptly.
    • Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters: One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
    • Know your evacuation route and how to get to higher ground
    • Know your area’s type of flood risk — visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
    • Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
    • Have an emergency go bag ready to grab for you, your family and your pets that includes any medications you may need.
    • Check in with elderly neighbors or those who may have mobility issues.
    • Do not touch downed power lines
    • Keep your phone charged
    • Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

    After Flood Waters Have Receded

    • Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
    • If your home or apartment has been flooded, DO NOT turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
    • Throw out any medicine or food that may have had contact with flood waters.
    • Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
    • Do not touch downed power lines.

    For more preparedness information and safety tips from DHSES, visit dhses.ny.gov. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips and Spring Safety Resources.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Berkeley County Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Jackson Latta, 38, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute eutylone.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were responding to a domestic violence call and encountered Latta with a firearm. He is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior convictions for kidnapping, strangulation, brandishing, attempted murder, domestic battery and assault, and unlawful restraint. Latta, during a separate investigation, was also found in possession of eutylone, known as “Boot,” which he intended to unlawfully distribute.

    Latta will serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.

    U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newly Declassified Appendix to Durham Report Sheds Additional Light on Clinton Campaign Plan to Falsely Tie Trump to Russia and FBI’s Failure to Investigate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today is making public the formerly Classified Appendix (“Durham annex”) to John Durham’s 2023 Special Counsel report. The Unclassified Report and the Classified Appendix form the entirety of Durham’s Special Counsel Report.

    The Durham annex contains previously classified information exposing a reported Clinton campaign plan to falsely tie President Donald Trump to Russia.

    The annex also goes into further detail on matters discussed in the Unclassified Report, specifically:

    • The FBI’s failure – under the leadership of then-Director James Comey – to investigate intelligence that the Clinton campaign may have created the Russia collusion hoax. Meanwhile the Comey-led FBI used the Steele Dossier – a Clinton campaign creation – to obtain FISA warrants on Carter Page.

    Attorney General Pam Bondi, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel and Intelligence Community elements declassified the Durham annex at Grassley’s request. In requesting its declassification, which included declassification of information by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National Security Agency (NSA), Grassley argued that “the overriding public interest demands the release of this information, and doing so would benefit public transparency and accountability.”

    “Based on the Durham annex, the Obama FBI failed to adequately review and investigate intelligence reports showing the Clinton campaign may have been ginning up the fake Trump-Russia narrative for Clinton’s political gain, which was ultimately done through the Steele Dossier and other means. These intelligence reports and related records, whether true or false, were buried for years. History will show that the Obama and Biden administration’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies were weaponized against President Trump. This political weaponization has caused critical damage to our institutions and is one of the biggest political scandals and cover-ups in American history. The new Trump administration has a tremendous responsibility to the American people to fix the damage done and do so with maximum speed and transparency,” Grassley said.

    “For years, I’ve fought to assemble and publicize all the facts surrounding Durham’s investigation, Crossfire Hurricane and related matters. The American people shouldn’t be shortchanged or strung out on matters of significant public interest, and that firm belief fuels my tireless oversight. It’s been a refreshing change to see Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel’s increased efforts to bring transparency to a very dark corner of the people’s government. I hope that attitude continues, and you can be sure my oversight work will continue as well, because there’s much work yet to be done,” Grassley concluded.

    Read the Durham annex HERE.

    Key Findings of the Durham Annex:

    The Clinton Campaign Plan

    In 2016, the Obama administration obtained intelligence information from a source contained in two separate memoranda – one memorandum from January 2016 and another from March 2016. The two memoranda “described ‘confidential conversations’ between then-Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and two individuals at the [Soros] Open Society Foundations (i) [Leonard] Benardo and (ii) Jeffrey Goldstein.” (Pgs. 2-3)

    • This memo stated, in part, that “[the Democratic Party’s] opposition is focused on discrediting Trump…. [a]mong other things, the Clinton staff, with support from special services, is preparing scandalous revelations of business relations between Trump and the ‘Russian Mafia’”. (Pg. 4)

    • According to the Durham annex, based on an analysis and translation of the intelligence, FBI analysts believed that, at the time, the “special services” in the March 2016 memorandum could refer “to the FBI and the CIA or more broadly to the intelligence and law enforcement communities” in the United States, or, analysts speculated, it could refer to “Trump dossier author Christopher Steele.” (Pg. 5)

    • When the Obama administration received this intelligence in March 2016, Fusion GPS was preparing open source opposition research regarding purported ties between Trump and Russians. The research was paid for by Clinton’s campaign and the DNC. (Pg. 5).

    • Notably, on April 15, 2020, Grassley released Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) footnotes showing that Russian intelligence was aware of Steele’s anti-Trump research in early July 2016. Further, the FBI had reports in hand in 2017 that the Dossier may have Russian sources and was potentially Russian disinformation.

    On March 31, 2016, FBI personnel, including then-Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, shared the intelligence regarding the potential Clinton Campaign Plan with high-ranking career officials at DOJ. (Pg. 5)

    FBI Receipt of Additional Intelligence Information on the Clinton Campaign Plan

    The Durham annex describes that, in July 2016, the FBI received additional intelligence regarding a possible Clinton Campaign Plan, including documents with purported emails allegedly sent by Leonard Benardo, Senior Vice President of Soros’ Open Society Foundations. The intelligence included data providing specificity on the plan and the attempt to smear then-candidate Donald Trump by falsely linking him to Russia, while apparently counting on the support of the FBI to open up an investigation. (Pgs. 7-11)

    The intelligence the FBI received also included information and analysis from purported Leonard Benardo emails that stated, in part:

    • “During the first stage of the campaign, due to lack of direct evidence, it was decided to disseminate the necessary information through the FBI-affiliated…technical structures… in particular, the Crowdstrike and ThreatConnect companies, from where the information would then be disseminated through leading U.S. publications.” (Pg. 8)

    • “The point is making the Russian play a U.S. domestic issue… In absence of direct evidence, Crowdstrike and ThreatConnect will supply the media, and GRU [Russia’s Main Intelligence Directive] will hopefully carry on to give more facts.” (Pg. 11)

    Assessment of Authenticity of the “Benardo Emails” Intelligence

    • The Durham annex states, “Analysts and officers whom [Durham’s team] interviewed, and who were well-versed in the Sensitive Intelligence collection, stated that their best assessment was that the Bernardo emails were likely authentic.” (Pg. 11)

    Durham’s team conducted investigative work to inform their assessment. Per the Durham annex:

    • Communications the Durham team reviewed provided additional support that the Clinton campaign was engaged in a plan to tie Trump to Russia and that the campaign wanted or expected the Office of the Vice President, the FBI or other parts of the Intelligence Community, such as the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), to aid that effort. (Pgs. 16-17)

    • The Durham annex states, “The Office’s best assessment is that the … emails that purport to be from Benardo were ultimately a composite of several emails that were obtained through Russian intelligence hacking of the U.S.-based Think Tanks, including the Open Society Foundations, the Carnegie Endowment, and others.” (Pg. 17)

    • The Durham annex concludes, “It is a logical deduction [redacted] [Julianne] Smith was, at minimum, playing a role in the Clinton campaign’s efforts to tie Trump to Russia,” and that the communications it reviewed “certainly lends at least some credence that such a plan existed.” (Pg. 17)

    The Obama-Biden Administration’s Response to Intelligence on the Clinton Campaign Plan

    • According to the Durham annex, following the receipt of this intelligence, multiple high-ranking U.S. officials were briefed on the matter, including an August 3, 2016 briefing in the White House by CIA Director John Brennan to President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, FBI Director Comey, among others. As described in Durham’s Unclassified Report, ultimately, the CIA sent the FBI an investigative referral that included the “purported Clinton campaign plan.” (Pg. 18)

    • In 2017, the “CIA prepared a written assessment of the authenticity and veracity of the above-referenced intelligence. The CIA stated that it did not assess that the above [redacted] memoranda, or [redacted] hacked U.S. communications, to be the product of Russian fabrications.” (Pg. 19)

    • The Durham annex notes that “FBI was fully alerted to the possibility that at least some of the information it was receiving about the Trump campaign might have its origin either with the Clinton campaign or its supporters, or alternatively, was the product of Russian disinformation.”

    • The Durham annex concludes, in part, that “[d]espite this awareness, the FBI appears to have dismissed the [intelligence information] as not credible without any investigative steps actually having been taken to either corroborate or disprove the allegations.” (Pgs. 22-24)

    The Threat of Foreign Election Influence and Assessment in FISA Renewal Applications

    As the Unclassified Durham Report noted, “[b]eginning in late 2014… the FBI learned from a well-placed Confidential Human Source that a foreign government (“Foreign Government-2”) was planning to send an individual (“Non-U.S. Person-I”) to contribute to Clinton’s anticipated presidential campaign, as a way to gain influence with Clinton should she win the presidency.”

    The Durham annex notes that “Non-U.S.Person-I” was “directly tasked by the leader of Foreign Government-2” with facilitating this plan, but had indicated plans to travel to the U.S. in late 2014.

    • However, as known from the Unclassified Durham Report, the FISA “application lingered because ‘everyone was super more careful’ and ‘scared with the big name [Clinton]’ involved.”

    • Ultimately, after four months, the FISA authority was authorized following a commitment that Clinton and others targeted by Foreign Government-2 would receive defensive briefings. (Pgs. 23-24)

    The remainder of the Durham annex reinforces that the FBI provided false and misleading information to the FISA court in pursuit of FISA renewals, and at least one Confidential Human Source lied to his handlers.

    The information in the Durham annex, taken together with previously released details in the Unclassified Report, reinforce the FBI’s disparate treatment of Trump versus Clinton. Despite lacking probable cause and relying on false information, the FBI secured a FISA warrant and multiple renewals to surveil Carter Page and did not provide Trump a defensive briefing equivalent to Clinton’s briefings.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Financial Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key Financial Results:

    • Net Income was $273 million, translating to diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $3.40, up 5% from a year ago
    • Adjusted EPS* increased 16% year-over-year to $4.51
      • Gross profit* increased 21% year-over-year to $1,304 million
      • Core G&A* increased 15% year-over-year to $426 million
      • Adjusted pre-tax income* increased 23% year-over-year to $490 million

    Key Business Results:

    • Total advisory and brokerage assets increased 28% year-over-year to $1.9 trillion
      • Advisory assets increased 28% year-over-year to $1.1 trillion
      • Advisory assets as a percentage of total assets decreased to 55.3%, down from 55.4% a year ago
    • Total organic net new assets were $21 billion, representing 5% annualized growth
      • This included $0.1 billion of assets from Wintrust Investments, LLC and certain private client business at Great Lakes Advisors, LLC (collectively, “Wintrust”), and $4 billion of assets that off-boarded as part of the previously disclosed planned separation from misaligned large OSJs. Prior to these impacts, organic net new assets were $24 billion, translating to a 5% annualized growth rate
    • Recruited assets(1)were $18 billion, down 24% from a year ago
      • Recruited assets over the trailing twelve months were $161 billion
    • Total client cash balances were $51 billion, a decrease of $2 billion sequentially and an increase of $7 billion year-over-year
      • Client cash balances as a percentage of total assets were 2.6%, down from 3.0% in the prior quarter and down from 2.9% in the prior year

    Key Capital and Liquidity Measures:

    • Corporate cash(2)was $3.6 billion
    • Leverage ratio(3)was 1.23x
    • Dividends paid were $24.0 million

    *See the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section and the endnotes to this release for further details about these non-GAAP financial measures

    Key Updates

    Large Institutions:

    • First Horizon Bank (“First Horizon”): Expect to onboard in the third quarter of 2025. First Horizon supports approximately 120 advisors, managing approximately $17 billion of brokerage and advisory assets

    M&A:

    • Atria Wealth Solutions, Inc. (“Atria”): Completed the conversion of Atria to the LPL platform
    • Commonwealth Financial Network (“Commonwealth”): Expect to close the acquisition of Commonwealth on August 1, 2025 and complete the conversion in the fourth quarter of 2026. Commonwealth supports approximately 3,000 advisors in the U.S., managing approximately $305 billion of brokerage and advisory assets(4)
    • Liquidity & Succession: Deployed approximately $105 million of capital to close nine deals in Q2, including one external practice

    Core G&A:

    • Given our performance to date, we are lowering our 2025 Core G&A* outlook to a range of $1,720-1,750 million, including $170-180 million related to Prudential and Atria
    • Additionally, we are increasing the range by $160-170 million to include costs related to the acquisition of Commonwealth, resulting in an updated range of $1,880-1,920 million

    Capital Management:

    • Debt Rating: On July 14, 2025, Fitch Ratings assigned LPL a long-term issuer default rating of BBB, further improving our profile in the investment grade market

    SAN DIEGO, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) (the “Company”) today announced results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2025, reporting net income of $273 million, or $3.40 per share. This compares with $244 million, or $3.23 per share, in the second quarter of 2024 and $319 million, or $4.24 per share, in the prior quarter.

    “We continue to execute on our vision to be the best firm in wealth management,” said Rich Steinmeier, CEO. “In Q2, we delivered another quarter of strong business performance and excellent financial results, while continuing to advance key initiatives.”

    “In the second quarter, we recorded industry-leading organic growth, continued preparation to onboard First Horizon, and successfully onboarded Atria. In addition, we expect to complete our acquisition of Commonwealth tomorrow morning,” said Matt Audette, President and CFO. “Looking ahead, our business momentum and financial strength position us well to continue delivering long-term shareholder value.”

    Dividend Declaration

    The Company’s Board of Directors declared a $0.30 per share dividend to be paid on August 29, 2025 to all stockholders of record as of August 15, 2025.

    Conference Call and Additional Information

    The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its results at 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31, 2025. The conference call will be accessible and available for replay at investor.lpl.com/events.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations
    investor.relations@lplfinancial.com

    Media Relations
    media.relations@lplfinancial.com

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace(5), LPL supports over 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,100 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.9 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit https://lpl.com/.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”) or its affiliate LPL Enterprise, LLC (“LPL Enterprise”), both registered investment advisers and broker-dealers. Members FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial or LPL Enterprise.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements regarding:

    • the expected closing of the Company’s acquisition of Commonwealth, the Company’s retention of Commonwealth advisors following the closing and Commonwealth’s future financial and operating performance;
    • the amount and timing of the onboarding of acquired, recruited or transitioned brokerage and advisory assets, including Commonwealth and First Horizon;
    • the Company’s future financial and operating results, growth, plans, priorities and business strategies, including forecasts and statements related to the Company’s ICA yield, service and fee revenue, transaction revenue, tax rate, core G&A expense, promotional expense, interest expense and income, depreciation and amortization, leverage ratio (including plans to reduce leverage), payout rate, corporate cash, run-rate EBITDA, transaction revenue, operating margin and share repurchases; and
    • future capabilities, future advisor service experience, future investments and capital deployment, including share repurchase activity and dividends, if any, and long-term shareholder value.

    These and any other statements that are not related to present facts or current conditions, or that are not purely historical, constitute forward-looking statements. They reflect the Company’s expectations and objectives as of July 31, 2025 and are not guarantees that expectations or objectives expressed or implied will be achieved. The achievement of such expectations and objectives involves risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, levels of activity or the timing of events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include:

    • the failure to satisfy the closing conditions applicable to the Company’s purchase agreement with Commonwealth;
    • difficulties and delays in onboarding the assets of acquired, recruited or transitioned advisors, including the receipt and timing of regulatory approvals that may be required;
    • disruptions in the businesses of the Company and Commonwealth that could make it more difficult to maintain relationships with advisors and their clients;
    • the choice by clients of acquired or recruited advisors not to open brokerage and/or advisory accounts at the Company;
    • changes in general economic and financial market conditions, including retail investor sentiment;
    • changes in interest rates and fees payable by banks participating in the Company’s client cash programs, including the Company’s success in negotiating agreements with current or additional counterparties;
    • the Company’s strategy and success in managing client cash program fees;
    • fluctuations in the levels of advisory and brokerage assets, including net new assets, and the related impact on revenue;
    • effects of competition in the financial services industry and the success of the Company in attracting and retaining financial advisors and institutions, and their ability to provide financial products and services effectively;
    • whether retail investors served by newly-recruited advisors choose to move their respective assets to new accounts at the Company;
    • changes in the growth and profitability of the Company’s fee-based offerings and asset-based revenues;
    • the effect of current, pending and future legislation, regulation and regulatory actions, including disciplinary actions imposed by federal and state regulators and self-regulatory organizations;
    • the cost of defending, settling and remediating issues related to regulatory matters or legal proceedings, including civil monetary penalties or actual costs of reimbursing customers for losses in excess of our reserves or insurance;
    • changes made to the Company’s services and pricing, including in response to competitive developments and current, pending and future legislation, regulation and regulatory actions, and the effect that such changes may have on the Company’s gross profit streams and costs;
    • the execution of the Company’s capital management plans, including its compliance with the terms of the Company’s amended and restated credit agreement, the committed revolving credit facilities of the Company and LPL Financial, and the indentures governing the Company’s senior unsecured notes;
    • strategic acquisitions and investments, including pursuant to the Company’s Liquidity & Succession solution, and the effect that such acquisitions and investments may have on the Company’s capital management plans and liquidity;
    • the price, availability and trading volumes of shares of the Company’s common stock, which will affect the timing and size of future share repurchases by the Company, if any;
    • the execution of the Company’s plans and its success in realizing the synergies, expense savings, service improvements or efficiencies expected to result from its investments, initiatives and acquisitions, expense plans and technology initiatives;
    • whether advisors affiliated with Commonwealth and First Horizon will transition registration to the Company and whether assets reported as serviced by such financial advisors will translate into assets of the Company;
    • the performance of third-party service providers to which business processes have been transitioned;
    • the Company’s ability to control operating risks, information technology systems risks, cybersecurity risks and sourcing risks; and
    • the other factors set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as may be amended or updated in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Except as required by law, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this earnings release, and you should not rely on statements contained herein as representing the Company’s view as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.


    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
        Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended  
        June 30, March 31,   June 30,  
          2025     2025   Change   2024   Change
    REVENUE            
    Advisory   $ 1,717,738   $ 1,689,245   2% $ 1,288,163   33%
    Commission:            
    Sales-based     619,792     610,038   2%   423,070   46%
    Trailing     418,295     437,719   (4%)   363,976   15%
    Total commission     1,038,087     1,047,757   (1%)   787,046   32%
    Asset-based:            
    Client cash     397,332     392,031   1%   341,475   16%
    Other asset-based     305,015     303,210   1%   259,533   18%
    Total asset-based     702,347     695,241   1%   601,008   17%
    Service and fee     151,839     145,199   5%   135,000   12%
    Interest income, net     76,941     43,851   75%   47,478   62%
    Transaction     60,541     67,864   (11%)   58,935   3%
    Other     87,532     (19,150 ) n/m   14,139   n/m
        Total revenue     3,835,025     3,670,007   4%   2,931,769   31%
    EXPENSE            
    Advisory and commission     2,483,165     2,353,925   5%   1,819,027   37%
    Compensation and benefits     319,100     305,546   4%   274,000   16%
    Promotional     177,552     145,645   22%   136,125   30%
    Interest expense on borrowings     105,636     85,862   23%   64,341   64%
    Depreciation and amortization     96,231     92,356   4%   70,999   36%
    Occupancy and equipment     81,443     77,240   5%   69,529   17%
    Amortization of other intangibles     46,103     43,521   6%   30,607   51%
    Brokerage, clearing and exchange     43,290     44,138   (2%)   32,984   31%
    Professional services     41,092     36,326   13%   22,100   86%
    Communications and data processing     21,417     19,506   10%   19,406   10%
    Other     51,192     48,689   5%   62,580   (18%)
        Total expense     3,466,221     3,252,754   7%   2,601,698   33%
    INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     368,804     417,253   (12%)   330,071   12%
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     95,555     98,680   (3%)   86,271   11%
    NET INCOME   $ 273,249   $ 318,573   (14%) $ 243,800   12%
    EARNINGS PER SHARE            
    Earnings per share, basic   $ 3.42   $ 4.27   (20%) $ 3.26   5%
    Earnings per share, diluted   $ 3.40   $ 4.24   (20%) $ 3.23   5%
    Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic     79,984     74,600   7%   74,725   7%
    Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted     80,373     75,112   7%   75,548   6%
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
        Six Months Ended  
        June 30,  
          2025     2024   Change
    REVENUE        
    Advisory   $ 3,406,983   $ 2,487,974   37%
    Commission:        
    Sales-based     1,229,830     808,305   52%
    Trailing     856,014     725,187   18%
    Total commission     2,085,844     1,533,492   36%
    Asset-based:        
    Client cash     789,363     693,857   14%
    Other asset-based     608,225     507,872   20%
    Total asset-based     1,397,588     1,201,729   16%
    Service and fee     297,038     267,172   11%
    Transaction     128,405     116,193   11%
    Interest income, net     120,792     91,003   33%
    Other     68,382     66,799   2%
        Total revenue     7,505,032     5,764,362   30%
    EXPENSE        
    Advisory and commission     4,837,090     3,552,514   36%
    Compensation and benefits     624,646     548,369   14%
    Promotional     323,197     262,744   23%
    Interest expense on borrowings     191,498     124,423   54%
    Depreciation and amortization     188,587     138,157   37%
    Occupancy and equipment     158,683     135,793   17%
    Amortization of other intangibles     89,624     60,159   49%
    Brokerage, clearing and exchange     87,428     63,516   38%
    Professional services     77,418     35,379   119%
    Communications and data processing     40,923     39,150   5%
    Other     99,881     99,895   —%
        Total expense     6,718,975     5,060,099   33%
    INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     786,057     704,263   12%
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     194,235     171,699   13%
    NET INCOME   $ 591,822   $ 532,564   11%
    EARNINGS PER SHARE        
    Earnings per share, basic   $ 7.66   $ 7.13   7%
    Earnings per share, diluted   $ 7.61   $ 7.05   8%
    Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic     77,307     74,644   4%
    Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted     77,760     75,529   3%
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (In thousands, except share data)
    (Unaudited)
        June 30, 2025 March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024
    ASSETS
    Cash and equivalents   $ 4,185,337   $ 1,229,181   $ 967,079  
    Cash and equivalents segregated under federal or other regulations     1,611,200     1,513,037     1,597,249  
    Restricted cash     116,675     112,458     119,724  
    Receivables from clients, net     710,463     613,766     633,834  
    Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations     129,490     112,249     76,545  
    Advisor loans, net     2,536,190     2,468,033     2,281,088  
    Other receivables, net     951,063     939,411     902,777  
    Investment securities ($124,639, $122,729, and $42,267 at fair value at June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively)     139,962     138,007     57,481  
    Property and equipment, net     1,278,991     1,237,693     1,210,027  
    Goodwill     2,213,393     2,213,100     2,172,873  
    Other intangibles, net     1,641,133     1,570,558     1,482,988  
    Other assets     1,959,779     1,815,729     1,815,739  
    Total assets   $ 17,473,676   $ 13,963,222   $ 13,317,404  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    LIABILITIES:        
    Client payables   $ 2,090,520   $ 2,045,285   $ 1,898,665  
    Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations     273,593     252,035     129,228  
    Accrued advisory and commission expenses payable     303,614     303,837     323,996  
    Corporate debt and other borrowings, net     7,175,032     5,686,678     5,494,724  
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     556,086     479,803     588,450  
    Other liabilities     2,000,415     2,071,801     1,951,739  
    Total liabilities     12,399,260     10,839,439     10,386,802  
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
    Common stock, $0.001 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; 136,603,206, 131,194,549, and 130,914,541 shares issued at June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively     136     131     131  
    Additional paid-in capital     3,787,009     2,089,155     2,066,268  
    Treasury stock, at cost — 56,599,471, 56,611,181, and 56,253,909 shares at June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, respectively     (4,332,275 )   (4,331,582 )   (4,202,322 )
    Retained earnings     5,619,546     5,366,079     5,066,525  
    Total stockholders’ equity     5,074,416     3,123,783     2,930,602  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 17,473,676   $ 13,963,222   $ 13,317,404  
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Management’s Statements of Operations
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (Unaudited)
    Certain information in this release is presented as reviewed by the Company’s management and includes information derived from the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income, non-GAAP financial measures and operational and performance metrics. For information on non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section titled“Non-GAAP Financial Measures”in this release.

        Quarterly Results
        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Change Q2 2024 Change
    Gross Profit(6)            
    Advisory   $ 1,717,738   $ 1,689,245   2% $ 1,288,163   33%
    Trailing commissions     418,295     437,719   (4%)   363,976   15%
    Sales-based commissions     619,792     610,038   2%   423,070   46%
    Advisory fees and commissions     2,755,825     2,737,002   1%   2,075,209   33%
    Production-based payout(7)     (2,406,692 )   (2,374,368 ) 1%   (1,812,050 ) 33%
    Advisory fees and commissions, net of payout     349,133     362,634   (4%)   263,159   33%
    Client cash(8)     413,516     408,224   1%   361,316   14%
    Other asset-based(9)     305,015     303,210   1%   259,533   18%
    Service and fee     151,839     145,199   5%   135,000   12%
    Transaction     60,541     67,864   (11%)   58,935   3%
    Interest income, net(10)     60,738     27,637   120%   27,618   120%
    Other revenue(11)     6,785     2,023   n/m   6,621   2%
    Total net advisory fees and commissions and attachment revenue     1,347,567     1,316,791   2%   1,112,182   21%
    Brokerage, clearing and exchange expense     (43,290 )   (44,138 ) (2%)   (32,984 ) 31%
    Gross Profit(6)     1,304,277     1,272,653   2%   1,079,198   21%
    G&A Expense            
    Core G&A(12)     425,595     413,069   3%   370,912   15%
    Regulatory charges     7,267     6,887   6%   7,594   (4%)
    Promotional (ongoing)(13)(14)     163,575     151,932   8%   147,830   11%
    Acquisition costs excluding interest(14)     71,562     43,407   65%   36,876   94%
    Employee share-based compensation     19,504     18,366   6%   19,968   (2%)
    Total G&A     687,503     633,661   8%   583,180   18%
    EBITDA(15)     616,774     638,992   (3%)   496,018   24%
    Depreciation and amortization     96,231     92,356   4%   70,999   36%
    Amortization of other intangibles     46,103     43,521   6%   30,607   51%
    Interest expense on borrowings(16)     102,323     80,725   27%   64,341   59%
    Acquisition costs – interest(14)     3,313     5,137   (36%)     100%
    INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     368,804     417,253   (12%)   330,071   12%
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES     95,555     98,680   (3%)   86,271   11%
    NET INCOME   $ 273,249   $ 318,573   (14%) $ 243,800   12%
    Earnings per share, diluted   $ 3.40   $ 4.24   (20%) $ 3.23   5%
    Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted     80,373     75,112   7%   75,548   6%
    Adjusted EBITDA(15)   $ 688,336   $ 682,399   1% $ 532,894   29%
    Adjusted pre-tax income(17)   $ 489,782   $ 509,318   (4%) $ 397,554   23%
    Adjusted EPS(18)   $ 4.51   $ 5.15   (12%) $ 3.88   16%
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Operating Metrics
    (Dollars in billions, except where noted)
    (Unaudited)
        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Change Q2 2024 Change
    Market Drivers            
    S&P 500 Index (end of period)     6,205     5,612   11%   5,460   14%
    Russell 2000 Index (end of period)     2,175     2,012   8%   2,048   6%
    Fed Funds daily effective rate (average bps)     433     433   —bps   533   (100bps)
                 
    Advisory and Brokerage Assets(19)            
    Advisory assets   $ 1,060.7   $ 977.4   9% $ 829.1   28%
    Brokerage assets     858.5     817.5   5%   668.7   28%
    Total Advisory and Brokerage Assets   $ 1,919.2   $ 1,794.9   7% $ 1,497.8   28%
    Advisory as a % of Total Advisory and Brokerage Assets     55.3 %   54.5 % 80bps   55.4 % (10bps)
                 
    Assets by Platform            
    Corporate advisory assets(20)   $ 766.4   $ 699.1   10% $ 567.8   35%
    Independent RIA advisory assets(20)     294.3     278.3   6%   261.3   13%
    Brokerage assets     858.5     817.5   5%   668.7   28%
    Total Advisory and Brokerage Assets   $ 1,919.2   $ 1,794.9   7% $ 1,497.8   28%
                 
    Centrally Managed Assets            
    Centrally managed assets(21)   $ 183.5   $ 164.4   12% $ 126.9   45%
    Centrally Managed as a % of Total Advisory Assets     17.3 %   16.8 % 50bps   15.3 % 200bps
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Operating Metrics
    (Dollars in billions, except where noted)
    (Unaudited)
        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Change Q2 2024 Change
    Organic Net New Assets (NNA)(22)            
    Organic net new advisory assets   $ 23.1   $ 35.7   n/m $ 26.6   n/m
    Organic net new brokerage assets     (2.6 )   35.2   n/m   2.5   n/m
    Total Organic Net New Assets   $ 20.5   $ 70.9   n/m $ 29.0   n/m
                 
    Acquired Net New Assets(22)            
    Acquired net new advisory assets   $   $ 1.9   n/m $ 0.3   n/m
    Acquired net new brokerage assets         6.0   n/m   4.8   n/m
    Total Acquired Net New Assets   $   $ 7.9   n/m $ 5.0   n/m
                 
    Total Net New Assets(22)            
    Net new advisory assets   $ 23.1   $ 37.6   n/m $ 26.8   n/m
    Net new brokerage assets     (2.6 )   41.2   n/m   7.2   n/m
    Total Net New Assets   $ 20.5   $ 78.8   n/m $ 34.0   n/m
                 
    Net brokerage to advisory conversions(23)   $ 6.4   $ 5.9   n/m $ 3.7   n/m
    Organic advisory NNA annualized growth(24)     9.5 %   14.9 % n/m   13.4 % n/m
    Total organic NNA annualized growth(24)     4.6 %   16.3 % n/m   8.1 % n/m
                 
    Net New Advisory Assets(22)            
    Corporate RIA net new advisory assets   $ 24.8   $ 31.7   n/m $ 23.4   n/m
    Independent RIA net new advisory assets     (1.7 )   5.9   n/m   3.4   n/m
    Total Net New Advisory Assets   $ 23.1   $ 37.6   n/m $ 26.8   n/m
    Centrally managed net new advisory assets(22)   $ 6.1   $ 6.5   n/m $ 4.4   n/m
                 
    Net buy (sell) activity(25)   $ 36.6   $ 42.0   n/m $ 39.3   n/m
    Note: Totals may not foot due to rounding.
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Client Cash Data
    (Dollars in thousands, except where noted)
    (Unaudited)
        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Change Q2 2024 Change
    Client Cash Balances (in billions)(26)            
    Insured cash account sweep   $ 34.2   $ 36.1   (5%) $ 31.0   10%
    Deposit cash account sweep     10.8     10.7   1%   9.2   17%
    Total Bank Sweep     44.9     46.8   (4%)   40.2   12%
    Money market sweep     3.7     4.3   (14%)   2.3   61%
    Total Client Cash Sweep Held by Third Parties     48.6     51.1   (5%)   42.5   14%
    Client cash account (CCA)     2.0     1.9   5%   1.5   33%
    Total Client Cash Balances   $ 50.6   $ 53.1   (5%) $ 44.0   15%
    Client Cash Balances as a % of Total Assets     2.6 %   3.0 % (40bps)   2.9 % (30bps)
    Note: Totals may not foot due to rounding.
      Three Months Ended
      June 30, 2025 March 31, 2025 June 30, 2024
    Interest-Earnings Assets Average Balance (in billions) Revenue Net Yield (bps)(27) Average Balance (in billions) Revenue Net Yield (bps)(27) Average Balance (in billions) Revenue Net Yield (bps)(27)
    Insured cash account sweep $ 34.4 $ 293,420 342 $ 36.0 $ 299,618 337 $ 31.7 $ 250,804 318
    Deposit cash account sweep   10.7   101,298 381   10.2   89,728 356   9.0   89,070 399
    Total Bank Sweep   45.1   394,718 351   46.2   389,346 341   40.7   339,874 336
    Money market sweep   4.0   2,614 26   4.1   2,685 26   2.3   1,601 28
    Total Client Cash Held ByThird Parties   49.1   397,332 325   50.4   392,031 316   43.0   341,475 320
    Client cash account (CCA)   1.7   16,184 378   1.8   16,193 368   1.7   19,841 472
    Total Client Cash   50.8   413,516 326   52.2   408,224 317   44.7   361,316 326
    Margin receivables   0.6   12,080 807   0.6   11,444 789   0.5   10,521 889
    Other interest revenue   4.4   48,658 448   1.3   16,193 512   1.3   17,097 545
    Total Client Cash andInterest Income, Net $ 55.8 $ 474,254 341 $ 54.0 $ 435,861 327 $ 46.5 $ 388,934 337
    Note: Totals may not foot due to rounding.
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Monthly Metrics
    (Dollars in billions, except where noted)
    (Unaudited)
        June 2025 May 2025 Change April 2025 March 2025
    Advisory and Brokerage Assets(19)            
    Advisory assets   $ 1,060.7   $ 1,021.6   4% $ 978.6   $ 977.4  
    Brokerage assets     858.5     832.9   3%   809.4     817.5  
    Total Advisory and Brokerage Assets   $ 1,919.2   $ 1,854.5   3% $ 1,787.9   $ 1,794.9  
                 
    Organic Net New Assets (NNA)(22)            
    Organic net new advisory assets   $ 7.9   $ 8.3   n/m $ 6.9   $ 12.7  
    Organic net new brokerage assets     0.1     (1.8 ) n/m   (0.8 )   0.5  
    Total Organic Net New Assets   $ 8.0   $ 6.5   n/m $ 6.1   $ 13.1  
                 
    Acquired Net New Assets(22)            
    Acquired net new advisory assets   $   $   n/m $   $ 1.8  
    Acquired net new brokerage assets           n/m       5.3  
    Total Acquired Net New Assets   $   $   n/m $   $ 7.1  
                 
    Total Net New Assets(22)            
    Net new advisory assets   $ 7.9   $ 8.3   n/m $ 6.9   $ 14.5  
    Net new brokerage assets     0.1     (1.8 ) n/m   (0.8 )   5.8  
    Total Net New Assets   $ 8.0   $ 6.5   n/m $ 6.1   $ 20.2  
    Net brokerage to advisory conversions(23)   $ 2.4   $ 2.2   n/m $ 1.7   $ 1.9  
                 
    Client Cash Balances(26)            
    Insured cash account sweep   $ 34.2   $ 33.4   2% $ 35.2   $ 36.1  
    Deposit cash account sweep     10.8     10.6   2%   10.7     10.7  
    Total Bank Sweep     44.9     44.0   2%   45.9     46.8  
    Money market sweep     3.7     3.9   (5%)   4.2     4.3  
    Total Client Cash Sweep Held by Third Parties     48.6     47.9   1%   50.2     51.1  
    Client cash account (CCA)     2.0     1.3   54%   1.6     1.9  
    Total Client Cash Balances   $ 50.6   $ 49.2   3% $ 51.8   $ 53.1  
                 
    Net buy (sell) activity(25)   $ 12.7   $ 13.5   n/m $ 10.4   $ 13.2  
                 
    Market Drivers            
    S&P 500 Index (end of period)     6,205     5,912   5%   5,569     5,612  
    Russell 2000 Index (end of period)     2,175     2,066   5%   1,964     2,012  
    Fed Funds effective rate (average bps)     433     433   —bps   433     433  
    Note: Totals may not foot due to rounding.
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Financial Measures
    (Dollars in thousands, except where noted)
    (Unaudited)
        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Change Q2 2024 Change
    Commission Revenue by Product            
    Annuities   $ 629,763   $ 615,594   2% $ 469,100   34%
    Mutual funds     223,317     233,895   (5%)   187,432   19%
    Fixed income     53,014     61,553   (14%)   53,192   —%
    Equities     47,811     49,074   (3%)   34,434   39%
    Other     84,182     87,641   (4%)   42,888   96%
    Total commission revenue   $ 1,038,087   $ 1,047,757   (1%) $ 787,046   32%
                 
    Commission Revenue by Sales-based and Trailing                    
    Sales-based commissions            
    Annuities   $ 393,654   $ 365,767   8% $ 260,188   51%
    Mutual funds     52,301     55,607   (6%)   42,981   22%
    Fixed income     53,014     61,553   (14%)   53,192   —%
    Equities     47,811     49,074   (3%)   34,434   39%
    Other     73,012     78,037   (6%)   32,275   126%
    Total sales-based commissions   $ 619,792   $ 610,038   2% $ 423,070   46%
    Trailing commissions            
    Annuities   $ 236,109   $ 249,827   (5%) $ 208,912   13%
    Mutual funds     171,016     178,288   (4%)   144,451   18%
    Other     11,170     9,604   16%   10,613   5%
    Total trailing commissions   $ 418,295   $ 437,719   (4%) $ 363,976   15%
    Total commission revenue   $ 1,038,087   $ 1,047,757   (1%) $ 787,046   32%
                 
    Payout Rate(7)     87.33 %   86.75 % 58bps   87.32 % 1bps
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Capital Management Measures
    (Dollars in thousands, except where noted)
    (Unaudited)
        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q4 2024
    Cash and equivalents   $ 4,185,337   $ 1,229,181   $ 967,079  
    Cash at regulated subsidiaries     (1,288,722 )   (1,085,459 )   (884,779 )
    Excess cash at regulated subsidiaries per the Credit Agreement     720,359     476,908     397,138  
    Corporate Cash(2)   $ 3,616,974   $ 620,630   $ 479,438  
             
    Corporate Cash(2)        
    Cash at LPL Holdings, Inc.   $ 2,841,718   $ 104,080   $ 39,782  
    Excess cash at regulated subsidiaries per the Credit Agreement     720,359     476,908     397,138  
    Cash at non-regulated subsidiaries     54,897     39,642     42,518  
    Corporate Cash   $ 3,616,974   $ 620,630   $ 479,438  
             
    Leverage Ratio        
    Total debt   $ 7,220,000   $ 5,720,000   $ 5,517,000  
    Total corporate cash     3,616,974     620,630     479,438  
    Credit Agreement Net Debt   $ 3,603,026   $ 5,099,370   $ 5,037,562  
    Credit Agreement EBITDA (trailing twelve months)(28)   $ 2,922,433   $ 2,797,285   $ 2,665,033  
    Leverage Ratio     1.23 x   1.82 x   1.89 x
        June 30, 2025  
    Total Debt   Balance Current Applicable Margin Interest Rate Maturity
    Revolving Credit Facility(a)   $   ABR+37.5 bps / SOFR+147.5 bps 5.797 % 5/20/2029
    Broker-Dealer Revolving Credit Facility       SOFR+125 bps 5.700 % 5/18/2026
    Senior Unsecured Term Loan A     1,020,000   SOFR+147.5 bps(b) 5.791 % 12/5/2026
    Senior Unsecured Notes     500,000   5.700% Fixed 5.700 % 5/20/2027
    Senior Unsecured Notes     400,000   4.625% Fixed 4.625 % 11/15/2027
    Senior Unsecured Notes     500,000   4.900% Fixed 4.900 % 4/3/2028
    Senior Unsecured Notes     750,000   6.750% Fixed 6.750 % 11/17/2028
    Senior Unsecured Notes     900,000   4.000% Fixed 4.000 % 3/15/2029
    Senior Unsecured Notes     750,000   5.200% Fixed 5.200 % 3/15/2030
    Senior Unsecured Notes     500,000   5.150% Fixed 5.150 % 6/15/2030
    Senior Unsecured Notes     400,000   4.375% Fixed 4.375 % 5/15/2031
    Senior Unsecured Notes     500,000   6.000% Fixed 6.000 % 5/20/2034
    Senior Unsecured Notes     500,000   5.650% Fixed 5.650 % 3/15/2035
    Senior Unsecured Notes     500,000   5.750% Fixed 5.750 % 6/15/2035
    Total / Weighted Average   $ 7,220,000     5.352 %  
    (a) Unsecured borrowing capacity of $2.25 billion at LPL Holdings, Inc.
    (b) The SOFR rate option is a one-month SOFR rate and subject to an interest rate floor of 0 bps.
    LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
    Key Business and Financial Metrics
    (Dollars in thousands, except where noted)
    (Unaudited)
        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Change Q2 2024 Change
    Business Metrics            
    Advisors     29,353     29,493   —%   23,462   25%
    Net new advisors     (140 )   605   (123%)   578   (124%)
    Annualized advisory fees and commissions per advisor(29)   $ 375   $ 375   —% $ 358   5%
    Average total assets per advisor ($ in millions)(30)   $ 65.4   $ 60.9   7% $ 63.8   3%
    Transition assistance loan amortization ($ in millions)(31)   $ 89.4   $ 81.8   9% $ 61.9   44%
    Total client accounts (in millions)     10.5     10.4   1%   8.6   22%
    Recruited AUM ($ in billions)     18.4     38.6   (52%)   24.3   (24%)
                 
    Employees(32)     9,389     9,097   3%   8,625   9%
                 
    AUM retention rate (quarterly annualized)(33)     97.6 %   98.2 % (60bps)   98.4 % (80bps)
                 
    Capital Management            
    Capital expenditures ($ in millions)(34)   $ 137.0   $ 119.5   15% $ 128.9   6%
     Acquisitions, net ($ in millions)(35)   $ 102.8   $ 95.1   8% $ 115.1   n/m
                 
    Share repurchases ($ in millions)   $   $ 100.0   (100%) $   —%
    Dividends ($ in millions)     24.0     22.4   7%   22.4   7%
    Total Capital Returned ($ in millions)   $ 24.0   $ 122.4   (80%) $ 22.4   7%


    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Management believes that presenting certain non-GAAP financial measures by excluding or including certain items can be helpful to investors and analysts who may wish to use this information to analyze the Company’s current performance, prospects and valuation. Management uses this non-GAAP information internally to evaluate operating performance and in formulating the budget for future periods. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures and metrics discussed below are appropriate for evaluating the performance of the Company.

    Adjusted EPS and Adjusted net income

    Adjusted EPS is defined as adjusted net income, a non-GAAP measure defined as net income plus the after-tax impact of amortization of other intangibles and acquisition costs, divided by the weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding for the applicable period. The Company presents adjusted net income and adjusted EPS because management believes that these metrics can provide investors with useful insight into the Company’s core operating performance by excluding non-cash items, acquisition costs, and certain other charges that management does not believe impact the Company’s ongoing operations. Adjusted net income and adjusted EPS are not measures of the Company’s financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income, earnings per diluted share or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. For a reconciliation of net income and earnings per diluted share to adjusted net income and adjusted EPS, please see the endnote disclosures in this release.

    Gross profit

    Gross profit is calculated as total revenue less advisory and commission expense; brokerage, clearing and exchange expense; and market fluctuations on employee deferred compensation. All other expense categories, including depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and amortization of other intangibles, are considered general and administrative in nature. Because the Company’s gross profit amounts do not include any depreciation and amortization expense, the Company considers gross profit to be a non-GAAP financial measure that may not be comparable to similar measures used by others in its industry. Management believes that gross profit can provide investors with useful insight into the Company’s core operating performance before indirect costs that are general and administrative in nature. For a calculation of gross profit, please see the endnote disclosures in this release.

    Core G&A

    Core G&A consists of total expense less the following expenses: advisory and commission; depreciation and amortization; interest expense on borrowings; brokerage, clearing and exchange; amortization of other intangibles; market fluctuations on employee deferred compensation; promotional (ongoing); employee share-based compensation; regulatory charges; and acquisition costs. Management presents core G&A because it believes core G&A reflects the corporate expense categories over which management can generally exercise a measure of control, compared with expense items over which management either cannot exercise control, such as advisory and commission, or which management views as promotional expense necessary to support advisor growth and retention, including conferences and transition assistance. Core G&A is not a measure of the Company’s total expense as calculated in accordance with GAAP. For a reconciliation of the Company’s total expense to core G&A, please see the endnote disclosures in this release. The Company does not provide an outlook for its total expense because it contains expense components, such as advisory and commission, that are market-driven and over which the Company cannot exercise control. Accordingly, a reconciliation of the Company’s outlook for total expense to an outlook for core G&A cannot be made available without unreasonable effort.

    EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

    EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest expense on borrowings, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and amortization of other intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, plus acquisition costs. The Company presents EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA because management believes that they can be useful financial metrics in understanding the Company’s earnings from operations. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not measures of the Company’s financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. For a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, please see the endnote disclosures in this release.

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    Adjusted pre-tax income is defined as income before provision for income taxes plus amortization of other intangibles and acquisition costs. The Company presents adjusted pre-tax income because management believes that it can provide investors with useful insight into the Company’s core operating performance by excluding non-cash items, acquisition costs, and certain other charges that management does not believe impact the Company’s ongoing operations. Adjusted pre-tax income is not a measure of the Company’s financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to income before provision for income taxes or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. For a reconciliation of income before provision for income taxes to adjusted pre-tax income, please see the endnote disclosures in this release.

    Credit Agreement EBITDA

    Credit Agreement EBITDA is defined in, and calculated by management in accordance with, the Company’s amended and restated credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) as “Consolidated EBITDA,” which is Consolidated Net Income (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus interest expense on borrowings, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and amortization of other intangibles, and is further adjusted to exclude certain non-cash charges and other adjustments, and to include future expected cost savings, operating expense reductions or other synergies from certain transactions. The Company presents Credit Agreement EBITDA because management believes that it can be a useful financial metric in understanding the Company’s debt capacity and covenant compliance under its Credit Agreement. Credit Agreement EBITDA is not a measure of the Company’s financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. For a reconciliation of net income to Credit Agreement EBITDA, please see the endnote disclosures in this release.

    Endnote Disclosures

    (1) Represents the estimated total advisory and brokerage assets expected to transition to the Company’s primary broker-dealer subsidiary, LPL Financial, in connection with advisors who transferred their licenses to LPL Financial during the period. The estimate is based on prior business reported by the advisors, which has not been independently and fully verified by LPL Financial. The actual transition of assets to LPL Financial generally occurs over several quarters and the actual amount transitioned may vary from the estimate.

    (2) Corporate cash, a component of cash and equivalents, is the sum of cash and equivalents from the following: (1) cash and equivalents held at LPL Holdings, Inc., (2) cash and equivalents held at regulated subsidiaries as defined by the Company’s Credit Agreement, which include LPL Financial, LPL Enterprise, LLC, The Private Trust Company, N.A. and certain of Atria’s introducing broker-dealer subsidiaries, in excess of the capital requirements of the Company’s Credit Agreement and (3) cash and equivalents held at non-regulated subsidiaries.

    (3) Compliance with the Leverage Ratio is only required under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

    (4) Based on unaudited information of Commonwealth for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    (5) The Company was named a Top RIA custodian (Cerulli Associates, 2024 U.S. RIA Marketplace Report); No. 1 Independent Broker-Dealer in the U.S. (based on total revenues, Financial Planning magazine 1996-2022); and, among third-party providers of brokerage services to banks and credit unions, No. 1 in AUM Growth from Financial Institutions; No. 1 in Market Share of AUM from Financial Institutions; No. 1 in Market Share of Revenue from Financial Institutions; No. 1 on Financial Institution Market Share; No. 1 on Share of Advisors (2021-2022 Kehrer Bielan Research and Consulting Annual TPM Report). Fortune 500 as of June 2021.

    (6) Gross profit is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see a description of gross profit under the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release for additional information. Below is a calculation of gross profit for the periods presented (in thousands):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Total revenue   $ 3,835,025   $ 3,670,007   $ 2,931,769  
    Advisory and commission expense     2,483,165     2,353,925     1,819,027  
    Brokerage, clearing and exchange expense     43,290     44,138     32,984  
    Employee deferred compensation     4,293     (709 )   560  
    Gross profit   $ 1,304,277   $ 1,272,653   $ 1,079,198  

    (7) Production-based payout is a financial measure calculated as advisory and commission expense plus (less) advisor deferred compensation. The payout rate is calculated by dividing the production-based payout by total advisory and commission revenue. Below is a reconciliation of the Company’s advisory and commission expense to the production-based payout and a calculation of the payout rate for the periods presented (in thousands, except payout rate):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Advisory and commission expense   $ 2,483,165   $ 2,353,925   $ 1,819,027  
    Plus (Less): Advisor deferred compensation     (76,473 )   20,443     (6,977 )
    Production-based payout   $ 2,406,692   $ 2,374,368   $ 1,812,050  
             
    Advisory and commission revenue   $ 2,755,825   $ 2,737,002   $ 2,075,209  
             
    Payout rate     87.33 %   86.75 %   87.32 %

    (8) Below is a reconciliation of client cash revenue per Management’s Statements of Operations to client cash revenue, a component of asset-based revenue, on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for the periods presented (in thousands):

             
        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Client cash on Management’s Statement of Operations   $ 413,516   $ 408,224   $ 361,316  
    Interest income on CCA balances segregated under federal or other regulations(10)     (16,184 )   (16,193 )   (19,841 )
    Client cash on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income   $ 397,332   $ 392,031   $ 341,475  

    (9) Consists of revenue from the Company’s sponsorship programs with financial product manufacturers, omnibus processing and networking services but does not include fees from client cash programs.

    (10) Below is a reconciliation of interest income, net per Management’s Statements of Operations to interest income, net on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for the periods presented (in thousands):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Interest income, net on Management’s Statement of Operations   $ 60,738   $ 27,637     27,618  
    Interest income on CCA balances segregated under federal or other regulations(8)     16,184     16,193     19,841  
    Interest income on deferred compensation     19     21     19  
    Interest income, net on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income   $ 76,941   $ 43,851   $ 47,478  

    (11) Below is a reconciliation of other revenue per Management’s Statements of Operations to other revenue on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for the periods presented (in thousands):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Other revenue on Management’s Statement of Operations   $ 6,785   $ 2,023   $ 6,621  
    Interest income on deferred compensation     (19 )   (21 )   (19 )
    Deferred compensation     80,766     (21,152 )   7,537  
    Other revenue on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income   $ 87,532   $ (19,150 ) $ 14,139  

    (12) Core G&A is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see a description of core G&A under the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release for additional information. Below is a reconciliation of the Company’s total expense to core G&A for the periods presented (in thousands):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Core G&A Reconciliation        
    Total expense   $ 3,466,221   $ 3,252,754   $ 2,601,698  
    Advisory and commission     (2,483,165 )   (2,353,925 )   (1,819,027 )
    Depreciation and amortization     (96,231 )   (92,356 )   (70,999 )
    Interest expense on borrowings(16)     (105,636 )   (85,862 )   (64,341 )
    Brokerage, clearing and exchange     (43,290 )   (44,138 )   (32,984 )
    Amortization of other intangibles     (46,103 )   (43,521 )   (30,607 )
    Employee deferred compensation     (4,293 )   709     (560 )
    Total G&A     687,503     633,661     583,180  
    Promotional (ongoing)(13)(14)     (163,575 )   (151,932 )   (147,830 )
    Acquisition costs excluding interest(14)     (71,562 )   (43,407 )   (36,876 )
    Employee share-based compensation     (19,504 )   (18,366 )   (19,968 )
    Regulatory charges     (7,267 )   (6,887 )   (7,594 )
    Core G&A   $ 425,595   $ 413,069   $ 370,912  

    (13) Promotional (ongoing) includes $21.2 million, $14.8 million and $12.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, March 31, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively, of support costs related to full-time employees that are classified within Compensation and benefits expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income and excludes costs that have been incurred as part of acquisitions that have been classified within acquisition costs.

    (14) Acquisition costs include the costs to setup, onboard and integrate acquired entities and other costs that were incurred as a result of the acquisitions. The below table summarizes the primary components of acquisition costs for the periods presented (in thousands):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Acquisition costs        
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration(36)   $ 309   $ 6,594   $ 24,624  
    Compensation and benefits     16,054     17,417     6,827  
    Professional services     11,057     6,145     3,567  
    Promotional(13)     35,198     8,538     539  
    Interest(16)     3,313     5,137      
    Other     8,944     4,713     1,319  
    Acquisition costs   $ 74,875   $ 48,544   $ 36,876  

    (15) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see a description of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA under the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release for additional information. Below is a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented (in thousands):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation        
    Net income   $ 273,249   $ 318,573   $ 243,800  
    Interest expense on borrowings(16)     105,636     85,862     64,341  
    Provision for income taxes     95,555     98,680     86,271  
    Depreciation and amortization     96,231     92,356     70,999  
    Amortization of other intangibles     46,103     43,521     30,607  
    EBITDA   $ 616,774   $ 638,992   $ 496,018  
    Acquisition costs excluding interest(14)     71,562     43,407     36,876  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 688,336   $ 682,399   $ 532,894  

    (16) Below is a reconciliation of interest expense on borrowings per Management’s Statements of Operations to interest expense on borrowings on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for the periods presented (in thousands):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Interest expense on borrowings on Management’s Statement of Operations   $ 102,323   $ 80,725   $ 64,341  
    Cost of debt issuance related to Commonwealth acquisition(14)     3,313     5,137      
    Interest expense on borrowings on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income   $ 105,636   $ 85,862   $ 64,341  

    (17) Adjusted pre-tax income is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see a description of adjusted pre-tax income under the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release for additional information. Below is a reconciliation of income before provision for income taxes to adjusted pre-tax income for the periods presented (in thousands):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Income before provision for income taxes   $ 368,804   $ 417,253   $ 330,071  
    Amortization of other intangibles     46,103     43,521     30,607  
    Acquisition costs(14)     74,875     48,544     36,876  
    Adjusted pre-tax income   $ 489,782   $ 509,318   $ 397,554  

    (18) Adjusted net income and adjusted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see a description of adjusted net income and adjusted EPS under the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release for additional information. Below is a reconciliation of net income and earnings per diluted share to adjusted net income and adjusted EPS for the periods presented (in thousands, except per share data):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
        Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share
    Net income / earnings per diluted share   $ 273,249   $ 3.40   $ 318,573   $ 4.24   $ 243,800   $ 3.23  
    Amortization of other intangibles     46,103     0.57     43,521     0.58     30,607     0.41  
    Acquisition costs(14)     74,875     0.93     48,544     0.65     36,876     0.49  
    Tax benefit     (31,433 )   (0.39 )   (23,937 )   (0.32 )   (17,816 )   (0.24 )
    Adjusted net income / adjusted EPS   $ 362,794   $ 4.51   $ 386,701   $ 5.15   $ 293,467   $ 3.88  
    Diluted share count     80,373       75,112       75,548    
    Note: Totals may not foot due to rounding.

    (19) Consists of total advisory and brokerage assets under custody at the Company’s primary broker-dealer subsidiary, LPL Financial, as well as assets under custody of a third-party custodian related to Atria’s seven introducing broker-dealer subsidiaries.

    (20) Assets on the Company’s corporate advisory platform are serviced by investment advisor representatives of LPL Financial. Assets on the Company’s independent RIA advisory platform are serviced by investment advisor representatives of separate registered investment advisor firms rather than representatives of LPL Financial.

    (21) Consists of advisory assets in LPL Financial’s Model Wealth Portfolios, Optimum Market Portfolios, Personal Wealth Portfolios and Guided Wealth Portfolios platforms.

    (22) Consists of total client deposits into advisory or brokerage accounts less total client withdrawals from advisory or brokerage accounts, plus dividends, plus interest, minus advisory fees. The Company considers conversions from and to brokerage or advisory accounts as deposits and withdrawals, respectively.

    (23) Consists of existing custodied assets that converted from brokerage to advisory, less existing custodied assets that converted from advisory to brokerage.

    (24) Calculated as annualized current period organic net new assets divided by preceding period assets in their respective categories of advisory assets or total advisory and brokerage assets.

    (25) Represents the amount of securities purchased less the amount of securities sold in client accounts custodied with LPL Financial.

    (26) Client cash balances include CCA and exclude purchased money market funds. CCA balances include cash that clients have deposited with LPL Financial that is included in Client payables in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents purchased money market funds for the periods presented (in billions):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q2 2024
    Purchased money market funds   $ 47.0   $ 44.7   $ 35.7  

    (27) Calculated by dividing revenue for the period by the average balance during the period.

    (28) EBITDA and Credit Agreement EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see a description of EBITDA and Credit Agreement EBITDA under the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release for additional information. Under the Credit Agreement, management calculates Credit Agreement EBITDA for a trailing twelve month period at the end of each fiscal quarter and in doing so may make further adjustments to prior quarters. Below are reconciliations of trailing twelve month net income to trailing twelve month EBITDA and Credit Agreement EBITDA for the periods presented (in thousands):

        Q2 2025 Q1 2025 Q4 2024
    EBITDA and Credit Agreement EBITDA Reconciliations        
    Net income   $ 1,117,874   $ 1,088,425   $ 1,058,616  
    Interest expense on borrowings     341,256     299,961     274,181  
    Provision for income taxes     356,812     347,528     334,276  
    Depreciation and amortization     358,957     333,725     308,527  
    Amortization of other intangibles     164,699     149,203     135,234  
    EBITDA   $ 2,339,598   $ 2,218,842   $ 2,110,834  
    Credit Agreement Adjustments:        
    Acquisition costs and other(14)(37)   $ 269,638   $ 249,870   $ 223,614  
    Employee share-based compensation     84,226     84,690     88,957  
    M&A accretion(38)     222,150     237,160     235,048  
    Advisor share-based compensation     2,838     2,740     2,597  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     3,983     3,983     3,983  
    Credit Agreement EBITDA   $ 2,922,433   $ 2,797,285   $ 2,665,033  

    (29) Calculated based on the average advisor count from the current period and prior periods.

    (30) Calculated based on the end of period total advisory and brokerage assets divided by end of period advisor count.

    (31) Represents amortization expense on forgivable loans for transition assistance to advisors and institutions.

    (32) During the first quarter of 2025, the Company updated its reporting of employees to include all full-time employees, including those reflected in Core G&A, promotional (ongoing) and advisory and commission expense. Prior period disclosures have been updated to reflect this change as applicable.

    (33) Reflects retention of total advisory and brokerage assets, calculated by deducting quarterly annualized attrition from total advisory and brokerage assets, divided by the prior quarter total advisory and brokerage assets.

    (34) Capital expenditures represent cash payments for property and equipment during the period.

    (35) Acquisitions, net represent cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired during the period. Acquisitions, net for the three months ended March 31, 2025 excludes $70.2 million related to The Investment Center, Inc., which was prefunded on October 1, 2024 in conjunction with the close of the Atria acquisition, as well as cash inflows associated with working capital and other post-closing adjustments.

    (36) Represents a fair value adjustment to our contingent consideration liabilities that is reflected in other expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

    (37) Acquisition costs and other primarily include acquisition costs related to Atria, costs incurred related to the integration of the strategic relationship with Prudential Advisors, a $26.4 million reduction related to the departure of the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and related clawback of share-based compensation awards, and an $18.0 million regulatory charge recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2024 reflecting the amount of a penalty proposed by the SEC as part of its civil investigation of the Company’s compliance with certain elements of the Company’s AML compliance program.

    (38) M&A accretion is an adjustment to reflect the annualized expected run rate EBITDA of an acquisition as permitted by the Credit Agreement for up to eight fiscal quarters following the close of such acquisition.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Helps Reintroduce John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and the entire Senate Democratic caucus in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act, legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 that have been eroded in recent years by federal court rulings. The legislation would strengthen our democracy by reestablishing preclearance for jurisdictions with a pattern of voting rights violations, protecting minority communities subject to discriminatory voting practices, and defending election workers from threats and intimidation. It is named in honor of voting rights champion and former U.S. Congressman John Lewis of Georgia. 
    This legislation is especially relevant in Texas, where, following historic disapproval of Congressional Republicans’ tax bill, Texas state lawmakers are looking to add five additional Republican seats in the House of Representatives. The move comes in direct response to President Trump’s fears that voters may flip the House in the 2026 midterms.  
    “Voting is a sacred freedom, and depriving people of their right to participate in our democratic process is a threat to democracy. Right now, states across the country are violating this fundamental right by enacting discriminatory laws deliberately designed to keep people from the ballot box. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act works to restore crucial protections of the Voting Rights Act to ensure that everyone has a voice in our democratic system,” said Senator Welch. 
    “As I often say, a vote is a kind of prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and our children,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Our prayers are stronger when we pray together. Democracy is the political enactment of a spiritual idea that each of us has within ourselves the spark of the divine. We all have value, and if we all have value, we ought to have a voice in the direction of our country; we ought to have a vote.”   
    “There is no freedom more fundamental than the right to vote.  But between the Trump Administration’s executive order on voter registration and state legislatures’ gerrymandering districts, there has been a clear, concerted effort to chip away at the protections guaranteed to every American under the Voting Rights Act,” said Senator Durbin. “In the face of these injustices that target communities of color and their right to vote, we must continue the work of civil rights leaders like John Lewis and strengthen the framework of the Voting Rights Act by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.” 
    “The ‘good trouble’ John Lewis spoke of is not just an inspirational phrase – it’s a challenge to all of us to rise to the occasion and to fight for the ideals that make our country great. I’ve been clear that when it comes to protecting democracy, we must fight fire with fire. We will not stand idly by while Republicans’ revert to Jim Crow era voting restrictions— suppressing votes and people that do not match their ideals. We will fight to protect democracy – the bedrock of our society and the foundation of what makes the American dream possible,” said Democratic Leader Schumer.  
    In the wake of the Supreme Court’s damaging Shelby County decision in 2013—which crippled the federal government’s ability under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to prevent discriminatory changes to voting laws and procedures—states across the country have unleashed a torrent of voter suppression efforts, including SB 202 in Georgia. The Supreme Court’s decision in Brnovich v Democratic National Committee delivered yet another blow to the Voting Rights Act by making it significantly harder for plaintiffs to win lawsuits under the landmark law against discriminatory voting laws or procedures. 
    In addition to Senator Warnock, Ranking Member Durbin, Leader Schumer, and Senator Welch, the legislation is cosponsored by the entire Democratic caucus. The VRAA is endorsed by 178 organizations. These organizations understand that voting rights are preservative of all other rights and progress on a range of critical issues cannot take place if citizens cannot make their voices heard. The list of endorsing Georgia and national organizations of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act can be found here. 
    Learn more about the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. 
    Read and download the full text of the bill. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer.

    The Spokesman for the Presidency,Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the call touched on the distinguished ties between Egypt and the United Kingdom. Both sides agreed to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in all fields, particularly economic, trade, tourism, and education, in addition to supporting joint investment projects.

    The call reviewed regional developments. The President reiterated that Egypt welcomes the British prime minister’s statements regarding the United Kingdom’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine. It was also emphasized that this step would represent a positive impetus toward restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, mainly the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967, borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

    Both sides emphasized that a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue through the establishment of an independent state is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

    During the call, President El-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s vision for achieving calm and ending the war in the Gaza Strip, highlighting Egypt’s efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid, and ensure the release of hostages and captives, as well as the importance of beginning the reconstruction process in the Strip as soon as possible.

    President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s firm position of rejecting the displacement of Palestinians from their lands.

    – on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting innovation research

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI: Trupanion to Participate in the Canaccord Genuity 45th Annual Growth Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trupanion, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRUP), a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, announced today that Margi Tooth, Chief Executive Officer and President, will participate in a fireside chat at the Canaccord Genuity 45th Annual Growth Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. ET and will participate in meetings with investors throughout the day.

    The presentation will be webcast live and can be accessed on Trupanion’s Investor Relations website at http://investors.trupanion.com.

    About Trupanion

    Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, and certain countries in Continental Europe with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada or GPIC Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. For more information, please visit trupanion.com.

    Contacts 

    Laura Bainbridge, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
    Gil Melchior, Director, Investor Relations
    Investor.Relations@trupanion.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: John James Demands Immediate Action from Canada to Stop Toxic Wildfire Smoke Endangering Michiganders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John James (Michigan 10th District)

    MICHIGAN — Congressman John James today authored a letter calling on Canadian leaders to take urgent and decisive action to contain the growing wildfire crisis that is poisoning the air and threatening the health of millions across Michigan and the Midwest.

    The 2023 wildfire season in Canada was catastrophic, releasing an unprecedented 647 teragrams of carbon — the equivalent of running over 500 million cars for a full year. This toxic smoke has blanketed cities from Detroit to Minneapolis, contributing to increased hospitalizations, respiratory illnesses, and premature deaths, especially among vulnerable populations such as children with asthma, dialysis patients, and seniors. 

    For three years running, nearly 70 million acres have burned across Canada, the largest cumulative loss on record, turning major U.S. cities into some of the most polluted urban areas in the world.

    Despite the clear public health crisis, Canadian officials have shown alarming disregard. Manitoba’s Premier Wab Kinew recently dismissed the health risks to Americans as “trivial” adding that Americans “enjoying their summers” is not a priority for Manitoba. This lack of urgency undermines decades of cross-border cooperation and damages the U.S.—Canada relationship.

    “Michigan families deserve clean air and respect. Canada’s failure to control these wildfires is not just an environmental issue, it’s a public health emergency that threatens our communities,” said Congressman James. “Our friendship with Canada is strong, but friendship requires respect. And respect means protecting each other’s health, not dismissing it.”

    With over 69 million residents across the Midwest under air quality alerts, and American firefighting teams deployed to help contain Canadian fires, the status quo is no longer acceptable. Congressmen James is urging Natural Resources Canada and the Canadian Forest Service to reform outdated forest management policies and invest in modern technologies to prevent future disasters.

    Click here to read the full letter.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: A Hawaiian epic made in NZ: why Jason Momoa’s Chief of War wasn’t filmed in its star’s homeland

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Duncan Caillard, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Communication Studies, Auckland University of Technology

    Jason Momoa’s historical epic Chief of War, launching August 1 on Apple TV+, is a triumph of Hawaiians telling their own stories – despite the fact their film and TV production industry now struggles to be viable.

    The series stars Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones) as Kaʻaina, an ali’i (chief) who fights for – and later rises against – King Kamehameha I during the bloody reunification of Hawaii.

    Already receiving advance praise, the nine-episode first season co-stars New Zealand actors Temeura Morrison, Cliff Curtis and Luciane Buchanan, alongside Hawaiian actors Kaina Makua, Brandon Finn and Moses Goods.

    A passion project for Momoa, the Hawaiian star co-created the series with writer Thomas Pa’a Sibbett after years in development. With a reported budget of US$340 million, it is one of the most expensive television series ever produced.

    It is also a milestone in Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) representation onscreen. Controversially, however, the production only spent a month in Hawaiʻi, and was mostly shot in New Zealand with non-Hawaiian crews.

    Momoa has even expressed an interest in New Zealand citizenship, but the choice of location is more a reflection of the troubled state of the film industry in Hawaiʻi. On the other hand, it is a measure of the success of the New Zealand screen industry, with potential lessons for other countries in the Pacific.

    Ea o Moʻolelo – story sovereignty

    Set at the turn of the 19th century, Chief of War tells the moʻolelo (story, history) of King Kamehameha I’s conquest of the archipelago.

    Hawaiʻi was historically governed by aliʻi nui (high chiefs), and each island was ruled independently. Motivated by the threat of European colonisation and empowered by Western weaponry, Kamehameha established the Hawaiian Kingdom, culminating in full unification in 1810.

    The series is an important example of what authors Dean Hamer and Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu have called “Ea o Moʻolelo”, or story sovereignty, which emphasises Indigenous peoples’ right to control their own narrative by respecting the “the inalienable right of a story to its own unique contents, style and purpose”.

    Chief of War is also the biggest Hawaiian television series ever produced. Although Hawaiʻi remains a popular setting onscreen, these productions have rarely involved Hawaiians in key decision-making roles.

    Sea of troubles

    The series hits screens at a time of major disruption in Hollywood, with streaming services upending established business models.

    “Linear” network television faces declining viewership and advertising revenue. Movie studios struggle to draw audiences to theatres. The consequences for workers in the the industry have been severe, as the 2023 writers strike showed.

    Those changes have had a catastrophic impact on the Hawaiʻi film industry, too.

    Long a popular location – Hawaii Five-O (1968-1980, 2010-2020), Magnum P.I. (1980-1988, 2018-2024) and Lost (2004-2010) were all shot on location in Hawaiʻi – it is an expensive place to film.

    Actors, crew and production equipment often have to be flown in from the continental United States, and producers compete with tourism for costly accommodation.

    Kaina Makua as King Kamehameha and New Zealand actor Luciane Buchanan as Ka’ahumanu in Chief of War.
    Apple TV+

    An industry in transition

    These are not uncommon problems in distant locations, and many governments try to attract screen productions through tax incentives and rebates on portions of the production costs.

    New Zealand, for example, offers a 20-25% rebate for international productions and 40% for local productions. Hawaiʻi offers a 22-27% rebate.

    But this is less than other US states offer, such as Georgia (30%), Louisiana (40%) and New Mexico (40%). Hawaiʻi also has an annual cap of US$50 million on rebates.

    To make things even harder, Hawaiʻi offers only limited support for Indigenous filmmakers. Governments in Australia and New Zealand provide targeted funding and support for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori filmmakers.

    By contrast, the Hawaiʻi Film Commission doesn’t provide direct grants to local filmmakers or producers (Indigenous or otherwise). Small amounts of government funding have been administered through the Public Broadcasting Service, but this is now in jeopardy after US President Donald Trump recently cut federal funding.

    The Hawaiʻi screen industry faces a perfect storm. For the first time since 2004, film and TV production has ground to a halt. Many workers now doubt the long-term sustainability of their careers.

    Lessons from Aotearoa NZ

    While there are lessons Hawaiʻi legislators and industry leaders could learn from New Zealand’s example, there should also be a measure of caution.

    The Hawaiʻi tax credit system is out of date. But despite industry lobbying, legislation to update it failed to reach the floor of the legislature earlier this year. New tax settings would help make local production viable again.

    Secondly, decades of investment in Māori cinema have seen it become diverse, engaging and creatively accomplished. Hawaiʻi could benefit from greater direct investment in Hawaiian storytelling, respecting its cultural value even if it doesn’t turn a commercial profit.

    On the other hand, New Zealand has a favourable currency exchange rate with the US which can’t be replicated in Hawaiʻi. And New Zealand film production workers have seen their rights to unionise watered down compared to their American peers.

    But if Hawaiʻi can get its settings right, a possible second season of Chief of War may yet be filmed there, which could mark a genuine rejuvenation of its own film industry.

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

    ref. A Hawaiian epic made in NZ: why Jason Momoa’s Chief of War wasn’t filmed in its star’s homeland – https://theconversation.com/a-hawaiian-epic-made-in-nz-why-jason-momoas-chief-of-war-wasnt-filmed-in-its-stars-homeland-261742

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Shark tales, a sinking city and a breathless cop thriller: what to watch in August

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexa Scarlata, Lecturer, Digital Communication, RMIT University

    As the cool nights continue, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a new batch of captivating films and series.

    This month’s streaming highlights bring a little bit of everything, from gripping true crime, to thought-provoking political drama, and a nostalgic music documentary on the life and times of piano man Billy Joel.

    So grab a blanket (and maybe a snack or two). Your next binge-watch awaits.

    One Night in Idaho: The College Murders

    Prime Video

    I remember seeing the gruesome 2022 murder of four college students in Moscow, Idaho, splashed all over the news in Australia. The world seemed momentarily gripped by the brutality of the killings, which happened in off-campus housing, while two other roommates slept downstairs.

    The ensuing investigation was given significantly less attention, though. So when Prime Video dropped this four-episode limited series, well, that was my weekend sorted.

    The docuseries features exclusive interviews with the friends and families of the victims, so it doesn’t feel gratuitous. It respectfully recounts the tragedy and explores its continued impact, while honouring the victims. It also builds the kind of tension and disquiet that is so beloved in the true crime genre, but not in a way that makes you feel gross watching it.

    Notably, legal proceedings for the case were still underway when One Night in Idaho was released. And the series made it clear there was more to the story which couldn’t be shared with, or by, the producers.

    However, the trial has since concluded, with more information now available for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the case. This makes the series an absorbing watch.

    – Alexa Scarlata

    The Night of the Hunter

    Various platforms

    In 1955, director Charles Laughton crafted The Night of the Hunter: one of the darkest, strangest fairy tales ever to come out of Hollywood.

    Shortly before Ben Harper is hanged for robbing a bank and killing two men, he hides the $10,000 loot in the toy doll of his young daughter Pearl. Only Pearl and her brother John know the secret – until the deranged serial killer-priest Harry Powell hears about the money and sets out to recover it.

    Harry marries Willa, Harper’s widow, and then, after killing her, pursues John and Pearl relentlessly across West Virginia.

    Robert Mitchum’s depiction of pure evil is one of cinema’s most vivid creations, with LOVE and HATE tattooed on the fingers of each hand.

    The film did not align with the mainstream tastes of the era. Audiences and reviewers didn’t know what to make of this abnormal mix of fairy tale logic, nightmarish imagery and biblical allegory.

    Successive generations of critics and filmmakers have caught on to its brilliance. Critic Roger Ebert said it was “one of the greatest of all American films”. In 2008, French film magazine Cahiers du cinéma voted it as the second-best film of all time, behind only Citizen Kane (1941).

    The Night of the Hunter remains unsettlingly modern, 70 years on.

    Ben McCann




    Read more:
    After 70 years, twisted gothic thriller The Night of the Hunter remains as disturbing and beguiling as ever


    Families Like Ours

    SBS On Demand

    The highest point in Denmark, Mollehoj, is 171 metres above sea level, so it is plausible to imagine the whole country being overrun by water due to rising sea levels, leading to mass evacuation. This is the basic premise of the Danish series Families Like Ours.

    The cleverness of this premise is that it turns comfortable middle-class Danes into refugees, facing hostility, poverty and violence as they seek to resettle. Given Denmark’s hard line on refugees, this makes the series politically powerful, equally so for us in Australia.

    The central figure is a young woman, Laura (Amaryllis August), who creates disaster for her family through what she believes is an act of huge empathy. The same is true of Henrik (Magnus Millang), who shoots an innocent man in what he believes is an act of self-defence.

    Families Like Ours is not a comfortable series to watch, but it manages to raise central issues of our time, without ever seeming didactic or preachy. It succeeds in combining the personal and the political in a six-part show that is powerful – and leaves enough loose ends for a potential second season.

    – Dennis Altman

    The Man from Hong Kong

    Various platforms

    A cinematic firecracker of a film exploded onto international screens 50 years ago, blending martial arts mayhem, Bond-esque set pieces, casual racism – and a distinctly Australian swagger.

    From its audacious visual style; to its complex, life-threatening stunts; to its pioneering status as an international co-production, Brian Trenchard-Smith’s The Man from Hong Kong has solidified its place as a cult classic.

    A Sydney-based crime lord’s activities come under the scrutiny of a determined Hong Kong detective, Inspector Fang Sing Leng. A fiery East-meets-West martial arts showdown explodes across the Australian landscape, pushing both sides to their limits.

    The movie is a playful pastiche that confidently combines martial arts action, police procedurals, spy thrillers, and Westerns, all filtered through a distinctly Australian “crash-zoom” lens.

    The film was an influence to Quentin Tarantino and paved the way for films such as Mad Max (1979), particularly in what Trenchard-Smith and his partner in film, stunt legend Grant Page, might call its “cunning stunts”.

    The elaborate car chases and explosive stunt setups in The Man from Hong Kong served as prototypes for iconic sequences that would inspire the Mad Max films, among others, a testament to a bygone era of practical effects and thrill seeking audacity.

    The Man from Hong Kong remains an exhilarating piece of pure cinema, despite its relatively small budget. It’s an exemplar (and occasional cautionary tale) for filmmakers in terms of international co-production, its cunning stunts, and genre blending.

    – Gregory Ferris




    Read more:
    The Man from Hong Kong at 50: how the first ever Australian–Hong Kong co-production became a cult classic


    Dept Q

    Netflix

    Based on the book series by Jussi Adler-Olsen, Dept Q is a gripping television adaptation for fans of Nordic noir and British crime drama.

    In Edinburgh, Scotland, Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) has returned to work after a shooting which left him physically and psychologically wounded, his colleague partially paralysed, and another colleague dead.

    With the dregs of a budget assigned to cold cases, and a team of misfit officers, Morck sets out to solve the four-year-old case of missing Crown prosecutor, Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie).

    We follow Merritt’s story across various stages of her life. We see her as a teenager in the lead-up to a devastating crime that left her brother with a traumatic brain injury, as well as later in life, when she loses a major case involving a wealthy man on trial for his wife’s death.

    Shortly after the devastating verdict, Merritt went missing on a ferry ride to her childhood home, on the fictionalised island of Mhòr. Returning to the present, we see she has been held captive inside a hyperbaric chamber for the past four years.

    The pressure under which Merritt is kept makes Morck’s investigation high stakes from the start, while the movement between past and present highlights the impacts of past traumatic events on both characters.

    Dept Q is a fast-paced, breathless thriller which will leave viewers craving its rumoured second season.

    – Jessica Gildersleeve

    Billy Joel: And So It Goes

    HBO Max

    Produced by Tom Hanks, this two-part documentary about singer/songwriter Billy Joel covers more than five decades of music. Created very much from Joel’s perspective, who is also the main narrator, the archival content is fascinating, and the music difficult to deny.

    Discussion of Joel’s early suicide attempts are a shocking and terrible reminder of how different things might have been. From here, the role of the women in his life – his wives, daughters, and mother (“his champion”) – becomes vital. Beyond the headlines (particularly with his second wife Christie Brinkley), are partners who were muses, business supporters and emotional support pillars – some of whom gave Joel ultimatums when the time came to battle his alcohol addiction.

    Brinkley, as well as Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber, are particularly moving interviewees. They would wait at home, or stand nervously backstage as Joel “went to work” to earn, repair and rebuild against the odds. No spoilers, but let’s just say Joel ended up in trouble more than once.

    On the other hand, the men in Joel’s life are often distant: Jewish grandparents who escaped Nazi Germany; a father who left when Joel was small; a half-brother discovered later in life. These losses are never really healed.

    Billy Joel: And So It Goes is a five-hour epic, a story of survival and ultimately, of peace. It is, of course, also a reminder of an incredible catalogue of music – joyful, ordinary and wonderful – and the extraordinary life behind it.

    – Liz Giuffre

    If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

    Gardening Australia, season 36

    ABC iView

    Since it first aired in 1990, Gardening Australia has offered tips and inspiration from every state and territory on a weekly basis. A perennial favourite, the show seems to possess perpetual appeal for world-weary viewers open to slowing down by growing plants.

    The no-nonsense host Peter Cundall helmed the series until 2008 (Cundall died in 2021 at the age of 94). The honour of “King of Compost” now rests with the gregarious Costa Georgiadis, and a wider cast of presenters that has expanded to be more diverse and engaging. One stalwart from the start, Jane Edmanson, is still flourishing in season 36: her episode 4 segment titled “Fronds with Benefits” certainly caught my eye.

    Topics covered this season range from small-space innovation and passion projects, to Indigenous knowledge and bush foods, through to permaculture and climate change. Episodes 6 and 20 – specials on native plants and NAIDOC Week, respectively – are both worth a watch.

    While the series can distance renters, and might not be edgy enough for younger audiences, it has managed to stake out ground in the digital realm – with a blooming online presence for budding green thumbs.

    One of the longest-running Australian shows still on air, it doesn’t look as though Gardening Australia will be pulling up roots anytime soon.

    – Phoebe Hart

    The Buccaneers, season two

    Apple TV

    Loosen your corsets, The Buccaneers is back for a second season of feminist sisterhood and fabulous gowns.

    Adapted from Edith Wharton’s unfinished final novel, the series follows a group of outspoken young American women navigating the marriage market in 1870s Victorian England. Gleefully anachronistic with feisty girl power speeches and a contemporary pop music soundtrack, The Buccaneers is equal parts Bridgerton and Gossip Girl (complete with a character played by Leighton Meester).

    Season two picks up where the first left off, with Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) and Guy (Matthew Broome) fleeing the country to escape Jinny’s violent husband Lord James Seadown (Barney Fishwick).

    Meanwhile, sister Nan (Kristine Froseth) is busy back home leveraging her position as Duchess of Tintagel to help facilitate Jinny’s return – a campaign that includes wearing a showstopping red gown to a black and white ball. In keeping with the series’ M.O., this might be narrative nonsense, but it looks exquisite.

    While trysts and love triangles continue to provide escapist entertainment, Jinny’s abusive marriage dominates later episodes. If season one sought to expose the isolation and entrapment Jinny endured in her marriage, season two foregrounds her resistance in the face of it, intent on highlighting how perpetrators of violence manipulate legal and medical systems to tighten the noose around victims’ necks.

    Season two’s veering between frothy excess and melodrama arguably results in some tonal patchiness. Nonetheless, it should be commended for its careful treatment of the corrosive impacts and dangers of coercive control. This – more than the downloadable soundtrack and dazzling costumes – makes it good viewing.

    – Rachel Williamson

    Dangerous Animals

    Prime Video

    Dangerous Animals is perhaps the most original and entertaining shark horror film we have seen since Jaws – incorporating traditional elements of the shark thriller genre, while challenging them at the same time.

    The film starts with the primal fear of being eaten alive by monstrous sharks, with gruesome shock-thrill scenes of tourists being torn apart in a blood red ocean.

    But later, the narrative reminds us it is the boat captain, not the great white, who is the real sadistic killer. Predictably, we see a young bikini-clad woman who gets horribly dismembered (just like the first unforgettable victim in Jaws).

    However, it is also a fearless bikini-clad woman, Zephyr (Hassie Harrison) who turns the tables on the boat captain, outwits him, rescues her boyfriend and even makes friends with the shark.

    Dangerous Animals includes some interesting subtext and commentary, such as when it compares women to fish – creatures hunted for sport – and when it highlights the inherent cruelty of fishing, and the hook that impales the prey.

    The film delivers sophisticated special effects and gruesome eco-horror entertainment. It is a fun, self-aware and postmodern watch that will leave you thinking.

    The Australian influence is delightfully evident in the irreverent humour. And for anyone who has been to the Gold Coast, there is much pleasure in seeing the film play out across its iconic locations.

    This film will trigger your childhood fear of Jaws – but with a twist.

    – Susan Hopkins

    Shark Whisperer

    Netflix

    In Shark Whisperer, the great white shark gets an image makeover – from Jaws villain to misunderstood friend and admirer.

    However the star of the documentary is not so much the shark, but the model and marine conservationist Ocean Ramsey (yes, that’s her real name).

    The film centres on Ramsey’s self-growth journey, with the shark co-starring as a quasi-spiritual medium for finding meaning and purpose (not to mention celebrity status).

    Whisperer and the Ocean Ramsey website tap into the collective fascination with dangerous sharks fuelled by popular culture. Many online images show Ramsey in a bikini or touching sharks – she’s small, and vulnerable in the face of great whites. As with forms of celebrity humanitarianism, what I have dubbed “sexy conservationism” leaves itself open to criticism about its methods – even if its intentions are good.

    Globally at least 80 million sharks are killed every year. Thanks in part to the hashtag activism of Ocean Ramsey and her millions of fans and followers, Hawaii was the first state in the United States to outlaw shark fishing.

    So, Ramsey may be right to argue her ends justify the means.

    – Susan Hopkins




    Read more:
    Netflix’s Shark Whisperer wants us to think ‘sexy conservation’ is the way to save sharks – does it have a point?


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

    ref. Shark tales, a sinking city and a breathless cop thriller: what to watch in August – https://theconversation.com/shark-tales-a-sinking-city-and-a-breathless-cop-thriller-what-to-watch-in-august-261952

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: How can I tell if I am lonely? What are some of the signs?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marlee Bower, Senior Research Fellow, Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney

    gremlin/Getty Images

    Without even realising it, your world sometimes gradually gets smaller: less walking, fewer days in the office, cancelling on friends. Watching plans disintegrate on the chat as friends struggle to settle on a date or place for a catch-up.

    You might start to feel a bit flat or disconnected. Subtle changes in habit and mood take hold. Could you be … lonely?

    It’s not a label many of us identify with easily, especially if you know you’ve got friends, or are in a happy relationship.

    But loneliness can happen to us all from time to time – and identifying it is the first step to fixing it.

    So, what is loneliness?

    Loneliness is the distress we feel when our relationships don’t meet our needs – in quality or quantity.

    It’s not the same as being objectively alone (otherwise known as “social isolation”).

    You can feel deeply lonely even while surrounded by friends, or totally content on your own.

    Loneliness is subjective; many people don’t realise they’re lonely until the feeling becomes persistent.

    What are some of the signs to look for?

    You may feel a physical coldness, emptiness or hollowness (I’ve heard it described as feeling like you are missing an organ). Some research shows social pain is experienced similarly in the brain to physical pain.

    Behavioural signs may include:

    • changes in routine
    • trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep
    • changed appetite (maybe you’re eating more or less than you normally would, or have less variety in your diet)
    • withdrawing from plans you would usually enjoy (perhaps you’re skipping a regular exercise class, or going to shows or sports events less often).

    Emotionally, you may feel:

    • a persistent sadness
    • tired
    • disconnected
    • like you don’t belong, even when you are with others.

    You may also feel more sensitive to rejection or criticism.

    Sometimes, your world shrinks so gradually you barely notice it – until things get quite bad.
    francescoch/Getty Images

    But you’re not alone and you’re not broken.

    Loneliness is a normal response to disconnection.

    The late US neuroscientist John Cacioppo described loneliness as an evolutionary alarm system.

    In the past, being separated from your tribe meant danger and risk from predators, so our brains developed a way to push us back towards connection.

    The pain of loneliness is designed to keep us connected and safe.

    Why is it often hard to recognise loneliness?

    Sadly, there’s still a lot of stigma around admitting loneliness, especially for men.

    Many people resist identifying as lonely, or feel this marks them as a “loser”.

    But this silence can make the problem worse.

    When no one talks about it, it becomes harder to break the cycle of loneliness, and the stigma remains.

    While passing loneliness is normal, chronic or persistent loneliness can hurt our health.

    Research shows chronic loneliness is associated with:

    • depression
    • anxiety
    • weakened immunity
    • heart disease
    • earlier death.

    Loneliness can also become self-reinforcing. When loneliness feels normal, it can start to shape how you see the world: you expect rejection, withdraw more and the cycle deepens.

    The earlier you notice you’re lonely, the easier it is to break.

    But I’m in a relationship, have loads of friends and a rewarding job

    Yes, but you can still be lonely.

    Most of us need different kinds of relationships to thrive. It’s not about how many people you know, but whether you feel connected and have a meaningful role in these relationships.

    You may feel lonely even with strong friendships if you are lacking deeper connection, shared identity or a sense of community.

    This doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful, or a bad friend.

    It just means you need more or different kinds of connection.

    OK, I’ve realised I am lonely. Now what?

    Start by asking yourself: what kind of connection am I missing?

    Is it one-to-one friendships? A partner? Casual social interactions? A shared purpose or community?

    Then reflect on what’s helped you feel more connected in the past. For some, it’s joining a choir, a book club or a sports group. For others, it may be volunteering or just saying “yes” to small social moments, like chatting with your local barista or learning the name of the local butcher.

    If you’re still struggling, a psychologist can help with tailored strategies for building connection.

    The structural causes of loneliness

    It’s also important to remember loneliness is often not because of personal failings or overall mental health.

    My own research shows loneliness is often shaped by structural factors, such as poor planning in our local neighbourhood environments, financial inequality, work pressures, social norms, or even long-term effects of restrictions from the COVID pandemic.

    We are also learning more about how climate change can disrupt social connection and worsen loneliness due to, for example, higher temperatures or bushfires.

    Loneliness is normal, common, human and completely solvable.

    Start by noticing it in yourself and reach out if you can.

    Let’s start talking about it more, so others can feel less alone too.

    Marlee Bower receives funding from the Henry Halloran Urban and Regional Research Initiative, the BHP Foundation, AHURI and NHMRC. She is affiliated with the University of Sydney Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use and Australia’s Mental Health Think Tank.

    ref. How can I tell if I am lonely? What are some of the signs? – https://theconversation.com/how-can-i-tell-if-i-am-lonely-what-are-some-of-the-signs-261262

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Updating Flood Risk Planning for Safe and Strong Community Development

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 31, 2025

    Saskatchewan Adopting 1:200-Year Flood Elevation                                                         

    Ensuring municipalities can plan for the growth of their communities, the Ministry of Government Relations is aligning the regulations of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to the standard of a one-in-200-year flood event. 

    This change will bring the province into alignment with the Federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program. A one-in-200-year flood risk is a 0.5 per cent chance of flooding occurring in a given year.  

    “Keeping our communities safe while supporting development is key to a growing province,” Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said. “This move confirms our commitment to growing communities, making room for economic development opportunities in this province. Our government will continue to examine how we can harmonize standards across Canada, including for community planning and building.”

    “The Water Security Agency (WSA) is committed to helping municipalities build and grow in a sustainable way,” Minister Responsible for the WSA Daryl Harrison said. “WSA has been engaging with communities across Saskatchewan about flood mapping and helping them balance development and flood mapping.” 

    “The RM of Corman Park welcomes the Government of Saskatchewan’s move to adopt the one-in-200-year flood elevation standard,” R.M. of Corman Park Reeve Joe Hargrave said. “This legislative change not only prioritizes public safety but also strengthens our ability to plan and build with confidence in a changing climate within the flood fringe areas. We appreciate the province’s effort to align with federal guidelines, and we look forward to further guidance and potential provincial support to help municipalities like ours adapt zoning bylaws and building policies in a way that balances safety and local development needs. These new guidelines will help form our upcoming discussions with valley residents who live within the flood plain.” 

    “Ensuring alignment between provincial and municipal efforts is key to maximizing the growth of the province, especially when it comes to critical information tied to safety and real estate development,” Saskatchewan Realtors Association President and CEO Chris Guérette said. “We are pleased to see this kind of alignment in regard to flood protection so property owners, neighbourhoods and municipalities can work together to maximize their growth potential.”

    For communities interested in more information and details on this change, visit: saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More Than $53 Million for Southwest and Area Highway Improvements Move Export Based Economy

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 31, 2025

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan provided an update about more than $53 million of highway investments this year in the southwest and area that keep Saskatchewan’s export-based economy moving.

    “These projects are a snapshot of our provincial government’s ongoing commitment and investment to maintain, improve and upgrade our highways,” Education Minister and Swift Current MLA Everett Hindley said on behalf of Highways Minister David Marit. “Our road network is a key link in getting Saskatchewan goods and products throughout the province, across Canada and around the world to support our economy to maintain our quality of life. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all motorists during road construction. Drivers are reminded to be cautious, alert and obey all signage and flag persons when approaching work zones as highway crews and contractors do this important work. We want everyone to get home safely.”

    Provincial highway work includes paving, culvert replacements, grading and various maintenance.

    “The Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce sincerely appreciates the provincial government’s investment in highways and related infrastructure in the southwest,” Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce CEO Corla Rokochy said. “Continued investment in our transportation network helps local businesses grow, supports tourism and ensures that communities across southwest Saskatchewan remain connected. We value the Government of Saskatchewan’s ongoing commitment to building and maintaining the infrastructure that drives economic opportunity in our region.”

    “Infrastructure investments like those being made in southwest Saskatchewan are vital to the success of our industry,” Saskatchewan Trucking Association Executive Director Susan Ewart said. “Enhancing key trade routes, such as the Trans-Canada Highway, strengthens supply chains, supports innovation through modern vehicle configurations and ensures goods move safely and efficiently. The Saskatchewan Trucking Association welcomes these improvements and the continued commitment to growing our province’s economic backbone.” 

    Some of the projects in the southwest in the Swift Current and Kindersley areas include:

    • An estimated $12.2 million toward Trans-Canada Highway 1 east of Swift Current to pave about 25 km and to upgrade five culverts. The culverts are under Highway 1 eastbound between Waldeck and 7 km west. The paving portions are in the westbound lanes of Highway 1 from west of the Herbert Access Road to about 3 km east of its junction with Highway 4. Work began in April and was completed in July.
    • About $4.5 million to micro-surface more than 95 km of Highway 1 west of Swift Current. Work is expected to begin around mid-August and be completed this fall.
    • An estimated $14 million for daily routine maintenance from spring to fall this year in the southwest. Examples of that maintenance work, which can occur over a day or two include: shoulder work on Highway 37 from its junction with Highway 18 north to Shaunavon and spot sealing west of Cadillac on Highway 13 earlier this year.
    • An estimated $15.9 million to grade and replace culverts toward upgrading work on more than 24 km of Highway 51 west of Biggar. Work began in July and is expected to be finished by late 2026. Paving for the project has yet to be tendered.
    • An estimated $3.4 million toward improving the driving surface of about a 4.5 km segment of Highway 44 between Glidden and Eston. Work began in May and will be completed this summer.
    • About $3.5 million for surface mixing and paving on approximately 10 km of Highway 13 west of Cadillac. The work is anticipated to start in summer of 2025.

    The start and completion dates of all projects are subject to weather.

    Motorists are reminded to check the Highway Hotline before heading out. Saskatchewan’s provincial road information service provides details about construction zones, ferry crossings, closures and incidents related to wildfires.

    Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $13.8 billion in transportation infrastructure, improving over 21,800 kilometres of highways across the province.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Dan Palmer
    Highways
    Regina
    Phone: 306-787-3179
    Email: 
    dan.palmer@gov.sk.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Wildfire Update July 31

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 31, 2025

    As of 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, there are 57 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, two are categorized as contained, 13 are not contained, 27 are ongoing assessments and 15 are listed as protecting values. 

    12 communities are currently under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge; La Plonge Reserve; Northern Village of Beauval; Northern Hamlet of Jans Bay; Resort Subdivision of Ramsey Bay; Patuanak/English River First Nation; Northern Village of Pinehouse; Canoe Lake Cree First Nation/Canoe Narrows; Île-à-la-Crosse; Resort Subdivision of Cole Bay; and Resort Subdivision of Little Amyot Lake. Clearwater River Dene Nation has issued an evacuation order as of this afternoon.

    A full list of evacuated communities can be found on the Active Evacuations webpage. 

    Any evacuees should register through the Sask Evac Web Application and then call 1-855-559-5502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to have their needs assessed for additional assistance. Individuals who need help registering through the application can call the 855 Line for assistance. 

    Evacuees supported by the Canadian Red Cross should call 1-800-863-6582.

    As a reminder, there is a fire ban that is still in place due to the extreme fire risk. The fire ban encompasses the area north of the provincial forest boundary up to the Churchill River. The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary. This includes provincial parks, provincial recreation sites and the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District within those boundaries. 

    A map with fire ban boundaries can be found in the interactive fire ban map. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Myanmar, conflict and floods collide as UN warns of deepening crisis

    Source: United Nations 4

    Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, stressed the need for unimpeded relief operations and a peaceful path out of crisis.

    The UN remains concerned by ongoing violence in Myanmar, including aerial bombardment hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said, at the regular press briefing in New York.

    Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected.

    His remarks come as monsoon rains and flooding – worsened by Cyclone Wipha – swept through parts of the country, further straining regions already destabilized by conflict and a devastating earthquake in March.

    Millions forced to flee

    The crisis left more than 3.3 million people internally displaced, with another 182,000 seeking refuge abroad since the military coup in February 2021, according to the latest UN figures. In addition, over 1.2 million – mostly members of the minority Muslim Rohingya community – were forced to flee the country, driven by waves of violence.

    The largest exodus took place in August 2017, when nearly one million Rohingya fled brutal violence and attacks by security forces, likened to a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” by then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

    © UNICEF/Nyan Zay Htet

    Disasters and fighting has forced millions across Myanmar to flee their homes in search of safety. Many shelter in IDP camps like this one in central Myanmar.

    Floods, landslides upend lives

    In the flood-affected areas of Bago, Kayin and Mon states, more than 85,000 people have been affected, with homes destroyed, roads cut off and emergency services overstretched.

    Relief partners report significant shortages of food, safe drinking water and medical supplies. In Taungoo district (Bago) alone, three flood-related deaths have been confirmed, while six more people reportedly died in a landslide in Shan state.

    The pathway out of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar requires an end to the violence 
    – UN spokesperson Farhan Haq

    The pathway out of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar requires an end to the violence and unimpeded access for relief workers and supplies,” Mr. Haq stressed, noting that health systems are also under acute strain.

    Disease outbreaks rising

    A humanitarian bulletin from the World Health Organization (WHO)-led Health Cluster warns that floodwaters are driving spikes in acute watery diarrhoea, dengue and malaria.

    There are deep concerns over outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, and polio is increasing due to low immunization rates and poor hygiene conditions in overcrowded camps.

    WHO has verified 27 attacks on healthcare facilities so far this year, with other monitoring groups reporting over 140 additional incidents.

    Meanwhile, severe funding shortages – exacerbated by cuts in United States funding – have forced the suspension of services at 65 health facilities and 38 mobile clinics across Myanmar. Services at a further 28 mobile clinics have been scaled down.

    © OCHA/Eva Modvig

    Hakha, the capital of Chin state in Myanmar.

    Elections under military cannot be credible

    The political context remains grim. Since the February 2021 military coup, which overthrew the elected government and imprisoned top leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has seen a steady escalation of armed conflict and repression.

    The junta’s plans to hold elections have drawn deep concern, including from the UN.

    The Secretary-General reiterates his concern over the military’s plan to hold elections amid ongoing conflict and human rights violations, and without conditions that would permit the people of Myanmar to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights,” said Mr. Haq.

    He recalled Security Council Resolution 2669, adopted in 2022, which called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi; upholding democratic institutions and processes; and pursuing in constructive dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.

    Commitment to stay and deliver

    Despite the volatility and access constraints, UN agencies remain committed to reaching affected populations.

    As of July, nearly 306,000 people had received health services in 59 earthquake-hit townships – just 67 per cent of the target population, reflecting the limited funding and security challenges faced by aid workers.

    The United Nations is committed to staying and delivering in Myanmar,” Mr. Haq affirmed, “and to working with all stakeholders, including ASEAN and other regional actors, to attain sustainable peace.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Myanmar, conflict and floods collide as UN warns of deepening crisis

    Source: United Nations 4

    Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, stressed the need for unimpeded relief operations and a peaceful path out of crisis.

    The UN remains concerned by ongoing violence in Myanmar, including aerial bombardment hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said, at the regular press briefing in New York.

    Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected.

    His remarks come as monsoon rains and flooding – worsened by Cyclone Wipha – swept through parts of the country, further straining regions already destabilized by conflict and a devastating earthquake in March.

    Millions forced to flee

    The crisis left more than 3.3 million people internally displaced, with another 182,000 seeking refuge abroad since the military coup in February 2021, according to the latest UN figures. In addition, over 1.2 million – mostly members of the minority Muslim Rohingya community – were forced to flee the country, driven by waves of violence.

    The largest exodus took place in August 2017, when nearly one million Rohingya fled brutal violence and attacks by security forces, likened to a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” by then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

    © UNICEF/Nyan Zay Htet

    Disasters and fighting has forced millions across Myanmar to flee their homes in search of safety. Many shelter in IDP camps like this one in central Myanmar.

    Floods, landslides upend lives

    In the flood-affected areas of Bago, Kayin and Mon states, more than 85,000 people have been affected, with homes destroyed, roads cut off and emergency services overstretched.

    Relief partners report significant shortages of food, safe drinking water and medical supplies. In Taungoo district (Bago) alone, three flood-related deaths have been confirmed, while six more people reportedly died in a landslide in Shan state.

    The pathway out of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar requires an end to the violence 
    – UN spokesperson Farhan Haq

    The pathway out of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar requires an end to the violence and unimpeded access for relief workers and supplies,” Mr. Haq stressed, noting that health systems are also under acute strain.

    Disease outbreaks rising

    A humanitarian bulletin from the World Health Organization (WHO)-led Health Cluster warns that floodwaters are driving spikes in acute watery diarrhoea, dengue and malaria.

    There are deep concerns over outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, and polio is increasing due to low immunization rates and poor hygiene conditions in overcrowded camps.

    WHO has verified 27 attacks on healthcare facilities so far this year, with other monitoring groups reporting over 140 additional incidents.

    Meanwhile, severe funding shortages – exacerbated by cuts in United States funding – have forced the suspension of services at 65 health facilities and 38 mobile clinics across Myanmar. Services at a further 28 mobile clinics have been scaled down.

    © OCHA/Eva Modvig

    Hakha, the capital of Chin state in Myanmar.

    Elections under military cannot be credible

    The political context remains grim. Since the February 2021 military coup, which overthrew the elected government and imprisoned top leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has seen a steady escalation of armed conflict and repression.

    The junta’s plans to hold elections have drawn deep concern, including from the UN.

    The Secretary-General reiterates his concern over the military’s plan to hold elections amid ongoing conflict and human rights violations, and without conditions that would permit the people of Myanmar to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights,” said Mr. Haq.

    He recalled Security Council Resolution 2669, adopted in 2022, which called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi; upholding democratic institutions and processes; and pursuing in constructive dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.

    Commitment to stay and deliver

    Despite the volatility and access constraints, UN agencies remain committed to reaching affected populations.

    As of July, nearly 306,000 people had received health services in 59 earthquake-hit townships – just 67 per cent of the target population, reflecting the limited funding and security challenges faced by aid workers.

    The United Nations is committed to staying and delivering in Myanmar,” Mr. Haq affirmed, “and to working with all stakeholders, including ASEAN and other regional actors, to attain sustainable peace.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: The Muslim world has been strong on rhetoric, short on action over Gaza and Afghanistan

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University

    When it comes to dealing with two of the biggest current crises in the Muslim world – the devastation of Gaza and the Taliban’s draconian rule in Afghanistan – Arab and Muslim states have been staggeringly ineffective.

    Their chief body, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in particular, has been strong on rhetoric but very short on serious, tangible action.

    The OIC, headquartered in Saudi Arabia, is composed of 57 predominantly Muslim states. It is supposed to act as a representative and consultative body and make decisions and recommendations on the major issues that affect Muslims globally. It calls itself the “collective voice of the Muslim world”.

    Yet the body has proved to be toothless in the face of Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza, triggered in response to the Hamas attacks of October 7 2023.

    The OIC has equally failed to act against the Taliban’s reign of terror in the name of Islam in ethnically diverse Afghanistan.

    Many strong statements

    Despite its projection of a united umma (the global Islamic community, as defined in my coauthored book Islam Beyond Borders), the OIC has ignominiously been divided on Gaza and Afghanistan.

    True, it has condemned Israel’s Gaza operations. It’s also called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the starving population of the strip.

    It has also rejected any Israeli move to depopulate and annex the enclave, as well as the West Bank. These moves would render the two-state solution to the long-running Israeli–Palestinian conflict essentially defunct.

    Further, the OIC has welcomed the recent joint statement by the foreign ministers of 28 countries (including the United Kingdom, many European Union members and Japan) calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as well as France’s decision to recognise the state of Palestine.

    The OIC is good at putting out statements. However, this approach hasn’t varied much from that of the wider global community. It is largely verbal, and void of any practical measures.

    What the group could do for Gaza

    Surely, Muslim states can and should be doing more.

    For example, the OIC has failed to persuade Israel’s neighbouring states – Egypt and Jordan, in particular – to open their border crossings to allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, the West Bank or Israel, in defiance of Israeli leaders.

    Nor has it been able to compel Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco to suspend their relations with the Jewish state until it agrees to a two-state solution.

    Further, the OIC has not adopted a call by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the United Nations special rapporteur on Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, for Israel to be suspended from the UN.

    Nor has it urged its oil-rich Arab members, in particular Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to harness their resources to prompt US President Donald Trump to halt the supply of arms to Israel and pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war.

    Stronger action on Afghanistan, too

    In a similar vein, the OIC has failed to exert maximum pressure on the ultra-extremist and erstwhile terrorist Taliban government in Afghanistan.

    Since sweeping back into power in 2021, the Taliban has ruled in a highly repressive, misogynist and draconian fashion in the name of Islam. This is not practised anywhere else in the Muslim world.

    In December 2022, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha called for a global campaign to unite Islamic scholars and religious authorities against the Taliban’s decision to ban girls from education.

    But this was superseded a month later, when the OIC expressed concern over the Taliban’s “restrictions on women”, but asked the international community not to “interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs”. This was warmly welcomed by the Taliban.

    In effect, the OIC – and therefore most Muslim countries – have adopted no practical measures to penalise the Taliban for its behaviour.

    It has not censured the Taliban nor imposed crippling sanctions on the group. And while no Muslim country has officially recognised the Taliban government (only Russia has), most OIC members have nonetheless engaged with the Taliban at political, economic, financial and trade levels.

    Why is it so divided?

    There are many reasons for the OIC’s ineffectiveness.

    For one, the group is composed of a politically, socially, culturally and economically diverse assortment of members.

    But more importantly, it has not functioned as a “bridge builder” by developing a common strategy of purpose and action that can overcome the geopolitical and sectarian differences of its members.

    In the current polarised international environment, the rivalry among its member states – and with major global powers such as the United States and China – has rendered the organisation a mere talking shop.

    This has allowed extremist governments in both Israel and Afghanistan to act with impunity.

    It is time to look at the OIC’s functionality and determine how it can more effectively unite the umma.

    This may also be an opportunity for its member states to develop an effective common strategy that could help the cause of peace and stability in the Muslim domain and its relations with the outside world.

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

    ref. The Muslim world has been strong on rhetoric, short on action over Gaza and Afghanistan – https://theconversation.com/the-muslim-world-has-been-strong-on-rhetoric-short-on-action-over-gaza-and-afghanistan-262121

    MIL OSI

  • Several areas in Delhi witness rainfall, more rain likely in NCR: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Several areas in the national capital, including Janpath, Lajpat Nagar, and the Minto Bridge stretch, received rainfall on Thursday morning, a day after intense showers were recorded across the city.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall for parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during the day. According to the IMD, areas such as Bahadurgarh and Manesar are also likely to witness light thunderstorms accompanied by lightning.

    In a post on X, the IMD said, “Light to moderate rainfall accompanied with light thunderstorm and lightning is very likely to occur at NCR (Bahadurgarh, Manesar). Light rainfall is very likely to occur at the entire Delhi, NCR (Loni Dehat, Hindon AF Station, Ghaziabad, Indirapuram, Chhapraula, Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ballabhgarh). Very light rainfall/drizzle is very likely to occur over the entire Delhi during the next 2 hours.”

    Rainfall data between 8:30 am on Wednesday and 6:30 am on Thursday showed that Salwan Public School in East Delhi recorded 42 mm of rainfall, followed by Pusa in Central Delhi (40 mm), Sports Complex in New Delhi (38 mm), and Safdarjung (34 mm).

    Other locations that received measurable rainfall included Najafgarh (23.5 mm), Pragati Maidan (22.1 mm), KV Narayana (20.5 mm), Lodi Road (18.5 mm), KV Janakpuri (18 mm), and Aya Nagar (13 mm).

    The maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi are expected to remain between 30 to 32 degrees Celsius and 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, respectively — up to four degrees below the seasonal average.

  • Himachal Pradesh struggles with monsoon havoc: 301 roads blocked, utilities disrupted

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with major disruptions in public utilities due to persistent monsoon rains.

    According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), as of 10:00 AM on July 31, a total of 301 roads remain blocked, 436 power distribution transformers (DTRs) are non-functional, and 254 water supply schemes have been impacted across the state.

    The SEOC report confirmed that heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours is the primary cause behind the widespread breakdown in essential services.

    Mandi district reported the highest number of road blockages with 193 routes shut, followed by Kullu (47) and Chamba (25). Power disruptions were particularly severe in Kullu and Chamba, with 134 and 142 transformers affected, respectively.

    Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, the total death toll in the state has reached 170—comprising 94 rain-related fatalities and 76 deaths due to road accidents.

    Authorities remain on high alert as key national highways, including NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu, have become impassable due to landslides and flooding. Although restoration efforts are underway, continuous rainfall is hampering recovery operations.

    An earlier SEOC report noted that the monsoon damage has resulted in losses worth over ₹1,59,981 lakh to public and private property. Additionally, 2,743 hectares of crops have been damaged, 680 homes affected, and more than 22,900 livestock lost.

    The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) continues to coordinate with local administrations to restore essential services and clear roads. However, with further rain in the forecast, residents have been urged to stay cautious and avoid travel to vulnerable areas.

    Disaster response teams have been deployed in sensitive zones to carry out rescue and relief operations.

    Kullu district alone has reported losses exceeding ₹48 crore since the start of the monsoon season, with 17 deaths recorded, Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Raveesh said.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Underground service upgrades start on Northbourne Avenue – paving the way for light rail to Commonwealth Park

    Source: Australian National Party



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.


    Released 31/07/2025

    Sections of Northbourne Avenue near the light rail construction site will be closed from 8pm tomorrow night to allow for complex underground service upgrades and installation works.

    The works under Northbourne Avenue are needed to prepare utilities for light rail and to improve the stormwater drainage in the city.

    The schedule for changes to the road environment includes:

    From 8pm Friday 1 August until 6am Monday 4 August 2025: Northbourne Avenue will be closed southbound between Cooyong Street intersection and Vernon Circle.

    From 8pm Friday 8 August until 6am Monday 11 August 2025: Northbourne Avenue will be closed northbound between Rudd Street intersection and Vernon Circle.

    Over these weekends, works will occur at the intersection of London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue and at the intersection of Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue.

    Alternative detour routes during the southbound closures are via Wakefield and Limestone Avenues to Parkes Way and Kings Avenue, Cooyong and Coranderrk Streets to Commonwealth Avenue, and Barry Drive and Clunies Ross Street to Parkes Way.

    During the northbound closures, alternative detour routes are via Commonwealth Avenue via Edinburgh Avenue to Barry Drive, Commonwealth Avenue to Constitution Avenue, and Kings Avenue via Parkes Way to Cooyong Street.

    We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience while these vital works take place.

    Other intermittent weekend closures will be required until mid-2026. One carriageway of Northbourne Avenue will remain open at all times to reduce the impact to the traffic network. The community will be notified in advance about further closures and traffic changes as the works progress.

    This is a significant step forward as we begin connecting the newly laid services from London Circuit East, under Northbourne Avenue through to London Circuit West.

    Once utilities and stormwater are in place, civil and services works on the track and light rail stops will start later this year. Works will take place on weekends to minimise the impact to commuters.

    There’s anticipated to be no impacts to bus services or the city bus interchange in August 2025.

    Visit act.gov.au/builtforcbr/travel-impacts for more detailed information. GPS navigation applications will also be updated to reflect the changed network and detours.

    – Statement ends –

    Infrastructure Canberra | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases

    MIL OSI News

  • PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to freedom fighter Udham Singh on his Shaheedi Diwas

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to freedom fighter Udham Singh on his “Shaheedi Diwas,” calling his bravery a lasting inspiration for the people of India.

    In a post on X, PM Modi said, “My humble tribute to the immortal son of Mother India, martyr Udham Singh, on his martyrdom day. His saga of patriotism and bravery will always remain a source of inspiration for the people of the nation.”

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also honoured the revolutionary, saying Udham Singh’s supreme sacrifice continues to inspire generations.

    “My heartfelt tribute to the great freedom fighter and revolutionary Sardar Udham Singh on his ‘Shaheedi Diwas’ today. His unparalleled courage and supreme sacrifice remain a source of inspiration for generations. India will always remember his unwavering spirit and deep love for the nation,” he posted on X.

    Home Minister Amit Shah shared a detailed tribute, highlighting Udham Singh’s fierce resistance to colonial atrocities and his role in the freedom struggle.

    “Udham Singh dedicated his life to self-respect and freedom. He launched an armed rebellion against British atrocities. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre deeply disturbed him, prompting him to travel to England to avenge the killings. Through the Ghadar Party, he inspired patriotism among Indians living abroad. His courage, bravery, and sacrifice gave greater strength to India’s freedom movement. He will forever inspire the youth to put the nation above all.
    My respectful tribute to the embodiment of bravery and sacrifice, martyr Sardar Udham Singh, on his martyrdom day,” he said on X.

    Born in 1899 in Sangrur, Punjab, Udham Singh lost his parents at an early age. He was hanged on July 31, 1940, for assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in London — an act of revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

    The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on April 13, 1919, when British Indian Army troops under Colonel Reginald Dyer opened fire on a peaceful gathering of unarmed protesters and pilgrims in Amritsar, Punjab, on the occasion of Baisakhi.

    The crowd had assembled to protest the arrest of nationalist leaders Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew. The indiscriminate firing led to massive casualties.

    According to official British records, 379 people were killed and around 1,200 injured. However, other estimates put the death toll at over 1,000.

    — ANI

  • Cambodia asks Thailand to release detained soldiers as truce holds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Cambodia accused Thailand on Thursday of detaining 20 of its soldiers and killing another in post-ceasefire incidents, as a fragile peace held for a third day along their disputed border.

    Five days of intense clashes between the Southeast Asian neighbours that began last week killed at least 43 people, many of them civilians, and displaced more than 300,000, until a truce brokered in Malaysia on Monday halted the fighting.

    Thailand has since accused Cambodian troops of violating the ceasefire multiple times, a charge denied by authorities in Phnom Penh, who instead allege that the Thai military has wrongfully detained a number of its soldiers.

    “We appeal to the Thai side to promptly return all 20 of our forces, including other forces if any are under Thai control,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Thursday.

    In a statement, senior Cambodian defence official Lieutenant General Rath Dararoth said one Cambodian soldier had died in Thai custody since the ceasefire and his body had been returned. He did not provide further details.

    Thailand currently has custody of 20 Cambodian soldiers who had surrendered, including two who are under medical treatment, Thai Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri told reporters.

    “We are investigating them to verify the facts. After this is finished, they will be released,” Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said, stressing the Thai military had not violated the ceasefire agreement.

    As per talks between military commanders held after Monday’s truce announcement, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to facilitate the return of wounded soldiers and bodies of those deceased, besides refraining from reinforcing troops along the border.

    Cambodia took military attaches and diplomats to a border checkpoint on Wednesday to verify the ceasefire as both sides exchanged accusations of violating the truce.

    For decades, Thailand and Cambodia have wrangled over undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of the ancient Hindu temples Ta Moan Thom and the 11th century Preah Vihear central to the disputes.

    The recent truce followed a push by Malaysia and calls by U.S. President Donald Trump’s phone calls to leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, warning them that trade deals would not be concluded if the fighting continued.

    Both countries face a tariff of 36% on goods sent to the U.S., their biggest export market.

    U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, said early on Thursday that trade deals had been made with both countries ahead of the August 1 tariff deadline.

    (Reuters) 

  • MIL-OSI China: Virginia Woolf-inspired exhibit opens at Beijing bookstore

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

    Editor’s Note: The pop-up event “A Room of One’s Own,” running through Sept. 21 at PageOne Beijing Fun Bookstore , immerses visitors in a sensory literary environment inspired by Virginia Woolf’s seminal 1929 feminist essay. 

    The exhibition features a curated selection of cultural products alongside a recreated writing room, blending literature with design, intimacy and imagination.

    Divided into three connected sections, “A Room of One’s Own” presents literature not just as words on a page, but as physical space, everyday objects, and a source of emotional comfort.

    In the final section, visitors enter a detailed recreation of Woolf’s study, featuring sage-green walls, shelves filled with books, and a quiet fireplace. Items like a canvas bag with Woolf’s profile and a custom-made book cover emphasize how literature is now something people can carry with them, hold, and experience personally.

    The exterior signage for the pop-up exhibition “A Room of One’s Own” at the PageOne Beijing Fun Bookstore, July 29, 2025. The installation takes its name from Virginia Woolf’s 1929 essay advocating creative freedom and personal space. [Photo by Liu Ziying/China.org.cn]

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    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Op-Ed: Financing Energy Access in Africa: Leveraging Fossil Fuel Revenues to End Energy Poverty

    Source: APO

    NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber
     

    In an emissions-focused world, do oil and gas revenues have a role to play in ending energy poverty in Africa? It may sound counterintuitive, but many would argue that they do, albeit as enablers of a future powered by alternative energy sources.  

    The key lies in recognizing that Africa’s situation is unique, and solutions take time, building on what we have and what we can do with it. This means that, in working towards a just energy transition, the continent’s oil and gas resources shouldn’t be viewed as obstacles that need to be immediately replaced by renewable energy sources. Instead, rather than prematurely phasing out fossil fuels in response to global pressure, Africa should harness these revenues responsibly to finance its energy transition and ultimately eradicate energy poverty. 

    Prioritizing Development Alongside Sustainability 

    Nearly 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity (https://apo-opa.co/3IV6Rd8). This access is a fundamental human right, yet energy poverty remains one of the continent’s most significant barriers to development. This undermines health systems, education, industrialization, and dignity. As the world debates how to rapidly achieve net-zero, Africa’s priority is different: how to power its people now, while building a sustainable future. 

    Measuring Africa’s energy transition progress against external calls for an abrupt end to fossil fuels risks leaving millions behind. Our continent contributes less than 4% (https://apo-opa.co/40Ilfvu) to global emissions, yet we are expected to decarbonize at the same pace as industrialized nations that built their wealth on hydrocarbons. 

    Instead, the continent’s abundance of fossil fuels should be viewed as a bridge, not a barrier. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) Africa-Paris Declaration (https://apo-opa.co/4l4JTO2) underscores this principle – Africa’s oil and gas revenues can and must be used as a financial lever to invest in electrification, clean energy, and infrastructure projects. This pragmatic and just approach prioritizes development alongside sustainability, not instead of.  

    There are several ways to achieve this. First, reinvesting oil and gas revenues into rural electrification can transform communities. Decentralized solutions like off-grid solar and mini-grids offer practical ways to reach remote areas. Although urban dwellers do experience power outages, for many rural populations, it’s a way of life. For the mother cooking with firewood or the student studying by candlelight, a small solar grid is life-changing. Fossil fuel revenues can finance these systems at scale, bridging the immediate access gap while longer-term grid expansions are in progress.  

    Second, establishing innovative financing mechanisms is essential. For instance, the fledgling Africa Energy Bank (https://apo-opa.co/4laFrh1) aims to bridge the continent’s estimated $31 billion to $50 billion annual energy funding gap by focusing predominantly on financing energy projects. Launched in 2025, the bank is poised to play a transformative role in mobilizing capital for African energy projects. Additionally, global investors are increasingly exploring energy investment opportunities in Africa. In support of this, development finance institutions, such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation, are de-risking investments by offering concessional loans, guarantees, and technical assistance, making investment in African energy projects more attractive.  

    Third, policy reforms that create enabling environments are critical. Here, governments have a role to play in prioritizing revenue-generating projects, creating stable regulatory frameworks, and offering incentives for public-private partnerships. This will support investment, reduce risks, and unlock the transformative power of energy access. 

    These solutions demonstrate the importance of a fair and equitable transition and the vital role that fossil fuels will continue to play in achieving this goal. They also prove that this goal is achievable, even if it is on the continent’s own terms. 

    Unique Solutions to Africa’s Energy Challenges 

    Africa’s path to net-zero has the same end goal as the rest of the world, but it can’t mirror their journey. Our starting points are different, and our development needs are urgent. We understand that climate action can’t be delayed. But it can be just, inclusive, and rooted in African realities. And it can also be supported by revenues from our abundant natural resources.   

    The Africa-Paris Declaration notes that ‘a fair transition recognizes that fossil fuels remain valuable for Africa’s development, prosperity, and energy access goals. Africa doesn’t need to choose between oil and gas or renewables. Given our current position, all are important and require both strategic and sensible deployment. Fossil fuels generate the revenues to invest in solar, wind, hydropower, and grid infrastructure. They fuel industries that create jobs. They support healthcare, education, and innovation. 

    When managed responsibly, Africa’s fossil fuel revenue can serve as a bridge to a brighter, greener, and more prosperous continent. Will it be quick and easy? No. Will some question the approach? Most certainly. But the alternative is leaving hundreds of millions of people in the dark. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TotalEnergies.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia has already acquired immunity to Western sanctions – Russian President’s press secretary

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 30 (Xinhua) — Russia’s economy has already managed to develop immunity to Western sanctions, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to introduce new restrictive measures.

    “We have been living under a huge number of sanctions for quite a long time. Our economy operates under a huge number of restrictions. Therefore, of course, we have already developed a certain immunity in this regard,” he said, answering a question about preparations for the introduction of new restrictions.

    Earlier, D. Trump announced that he was reducing the 50-day deadline he had set for reaching a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to 10 days. If the negotiations fail, he plans to introduce new import duties, sanctions or “something else.” –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 25)

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On Amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of June 12, 2008 No. 450

    The draft resolution was developed in order to consolidate the powers of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, established by Federal Law No. 52-FZ of April 1, 2025 “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”.

    2. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 61-1 of the Federal Law “On Consumer Credit (Loan)”

    The bill is aimed at supporting citizens in the event of the birth or adoption of a second child or subsequent children.

    3. On the draft federal law “On Amending Article 3462 of Part Two of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation”

    The bill is aimed at preserving the status of agricultural producers for organizations and individual entrepreneurs operating in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, in whose territory the legal regime of the counter-terrorism operation has been introduced and (or) was in effect.

    4. On the allocation of budgetary allocations to Rosleskhoz in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of subventions from the federal budget to the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation

    The draft order is aimed at providing financial support for the costs of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation for extinguishing forest fires in emergency situations in forests of various types.

    5. On the draft federal constitutional law “On Amendments to Certain Federal Constitutional Laws”

    The draft law proposes to establish that in the territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Lugansk People’s Republic, the Zaporizhia and Kherson regions, documents on the verification of measuring instruments issued by state and other official bodies of Ukraine, state and other official bodies of new entities, are valid until the end of their validity period. The draft law is expected to enter into force on January 1, 2026.

    6. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 840725-8 “On Amendments to Articles 2463 and 427 of Part Two of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at increasing the investment attractiveness of the preferential regime created in the Kuril Islands.

    7. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 819547-8 “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at clarifying the provisions of the bill, which provides for the transfer of mandatory auctions by law to electronic form according to uniform unified rules.

    8. On amendments to certain acts of the Government of the Russian Federation (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and the regulations on federal executive bodies subordinate to it)

    The draft act is aimed at implementing the powers to establish a public easement by Rosmorrechflot, Rosavtodor, Rosaviatsia and the Ministry of Transport of Russia in cases stipulated by Federal Law No. 254-FZ of July 31, 2020 “On the specifics of regulating certain relations for the purpose of implementing priority projects for the modernization and expansion of infrastructure and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation.”

    Moscow, July 30, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News